And last month we told you about Tony Novelo's letter to the council to collect a two decade old debt - which with interest now stands at close to half a million dollars. The timing of his letter and the press conference by City Shuttle Limited seemed to be coincidental, so we asked the Mayor if he thinks they're related, and whether he'll cough up the cash.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"You'll have to ask the Novelo's about it, I don't know about it, that has been on the books from 2007. We are in 2024. In the next, in 2027 I'm leaving, I don't know who will pay it."
Reporter:
"But you did put out a release saying that if that was real you would address it."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"2007."
Reporter:
"Though those before you have not, I don't know what happened but you said you would."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"But 2007? Why bring it, 2024?"
Reporter:
"They say the attorneys are behind them."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"How much mayors you had before me?"
Reporter:
"Two that had to do this with."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Did they pay?"
Reporter:
"They didn't."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"So why would I pay?"
Reporter:
"One of them says they don't know about it even though they were the attorney for the other side."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Listen to me, I'm tired of paying people's bills."
