Galvez came into politics as a staunch loyalist to both Khalid Belisle and John Saldivar. Today, we asked how he plans to distance himself from their controversial reputations. Galvez insists he has already spoken to both men, making it clear he is nobody's puppet:
Reporter:
"You were the deputy when Mayor Belisle was mayor. We know that he did not leave an unimpeachable record. That's the reality. How will you be able to build the trust of the Belmopan people? Because some would say that you're probably being controlled or you're tied to him and also John Saldivar as well. So can you comment on how you've been able to or how you're attempting to separate yourself from the reputation of both men?"
Isidoro Richie Galvez:
"To start off, I've had the conversations with both gentlemen separately. And as much as they've contributed to the growth and development of this city, I believe that the people have the last say. When it comes to Mr. Saldivar, I believe that the people have voted for a new option, a new way away from Mr. Saldivar. No disrespect to him because he has contributed a lot to Belmopan as well. Same with Mr. Belisle. I have made sure that I made it clear that this is my slate. I am no puppet. Nobody controls me. And me and my slate are fresh and new. And this is the change Belmopan is looking for."
"When I came into City Council 2018, I was a rookie councillor. I thought that when I reached there was a budget and everything would be ready and I could get things done. It's not that way. And the present councillors could attest to this. When you're in there as a rookie councillor, you have no say. A lot of decisions are made without your consent, without your approval. You don't have much say in it."
"When I became Deputy Mayor in, I think it was 2020, March, unfortunately, I only enjoyed one week of it because the following week we had the COVID pandemic that had us on a total shutdown. So I couldn't do anything as a Deputy Mayor. But yeah, the people of Belmopan know who I am. As much as the politicians, they're going to use it against me. They know who I am. They know what I stand for. And they know that I try my best to maintain a clean image and a clean name. And I have proven that."
