7 News Belize

UDP Launch Citco Manifesto
posted (February 16, 2012)
And while all that is sure to come to a tremendous bubbling boil tomorrow during the nomination day activities, there are other less contentious political matters - such as the launching of the UDP's City Council slate's manifesto.

After serial disappointments by elected officials - it seems to us a manifesto is almost a bad word - UDP Mayoral Candidate Darrell Bradley put his best spin on a tired old tradition today at the launch.

Here's how it went.

Jules Vasquez Reporting

IT was a full room of supporters and campaigners at the UDP Headquarters conference room - for the launch of the UDP City Council manifesto.

The manifesto is an ambitious plan with 65 action statements - or what a wary electorate might call promises.

Those include street construction, drain repair. A citywide WIFI internet zone, parking meters, quality of life police policing and the deathless, construction of a beach.

Some you've heard before, some you may fear you'll never hear again, but mayoral candidate Darrell Bradley says he's sticking to them:

Darrell Bradley - UDP Mayoral Candidate
"My vision for Belize City is very simple. It is building that city that every single resident loves to live in, a city first - and foremost - with proper infrastructure, good streets, good drains - a city that has a sense of community, as Pastor Longsworth mentioned, a city that emphasizes good moral values."

It's an almost Utopian vision - and might be a bit much for a rundown city:

Darrell Bradley
"People are telling us that they want us to focus on the core things that really matter to them, streets, drains, crime prevention, and job creation."

But to move forward, they must first look back at the record of the council they wish to take over from:

Jules Vasquez
"What went wrong? Have you been able to isolate the root of the root, and the bud of the bud that led the dysfunction that unfolded over the past 6 years?"

Darrell Bradley
"That is a conundrum in terms of a question. My approach to leadership is very forward-thinking. I tend not to look at the past. We have indicated in my introductory statement in the manifesto that it's a new beginning for the Belize City Council."

A new beginning, but the same brand affiliation, which is a political liability:

Darrell Bradley
"As people on the streets have asked, 'how do we know that this UDP City Council is different?' And I have always said that the difference is the quality of leadership that we bring."

And to make sure they live up to those promises, the council is promising to swear to a code of conduct, and asking central government to put in a recall mechanism.

Darrell Bradley
"We are so serious about integrity and honesty in government, that I am willing to tell you, that if I breech my oath of office, I want every one of you - the UDP - to be the first ones to challenge me in office, and to go and have me recalled as Mayor because we are serious about what we say, and we need to put it in the law."

And regarding integrity, he surely has the vote of the PM:

Dean Barrow - Party Leader, UDP
"Darrell Bradley as Mayor of Belize City will run a tight ship. I have not been completely satisfied - and that's to put it mildly - with the way things have happened from time to time at City Hall, but there is no point crying over spilt milk. I know that Darrell Bradley, and those that are going to come into office with him will ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated."

And, March 7th will tell if Barrow's pitch for them is enough to get them over the hump or if they can do so on their own accord.

The PUP will launch its City Council and General Election manifestos next week Monday and Tuesday...

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