Last week, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley confirmed that he was "actively considering" a candidacy in Caribbean Shores. But on Monday, the Party Leader Dean Barrow said if Bradley decided to challenge UDP first time Area Representative and Minister of State Santino Castillo in a standard bearer convention, it would be quote, "unfortunate." Well, it seems that's just what it will be. Yesterday we caught up with the mayor while he was spearheading a labor day community work programme – and he told us he hears the Prime Minister alright, but he's not backing down.
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City
"I didn't see the comments but I had indicated to you when we discussed this the last time when you had asked about it that it was something that I was seriously considering. Really and truly my focus is being an effective Mayor; the city has a lot of challenges. We are making strides in serious areas but there is a lot more that we need to do in terms of public consultations, I think there's a lot more infrastructure that we need to do. My priority right now is City Hall and being an effective Mayor and leading the City's team and trying to bring the city forward and out of a state, in which I would characterize it as, decline. Today's project 'Labor for Belize' is and indication that we're moving in the right direction and my activities right now will be directed solely at City Hall. Any upcoming elections for General Election is at least four years away and there will be ample time at the appropriate time to consider those things. It is a thing that I am considering and it is something that I am speaking to people but I haven't made any decisions about it."
Jules Vasquez
"Would you consider going in the Freetown where the UDP want you to go?"
Darrell Bradley
"The only place that I am considering going at this present moment is Caribbean Shores."
This afternoon, the mayor sent us a text message saying, quote, ""I confirm that I will run in a convention for Caribbean Shores."
So that settles it…except that there's presently no date set for divisional conventions. The UDP Secretary General Peal Stuart told us that those will be held sometime early next year.
For his part, Santino Castillo has said, quote, "I have never backed down from a challenge and will defend my seat with all my vigor from any challenger."
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