UDP San Ignacia mayor and town councilor sworn in for new term

Belize: The duly elected Mayor of San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Earl Trapp, and elected Town Councilor Bernadeth Fernandez (both successful candidates of the UDP in the March 3rd municipal elections) were sworn in for a new term at an event conducted this morning at the San Ignacio Town Hall.

(The other five councilors, who were candidates of the PUP, had already been sworn in last Friday in a hurried and haphazard event).

Opposition UDP Leader Honorable Patrick Faber attended this morning’s official ceremony, who gave the keynote address. There was also an address by former Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley. 

The swear-in was conducted by Senior Justice of the Peace Alberto August, who also gave the Vote of Thanks. The Welcome address was delivered at the start by former Town Administrator Vallan Hyde.

On the other hand, The United Democratic Party and the National Organization for Women view with grave concern the disrespectful statements made by the Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Honorable Dolores Balderamos Garcia, about the elected chairperson of Hattieville during a Zoom meeting to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of PETAL (Promoting Empowerment Through Awareness for Les/Bi Women).

It is utterly regrettable that the woman minister with portfolio responsibility for women’s empowerment would seek to tarnish another woman leader’s reputation and refer to her in such degrading terms. It is particularly egregious that this incident occurred amid Women’s Month.

The UDP and the National Organization for Women take this opportunity to remind the Honourable Minister of the oath she took, just over a hundred days ago, to serve all Belizeans without fear or favor, malice, affection, or ill will.

 It is essential to highlight that the Minister’s statements clearly show that food assistance and financial assistance are being handled in a partisan manner and NOT based on need. The elections are over, and the Minister ought to be focused on fulfilling her mandate and obligation to serve all Belizeans, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The National Organization for Women calls on Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia to issue a public apology to Ms. Sylvana Barrow, the duly elected Chairperson of Hattieville.

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