With the municipal elections right around the corner, The San Pedro Sun would like to take the opportunity to present the Councilor Candidates to the San Pedro Town public. As such, five questions have been issued to all candidates in an effort to learn more about them. In this issue, we feature responses from two candidates from The People’s United Party (PUP) and two candidates from The United Democratic Party (UDP).
Marina Kay
Representing Party: People’s United Party
Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
The reason why I am running it is because I feel I have a positive impact in my in my town’s development. I have a love for my country!
Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
The portfolio I would fit in is on the beautifications and infrastructure because most of our streets are in need of paving and repair. La Isla Bonita needs an uplift.
If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
Volunteer to assist them with their different portfolios, also join committees.
Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
My top 3 priorities would be paving streets with Proper Drainage, creation of a master plan and pressure central government to keep their promise for a 24hr polyclinic.
Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
We have a united dynamic and energetic team that has the best interest in our community at heart. We need to think about our future generations and what future we will leave them with. Our vote is sacred. On March 4th vote PUP 7!
Raymundo “Mundo” Nunez
Representing Party: People’s United party
Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
The main reason I am running this time is because the present administration has failed the town. They have fulfilled less than ten percent of their campaign promises. I made up my mind thinking about our people and the future of this town’s finances and will commit myself to do so.
Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
The portfolio I believed better suits me is the waste management and parks. I can deal with workers and love to see cleanliness. Keep la Isla Bonita clean.
If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
I have no problem working with anyone. Once the work is for the benefit of my town I really will do it with ganas.
Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
To the electorate I would humbly ask them for their vote on Election Day. Give us the chance to prove ourselves. We have not been in power for the last twelve years. San Pedro deserves better. I honestly believe that the present council has failed, and failed with no excuses. This is the time for you the voter to decide to keep them or replace them. Remember that your vote is priceless. The future of San Pedro is in your hands. Don’t sell it! Don’t waste it! Vote PUP 7!
Hector “Tito” Alamilla
Representing Party: United Democratic Party
Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
I was inspired to join and get involved in politics because of my admiration for a very important person in my life, who served as a role model for me. He was my uncle, Joe Alamilla, he was well known, respected and loved in the community. I remember he always use to say, “Everyone is quick to talk but no one wants to act.” His words stuck with me and built in me the courage to step up and serve the community of San Pedro. I think that, what makes me a good candidate is my optimism, passion, motivation and drive towards wanting to help and change the community in a few persons, a small area, or even a single situation, but always for the better no matter the difficulties.
Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
The portfolio that I would like to fill is, of course, Sports, and Youth Development I strongly believe that the area of sports in the island can be greatly improved with the right infrastructure, internal structure, discipline and management along with the help of the Town Council, proper committees, experienced participants and most importantly members of the community. Together we can push forward for a healthier and more positive future, especially for the generations that follow.
If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
If the opposition should win most seats, I will be more than glad and willing to work with them in any way, task or position assigned to me because the objective must be the benefit of our community above all differences.
Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
If it happens that I should win, I would work hard to enhance, develop and promote sporting activities and development programs among and throughout the island. Three areas of priority would be:
a) To work together with influential and experienced participants within this field, For example joining The National Sports Council. The goal ultimately being for us to also form collective and dedicated teams or committees for San Pedro, that can continue to work and develop sports in the island. By working together, I am sure we can break barriers.
b)Secondly, I would work towards creating and restoring sporting facilities, so that members of the different communities can get motivated, participate, develop and join together in the countless sporting activities our wonderful island has to offer; Football, running and basketball are only stepping stones. Today we hear about paddle boarding, kayaking and even sailing for the more daring. The options and possibilities are endless. We can work hand in hand with the various private sector, which has already have a step started.
c) Lastly, I would work hard to motivate and encourage local government to at least set a strong foundation towards developing and ultimately building a multipurpose Sporting Complex, why not dream big? After all, the community of San Pedro is known for accomplishing outstanding feats especially when they work together. Sports are a very important part of our everyday life not only because they create healthy bodies but also help to develop healthy and most importantly positive minds especially among children and our youth, who are the future leaders of San Pedro.
Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
My final comments to all electorates is first and foremost, I would like to say thank you to all my friends and people that support me. Also I would like to invite all active voters to come out and exercise your right to vote. Over the last 12 years the United Democratic Party has proven that they are willing to work for the people and with the people but the transformation and improvements can only continue to happen with your support. I ask for the opportunity to serve you all and once more Thank You.
Ruben Gonzalez
Representing Party: UDP
Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
I accepted to contest a seat as councilor for the municipal elections because I know that I have the ability to keep San Pedro Town going in the right direction for our future generations. I was born and raised here in San Pedro and love this place. I am now ready to continue with the good progress of the UDP party and my past experience as Town Clerk is a great asset.
Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
My profession is accounting and I will offer my knowledge and experience to the council. I am also a music lover and would love to work on a music school for our young artists.
If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
The people know me as a hardworking and a humble person and after elections it is time for the winning candidates to work for the people. I am ready to work for my community as long as permitted if the opposition is the winning party.
Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
My first priority is for the continued development of our streets so our residents can have good access anywhere. Second is to work closely with the police and residents to keep crime at a very low rate. Third is improvement of education and availability of more classrooms for students.
Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
The UDP Party has proven to the residents with fulfilled projects that this is the Party that works to better the livelihood of all residents and visitors. So on March 4 we ask for your full support by voting for all 7 UDP candidates and to keep progress rolling. The UDP is working to transform Belize to a better country, and with the guidance of our Good Lord, we will continue the great work.
