UDP launches Manifesto days before election

With less than a week to go before the municipal elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Ambergris Caye released their manifesto. The manifesto was released to the press on Thursday February 19th, at the office of the incumbent Mayor Daniel Guerrero. The document celebrates the UDP accomplishments and at the same time highlights three areas that the UDP hopes to address should they remain in office for the next three-year term.
The first area the UDP pledges to work on is enhancing the community by improving the quality of life of the islanders. How will they do so? According to the manifesto, they plan to do so by 1) continuing to fine-tune the marketing campaign, in collaboration with BTB, to promote San Pedro Town, its attractions and activities to the global tourism market 2) continue promotion of cultural attraction and events, local celebrations and year round events for residents and visitors. 3) Finalize and implement the Tourism Action Plan for the island. 4) Further support the San Pedro Sports Council in increasing and executing recreational activities for our island’s youth. 5) Ensure the completion of the proposed plan for the Ambergris Stadium and 5) Ensure the construction an enclosed multi-purpose Sporting Complex for our town.
In the second area, the UDP pledges to ensure efficient service delivery to the islanders. According to the UDP they intend to do so by 1) extend the concreting of the main road in north San Pedro by an additional four miles. 2) Continue the overall street rehabilitation program with special emphasis given to the low-lying areas. 3) Continue the upgrade and enhancement of the San Mateo area, fostering a healthy neighborhood. 4) Implement the enhanced traffic management plan for the town. 5) Allocate a proposed site for the construction of a new government primary school. 6) Collaborate with BEL and BWS to continue the extension of utility infrastructure to serve the needs of our island residents and further uplift the environment and life of our residents and 7) ensure the construction of a morgue at the new cemetery site.
The third area the UDP hopes to work towards is in the building of a safe and healthy community. They emphasize their focus in the areas of 1) Strengthening community participation to enhance the beauty of our beaches 2) Continue to improve and expand the services provided at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic II. 3) Continue working with Central Government in locating the land for the construction of a hospital. 4) Build on the stellar work among the existing Neighborhood Watches, the Community and the Police Department in trying to achieve a crime-free community. 5) Develop a humane and strategic plan, along with the SAGA Humane Society and the Community to address the stray animal population on the island and 6) Introduce periodic Clean-up-Campaigns in all sub-divisions to foster a healthier living environment.
“If you read the manifesto, you will see that it is a continuation of projects we have started and there will also be new projects. As you know a manifesto serves as a guideline as to our mandate for our administration,” said Guerrero, who was flanked by his six councilor candidates and the Area Representative for Belize Rural South Manuel Heredia Jr.
The manifesto also points out to over 33 accomplishments under the stewardship of Mayor Guerrero. Those accomplishments range from the improvement in the garbage collection, increase of truck fleet, reduction in tax arrears, and construction of class rooms to the improvement in the road infrastructure. “The UDP is working and the people are seeing the good results and we are sure that we will get a passing report card on March 4th… the beauty of our administration is that we are working, serving and providing for the people,” said Guerrero.
For his part, the Standard Bearer of the UDP Manuel Heredia Jr. said that “under a UDP town council and a UDP central Government, progress, development and betterment is sure.” He explained that he is happy that the council has been able to work closely with central government to “bring development like never seen before on the island.”
Daniel Guerrero has served as Mayor of San Pedro Town for one term and is optimistic that the UDP will be re-elected to office on March 4th. The UDP has retained the helm of the San Pedro Town Council for 12 years and they believe that because the island is politically considered a stronghold for the UDP, they will retain the seat for three more years.
Copies of the UDP manifesto are being distributed by their campaigners as they continue to canvas the island.