The seven members of the newly elected San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) were officially sworn-in during a short ceremony on Friday, March 6th. Invited guests gathered at the SPTC conference room to witness the Mayor and his six Councilors pledging to uphold all the laws and regulations of Belize and San Pedro Town and promote the healthy development of the island. The 2015-2018 SPTC is comprised of Mayor Daniel Guerrero and councilors Gabriel “Gaby” Nuñez, Severo ‘Severito” Guerrero, Flora Ancona, Hector “Tito” Alamilla, Ruben “Rux” Gonzalez and Gary Grief.
Once protocol was established, Mayor Guerrero delivered a short welcome address. “Election and politics is over. I am ready to work along with all my councilors get this island back on track. I am a very hard working person and I expect my councilors to give it their all while on duty. They will have to work hard for this community as I am very dedicated to my job and so should they be. There is a lot of things to do on the island and we need to start doing them,” said Guerrero. He also mention that the SPTC will be reaching out to all community members to collaborate in the development and well-being of the island. “We hope that the Town Council can collaborate with all members of community, because we will definitely need all of your help. We cannot do this alone, you all know that; we ask for your support, for your ideas, to lend a helping hand when we need it.”
Each of the SPTC members swore on the Holy Bible to exercise his/her power and perform the duties given to him/her in the best interest of the residents of San Pedro Town in accordance to the constitution, laws and regulations of Belize and San Pedro Town. One by one they signed the pledge.
After the signing, Mayor Guerrero announced that Councilor Gary Grief has been appointed as Deputy Mayor of San Pedro Town. “I am very grateful for the opportunity that the people have given me. I think that I have said the words humbled and overwhelmed about a hundred times over the past few days. I have been terribly emotional, but I have been very, very happy because I really and truly see all of us working as a group for the betterment of this community,” said Grief.
Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. delivered the closing remarks, pledging support to the SPTC and congratulating them on the win. “I am sure that Guerrero and his council along with my help will continue the development of La Isla Bonita. I promise that I will lobby for more benefits from Central Government. We have the best of our island and its people at heart,” said Heredia.
The SPTC was elected during the 2015 Municipal Elections on Wednesday, March 4th where the United Democratic Party (UDP) slate captured a clear win. Since the election, the council has met twice in preparation to commence official duties on Tuesday, March 10th. While portfolios have not been assigned, members have taken the oath of office.
The San Pedro Town Council will be hosting a victory rally at Central Park to celebrate with the island community at a date to be announced later.