By: Omar Silva

Editor/Publisher: National Perspective Bz - Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Tuesday, 4th March 2025

The wool has been pulled over the eyes of Belizeans for far too long. The political machinery within the People’s United Party (PUP) continues to operate as an exclusive club where power is passed among the well-connected, while true merit and leadership take a back seat to nepotism and cronyism. The latest display of this manipulation is unfolding in the Belize City Council, where Mayor Bernard Wagner is now openly positioning his son-in-law, Eluide Miller, to be the next Deputy Mayor.

The Political Rookie's Rise

Bernard Wagner was never a grassroots leader who built his way up through the political trenches. Instead, he was strategically placed into the mayoral position by none other than his powerful brother-in-law, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. Wagner’s 2018 endorsement was not born out of political merit or public demand but was rather a backdoor maneuver orchestrated within the PUP’s inner circle. Like Plan Belize 1.0, the PUP’s 2018 Belize City Manifesto was riddled with grandiose promises, many of which have since collected dust on the shelf of forgotten commitments. Nevertheless, Wagner rode the wave of an electorate desperate for change and secured the mayoral seat.

Among those who rose alongside Wagner was young and ambitious Allan Pollard, who not only won a councillor seat but also earned the distinction of securing the most votes. Recognizing his potential, the PUP named Pollard a rotating Deputy Mayor—a move that, in retrospect, appears to have been more of a political pacifier than a stepping stone for true leadership.

The Mayor's Manipulation & Pollard's Blockade

Fast forward to 2024, and the internal battle for control of Belize City politics has reached a new low. Allan Pollard, after years of proving his mettle as Deputy Mayor, signaled his intention to contest the upcoming municipal elections as a mayoral candidate. However, Bernard Wagner, sensing a challenge to his grip on power, made it clear that he would not tolerate a convention to decide the next PUP mayoral candidate. Instead, with the backing of his ever-powerful brother-in-law, Wagner secured another undemocratic endorsement to block Pollard’s candidacy.

In what can only be described as a calculated betrayal, Pollard was granted permission to run—but only as a councillor. The message from the PUP’s Extractive Class was loud and clear: despite years of service, Pollard had to stay in his lane. The PUP is not about rewarding hard work or recognizing leadership; it is about maintaining a political dynasty that ensures the wealth and power of a select few.

Favoritism in Broad Daylight

Now, as the time nears for the Belize City Council to elect a new Deputy Mayor, Bernard Wagner has abandoned all pretenses of fairness. When questioned about his preferred choice, Wagner openly expressed his admiration for his son-in-law, Eluide Miller, as the most qualified candidate.

This shameless endorsement is the epitome of political favoritism. While Wagner tries to downplay the obvious power play by saying, "I don’t vote, right?" his endorsement carries weight—weight that is meant to steer the Council in a direction that serves his personal interests rather than the interests of the people of Belize City. His praise of Miller as "respected in the council, on the job, and in the community" is nothing more than a strategic soft-sell of the nepotism at play. The reality is that Miller’s greatest qualification is his relationship with the Mayor’s daughter.

Business as Usual in Belizean Politics

What we are witnessing is a blatant continuation of how both the PUP and UDP have traditionally operated—ensuring that power remains within a privileged few, regardless of competence or public support. While the Belizean people struggle with real issues like crime, economic instability, and a failing infrastructure, our politicians are busy playing house of cards with public office.

By blocking Allan Pollard, an individual who has already proven his worth, and by pushing his son-in-law into a leadership position without merit, Bernard Wagner is confirming what many Belizeans have long suspected: the PUP, like its political counterpart UDP, is a dynasty-serving entity that prioritizes who you know over what you can do.

The voters must take a hard look at the political stage before them. Are we content with a system where political favors and family connections determine leadership, or do we demand a new political order where ability, vision, and integrity take precedence? It is time for Belizeans to reject these backdoor dealings and put an end to the Extractive Class that continues to rob our democracy of its true potential.