BELIZE CITY, Tues. Jan. 8, 2019– Today, the Belize City Council unveiled 24 new vehicles — 12 pickup trucks and 12 motorcycles, which it received from Caribbean Motors. The council will be paying for the vehicles over a period of 5 years, at $10,000 a month, which, according to Mayor Bernard Wagner, is not too much of a burden on the public budget.

Allan Pollard, the councilor responsible for traffic, said that 2018 brought many challenges for the council, which they overcame despite lack of resources. He said that managing 20,000 commuters was a difficult task, which they inherited, but it should not be one they are stuck with.

Pollard said that he has a responsibility to those who are working under him to ensure that they are provided with the tools they need, that they are in an environment they are comfortable with, and that their concerns are not only heard, but addressed as well.

Thus, the acquisition of these vehicles will be used to the fullest potential in the Traffic Department, Special Constable Unit, Works Department, Cemetery and Sanitation Unit, and Public Health and Public Relations Departments.

Mayor Bernard Wagner said that this new fleet will be tasked to usher in order and compliance with the law, and will be instrumental in maintaining good order along “hazardous and chaotic” streets and highways. The fleet will enhance the service provided particularly to those who traverse the highways frequently.

Mayor Wagner continued to say that the council has had to be “fiscally creative” in rebuilding their “depleted asset base” and so they have had to look to partners whenever they could. Based on their sound fiscal performance over the past ten months, Mayor Wagner said, Caribbean Motors has felt confident in executing the 60-month purchase-sale agreement.

The mayor also said that this new fleet acquisition makes sense, since the current fleet has run its course, and the council will ensure that these new vehicles will last as long as possible. £