Ministry of Local Government says Belmopan Mayor has “No power” to appoint acting Mayor

Published by BBNTEAM at November 29, 2023

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Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2023. 8:53 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: On November 27. 2023, Mayor of Belmopan City Sheran ‘Sharon’ Palacio indicated that she will be attending the Local Climate Action Summit COP28 in Dubai.

Mayor Palacio said that during her absence, Councilor Hope Amadi will hold over as Acting Mayor.

The Ministry of Local Government intervened and said that based on Section 10(2) of the Belmopan City Council Act, Councillor Sanie Cal is the duly elected Deputy Mayor of the Council.

“The Department of Local Government wishes to inform the public that, contrary to a social media release by the Office of the Mayor of Belmopan regarding her nomination of Councillor Hope Amadi as the acting mayor, the mayor has no power to appoint an acting mayor. Based on Section 10(2) of the Belmopan City Council Act, Councillor Sanie Cal is the duly elected Deputy Mayor of the Council,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry noted that Deputy Mayor Cal is to act accordingly during the mayor’s leave of absence from November 30 to December 6, 2023, further to the powers and duties conferred upon him as given under provisions of Section 10(5) of the Belmopan City Council Act.

“Any purported appointment of any councillor outside of the provisions of the Belmopan City Council Act is null and void. Accordingly, the department has duly notified Mayor Sheran Palacio and acting City Administrator Dr. Ludwig Palacio,” it added.

In addition, the Department of Local Government said it “anticipates that the administration and management of the Belmopan City Council shall be guided by the effective leadership and direction of Deputy Mayor Sanie Cal during this interim period.”

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