Eluide Miller Denies PM Briceño Asked Him to Quit Mayoral Race

Belize City Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller has publicly denied reports that he was instructed by Prime Minister and People’s United Party Leader John Briceño to withdraw from the race for the Belize City mayoral convention.  In a statement issued today, Miller sought to put the speculation to rest, stating that while he did meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the upcoming municipal elections, he was “never instructed or encouraged” to step aside from the contest.  According to Miller, the discussion with the party leader included his intentions regarding the convention, after which he informed Prime Minister Briceño that he fully intended to participate. Miller says the Prime Minister was respectful of his decision.  The statement comes just days after reports surfaced suggesting that senior figures within the PUP had asked Miller to withdraw from the race, paving the way for fellow contender Alan Pollard. Those reports fueled debate within the party and prompted several Belize City councillors to publicly express support for Miller’s candidacy.  However, Miller’s statement directly contradicts suggestions that the Prime Minister pressured him to exit the race, emphasizing instead that he remains fully committed to seeking the party’s nomination through a democratic convention.  Miller also noted that the PUP’s National Executive has agreed that a mayoral convention will be held for Belize City. He says he now looks forward to engaging delegates and residents as the campaign progresses, adding that the focus should remain on discussions about the future of Belize City.////////