By Zoila Palma: Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has called for greater authority, financial resources, and climate resilience for local governments while representing Belize at the Wilton Park Dialogue on Sustainable Urbanisation in Georgetown, Guyana.
The event brought together Commonwealth leaders, policymakers, and urban development experts ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Mayor Wagner who also chairs the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), challenged governments to reconsider how cities are financed and empowered to respond to rapid urbanisation and climate change.
Drawing on Belize City’s experiences with flooding, informal settlements, and infrastructure challenges, he emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between national and municipal governments.
Wagner also highlighted Belize City’s municipal bond initiative and its contribution to the development of Belize’s Municipal Securities Act, pointing to the initiative as an example of how local government innovation can influence national policy. He called for greater municipal autonomy and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure cities have the resources needed to address their development challenges.
Mayor Wagner met with several regional and international urban development leaders, including Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.; Beth Chitekwe-Biti of Slum Dwellers International; urban economist Astrid Haas; Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon; and Professor Clyde Phillip of Trinidad and Tobago.
The post Mayor Wagner takes Belize City’s voice to the Commonwealth appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has called for greater authority, financial resources, and climate resilience for local governments while representing Belize at the Wilton Park Dialogue on Sustainable Urbanisation in Georgetown, Guyana. The event brought together Commonwealth leaders, policymakers, and urban development experts ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
The post Mayor Wagner takes Belize City’s voice to the Commonwealth appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
