William Henry "David" Fonseca
Former Mayor of Belize City

William Henry "David" Fonseca (1 May 1954 – 30 April 2015) was a Belizean politician. A member of the People's United Party, Fonseca served as Mayor of Belize City from 1999 to 2006.

Early life and education

William David Fonseca, affectionately known as “Dave,” embodied all of this and so much more. He was born in Belize City on 1 May 1954 to Rafael and Gertrude Fonseca. He attended Holy Redeemer Primary School and graduated from St. John’s College in 1972.  Fonseca was the younger brother of former People's United Party (PUP) Area Rep. Ralph Fonseca and a cousin of current PUP leader and Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca.

Career

Fonseca started his working career at Barclay’s Bank shortly after leaving school, a successful career which took him to Antigua at which time he served in a senior supervisory capacity.

In 1988, David entered electoral politics as a Belize City Councillor candidate on the People’s United Party slate. He first served as Mayor in 1992 when the position was selected annually among councilors.  In March 1999, Fonseca became the city's first directly-elected mayor, defeating United Democratic Party nominee Anthony "Boots" Martinez. Fonseca was re-elected in 2003 and would eventually serve three terms as Mayor of Belize City, making history as the first directly-elected Mayor. He was responsible for tremendous infrastructure development and social growth throughout Belize City.

Fonseca was elected to the Belize City Council in 1989 and first served as Mayor in 1992 when the position was selected annually among councilors.  In March 1999, Fonseca became the city's first directly-elected mayor, defeating United Democratic Party nominee Anthony "Boots" Martinez. Fonseca was re-elected in 2003, but was dogged by scandal during his second term. He was not a candidate for re-election in 2006.

Death

On 30 April 2015, Fonesca was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head at a house owned by his mother in Belize City. His death was ruled a suicide.