2025-01-10 - Channel 5 Belize

San Jose Succotz Chairlady Resigns Over Leadership Conflicts

Sherel Cocom, the chairlady of San Jose Succotz and Corozalito in the Cayo District, has tendered her resignation effective January 10, 2025. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister John Briceño, Cocom cited ongoing challenges with the area representative of Cayo West, insufficient resources, and disagreements over leadership practices as key reasons for stepping down.

Cocom described her tenure as both fulfilling and stressful. “This decision has not been an easy one, as serving as Chairlady of San Jose Succotz and Corozalito has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional and personal life, but on the other hand it has been a pain and a stressful one. As per our conversation in December 2022, when I did reach out to you in regards to what was happening on our end with our area rep, you stated you would talk to him and reach out to you n regards to what was happening on our end with our Area Rep: you stated you will talk to him and reach out back to me, which I think you might have forgotten due to your busy schedule.”

She shared several reasons why she decided to resign. She said there is a lack of alignment with the area representative’s leadership style. “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down due to differences in leadership approaches that I feel hinder my ability to serve effectively in this role.” She expressed frustration over limited resources and support, which she said often obstructed her efforts to achieve her objectives. She noted instances where she was blocked from receiving assistance from other ministries or organizations. “I feel that the lack of necessary resources and support has limited my ability to achieve the objectives I had set for this position, prompting me to step aside for someone better equipped to address these challenges. Many times I was blocked when asking for assistance from other ministries or organizations.” Cocom also raised concerns about the area representative’s practices. “Recent developments have raised concerns for me regarding the Party’s direction, and I feel it is best for me to step down to uphold my personal and professional principles. I am not against development, but consult the leader of the village before constructing any building.”

Cocom expressed disappointment in how residents felt mistreated by the area representative and noted that their concerns often fell on deaf ears. “He has painted Cayo West beautifully in your eyes, but you wouldn’t believe everything happening on this side,” she wrote.

Villagers Demand Relocation of Cell Tower

Residents of Cattle Landing Village in Toledo are petitioning to have a recently installed Digi tower relocated. The petition, dated December 8, 2024, claims the tower was placed without proper consultation or a vote from local residents, especially those living closest to the site.

In a petition submitted to the chairman of Cattle Landing Village, Byron Waluco Maheia, it stated, “We were not properly informed or given notice.” The petition says that concerns over health risks and environmental impacts were raised after the tower was erected in October 2024.

It added that villagers worry about potential radiation effects, citing studies linking cell tower radiation to health issues like cancer and headaches. The petition also highlights safety risks, such as obstruction of airspace and harm to migratory birds, and lists a total of 15 references of research that support their petition.

“We want the same safe distance as other communities,” it added, referring to a recommended distance of 500 meters from homes. The villagers are seeking a meeting with authorities to address these concerns.

SP Mayor Responds to San Pedro Taxi Drivers’ Concerns

San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez has responded to concerns raised by taxi drivers in San Pedro. As we have reported, taxi drivers on the island are up in arms because they claim they are being deprived of making a livelihood. They say that golf cart companies on the island are operating without proper authorisation and causing safety issues for tourists. According to Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, the rental companies are allegedly harassing tourists and overcrowding golf carts, making them unsafe.

The situation has also led to parking problems at the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. Taxi drivers say that the town council has yet to address their concerns.

In an interview with News 5, Mayor Nuñez assured that his administration is taking action to address the issue. “We have had one or two companies that we actually suspended their trade for a period of time,” Nuñez said, adding that companies violating regulations could face further penalties, including the revocation of their trade licenses.

The mayor also clarified that while the council has authority over public areas, the location in question is private property. “We have to bear in mind that that location is a private company, and it’s private property. The council can just regulate what is outside,” Nuñez said.

Nuñez added that the town council is working with an attorney to send letters to rental companies that continue to operate unlawfully, demanding they move from restricted areas. “At the moment, we’re looking at the ones that are insisting and going in these areas that they will be sent a letter from our attorney that they will have to move,” he said.

San Pedro Taxi Drivers Protest ‘Unlawful Golf Cart Hustling’

Taxi drivers in San Pedro are calling for immediate action to stop unlawful practices by golf cart rental companies at the island’s ports. On Thursday morning, a group of taxi drivers protested outside Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez’s office, demanding a solution to what they see as unsafe and unlawful behaviour affecting their business and the safety of tourists.

Ademir Vega, president of the Five Star Taxi Association, told News 5 that the issue has been discussed with the mayor and local representatives for nearly three years. Despite numerous talks, Vega says no real action has been taken. “We have been addressing it with the mayor and the respective authorities with the traffic ministry here in San Pedro as well. Nothing has been implemented,” he said.

According to Vega, golf cart rental companies are operating illegally at the San Pedro ports. “These companies are hustling at the ports of entry and leaving tourists to feel harassed and unsafe,” Vega said. He claims these companies are offering transportation to tourists without proper authorisation, which he describes as both unlawful and dangerous, he said that “trade license permit or certificate that rental companies get, specifies that they must operate from their offices locations.”

“Several guys that do not work for a company that will not even provide or have any job with somebody in a specific, but they will just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” he said.
Vega described rental companies’ tactics as “against the law and unsafe and unprofessional” for tourists. He stated this puts tourists at risk when they are transported on overloaded golf carts.

He says that the situation has worsened, with rental companies now taking up parking spaces at the newly relocated San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. According to Vega, this has caused congestion and made it difficult for taxi drivers to park and pick up passengers. “Several guys that do not work for a company just go around asking tourists if they want a golf cart to try to see if they can make a commission out of selling a golf cart to anyone,” Vega explained.

Despite numerous complaints, the taxi federation claims that the traffic department and Mayor Nuñez have yet to act. Vega says that the Federation is now considering legal action after years of discussions. “We are moving forward with the next steps… We are proceeding now; whether they like it or not, we’re going forward. We are tired of doing it the easy way of talking and doing so much of meetings. So we don’t want to do that again. We are taking the second step,” Vega stated.

Elvia Staines, Iconic Restauratrice, Passes Away

San Pedro Town is grieving the loss of a beloved community figure, Elvia Staines, who passed away today at the age of 92. Known affectionately as Doña Elvia, she was the proud owner of Elvi’s Kitchen, a renowned restaurant on Ambergris Caye that has been a favourite destination for both locals and tourists for decades.

Born on January 31, 1932, in San Pedro, Elvia Staines was a lifelong resident of the island. She married Enrique Staines Sr., with whom she had six children. After her husband’s passing 23 years ago, she continued to manage Elvi’s Kitchen with the help of her daughter, Jennie Pinelo, and their dedicated team. The restaurant, which started as a small takeout window offering burgers and fries, evolved into a popular seafood haven known for its exceptional service and warm ambiance.

Elvi’s Kitchen was founded in 1974 as a humble “hole in the wall” known as Elvi’s Burger Isle. Over time, the restaurant expanded its menu and underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a bar and a lounge area beneath the island’s iconic flamboyant tree. The tree, which has stood tall for decades, continues to be a symbol of the establishment’s enduring presence.

Under Elvia’s leadership, Elvi’s Kitchen garnered national and international recognition, receiving accolades from the Belize Tourism Board, the U.S. and Guatemalan Embassies, and the Civil Aviation and Port Authority of Belize. In 1996, Doña Elvia travelled to Madrid to receive the prestigious International Gold Star Award for Quality and Excellence. Her restaurant was also featured in the Sol y Luna Central American Guide Book as one of the best dining establishments in Belize.

Elvia Staines is remembered as more than just a business owner; she is remembered as a vital part of the San Pedro community. In 2021, she was honoured with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by the Lions Club of San Pedro for her humanitarian efforts and dedication to the island. She had been an active member of the club for over 25 years, supporting numerous local and international initiatives. Her influence extended beyond her restaurant, as she helped preserve the culinary traditions of Belize, particularly with the Mayan buffet featured at Elvi’s Kitchen.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) expressed its condolences on her passing this morning. “Mrs. Staines’ passion for Belizean cuisine, her warm hospitality, and her dedication to the community left an indelible mark on both locals and visitors alike,” BTB stated. “In 2022, Elvi’s Kitchen was honoured with the Restaurant of the Year Award, reflecting the enduring legacy of excellence she built over the decades.”

Her legacy has left a transcending imprint in Belize’s tourism and culinary scene.

President-elect Trump Sentenced

President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” in the New York hush-money case, becoming the first former U.S. president to be sentenced for a crime. Justice Juan Merchan announced the decision this morning, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s legal team’s request to delay sentencing ahead of his January 20 inauguration.

The “unconditional discharge” ensures Trump’s conviction will remain on his record without imposing imprisonment, fines, or probation. Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business documents related to hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

The president-elect denies wrongdoing and has stated his intention to appeal the conviction. More details on this breaking story will follow.