1 week ago
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Things came to a head this afternoon at the Belize Civic Center when police were called in to defuse a situation during what was supposed to be a routine refund exercise for hundreds of raffle ticket holders. The Belize City Sub Umbra Floreo Lions Club had begun issuing refunds to more than five hundred persons who purchased tickets for a highly publicized truck raffle that was ultimately cancelled. Love News understands, however, that tensions flared when one woman arrived to collect her refund and was reportedly denied reimbursement by the club’s president. That decision led to a heated verbal exchange, with at least two other ticket holders becoming involved, prompting police intervention at the scene. The refund process stems from a raffle launched in August of last year as a charitable initiative to support families battling childhood cancer. Participants each paid one hundred dollars for a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Hilux. The draw was initially scheduled for December 31, but no winner was ever announced. A later extension granted by the Gaming and Lotteries Commission to March 7 also passed without a draw being held. The raffle was eventually cancelled after the club reportedly failed to meet its ticket sales target, leaving more than five hundred ticket holders collectively out over fifty thousand dollars. While refunds have now begun, but far from being completed, sources say there may not be enough money in the club’s account to accommodate all the refunds. Former Lions Club member Elizabeth Ranguy, who received her refund today, told Love News she remains troubled by how the matter was handled.
Elizabeth Ranguy, Former Board Member, Lions Club: “The rest of other persons are just like keep it. They’re like have them keep it. That was completely unnecessary. Completely unnecessary. We just came here for our cash, no problem that’s it. I heard that the reason why other persons they didn’t want to give other persons is because oh they went to the media. Okay and ? And ? The point is I mean if there is no problem what’s the problem with going to the media ? No. She needs to come off of that. There is no way. Absolutely no way. As a president you shouldn’t be intimidating your persons. I mean you have created division amongst club members, among other clubs in Belize. It’s just ridiculous because all of this is very much unnecessary.”
Another ticket holder, who asked not to be identified, also spoke with us after receiving his money back, sharing his experience with the process.
Supporter: “I came back for my refund which was good. For what reason they didn’t have the raffle but at least they came back and the public they’re complying and giving back people their ticket money. It was very good. Smooth and thing. Signed some documents. I’m happy and you know I wish the best for the Lions Club.”
The controversy surrounding the raffle has been ongoing for weeks. Previous reports revealed that despite promotional materials featuring Belize Diesel and Equipment Company Limited, the company says there was no formal agreement in place for the vehicle, with only a proforma invoice issued and no deposit made. The Lions Club has maintained that there is no substantiated evidence of fraud or financial misappropriation, and says a full internal review and audit is currently underway.
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