Rigo Vellos Wins PUP Mayoral Nomination in Corozal

Rigoberto “Rigo” Vellos has secured the People’s United Party’s mayoral nomination in Corozal Town and will lead the party’s slate into the March 2027 municipal elections.  A total of three thousand four hundred and twenty-five ballots were cast during yesterday’s closed convention at Saint Francis Xavier R.C. School.  Vellos received one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine votes, while his challenger, Shajarie Rogers, secured one thousand one hundred and seventy-five, a difference of six hundred and twenty-four votes.  The three-term mayor became emotional as the results confirmed his victory. He spoke about the campaign and the support he received from PUP voters.

Vellos first captured the mayoral seat in 2018, ending four consecutive terms of UDP control at Corozal Town Hall. He retained the position in the 2021 and 2024 municipal elections. Yesterday’s convention represented his first major internal challenge since becoming mayor.  All six councillor candidates aligned with Vellos were also successful. Hugo Gonzalez topped the poll with one thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven votes, followed by Othoniel Riveroll with one thousand nine hundred and fifty-six.  Miguel “Mike” Montalvo received one thousand nine hundred and eleven votes; Baldemar Pech Junior secured one thousand nine hundred and five; Marleni Tapia received one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven; and Rodolfo Narvaez finished with one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two votes.  Thea Ramirez says the party’s immediate task is to bring supporters together following the internal contest and begin preparations for next year’s municipal election.

Vellos and the six successful councillor candidates will now represent the PUP in Corozal Town when voters return to the polls in March 2027./