New Alcaldes Sworn-In in Toledo

Seventy-six alcaldes representing thirty-eight Maya communities in Southern Belize took the oath of office earlier today during a swearing-in ceremony.  The traditional leaders were each elected by a majority of votes within the respective villages and will serve a term of two years.  The men are expected to carry out their duties in accordance the Maya cultural tradition and the Constitution of Belize.  The oath was administered by Justice Antoinette Moore in Punta Gorda this morning.  News Five spoke by phone with Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator for the Maya Leaders Alliance.  He says that the Toledo Alcalde Association has also elected new executives and that the new president hails from the village of San Benito Poite.

On the Phone: Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator, MLA

“The Toledo Alcaldes Association, every two years, has a change in membership.  That is when traditionally the thirty-nine Mayan communities elect new members to serve the community and that happened towards the end of last year, from October to the end of December.  Today, the Toledo Alcaldes Association officially swore in the alcaldes who have been elected to serve for the term 2017 to 2018.  At today’s swearing in, Justice Moore, in representation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honorable Kenneth Benjamin, was the guest speaker and also administered the oath of office.  The ceremony started with a Maya ceremony and it culminated with the election of new executive members of the Toledo Alcaldes Association.  The newly elected president is Mr. Santiago Quib, the Alcalde from San Benito Poite.”