Mayoral Candidate in Corozal, Rigo Vellos, Hits Back at ‘Defamatory’ Statements

Rigo Vellos

Five-time Mister Belize Rigoberto “Rigo” Vellos is finding out that politics is not like bodybuilding – it’s a dirty game. The People’s United Party candidate for mayor of Corozal Town is fighting back against allegations of misappropriation dating back to September of 2008. He was dismissed from his cashier’s job at the Social Security Board after it was found nearly seven hundred dollars went missing. A letter quoted by the United Democratic Party’s Guardian newspaper as Vellos’ dismissal letter claims that the missing funds were not brought to account, based on an investigation by the S.S.B.’s internal audit service. It was also suggested that monies were deducted from his remaining entitlement on dismissal. Vellos initially agreed on Thursday to speak directly to the press in Belize City. He later withdrew the interview based on legal advice. However, he did post a video statement on Facebook stating among other things that he was terminated for his politics, and not his work ethic. Vellos says he plans to sue.

Rigo Vellos, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Corozal Town

“I am one of hundreds of workers from across the country who were fired by the vindictive U.D.P. government in 2008, the very same year the U.D.P. took office. I was not a permanent staff member at the Social Security office at the time. My firing came as a surprised to me, for I worked diligently during my time there. What the U.D.P. is not telling you is that other cashiers employed at the same time were also let go. In my view there was no full investigation, and we were simply used as scapegoats. I must point out that I never faced any allegation of stealing. The fact that I was not a permanent staff and branded a P.U.P. made it much easier for me to be fired. I also want to point out that the letter provided to me at that time stated clearly that after I was terminated, I was paid my benefits due for my period of work. In a case of wrongdoing as per the labor laws, benefits are not paid to employees. I have sought legal advice and the nasty attack launched on me and will be seeking immediate legal recourse against those who have recklessly smeared my character and cause defamation.”