Rigoberto Vellos has officially defeated newcomer Shajerie Rogers to retain the PUP’s mayoral candidacy in Corozal Town. Tonight’s victory clears the way for the three-term mayor to seek a fourth term in the 2027 municipal elections.
More than 3,400 Corozaleños turned out to cast their ballots in today’s closely watched convention. Early reports coming out while ballot boxes were being counted indicated that Vellos led in the majority of ballot boxes.
Vellos’ supporters were heard celebrating before the final result was announced. One Team Rigo backer said the results proved Vellos never needed to face a convention at all, given the level of public support behind him.
PUP Chairman Henry Charles Usher was among those at the convention and described the contest as a positive development for the party. He said it was a huge win to have two candidates willing to step forward to represent the PUP. He announced Vellos’ victory with 1,799 votes. Rogers received 1,175 votes.
Also seen making an appearance to cast her vote was Corozal Bay Area Representative Thea Garcia-Ramirez. In an interview with News 5, Garcia-Ramirez addressed mounting questions over her reported support for the Rogers campaign. She dismissed the concerns, saying, “As the Area Rep, I have an obligation to work with whomever is elected. At the end of the day that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Vellos will now carry the PUP banner into the 2027 municipal elections, where he will attempt to secure another term at the helm of Corozal Town.
