Former Village Chairwoman’s Resignation Raises Questions Over Representation

And while Espat enjoys a strong connection with his constituents, former Chairwoman of San Jose Succotz and Corozalito, Sherel Cocom was an exception. Last year, Cocom wrote to Prime Minister John Briceno, resigning from her post and explaining the rationale behind her decision. According to Cocom, she was unable to work with Espat and had lacked the resources to serve her community. In a letter that was released into the public domain, Cocom indicated that she had expressed her frustrations to the PM Briceno but nothing was done.  The media asked Briceno to weigh in on the matter. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “That happens all the time. She and the area representative seems to could not get along. She has her views on how she’s supposed to be running the village. I always tell my colleagues, you need to respect the municipal bodies and the village councils but sometimes the personalities get involved, and you can’t stop it. And it’s unfortunate, but I think she’s a great lady, but she could not get….she believed that the best is for her to resign. It is with her. It’s unfortunate, but so it is.”

Cocom’s position has since been filled by the council’s Deputy Chair.