Earlier in the news, we told you about the fatal stabbing in Caye Caulker. It was a chaotic night on the island because, at that same time, the village council elections were winding down. Seleny Villanueva Pott was elected for the third time in a row - only this time, she ran on an independent ticket - instead of her traditional PUP.
It demonstrates division in the larger BRS constituency since the area rep, Andre Perez, threw his support behind the PUP slate, whereas the PUP mayor of San Pedro supported Pott's slate. We spoke to her today about the apparent tension.
Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker
"It's humbling and a blessing to know that my Caye Caulker community believe in my leadership. And it's a role that I take on very seriously. I want to be a voice for everybody across the board, especially those who are not being heard."
"And the past two terms, I believe our team have worked hard and we will do the same this time around. We run as an independent state, yes. I know I've been a PUP supporter. Everybody knows that in my community and I think outside of my community.".
"I've been on Andre Perez, Honorable Andre Perez supporter, campaigner. I can't speak for my team, but I do not understand why we had to have, personally, I don't know why we had to have a PUP state and an independent state."
"I know the Honorable Minister had that opportunity to choose his preference and he did. That's his prerogative. But nonetheless, as a PUP, I'm here to work with my area representative and to work with Honorable John Briceno, our prime minister, because when it comes to Caye Caulker, Caye Caulker should know no boundaries, not even color."
"We should put everything aside. And at the end of the day, when it comes to development and prosperity for our island, we should just push forward. And I've mentioned that last night to my area rep. I said, we need to put everything aside and work together."
"Mayor Wally is my dear friend, and I believe that's why we've always supported each other. When he was running, I was out there campaigning with him, and he did the same for me. And Honourable Patty Arceo, the ex-minister, as well. That's my aunt we have a very close relationship."
"And I'm here to work with everybody. Once it's for the progress of Caye Caulker, we will come together and unite and work for Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker deserves, you know, only the best or whatever support we could get from the government."
Pott won with 514 votes, while her opponent, Celina Jimenez, received 411 votes.
