In March of last year, 10 Days after the President of the Football Federation of Belize, Ruperto Vicente took over the office from past president, Bertie Chimilio, he announced to the nation that the richest sports federation in the land was broke. He also announced that his administration had no intentions of investigating Chimilio. But tonight the news is, that while they won't, the Income Tax Department will.
The 55 year-old veterinarian, Chimilio, is now a private citizen but according to the Income Tax Department, he owes them $33,255 in arrears which he didn't pay when he was the president of the FFB. He answered to a summons today before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton for supposed unpaid taxes dating back to 2010 -2011.
He was given an opportunity to present his version of events after Magistrate Hamilton informed him of his options in relation to the arrears.
He told the court that he received a letter last year around May from Income Tax that he had to come in to discuss his tax situation. He said he went in and met with a representative Ann Castillo where he explained his finances, which she took down in the form of notes. According to Chimilio he filled out all required forms she presented, and she told him that she would get back to him after speaking with her superior. He categorically stated that he never received any further communication with Income Tax.
Chimilio told the court that because he got no call back until February of this year when he was sent a demand payment note. He said that he went back into the department where he was advised by another representative of Income Tax that he should write a letter to the department's Commissioner, which he did on March 12, 2013.
He presented this letter the court today, and Magistrate Hamilton asked the Income Tax prosecutor why Anne Castillo had not appeared before the court today to give evidence in Chimilio's case.
Magistrate Hamilton adjourned the case until tomorrow to give time to Income Tax to inform Castillo that she must make an appearance to give evidence.
This evening, 7News contacted Chimilio who declined to give any comments saying that because the matter is before the court. He told court reporters that he will address the media when the matter has been concluded.
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