7 News Belize

The La Inmaculada Credit Union in northern Belize - it's a large and powerful institution with tens of thousands of members, and - we are told - more than 52 million dollars passing through it annually. But, with all that prosperity, tonight there are deep public misgivings about the management of the union. And as we showed you last night, a special general meeting on Saturday did nothing to allay those concerns - in fact, its inconclusive ending may have resulted in even deeper agitation.

But while there is public frustration with the board - which narrowly escaped having to face a no confidence vote on Saturday - there are also concerns about the tenure of Yolanda Gomez as General Manager. No less than the chair of the board has publicly heaped substantial allegations of wrongdoing at Gomez's door. Gomez has consistently denied any wrongdoing - and the board has not come up with any proof. But, the allegations include unauthorized loans - we are told to family members and Gomez's personal employees. It also includes misuses of the LICU credit card - and alleged repaying of the debts with LICU funds. Gomez flatly denied that on Saturday:..

Yolanda Gomez, Former General Manager - LICU
"The president actually claimed that the one in reference to the Visa card that those are paid from the credit union coffers. That's a blatant lie. And they know. They know. There are senior staff members in there, the acting General Manager knows that's a lie. So I have to deny all of their allegations and as Mr. Carballo rightfully said in the endâ€¦let the Court come out with the facts. That is when things will come to light."

Mike Rudon, Ch5
"Personally, emotionally how this has affected you?"

Yolanda Gomez, Former General Manager - LICU
"Well as I guess with everybody's it's just natural. They are defaming your character. That is the worst thing anybody can go through."

The Credit Union has indicated it will sue Gomez to recover funds - and she has indicated that she will also sue them. Gomez herself did not get to speak at Saturday's meeting.