Andre Perez Reinstated as Minister of Blue Economy

Prime Minister John Briceño announced today that Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez is returning to cabinet as the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. Perez now assumes control of the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, and the National Fire Service. This announcement comes four weeks after the municipal elections and more than seven months after Perez went on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct. Those allegations were levied by female attorney Wendy Auxillou. When asked for comment, Minister Perez told News “I thank the Prime Minister for his decision to invite me back to Cabinet and will work hard every day for the Belizean people, especially the good people of Belize Rural South.” As for requests for an update to the investigation, Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre told us that the request would have to be made to the Office of the Prime Minister. But, one portfolio that Perez does not get back is Civil Aviation which now falls under the purview of the Prime Minister. Perez was one of the persons who led the P.U.P. to victory in San Pedro Town on March sixth. Also, Cayo Central area representative Alex Balona is now the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise. Belize Rural North Area Representative Marconi Leal is now the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing. Cayo West Area Representative is now the Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment. The Office of the Prime Minister says “These adjustments and assignments come on the heels of an overwhelming mandate at the polls, a reminder not only of the confidence and trust in this government, but also of the tremendous responsibility we have to the people of Belize.”