Wally Nunez Says He Will Apply to Run in Belize Rural South

On March sixth, Wally Nunez was returned as the Mayor of San Pedro for a second time. The mayor said he was going back to office the next day and continue the work of San Pedranos. But there was always speculation, based on the unfriendly relations between Nunez and the sitting Area Representative of Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, that perhaps Nunez would challenge Perez for that seat. Perez was recently reinstalled as the Minister of the Blue Economy after several months on suspension, following a sexual assault allegation by an attorney. He has since hit the pavement running upon his return to Cabinet. And throughout his suspension, he said he took that time to rekindle with his voters. But will that be enough to usher him back to office? We ask because Nunez, in whose favour the municipal polls overwhelmingly swung in 2021 in a predominantly red municipality, has been able to hold on to the popularity he enjoys among San Pedro voters. And on his Facebook page on Monday, Nunez quelled all speculation that he was indeed considering challenging Perez for the seat. “This is testament,” Nunez wrote to San Pedro and Caye Caulker residents, “that I will be sending on my application to represent you all.” He announced that his decision followed requests from the residents to represent them in the General Elections. But if the People’s United Party on an election convention to choose a standard bearer, Nunez will have roughly a year to prepare for his first battle with Perez. We tried to reach Nunez for an interview today but could not. Perez, who was in Cabinet meeting at the time when we contacted him for a reaction, said he had no comment.