Politics and Government

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has named Ramon Vasquez their new Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South (BRS), comprising Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Vasquez is the third standard bearer after Jazelie' Jaz' Azueta was removed and former Mayor Daniel Guerrero stepped down. Vasquez is now the new face for BRS; however, many in San Pedro Town are unfamiliar with him as he has been absent from the political stage for quite some time now.

Over the past weeks, there have been reports of several developments within the Opposition of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which have seen attempts to remove the current leader, the Honorable Moses' Shyne' Barrow. The controversies have led the Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) Daniel Guerrero to withdraw his application.

With 3,268 votes, Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People's United Party (PUP) won the Toledo East by-election on Wednesday, July 17th. Martinez's opponent, Dennis Williams, with the United Democratic Party (UDP), garnered 1,169 votes, while William Maheia, under the People's National Party (PNP), received 202 votes.

On Wednesday, July 17th, the constituents of Toledo East in southern Belize will democratically elect a new Area Representative in a by-election contested by three candidates seeking to replace the late Honourable Mike Espat. They include Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People’s United Party, Dennis Williams of the United Democratic Party, and Wil Maheia of the People’s National Party. The Toledo East constituency, with its 21 villages and Punta Gorda Town, is home to nearly 8,000 registered voters, each of whom has a voice in this crucial decision.

On Sunday, June 9th, the People's United Party (PUP) hosted a convention for the Toledo East Constituency to elect a Standard Bearer for next month's upcoming bye-election. The convention was held following the passing of Area Representative Honourable Mike Espat. Three PUP candidates contested the Standard Bearer seat, which included former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Dr. Osmond Martinez, Nicanor Requena, brother of Toledo West's area representative, Honourable Oscar Requena, and Melhem Espat, son of former Toledo East area representative, the late Honourable Espat. Following the counting, Dr. Martinez was declared the winner at the end of the day with 1,762 votes.

San Pedro Town Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez announced his bid for Area Representative in Belize Rural South (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) (BRS) on April 29th. For the electorate, this meant challenging the current Area Representative, Honourable Andre Perez, a member of his own party, the People’s United Party (PUP). Nuñez was determined. However, a directive from the PUP Secretariat has reportedly forced him to reconsider his decision. The note allegedly said that none of the recently elected Mayors would be allowed to participate in any contested convention for the post of standard bearer. The note added that a mayor could only participate in an endorsement convention if no other candidate was interested in the seat.

San Pedro's Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez has announced his intentions to participate in the next General Elections in 2025 and challenge current Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez, for the Belize Rural South (BRS) seat. This constituency consists of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Nuñez confirmed his interest in the higher office via a post on his Facebook page on April 29th, stating that he would be sending his application to represent the BRS constituency.

After the Municipal Elections held on March 6th, the People’s United Party (PUP) hosted victory rallies throughout the country in each of the six municipalities they won. In San Pedro Town, the newly elected PUP town council held their rally on Saturday, March 23rd, with Belize’s Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño, in attendance. The celebration included a parade through the town’s streets and a program of events at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas), which included official speeches, raffles, and live entertainment.