Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez

Following a social media video posted on Sunday, March 16th, revealing illegal seabed excavation near Ambergris Caye, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez issued a stern statement condemning the act and pledging to take legal action against those involved. Recently re-elected and assigned to the Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Ministry, Perez emphasized the potential environmental and economic consequences this illegal activity could have on his constituency.

Large quantities of white marl and hardcore material have been acquired for street rehabilitation projects in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker. Work to address the deteriorating streets has already begun on both islands. According to Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, additional materials will be secured to continue the repairs in designated areas across San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

In August 2024, plans were announced to construct or locate a building in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, that will serve as a warehouse for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). This initiative is necessary due to the delays in transporting humanitarian aid from the mainland during crises following natural disasters or fires.

The island community continues to assist the 12 families who lost everything in the December 29th fire south of San Pedro Town. On Friday, January 10th, San Pedro Town Council members, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, and volunteers delivered humanitarian aid to the victims.

On Thursday, January 9th, a group of taxi drivers, accompanied by their federation leaders, protested outside the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) facilities. They were seeking a meeting with Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez to address concerns regarding soliciting at the island's water taxi terminals and local airport. The drivers stated that, for years, golf cart rentals have negatively impacted their operations by soliciting at these entry points to San Pedro. They aimed to find a solution that benefits both stakeholders. Although the Mayor was unavailable to meet with the taxi federation members, he conveyed his commitment to meet with them soon, along with Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez and Minister of Transport Honourable Rodwell Ferguson through a spokesperson.

A family suffered a devastating loss on November 19th when their property was deliberately set on fire in an act of arson. The blaze destroyed three houses, leaving the property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, with an estimated loss of $200,000. In response, local leaders, residents, and organizations have united to offer support through fundraisers and direct assistance to Catzim.

After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.

On Wednesday, October 30th, Taiwanese Foreign Minister His Excellency Dr. Lin Chia-lung concluded his official visit to Belize with a stop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. His government is financing the construction of the San Pedro and Caulker General Hospital. During this visit, Dr. Chia-lung, accompanied by his delegation and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Her Excellency Lily Li-wen Hsu, received a construction site tour to assess the progress. They were also joined by Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Able Francis Fonseca, and Prime Minister Honorable Dr. John Briceño.