Area Representative

On Tuesday, August 13th, Dr. Osmond Martinez was officially sworn in as the new Area Representative for the constituency of Toledo East. An official ceremony was held at the residence of the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam, in the Capital City of Belmopan, where it was also announced that Martinez would be Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The lack of available land for housing in certain parts of Belize has become a long-standing issue, particularly on the Cayes, where many Belizeans are eager to acquire land for building their homes. To tackle this problem, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez has announced a new housing project for a subdivision in northern Ambergris Caye. The project is currently in the planning stage and is expected to come to fruition in the upcoming months.

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.

As San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye continues to develop rapidly, the central issue of traffic congestion continues without a proper solution. Many stakeholders on the island have expressed their concerns about this issue, stating that it is out of control and detracting from the appeal that attracts tourists to Ambergris Caye. Although local authorities have been asked for solutions, their responses have not reassured many islanders.

After years of community requests, the Department of the Environment (DOE) is preparing to open an office in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The tentative opening date is mid-June, and the office will have jurisdiction over Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Caye Chapel. The San Pedro DOE office will collaborate closely with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, further emphasizing the community's role in this endeavor.

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 residents commemorated Earth Day on Saturday, April 20th, with an educational and fun fair at the Boca del Rio Beach Park. The family activity was themed ‘Neon Glow Night.’ The gathering included educational booths, mechanical games, music, lively presentations highlighting the importance of preserving the planet, and the presence of Miss Earth Reyna Choj.

Area Representative for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), Honourable Andre Perez, donated several wheelchairs to San Pedro Lions Club members. The handing over of the wheelchairs took place on Wednesday, January 24th, at the BRS office on Coconut Drive.