Tag:
Honorable Andre Perez
Environment
Area Representative weighs in on Silver Palm development in northern Ambergris Caye
A significant new development in northern Ambergris Caye, dubbed Silver Palm, has raised concerns among environmentalists, residents, and local authorities. The proposed community project, planned on a 237-acre island northwest of Ambergris Caye, has come under scrutiny after moving forward without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and despite reported objections from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy, Honorable Andre Perez, said island residents were not consulted and argued that such a project is not suitable for this environmentally sensitive area.
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Community and Society
Negligence in Kaleel Nah’s Death Could Carry Heavy Consequences
It has been three weeks since the death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah. The toddler had been ill for days before he died on September 3, 2025, while en route to medical care in Belize City on a water taxi. At the time, his death was believed to be caused by severe dehydration, but an autopsy revealed the cause was acute respiratory failure, with tests confirming he had been infected with swine flu. An investigation is underway to determine whether there was negligence on the part of staff at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Education
Site Visit Conducted on Proposed Location for Three New Island Schools
Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez led a site visit to the location designated for three new schools on northern Ambergris Caye. The proposed site, about seven miles north of downtown San Pedro, has been identified for the construction of a preschool, primary school, and high school. The broader project also includes a preschool and high school in Caye Caulker. Joining the visit were the Minister of Education, Honorable Oscar Requena, and Cabinet colleagues Honourable Ramon Cervantes and Honorable Oscar Mira.
Community and Society
Different Views from Cabinet Members on Caye Caulker’s Cannabis Referendum
As Caye Caulker prepares for its historic October 8, 2025, referendum on the legalisation of cannabis, Cabinet members have voiced differing opinions on the initiative. If voters approve the petition led by Ilya Rosado, Caye Caulker would become the only place in Belize where cannabis use is legal and regulated.
Health
No Updates on toddler Kaleel Nah’s Cause of Death; Family Still Waiting for Answers
The sudden death of two-year-old Kaleel Nah continues to raise concerns about medical services in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The child passed away while being transported to Belize City aboard a water taxi on September 3rd. He had reportedly been ill since August 30 with fever, cough, and vomiting. According to reports, he may have died from severe dehydration.
Business & Economy
San Pedro Businesses Struggle Amid Record Sargassum Influx
This year has brought record levels of Sargassum to the Caribbean, with unprecedented amounts of the brown algae affecting coastlines across the region, including Belize. On Ambergris Caye, the heavy influx has forced some beachfront businesses in San Pedro Town to shorten operating hours, while others have extended seasonal closures until October, when the seaweed is expected to subside.
Community and Society
Garbage Buildup Threatens San Pedro’s Tourist Appeal
San Pedro Town is facing a growing environmental and public health crisis as persistent garbage accumulation threatens the island’s image as a premier tourist destination. With mounting complaints from residents and visitors, local authorities are escalating enforcement efforts and issuing warnings that noncompliance will be met with fines and legal consequences.
