Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation

The Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, has launched two essential policy documents considered vital to the proper management of all natural resources under his ministry. The two policies include the Belize Blue Economy Policy and Strategy and the Belize Maritime Economy Plan. The ministry is developing a master plan to identify the country's resources that need preserving and creating regulations and best practices to protect them. Most important is to determine the type of development(s) are suitable within these protected jurisdictions.

Belize’s air space will soon be better monitored after it was announced on Thursday, September 8th, that the country would acquire a primary radar with assistance from COCESNA, the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services. The announcement was made after a meeting in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Honourable Andre Perez is hosting a two-day event with COCESNA’s representatives.

The new Fisheries Regulations that government intends to implement on July 1st have fishing communities in northern Belize and Caye Caulker up in arms. The new regulation, found at https://bit.ly/3yw2hLn, will prohibit fishers from capturing lobsters with a tail weight of less than 4.5 ounces. Currently, the tail weight regulation is four ounces. The law will change the number of traps allowed per fisher and fishing areas. For instance, in Caye Caulker, the fishermen claim the new legislation will affect their livelihoods. They said to have requested a meeting with Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez without success. However, Perez said that he has met with the Caye Caulker fisher-folks and will meet with them next week for a second time.

On Thursday, February 24th, Belize's Destiny Wagner, Miss Earth 2021, received a Hol Chan Marine Reserve donation in San Pedro Town towards her non-profit organization-Operation Kingdom. An effort dedicated to combating child hunger and equality in education.

After being crowned with the prestigious title, Miss Earth 2021, Belizean Destiny Wagner, 25, is home. The Belizean queen plans to visit various areas in the country, including San Pedro Town. Knowing the island’s sensitive surroundings, Wagner is asking San Pedranos to protect and preserve their natural resources.

Belize's delegation attending the UN Climate Change Summit COP26 continues to participate in different activities highlighting Belize's efforts and commitment to the fight against global warming. On Thursday, November 4th, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, took part in a high-level panel discussion dubbed 'Blue Carbon Protection in NDCs-Case Studies in Ambition.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector has in the past affected the reputation of many Caribbean countries, including Belize. To combat this issue, Caribbean ministers responsible for fisheries and blue economic growth are holding meetings to address the issue during this year's Caribbean Week of Agriculture, celebrated virtually under the theme 'Transforming our Food Systems.' Belize was represented by the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and shared the country's commitment to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against IUU fishing.

The entire immigration staff assigned to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) have been tested positive for COVID-19. They have since been removed and replaced with personnel from other ports of entry. Over 100 staff from other departments/areas of the airport were screened for the virus and tested negative.