An impassioned Perez then went on to say that his relative's store has been made an unnecessary target in the controversy, and insisted that the program has been operating for a while with complete transparency.
Reporter
"So that means that there are other stores, not limited to family?"
Andre Perez - Minister of the Blue Economy
"No, no, no, no. They just targeted that one and that is the smallest one. The smallest portion is that store. There are other stores that will deal with that and especially during Christmas time there are several stores, and in Caye Caulker as well, so you know it is just mischief. But involving personal people is not something that I enjoy and that is why, if you are open to scrutiny I accept that, but when you come out and you start to make these things, it is irresponsible and it borders also looking at it upon a legal aspect. But I can fairly say it is all legal, ethical, and morally right to help a Belizean who is a young couple, have a child, and it is a business person born and grown. The only thing you tell me is because it is a relative of mine, but you don't call out the person's name."
