Turning now to political news...
Belize Rural South Andre Perez just completed his 5th month of an indefinite Cabinet suspension. When will he return to the big room? Or will he ever? It's a question we have previously put to both him and the PM - and it's always inconclusive. Today Jules Vasquez interviewed him at an event in San Pedro - and the former Minister told us he is content being an area rep:
Abner Andre Perez, BRS Area Rep.
"I can tell you for the past few months, even before Christmas and everything, I've taken more focus as area rep, visiting Caye Caulker, especially around the Christmas time. We were spending time there, walking the streets. That's what I'm doing right now. And every evening, you know, we have the traffic problems. So my gulf cart is sent to home and I walk from my office to home every day, speaking to the people, listening to their concerns."
"At times it takes me over an hour and a half to get to home. But it's for good reason. It's re-engaging with the people and I'm confident that the people here understand that they made the right choice in electing me as their representative."
"And certainly for elections. I'm ready for it. I'm prepared. And feeling the pulse of the people is the most important thing."
Reporter
"But in terms of the discussion with Belmopan to get back to your portfolio as Minister of the Blue Economy."
Abner Andre Perez, BRS Area Rep.
"You know, I don't want to lose any sleep on that. That is totally in the hands of the Prime Minister. Remember, when you're in cabinet, you serve at the pleasure of the Prime Minister. So I respect that."
"So I don't want to answer that question as such. Whether it's going to be a reshuffle or not, it's not for me to be saying that at this point."
Jules Vasquez
"A lot transpired, but a lot didn't transpire. There was no police report. One formal statement was issued by Ms. Auxilou and she recanted that or she retracted it. There was supposed to be an investigation. The investigation is still not done. No time is given for it. So an outsider might draw the conclusion that they're treating you like kunumunu."
Abner Andre Perez, BRS Area Rep.
"The perception that you might think at the national level, for me at this point in time is the perception and the feelings that my people have right now. I have almost 11,000 voters here registered and I can guarantee you that they are in fully support of me."
"They understand what is the situation. I have spoken, I've made a statement and it has not changed. It remains the same. I have moved on. I am not worrying about the investigation as such. I remain right on focus with my family, my people and that is what counts every day."
"And that is why I'm walking on that street every evening. Walking every evening I keep my head up and high and with dignity. and respect and the people give it back to me. And speaking with them every day, they're always concerned about other matters."
"The last thing they worry about is about my personal life. That means a lot to me. Concerns, land, cost of living, jobs, that is my focus. So it's not about kunumunu who treat me on a such."
"It's the people that decide. And I feel good about it every day as I walk on the streets."
Reporter
"Have you been giving any assurances that you will return to cabinet?"
Abner Andre Perez, BRS Area Rep.
"I will answer you in this way. I'm not losing any sleep over that. For now, I'm focusing on my people. I want to leave it at that. I'm not losing any sleep on that."
Reporter
"But would you be able to say when you receive maybe any last update from the Attorney General's ministry?"
Abner Andre Perez, BRS Area Rep.
"Listen, it's not for me to answer that. I don't engage in those things. I don't want to answer those questions because for now, it's the people. That's my concern."
We should note that when Perez was first suspended, a press release falsely stated that he was going on voluntary leave.
