But before we got into that we asked Perez to comment on his former Cabinet colleague and his cousin Jose Mai. Mai has been made to resign from Cabinet - our reports say - after the US embassy raised flags about his activities. But the PM said he had a back injury. So we asked Perez what counsel he's been offering to his bad back cousin.
Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
"I will share with you, Jose Mai is my family, is my cousin. I know he's a farmer, I know he loves horses, I been to his farm, he has a beautiful farm but he has had it many years ago. I know he's an avid horseback rider. And yes we have made fun of him that he had missed a couple Cabinets because of his back. Making fun of it. And that's what I understand, that's the reason, I do not know anything of any allegations other than what I hear in the media."
Jules Vasquez:
"There is a lot of heat around him perceptually and the prime minister says he has to recover from what he says is a back surgery. Is there any counsel you would offer him at this time, being a relative, a colleague as well, because you were out in a political Siberia for a year."
Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
"With more reason. I kept my head up high and dignified. So this is what I have reached out to him and it's the right thing to do and I'm glad you asked that question because I am concerned for him as family because I've been there, I've been through that dark road and I came out scat clean and I kept my head up, dignified. And I'm proud to be back and doing the work, totally focused."
