And while that UDP personality could face criminal charges, there was no police complaint made against Minister Andre Perez. He was accused of harassment through sexting - but his accuser, attorney Wendy Auxilou fled the country fearing reprisals. She says she is in professional exile - and Perez who was suspended from Cabinet in last year August - also appears to be exiled from Cabinet.
But today we encountered him at a Blue Economy and Civil Aviation event. Those were the ministries he held - but were taken over by the Prime Minister when Perez was put on leave.
Will the leave ever end? Will Perez ever come back to Cabinet? That's what we asked both the acting minister and the suspended minister today:
Jo
"You mentioned your colleague played a vital role in making this a reality, but how soon should we see him back into office, Minister Andre Perez."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, that's a matter that's first to be able to decide whenever I believe that the time is appropriate. If we decide to do it, then we'll do it. But what is important right now is that we have to concentrate on municipal elections on March 6th. And Honourable Andre Perez is playing a key role in working with the mayor, Wally Nunez and the councillors in San Pedro to ensure that the People's United Party can win that municipal body."
"So our concentration right now is March 6th, ensuring that we can win as much as possible all the municipal bodies in this country."
Jo
"We will be seeing more of him within the months to come."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"But he has always been active. He never stopped working after he asked for leave of absence from this ministry. He has been very active in his constituency, so he has never gone anywhere. He's doing his job, his primary job is to be an area representative, and I think he's doing a very good job in doing that."
Andre Perez, Area Rep. Belize Rural South
"I'm the air representative of Belize Rural South, and it's incumbent on me to be working with Wally. I don't see another way we wouldn't have to do, but work with the present town council that has won."
"Remember, we were 18 years in the doldrums in San Pedro because the UDP dominated from 2003 until when it came in 2021 when we had elections. And again, remember, 2018 was very controversial when it was known that something went wrong, and we all know the stories what really happened there."
"So why would we not want to work together? It's important we work together, and it's important my job to lead the campaign, and I can guarantee you the work we're doing in San Pedro, make no mistake about it, it's a given."
"We're going to win, and repeat for another three years. So much has been done, and so much more needs to be done."
Jo
"You'll be able to hold a balance doing all these things as you transition back into office."
Andre Perez, Area Rep. Belize Rural South
"I've been doing it for the past three years, and I don't say I will not be able to do it. Once you realize that you have two jobs, one as an area rep and one as a minister, once you find that balance, it always works out."
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