Andre Perez Remains Without Ministerial Assignment

Belize Rural South Area Representative, Andre Perez, remains without a ministerial portfolio. It’s been almost three months since news broke that he was being accused of sexual misconduct by attorney, Wendy Auxillou. After we broke the story, a release from the government informed the country that Perez was granted a leave of absence while an investigation was conducted into the allegations. We point out that Perez rejects all allegations of sexual misconduct. He says the relationship was consensual and alleges that Auxillou began demanding certain things from him. And as we said, it’s been close to three months, and there has been no word as to where the investigation is until today. Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia was asked about it, and she told reporters that she doesn’t believe that there is any more investigation that can be done.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs

“Well, it is a matter for the Attorney General’s office. I guess we will have to see  what the Prime Minister’s decision. Ultimately, the hat is on his head. And they say uneasy lies the head that wears the hat of leadership. I don’t want to say the crown, no? Because we don’t believe in any kind of monarchy in this country. But, I don’t think that there is much more of investigation that can be done basically. And again, I hate to put it on him, but it will be a matter for the prime minister what will happen.”

Reporter

“She said that this review that the attorney general is conducting is a sham in essence.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“Well, you see, this is why it is difficult for me to speak to it. This is why it’s difficult for me to speak to it. I don’t want to get into the details.”

Reporter

“But the behavior of your colleague in parliament. He put out a release and admitted to a whole lot of things.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“Again, I believe it would be best for me not to say more.”