After the November 2020 victory for the People’s United Party and consequently forming the new government, the administration believes that the country’s challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic are improving. Area Representative for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker), Honourable Andre Perez, said during an interview with The San Pedro Sun that he now feels confident in delivering on all his main promises because the economy is in better shape. The work ahead is to finish the health center in Caye Caulker, build a hospital for San Pedro Town, develop infrastructure (bridge and roads), build schools north of San Pedro Town, and develop other important programs.

Perez said these projects are achievable, and residents of BRS can expect more improvement in services during 2022. Perez, who also holds the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, noted that financial institutions are approaching his government, asking how they can help the country. According to him, this is due to the government’s good job in reviving the economy and the rate of transparency. He is convinced that once there is a hospital in San Pedro, the private sector will support the much-needed health center on La Isla Bonita. “I remain optimistic that we are heading in the right direction, and I want to make sure that our people made the right choice by choosing me as their area representative, which I take very seriously and passionately,” he added that the economy is growing. Still, the country is not yet where it should be.

In speaking about the hospital for San Pedro, Perez indicated that the funds are secured, and land has been identified. The hospital will be located on a five-acre piece of land south of town, specifically after the Escalante subdivision. Perez said the hospital is a collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Currently, the parties involved, such as the Ministry of Health and Wellness, are discussing the design. The project also includes housing for doctors and nurses. The Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II near downtown will continue offering its services.The area representative said the construction is yet to start on the schools built seven miles north of San Pedro Town, but the project is still very alive. The funds for the schools, a pre-school, primary, and high school, were part of an BZ$80 million loan obtained in 2015 by the previous administration to build 35 schools countrywide. The then Minister of Education Patrick Faber said the loan was procured through the Caribbean Development Bank and that BRS was getting the most significant chunk of those monies.

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