AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye After allegations of misconduct, Minister Andre Perez granted leave

Area Representative of Belize Rural South (The Cayes) and Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Andre Perez was granted a leave of absence from the Cabinet following recent allegations against him from a woman. Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Brice�o has been temporarily assigned Perez's portfolio duties during his absence.

As Perez goes on leave, an investigation will be conducted into the recent allegations against the minister from a Caye Caulker woman, identified as attorney Wendy Auxillou, accusing him of predatory behavior and sexual harassment. A release from the Government of Belize (GOB) said on Monday, August 21st, that after the investigation, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs will advise the Prime Minister on whether there has been any actionable wrongdoing.

The issue had been brewing for some time, and on Friday, August 18th, Perez's legal team released a seven-page press statement that started with the following quote. "I am most remorseful for the shame and pain I have brought on my wife, my children, and you, the people who voted for me and supported me, and I ask your forgiveness and that all attacks be levied against me, but not my family nor my party."

The release speaks about their relationship, in which Perez claims the woman first made sexual advances on him and that the next step in the relationship saw the accuser demanding that he use his ministerial power to obtain a liquor license and land documents. The release said that the relationship ended when this request did not work, but they remained friendly.

The minister reportedly accuses Auxillou of trying to extort him and claims he has an audio recording of her asking for land. The statement ends by stating that the accuser cannot prove there was any threat to her. Auxillou told the media briefly that Perez attempted to control the narrative and paint himself as the victim. Auxillou is reportedly out of the country and afraid to return for fear of arrest.

In the meantime, GOB noted that Perez remains committed to and will continue to serve the interests of his constituents in the Cayes, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker.

Read the full press release from Perez's legal team here.

Andre Perez Takes Leave Of Absence As Minister, AG To Investigate

<> Tonight, under the glare of allegations of sexual misconduct - Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Andres Perez has taken a leave of absence. An official press release says he has requested leave from the Cabinet. But, Belmopan insiders suggest to us it is more like compulsory leave. Government is under pressure to act as the minister - who is married - faces credible allegations of sexual misconduct with another woman. But, he has also put forth his own side of the story - in which he outlines a narrative that he is the victim of a scheming and manipulative former lover. That person is attorney Wendy Auxllou - and she has told us that his version of events is quote, "Perez trying to control the narrative and paint himself as the victim."

So, who's right and who's wrong - and who crossed the line of their respective codes of conduct? Was it the Minister or the Attorney? Well, Government says there's going to be an investigation, and, quote, "at the conclusion…the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs will advise the Prime Minister on whether there has been any actionable wrongdoing." End quote,

So, what happens next? Well, AG Anthony Sylvester has some digging to do. Perez himself has issued two statements totaling about 12 pages, and Wendy Auxillou issued a 5 page one today - then rescinded it - based on legal advice. She says she is working with an attorney to craft her response - and, no, she won't be appearing on Uncut.

But, most importantly, she has alleged that Minister Perez "indirectly offered" to settle their personal dispute with an offer of government land. She also maintains that his actions were of a predatory nature - starting with when she worked in his ministerial office as legal counsel.

A second statement from Perez this weekend quotes him as saying,"There is nothing to settle". It adds, quote, "while he had previously sought to amicably hear out the grievances of Attorney Wendy Auxillou, he could not make any progress as she kept demanding land and facilitation of lands transactions for her, which he flatly turned down."

So, this government investigation has a lot to go through: allegations, counter-allegations and a whole bunch of screenshots. From the perspective of this newsroom, it's one more affair which ended badly and got even worse after that. But - in Belize's 5P's governance framework - where Politics, Power, Passion, Patronage, and Property often commingle - this case checks all the boxes and that's why the ministerial future of Andres Perez is definitely up in the air. And that's because as banal as his action of allegedly sending a nude photo may seem in the current social context and cell phone culture - it's far from optimal behavior for a public official. We'll keep following it.

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