Belize’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Andre Perez, has issued a forceful rebuttal against allegations of financial misconduct at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The minister characterized recent claims of fund mismanagement as “false, unfounded, and irresponsible” while defending his administration’s record.
In an official statement released Friday, Minister Perez asserted that since his ministry assumed oversight in November 2020, no evidence of embezzlement, misappropriation, or misuse of funds has been discovered. He emphasized that all financial operations at the marine reserve strictly adhere to established governance protocols and audit procedures.
The controversy emerged after the Association of Conservation and Community Development (ACCSD) expressed concerns regarding the abrupt removal of the Board of Trustees Chair and her subsequent replacement by the current Lions Club Chair. The conservation watchdog organization has called for a comprehensive six-year independent financial audit to ensure transparency.
ACCSD further questioned whether the statutory instrument governing Hol Chan is being properly implemented, particularly regarding maintaining genuine community representation. The organization highlighted that the reserve was founded on principles of “openness, accountability, and authentic community involvement.”
Minister Perez dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, challenging critics to present verifiable evidence rather than engaging in speculation. He revealed that when his leadership assumed control of Hol Chan in November 2020, the reserve was nearly bankrupt and burdened by significant debt. After five years of management, Perez maintains the marine reserve has been transformed into a “stronger, solvent, and thriving” institution.
The escalating dispute highlights ongoing tensions between government management of natural resources and conservation groups’ calls for increased transparency in Belize’s protected areas.