SAN PEDRO TOWN, BELIZE – Political tensions on Ambergris Caye escalated this week as opposition leaders intensified their criticism of local government officials over the island’s affordability crisis. United Democratic Party (UDP) caretaker Gabriel Zetina confronted Area Representative Andre Perez during a press conference, highlighting the severe economic pressures facing residents, particularly the exorbitant costs of housing rentals in the region known as La Isla Bonita.
In response to these allegations, Representative Perez acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “I recognize the cost of living that is very high. This is happening at a global level, but I’m not detracting from the concerns specifically affecting San Pedro.” The official outlined his comprehensive strategy to address the housing affordability crisis through an ambitious land distribution initiative aimed at providing permanent housing solutions for island residents.
Perez identified real estate agencies as significant contributors to the problem, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory reform. “There needs to be stronger regulations for those real estate agencies,” he asserted. “They are getting away with inflating land values and displacing our local population.” The representative revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources is currently developing new legislation to impose stricter controls on real estate practices.
When confronted with allegations that land distribution favors politically connected individuals, Perez vehemently denied these claims, characterizing them as “a pile of hogwash.” He provided evidence demonstrating that program beneficiaries primarily include younger generations, single mothers, and long-term community members seeking homeownership for the first time.
The ongoing political debate reflects broader concerns about economic inequality and housing accessibility in Belize’s coastal communities, where tourism development has created both economic opportunities and affordability challenges for local residents.