Punta Gorda Town Mayor offers “facts” on proposed gas station development

By Aaron Humes: Without signaling support either way, Mayor of Punta Gorda Town Ashton McKenzie said on social media today he is satisfied that the owners of a proposed gas station being built on land at the entrance to town appear to be in order.

Mayor McKenzie posted a point-by-point rebuttal outlining where the situation with the Dollar Coin land stands, backed with documentation provided to Breaking Belize News.

First, the sale of the land, for 375 thousand dollars, is confirmed at the Lands Department and was a private transaction concerning private property.

Next, the new owners approached the authorities in the tail end of 2019 and early 2020 and received environmental clearance and approval from the Fire Service and local building authority.

Mayor McKenzie says Punta Gorda has never had zoning regulations under this or any other administration in town history.

He also denies signing any trade license for the company or the Town Council, or more accurately its Trade License Board, has considered or approved a trade license for this company.

And, he states, “As the Mayor of Punta Gorda Town it is my duty to serve all individuals equally regardless of the race, economic background, religion etc. Whether you are Garifuna, East Indian, Creole, Maya, Mennonite it is my duty to treat all individuals fairly.”

He also says, “I did not consent to any meeting on Thursday. While I do believe the community deserves to be acquainted with the ongoing development, the pertinent authorities and stakeholders must be present to answer questions and concerns and share evidence of the premise on which decisions have been made.”

And that appears to be that unless opponents can find a loophole to squeeze through.

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