NGO’s write Prime Minister regarding concerns over Port of Belize expansion project: PM responds

Published by BBN Staff at November 27, 2020

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Posted: Friday, November 27, 2020. 9:40 pm CST.

By BBN Staff: A group of nine non-governmental organizations (NGOs) wrote to Prime Minister John Briceno this week, expressing major environmental concerns over a proposed expansion project at the Port of Belize Limited; and today the Prime Minister acknowledged those concerns with a response.

The group consisted of the World Wildlife Fund, Belize Tourism Industry Association, Oceana Belize, Clear Water Marie Aquarium Research Institute, Belize Audubon Society, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People, Eco Mar, SEA Belize, Fragments of Hope, Turneffe Atoll Trust, Turneffe Atoll sustainability Association, and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

The group noted that the project contains an ocean dumping aspect that would be bad for the environment; is not accompanies by any comprehensive Cruise Port Strategy for Belize; and that the existing Laws of Belize do not require developers, regulators, or advisory bodies to ensure meaningful public consultation before submitting projects to the relevant authorities for approval.

In response, Prime Minister Briceno said “I take your concerns raised seriously and will share your letter with the appropriate Ministries\Ministers. I assure you that as far as this present government is concerned, no project has been approved. All projects must go its entire process before it can even get to Cabinet for consideration. Rested assured that our government will always place the protection of the environment first and foremost.”

The group has since thanked the PM for his response and said that they look forward to working with him on addressing the concerns raised.

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