A New D.O.E. Office on La Isla Bonita

This morning, the Government of Belize inaugurated a new office space in San Pedro that houses the National Emergency Management Organization, the Department of the Environment and the Forestry Department.  The opening of a D.O.E. office on Ambergris Caye is significant because of the rapid development that’s taking place on the island.  The office space is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management and the Ministry of Sustainable Development.  News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“As we open the doors to these new offices, it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to conservation, to sustainable development and continued growth in our nation.  This momentous occasion underscores our shared responsibility to nurture and protect the natural wonders that grace our nation, as well as the livelihoods of the people.”

 

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Ambergris Caye continues to develop rapidly.  To keep up with the growth of the island, the Government of Belize has opened a multipurpose space in San Pedro.  It includes an administrative center for the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, as well as an office for the Department of the Environment.  Area Representative Andre Perez is also the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management.

 

Andre Perez, Minister, Disaster Risk Management

“I want to especially welcome the DOE as a symbol of the government’s commitment to work hand in hand with our community to protect and sustain our precious environment. Development is important.  Development, especially on Ambergris Caye, is fast-growing, but with that growth we also have to be very careful.  As the person from the invocation said, we have to do it in a very sustainable manner.  We have to be very… guiding ourselves with that very fine balance of development but at the same time preserving our environment that it is sustainable.”

 

As area rep for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez promised his constituents that all major government departments would have offices in San Pedro to facilitate an ease of doing business.  The Ministry of Sustainable Development has made good on its word.

 

Orlando Habet

“The establishment of these sub offices of the Department of the Environment, the National Emergency Management Organization and the Forest Department signifies the Government of Belize’s commitment really signifying that this is part of Plan Belize. The primary mandate, collectively, for these departments will be to ensure that the entire Ambergris Caye and surrounding areas, including Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel, develop in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.”

 

The DOE’s presence on the island ensures that all major development projects are properly monitored and environmentally compliant.

 

Orlando Habet

“This will be done through operational, advisory and regulatory strategies to address current and future anthropogenic threats to the islands such as rapid tourism development, clearing of mangroves, the dredging of the seabed, land filling and improper management or liquid, solid and hazardous waste.”

 

 

Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Mai reiterated the importance of a collaborative approach to safeguarding the environment.

 

Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer

“I always say this and I will say it again today, that the environmental challenges that affect Belize cannot be resolved by the DOE alone and so we need all key partners in order for us to manage the Jewel.”

 

 

 

Development and conservation can coexist harmoniously when sustainability is prioritized. Isani Cayetano for News Five.