Another Public Consultation to be Held on E.I.A. for Port of Belize Expansion Project
Kennedy Carillo
Waterloo Investment Holdings has resubmitted an application for review of its E.I.A. to the Department of Environment for the construction of a cruise terminal and cruise tourism village at the Port of Belize Limited. A public consultation is scheduled for September first, at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel. The National Environmental Appraisal Committee denied approval to Waterloo’s proposal back in December 2021. Kennedy Carillo told reporters today that the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Blue Economy are reviewing this latest submission. One of the ministry’s concerns, says C.E.O. Carillo, is adding to the list of port developments that have already been given approvals.
Kennedy Carillo, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“We sit on the NEAC, on the National Environmental Appraisal Committee and we ensure that we have our Fisheries Department and our Coastal Zone represented on this body. And, we present our position and if we are not in agreement we do not approve, because remember what happens within the marine protected areas, it most carry the approval of the fisheries department.”
Paul Lopez
“Have you launched any disapproval to any of the developments taking place at this point?”
Kennedy Carillo
“The one that is happening right now, the meetings have not been called as yet. And, our Fisheries Department, Coastal Zone, and our Blue Economy Units are all meeting to discussed, because we know they have resubmitted. Now, we are looking at the report.”
Reporter
“Is it of concerned that there should be that many approvals in a similar area, as the N.G.O.’s have pointed. That is a concern for them.”
Kennedy Carillo
“Definitely, that is a concern for us as well.”
Reporter
“Should we have more than what is already approved? One is under construction. The other hasn’t started construction but is approved, and a third is seeking approval.”
Kennedy Carillo
“So, like I said our teams are meeting. We are reviewing the new submissions. But, we are just one of the entities on NEAC, and we are looking to see how it goes. But, yes as a ministry it is of concern to us.”
