Caye Caulker Residents Object to Gas Station and Fuel Depot

Residents on the north side of Caye Caulker are up in arms over a proposed petroleum station and bulk fuel storage facility in their neighborhood. Earlier today, several property owners voiced strong objections, arguing that the facility would harm the small village, impacting their properties, personal and tourist safety, the fragile ecosystem, and their ability to get property and structure insurance within three hundred feet of the site. Peggy McDonald, a property owner, expressed her concerns about the proposed development by Petrol Alliance Group Holding Company. She stated, “A neighbor’s choice of business should never make the homes on the adjoining properties unable to be insured against disaster or infringe on their rights to enjoyment of their property. The adjoining neighbors will no longer have the full enjoyment of their property. There will be toxic fumes coming into our yards and homes. We will no longer be able to safely swim behind our properties because of pollution and increased boat traffic. This service station will also increase the traffic on the street in front of our properties, on what is already a very busy street for not only vehicles but also foot traffic, leading to the potential for accidents and noise”. The residents are clearly worried about the potential negative impacts on their community and are calling for a reconsideration of the project. News Five attempted to reach out to Caye Caulker Village Chairperson Seleny Villanueva-Pott, but our attempts were fruitless.