Caye Caulker Residents Object to Putting Fuel Depot Near in Their Area

Several residents and business owners in Caye Caulker are raising alarms over a proposed fuel depot in their neighborhood. The news that a company plans to build a fuel depot in a residential area has sparked significant concern. Today, Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, told News Five that the company must meet a series of requirements before construction can begin. She emphasized that the process is transparent, and the company must present all necessary documentation and plans. On Monday, they submitted their dangerous goods license. Residents have voiced their worries about the project, which involves a petroleum station and bulk fuel storage facility in their community. Many have written letters expressing their concerns, highlighting the potential risks and impact on their neighborhood. Angie McLean wrote: “I own lot nine, five, six facing this proposed gas station. I am writing simply to ask what my legal rights are to protect my lifelong savings which I invested into building in Caye Caulker? I’ve been told I could be sued for my involvement for requesting assistance to protect my rights. In fact, the gas station property lines are extremely close to my four balconies and two front doors as the street is very narrow as our properties are very close to the tip of the split.”. Steve Hyams wrote: “I and my neighbours are in contact with each other regarding this and we are very concerned that there maybe 1000s of gallons of fuel stored and in use in what is primarily a residential area. None of us have been approached for our views on such a potentially hazardous project in the midst of our homes. Currently on Caye Caulker Northside we do not have any fire station nor fire tenders or trucks”. Today, Chairlady Villanueva-Pott explained that the company must go through the entire process.

 

On the Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson, Caye Caulker

“What we’ve asked them to do is to gather no objection letters from the neighborhood, so what we will do is after this is make a holistic decision. So it’s not something that we’re rushing into.”

 

Marion Ali

”Okay, some of the neighbors or residents in the area have brought up the concern that having a fuel depot or station near their premises actually takes away their rights to insurance because of the hazard that it poses.”

 

Via Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott

“ Well, that’s why they have to get a Dangerous Goods License and there’s some specifications in that. If they wanted, that might be something they might have to take up with Dangerous Goods too, not only with the Council, but we’re looking at it. A decision hasn’t been made. The company needed a “No-Objection” letter to present to Natural Resources and we have not given them as yet. It’s still an ongoing process. They are still gathering and sending us the information that we’ve requested.”