Who holds the title to the proposed site of the Puerto Azul development?

On Saturday, the media was taken on a tour of the proposed site of the Puerto Azul Development. While the images offered a clear view of the pristine state of the eastern most point of the country, on the ground, there were obvious signs of debris along the shore. It is oceanic debris says Audubon’s Amanda Burgos, who confirmed that it has been a perennial problem for the area. But who is responsible to clean Northern Caye and Sandbore. News Five has confirmed that the islands have been privately owned by a US Group for years.

Amanda Burgos, Executive Director, Belize Audubon Society

“That atoll and it is a problem throughout Belize that I don’t think many people have highlighted. Marine debris is a huge issue. If you consider geographically where that atoll is located, it is the furthest east that you can get. It’s a constant battle; it’s oceanic debris and so for instance, at Halfmoon, we maintain the island, it is difficult; it is a constant battle raking it and keeping it clean. I think OCEANA went out there and helped us with a little clean up as well. But it is a constant. The thing is that out at the Lighthouse Reef, it is the landowner who then is tasked. Because of this entire project, I have no idea. There used to be a caretaker on island, but I have no knowledge as to who specifically would be taking care of it. but it is a constant issue especially in that area because of the marine; it is the first piece of land that will catch that debris.”

Reporter

Amanda Burgos

“Who owns that piece of land?”

Amanda Burgos

“I have, like I said, for Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Sandbore Caye there was one owner; there was a group called the Lighthouse Group – it was an American ownership, but I don’t know if it has transferred title.”