Heredia on the Status of Puerto Azul

Manuel Heredia

What is the fate of the controversial Puerto Azul development project?  It’s a question that’s difficult even for Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia to answer directly.  That is because there hasn’t been much by way of communication between the investors and the ministry.  Despite the ongoing process of environmental clearances, Heredia says there isn’t much to report on other than the sluggish pace at which the project is progressing.  The multimillion dollar tourism development project on Northern Two Cayes was billed as arguably the single largest tourism investment in the country. It involves massive infrastructure development such as an airport, but the project has had to be scaled down because of environmental concerns.  The Minister of Tourism, who went to Cannes when the project was unveiled, says there is little information to go by.

Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism

“I believe that Puerto Azul, at this point, they are in….I wouldn’t say completely out of the picture, but I know that they continue with their environmental studies. I don’t know how soon that will be completed, but definitely it is almost on a standstill at this point.”

Reporter

“But any idea why it is taking so long? Is it a money issue…”

Manuel Heredia

“Well for months I have been able to speak directly with the investors or promoters of this project, so there is very little more that I can say on that.”