Protest in Seine Bight as Gas Station Construction Continues

Some villagers in the Seine Bight community were up in arms this morning, showing up in front of a construction site where a gas station is being built. Villagers have been protesting the project since late August, but last week the Department of Environment confirmed that the developer has been given the go ahead. Those who stand in opposition to the project say their objection is not to the gas station itself but the location they say holds spiritual significance for the Garifuna people in the community. Well, today the developer reportedly trucked several fuel tanks to the site for installation. This caused a stir, and one villager went live with her frustration.

Voice of: Macaria Arzu, Concerned Resident

“This is currently happening right now. This is what is happening right now. This is happening as you can see. I am live. I have my rights to walk on the government street, so I will walk on the government street. Good morning world, presently happening in the beautiful village of Seine Bight. Supported by the Belize Police Force, with gun and ammunition, as though we are a criminal because we stand up for my rights, and I will stand.  This is not about Macaria, this is about Seine Bight. We do not say no to development. But, we say we do not want the gas station in that location. Those are the two police vehicle that is here for the criminals, because we are defending ourselves. Wake up Seine Bight people.”

As we reported last week, Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria, says the developer has satisfied the requirements of the DOE for the construction of a gas station.