NEAC’s Decision on Port Expansion Project is Yet to be Formalized

Mum’s the word at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, in the wake of a decision taken by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee on Thursday.  Following a final round of public consultations earlier this month regarding the construction of a cruise terminal as part of the Port of Belize Expansion Project, NEAC convened a meeting to decide whether or not the project will be given the green light.  Notwithstanding information that has been published elsewhere in the media, News Five reached out to Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet for a comment earlier today.  He said that he cannot comment on the matter just yet, as he has not received a copy of the official D.O.E. report.  He told News Five that his subsequent response will be based on a letter to the developer.  As we mentioned, a second round of public consultations was held on November eleventh.  At that meeting, Environmental Officer Kenrick Gordon explained what happens should the developer not be granted environmental clearance.

Kenrick Gordon

Kenrick Gordon, Environmental Officer, Department of the Environment

“If they do not get environmental clearance, the project cannot proceed.  This is one of the criteria for them to proceed.  I’m not sure, I don‘t know what‘s the schedule in terms of when do they want to start construct.  I can‘t recall it, right, but definitely they don‘t have environmental clearance, so that is one of the criteria as recommended or that they need to meet.  Hence the reason why we are here today trying to get environmental clearance.”