Port Expansion: Landy Habet Says All Factors are Considered by NEAC

Orlando Habet

According to Habet, the process of approval entails various steps, including a look at the socioeconomic impact of the project.  He says that while expansion of the cargo port is necessary, other factors are also considered.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“Certainly developer that sets in and makes a request or submits a proposal and if they are informed that the size of the project or the expanse of the project or the location of the project requires an EIA, and then that goes through the process and it is an extensive process, an extensive review, consultations and everything else.  So all aspects have to be considered, but remember that our ministry is the Ministry of Sustainable Development also, where sustainable development, meaning that it will have to make certain that all aspects of the environment are certainly looked at.  The social aspect is also looked at and the economic aspect is also looked at.  So certainly they have to do a proper vision, look at pros and cons, different areas, short term, medium term, long term benefits and stuff like that and so I think that when they come up with a final decision they have to make certain that all those areas are looked at before they come up with a final decision on whether they accept or reject a project.  But Belize certainly needs to look at certain investments that are beneficial to our country.  I know that the port and, well at least the cruise ports that have been approved and those that are still awaiting a decision are certainly important.  In this project, I know that submissions were also made in regards to the expansion of the cargo port which is something that is certainly needed for Belize.  So all those aspects have to be considered when they make a decision.”