Minister of Sustainable Development Not Clear on NEAC’s Decision to Turn Down Port Project
An official correspondence between the Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, regarding a recent decision taken by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee, NEAC, is yet to be delivered. It has been published elsewhere that NEAC did not give its stamp of approval for the Port of Belize Expansion Project which would include the construction of a cruise terminal at its existing facility. Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet was asked earlier today about NEAC’s decision to turn down the project. He told us during an appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning that he has not been fully briefed on the rationale behind that decision.
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
“To be truthful, I haven’t been completely apprised of the entire results of the NEAC concluded meeting. I can’t really comment much. What you have heard is what I have heard, maybe saying no, but I have no details as yet. And for me to be able to comment and give more details, I would also have to await that letter that comes from the Department of the Environment to the developer because that would be the official letter going forward.”
Isani Cayetano
“Okay, but your Chief Executive Officer sits as the chair of NEAC, correct?”
Orlando Habet
“Yes”
Isani Cayetano
“Hasn’t he had any conversation with you, even in an informal capacity to let you understand or let you know where they are regarding this issue?”
Orlando Habet
“Yes, certainly. But we wouldn’t be able to, I wouldn’t want to release information that’s just coming as a, from a conversation. I would prefer to wait until that letter is produced because he will sign that letter from the Department of the Environment. Remember that we are dealing with companies who, in a way have done some investments who have some expectations and nowadays everything is litigation. So you have to be careful with what you say.”
