San Benito Poite Signs Consent Agreement for Electrification Project
A consent agreement was signed on Saturday between the Village of San Benito Poite and the Government of Belize granting approval for the start of a mini-grid electrification project to be undertaken by Belize Electricity Limited. In 2022, the European Union signed an agreement with B.E.L. for a grant of eleven million Belize dollars to fund a rural electrification project for five remote villages in Belize. San Benito Poite is the first of three villages in the Toledo District to sign the consent agreement.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Development
“Today is a very historic day and a very important day because San Benito Poite today formally signs the agreement to initiate the process of having electricity for the beautiful village of San Benito Poite. And I want to stress what various speakers said before me, electricity is important because it sets the foundation for sustainable development for San Benito Poite and the rest of Belize. No matter how far you are, no matter how far you are, but you are not forgotten. Even though I am in Belmopan, that’s where I am, and you don’t see me often, but I have you in mind. San Benito Poite is important, the people are important, and like what other speakers said, what is good for Belize City or Corozal or Cayo is also good for San Benito Poite and that is why we are working hard to ensure that we deliver electricity and development for the people of San Benito Poite.”
Jose Urbina
Jose Urbina, C.E.O., Ministry of Public Utilities & Energy
“I also welcome the kids because to me, they are the most important stakeholder when we speak about electrifying communities deep in the rural areas of Belize. Highlights San Benito Poite for several reasons, the solution we bring is one for rural communities and San Benito Poite fits that category excellently.”
Deshawn Garbutt
Deshawn Garbutt, Belize Electricity Ltd.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collaborative effort towards sustainable development. Belize Electricity Ltd. is honored to be a part of this historic moment today which marks the signing of the consent agreement between the Government of Belize and the Village of San Benito Poite. This signifies more than just a partnership, it symbolizes the shared vision of sustainable energy solutions.”
