DOE Says Developer Had No Permit to Build Jetty in Corozal Bay

While the residents of the community are concerned about the project that they believe will cause significant environmental damage to the sea and marine life in their residential community, they are probably right. The Chief Environmental Officer at the Department of the Environment, Anthony Mai told News Five that they have given the owner no permission to build the jetty, which sits in the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Mai says the department had issued a stop order on the project and that order was violated.

On the phone: Anthony Mai

On the phone: Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer

“The Department of Environment is aware of the construction of the jetty the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. In fact, we had received an application for the construction of the jetty. The owner of the jetty started the jetty, in terms of construction a few months ago, and so, a cessation order was issued for the activities to stop in terms of the construction. So we were in communication with the owner of the property on the jetty and we were looking towards settling violation. And then we informed the owner that he would have had to go through a process before the DOE considers whether to grant clearance for the jetty or not. It is unfortunate that during the discussion in terms of settling the matter, the owner went ahead and continued with the construction. So, there has been no permit from the Department of Environment that allowed the construction of the jetty.”

Marion Ali

“What would have to be done now? Obviously, the work has already begun and it extends into the sea.”

Voice of: Anthony Mai

“Yes, so currently, the activity is a violation under the environmental laws, and so the owner will be held responsible for that violation.”