UDP CLARIFIES ECP APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED STAKE BANK CAUSEWAY COMPONENT

Belizeans are growing increasingly concerned about the possible development of three major Port Projects within a very small geographic area along the Belizean coast. The potential for serious and irreversible environmental impacts is real and we urge this Administration to value the Belizean environment as we question both the economic and environmental sustainability of these mega projects. We hereby state, for the record, that the only port -related project which received environmental clearance under the previous UDP Administration of 2015-2020 is reflected in the Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) of 2017 which limits development to only Stake Bank Caye itself consisting of 16.085 acres of land. It was clear in a letter dated August 16th, 2017, to the Developers of Stake Bank that the project shall not include the development of the causeway. The ECP of 2017 did NOT provide clearance for the construction of the causeway.

The United Democratic Party is seriously concerned about allegations made by the current Minister of Sustainable Development, Hon. Orlando Habet, suggesting that the two causeways associated with Stake Bank/Port Coral Cruise Project were granted environmental clearance in 2019. The UDP Cabinet had taken a firm position that any potential approval of these causeways would only be considered after the revision and update of the EIA which would include a robust round of public consultations on this specific component. This was also the position of the Cabinet Sub Committee of Investments which included the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry with responsibility for the Environment. If there exists a signed ECP of 2019 for the construction of these two causeways, it had neither the knowledge nor the input of the Ministry responsible for Environment and would have been executed against the recommendation of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Investment, the Ministry of Environment, and the clear directives of the then Cabinet.

It is shocking that the Minister of Sustainable Development has confirmed the existence of this 2019 ECP but yet has admitted to not seeing it. We demand that any such document be made available immediately and without hesitation to the Belizean public. If in fact such a document exists, we demand its immediate revocation since it was executed without following due process. Revision of any expired ECP, for such major projects with huge environmental risks, should entail a revision of the associated EIA and robust public consultations, a position that was held under the previous UDP Administration.

Belize is a very small country. We are blessed with abundant natural resources but we must always remain cognizant that these natural systems are fragile with potential for irreparable damage. Sustainable Development demands we protect these natural systems at any and all costs.