AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Proposed development on mangrove property across Lagoon

Raises concerns

A large extension of what appears to be mangroves and swampland located on the leeward side of San Pedro Town, across from the San Pedro Lagoon, has become the location for a real estate development. The area formerly known as Peanut Caye is being marketed as a 30-acre private island called 'Cayo Grande Island S.A' and is listed on the website of AgroNosotros, a Panama based company that mainly operates coffee and chocolate businesses. According to AgroNosotros, they are now venturing into real estate after joining forces with island realtor John Turley. Once the proposed development is complete, it will be known as 'New San Pedro' and eventually merge with the downtown area.

AgroNosotros, who operates the Peini Cacao Plantation in Toledo District Southern Belize, says that after having successfully operated in the country for the past three years, they have now decided to venture into real estate. The intent on Ambergris Caye is to 'acquire' the mangrove island and have it developed by a third party. According to them, Cayo Grande Island S.A will obtain all necessary permits and all legal and regulatory requirements before it is sold and developed by a potential buyer. According to information about the project, it involves 'US$4.8 million in financing via US$100,000 increments. The project is expected to deliver a proforma 116% return over 36 months and an annualized return of 38%.'

The fact that the proposed project is a mangrove island without stable land has raised concerns among islanders. The mangrove in this location is not only a key habitat for juvenile fish but home to wide array wildlife and birds. It is also considered a barrier that protects the leeward side of the island from inclement weather and even hurricanes.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Probably the same group that has already destroyed 100's of acers of pristine mangrove. Reef is deteriorating due to silt runoff, mangrove/sea grass is the sea wall and the filtration system. The effects will be exaggerated with the next hurricane. Man made sea walls don't hold up very well when the sea surges, lots of valuable properties will be washed away. GOB and so called developers either have selective memory, or they really don't give a ....t.

Returns like that tell you it's wrong.