Blue Economy Minister Sets Record Straight on Skimmers

Tonight, the Minister of Blue Economy is brushing aside concerns about Belize’s sargassum skimmers, saying the vessels aren’t abandoned at all, they’re simply in the shop. Andre Perez says both skimmers have been undergoing routine maintenance for the past two weeks and should be back on the water by next week, with even more equipment on the way to boost cleanup efforts.

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy

“Someone sent me the story this morning. But that is not true. The skimmers are being serviced at this point in time. For the past two weeks they are getting ready and within the next couple of weeks they will be up and running.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So, they are in shape to do the work they need to do.”

 

Andre Perez

“Yes, these are vessels that are on the water at all times. So showing images of it looking rusty are just colors. But the servicing is occurring and it is working . and I am sure you guys can follow it up. By the next week it is up and running to complete the other machinery that is coming. That is important, those vessels alone cannot do the work by themselves. So, other machinery will be coming online to service.”

 

Perez says the skimmers will be back at work soon, with more equipment on the way to boost Belize’s sargassum response.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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