Where are the San Pedro Artisan Market Vendors?

San Pedro’s new artisan market launched with high hopes, but months later, it’s still empty. The project has drawn criticism over its location, with some arguing vendors prefer their old spot. But Area Representative Andre Perez says the move is strategic, insisting the market will come to life as other developments fall into place.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“Now what we’re doing is, remember we have the project coming up for the Sacatchepas. Remember we’re going to be building a place for a center of for different events. We’re talking about sports, we’re talking concerts, and eventually that’s going to be the plan to have the parking lot there and build a story upstairs. So they will have to move eventually. All right? So I wouldn’t say it’s a failure on that part. The building is there, it’s beautiful, it has a excellent view. When the time comes, they need to prepare. They know that they have to move. They will not be staying.”

 

Reporter

“Is there like a timeline or no?”

 

Andre Perez

“In terms of the timeline for the events, yes. We are scheduling for this year, but funding of course has been tight because of we have to be slowing down while it’s I don’t want to say it’s a priority it’s a need, but other needs are being placed. But certainly it’s much in line to be done. And when that done, the parking lot has to be built and they know that they will have to move.”

 

Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says San Pedro’s dock project is a wake-up call, warning that Belize must upgrade its infrastructure or risk falling behind as a top destination.

 

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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