Perez: Protect Caye Caulker’s Charm

The government last Thursday imposed a six-month moratorium on the approval and construction of buildings exceeding 45 feet in height or more than three floors in four coastal communities.

Area representative for Belize Rural South Andre Perez, speaking on the issue, said the restrictions reflect a broader push that also includes a freeze on dock construction.

He pointed to Caye Caulker as a community particularly at risk. “Caye Caulker is very special in terms of the quaintness we want to maintain,” Perez said. “We don’t want to make overdevelopment take over that place and have high-rise buildings overtaking and then we compromise the charm of the town.”

Perez added that similar planning measures are being considered for San Pedro. “By extension, right now we’re working in the San Pedro plan as well to say enough is enough,” he said.

Cabinet approved the temporary freeze covering Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, the Placencia Peninsula, and Sittee River Village. The pause will remain in place while the government conducts public consultations and technical assessments on the impact of high‑density and vertical development in those areas.