PM Briceño Mediates Tensions Over Chiquibul Operations  

Prime Minister John Briceño is stepping in to calm tensions between conservation stakeholders amid growing concerns over operations in the Chiquibul Forest Reserves. At the center of the controversy are claims of poor coordination and potential environmental risks involving Bulridge Ltd. and Friends for Conservation and Development, prompting public exchanges and heightened scrutiny online. FCD says it has long conducted research to protect Scarlet Macaws, but claims Bulridge Limited has recently blocked access to critical habitat needed for its studies and conservation efforts. However, Prime Minister Briceño says he has been directly involved in discussions between both sides and insists the issue is not one of obstruction, but coordination and safety.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I’ve been involved in the discussions between both sides. And the last meeting that we had, I think it was probably around July or August this year what we agreed to is that both of them were manning the entrance to the reserve when really it’s Bulridge. They’re the ones that are responsible for the reserve. And they’re in charge of the Chiquibul – one is Mountain Pine Ridge and one is Chuiquibul. And so we’ve been working along with Bulridge, Forestry Department and FCD. We’re finding a new area. I think they have already addressed it that with the BDF, because I think it’s gonna be close to the Guatemala bridge so in that area where you’re gonna be putting their new headquarters. On the issue of the Scarlet Macaw, the studies, I’m told that Bulridge is also doing studies and they would also want to be out there. Both of them have been doing the studies. I imagine the only reason is not necessarily about no objections, but simply that Bulridge needs to be advised of any activity that’s happening in the area. Because remember they’re moving big trucks with lots of logs and we want to ensure that nobody gets hurt during that time, so I think it’s more for coordination more than anything else.”