Silver Palms Development Threatens Fragile Marine Habitat, Critics Say

It’s one of the biggest developments proposed for San Pedro, and it’s stirring up serious controversy. The Silver Palms mega project, approved late last year, is set to rise in one of Belize’s most environmentally sensitive zones. But it was fast-tracked through a Limited Level Environmental Study, skipping public consultation entirely. Now, the Opposition is demanding answers. Why wasn’t a full Environmental Impact Assessment done? Why were key NGOs left out? And why were objections from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy ignored? Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, is speaking plainly and directly. Perez, also the Minister of Blue Economy, says the community wasn’t consulted, the project isn’t worth the investment, and the area which is rich in marine life and vital for flyfishing is simply too fragile to risk.

 

Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“San Pedro is a place that, we have to be careful. I know that there is some development that is happening that is very controversial, about some land up north. I think that somebody there has lands, over two hundred and odd acres they want to develop, and I do know that the environmentalists have seen it. Hol Chan Marine Reserve has seen it. The community has seen it.

 

Isani Cayetano

“We’re talking about Silver Palms, right?”

 

Andre Perez

“Yes. And I have to say clearly that we’re not in support of it, clearly. The community is not supporting it and it’s not worth it. I’ve been there; it’s not worth the investment. And I think I want to go further, that if there is anybody there who is interested in buying that property, I’d be shooting it down instantly. Go somewhere else and buy because you will not be getting your money’s worth because it’s not worth it. That area there is very sensitive to fish spawning, you know, there’s a lot of fish out there and it’s very sensitive to flyfishing. So, I’m not supporting it. I do not know what went through, what DOE did to approve it, but certainly we were not consulted, that’s the most important thing. We were not consulted and, of course, I have to stand with my people and for this country. We cannot allow that to happen.”