And while the Three Star Voyager was making big waves this weekend, it was electrifying over in San Vicente Village in the Toledo District. The government, in partnership with BEL, LaitUp Belize and the European Union, will be undertaking an electrification project in Jalacte and San Vicente villages - which currently don't have access to electricity. They will be installing a mini grid which will power homes, schools, health posts, and small businesses.
However, because of the 2015 CCJ Consent Order, GOB had to host consultations sessions and get the approval of the villages before starting the project. And the approval was given this past Saturday. The Minister of Rural Development was there and he explained to the villagers that, despite rumors, they respect the Consent Order and the villagers.
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
"Recently, you have been hearing some pronouncements. You've been hearing people expressing their concern that, oh, the government is not supporting the Maya people. The government is not respecting the Maya people."
"But my friends, that is totally contrary to what they are saying. Our presence here today, our presence here to work with you and you working with us signifies and solidifies the fact that the people and the government of Belize are working together."
"The government respects the Maya people. We are here to support you. You will support us so that we can bring development to your community. More than a year, we have had personnel from Light Up Belize, the European Union, BEL, Ministry of Public Utilities, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, the Ministry of Indigenous People's Affairs, and the community working together, talking about this project, explaining to you what the project is going to be about, what is your role, what is the role of the government, what is the role of the supporting agencies."
"We have had a lot of discussions to arrive at this point."
Jose Urbina, CEO, Ministry of Public Utilities
"Our government does not only look at roads, but we also know the importance that electricity has in rural communities. As an agricultural community that Jalacte is, today is the start of harvesting the solar resources that Jalacte has and the country has for the benefit of the people in producing electricity for everyone."
"There are 25 villages in rural areas that does not have electricity in Belize, and today, Jalacte begins the journey of electrification."
