And from a new bridge to the same old PUDP partnership - except, environmentalists say, this partnership is threatening to do irreversible damage to the Chiquibul headwaters.
The background is that the Ceibo Chico region and other portions of the Chiquibul Forest were elevated into a National Park in 1995, primarily to secure an abundant fresh supply of water for all Belizeans.
But now, the Friends for Conservation and Development - which co-manages the park says that those headwaters are under direct threat from a Mining company - which is carving its way through the Chiquibul.
It's a story with huge environmental implications - but also some interesting political angles. Jules Vasquez reports:
posted (February 6, 2013)
Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director, FCD
"Right here we are right on the head waters of the Chiquibul River. This river, and particularly because of these mountains, it is able to provide over 45% of the people of Belize depends on this water, from right here in these mountains."
But, now, those waters are in danger. That's because - according to the Friends For Conservation and Development - which co-manages this National Park - "the headwater is under direct threat." That is, quote, "as a consequence of the development of this access road on the highest areas without any consideration to Belize's forestry and environmental regulations. The damages caused are irreversible." End quote.
That is strong language and a dire prognosis and the company that FCD is pointing the finger at is Boiton Minerals Limited. A company search shows that the Directors of record are a pair of PUDP attorneys - one of them Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Chris Coye.
But, a company document - an extract of the minutes - shows that both Emil Arguelles and Coye resigned as Directors one week after the 2020 election, replaced by new directors Miguel Perez and Simon Reardon Smith - and the authorised signatories, include another man with Ministry of Finance credentials, former Minister, Ralph Henry Fonseca.
Now, the FCD says this company's activities are putting the Chiquibl's precious headwaters at peril.
In early June, a field assessment in the southern region of the Park by personnel from the Forest Department, National Biodiversity Unit, Mining Unit, Department of the Environment and FCD sought to evaluate the operations of Boiton Minerals Company.
According to a release, "The assessment found several infractions and non- compliance with regulations…" end quote.
They point to this road and say that quote, "as the rains start, it will clog creeks with sediments and open further access to Guatemalan gold panners in the area." Also, they say that the "Ceibo Chico Creek used by the Joint Forces Unit at the Ceibo Chico Conservation Post…has also been altered. The Company was not stopped then and the damage continues to accumulate." End quote.
The release states that FCD has consistently asked for Government's intervention - but none has been forthcoming but a meeting is being held today and they, quote, "look forward to a decisive action from Government to, halt all the mining operations in the Chiquibul National Park, with immediate effect and conduct a full assessment to evaluate the overall damage and impacts caused. The Company (needs to) be held accountable for the wrongdoings." end quote.
Now, that is one side of the story - the other side is in a release we received today from the attorney for Boiton Mining Limited - Emil Arguelles - who was a Director up until November of lats year.
Their release says, quote, "BML questions what jurisdiction FCD has to dictate to GOB or licensees what they should or should not do and when. They have pre-empted the meeting that was held at 2PM with reps from BML and all the government departments listed in their press release. The meeting was fruitful and cordial and GOB committed to further facilitating the company by advising the company in writing of areas of improvement together with apparent minor infractions to remedy."
It continues, "The company denies that it has caused any irreparable damage to the forestry or any water supply and continues to work with the GOB and BDF in our mutual challenges with Guatemalan illegal panners and the wildlife scavengers. It is reprehensible that FCD chooses this method of fundraising when the Belizean company has for years expended more money than it has earned." End quote.
We'll keep following the story. We've also reached out to Minister of Natural Resources Cordel Hyde for comment.
