For the past few days, the government has been celebrating its retirement of the super bond and replacing it with the cheaper Blue Bond.
Well, the Belize Network of NGOs joined in that congratulation but also urges caution. A release "calls on the GOB to publicly affirm that the Blue Bonds Initiative will not weaken any existing policy victories that safeguard our marine resources, thereby protecting the tens of thousands of Belizeans who depend on these marine resources daily.
As a case in point, the BNN expresses its grave concern that there are currently three cruise port developments on the table - one that is already under construction, another that has received environmental clearance, and a third that is undergoing the EIA consultation process. If all of these cruise port developments are allowed to advance, Belize would be hosting five cruise ports along with three cargo ports. The established scientific research indicates that cruise ships generate millions of gallons of toxic waste and burn significant amounts of heavy diesel. We reiterate our position that the port developments need to be looked at holistically. The Blue Bonds Initiative aims to relieve some of Belize's crushing debt burden and to support important marine conservation commitments. In line with such commitments, we urge the GOB to determine which one of these three ports will be allowed on the basis of scientific research and findings, as well as sound economics." End quote.
