And in other news, we've been reporting extensively on the developments of Vulcan Materials Company and its interest in White Ridge, an area near Gales Point Manatee. You've heard the residents declare that they are vehemently against the company coming in and effectively destroying their natural environment - which has remained pristine over the years.
You've also heard the Minister of Natural Resources say that there's no way Vulcan will be getting permission from the government to mine in that area, even if they go ahead with the purchasing of the land.
Well, today we asked the prime minister for his take on it. While he wasn't as definitive as Minister Hyde, he did say he doesn't think the Cabinet will approve the permits.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, it's a it's a basic right. Anybody can can come and buy land once the owner is prepared to to sell, now whether they would get the necessary approvals, that's another matter. I think the the Minister of Natural Resources have been very clear on his position and I'm certain that should that ever come up- the area representative, Minister of Human Development, Honorable Balderamos, have also said that it's not something that the voters do not support. And certainly myself, as a former Minister of Environment, I would not, I don't think it's something I would take lightly or kindly to see that this beautiful mountain just just be destroyed. But we cannot stop any company that wants to come and invest in Belize. We need to hear them out. You know, we can't just say well don't come, we want them to come. But they have to follow our laws and especially our environmental laws because we are known as an eco friendly country. And as such, we're going to do everything possible to protect that reputation that we have worldwide."
Courtney Menzies:
"So while in the minister's mind, he might say outright, no, you're saying let's talk to them, let's hear them out first before we just go to no."
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"No, I don't know where you get that. I never said I never said no such thing. I never said no such thing. What I said is that it has not come to the Cabinet. At the end of the day, it will have to come to cabinet. They would have to make certain applications. He has said that he would not support it. I am saying that I will support the protection of the environment. The area representative had said that she would not support it, but I can't give a definitive answer, because it has not come to committee. I believe that the Cabinet will not support it, but until that time comes, then we could get a definitive answer."
Later on in the interview, the Prime Minister said, quote, "I do not support…but if someone wants to come in and explore an investment opportunity in the country, they have that right."
