The Coalition of environmental NGOs wrote a two page letter to the Prime Minister three weeks ago, and now they have written a four pager to the Ministry responsible for the environment.
The letter is dated September 14, 2022, the deadline for the general public to submit concerns about the mega-development. It is addressed to Dr. Kenrick Williams, the CEO of the Ministry responsible for the environment and Chair of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee.
The letter opens up by requesting clarification, with proof, on whether or not the developers attempted to appeal their first ESIA on this project, which the NEAC rejected last year.
The letter says, quote, "...There remain several unresolved questions regarding the legality of the submission of the second EIA for the Port of Belize. If due process was not followed, it would render this submission invalid." End quote.
The NGOs then go on to point out that the public consultation process fell short of meaningful consultation with Belizeans to truly hear their opinions on the proposed development. They point out that the developers were allowed to make their sales pitch to the attendees without time restrictions. In contrast, the members of the public were limited to 2 questions.
The NGOs move on to question whether or not another cruise port in Belize City is actually a an economically-prudent decision.
The letter says, quote, "...the developer does not appear to justify an expansion of the cruise tourism market nor is there any indication that there will be an increase of direct or indirect cruise revenue contributions to the national economy… this fragmentation of the market could displace jobs currently already held by Belizeans." End quote.
They also are not satisfied with the information provided on the anticipated impacts on the dredging.
On that score, the NGOs say quote, "Our review of the documents does not reveal sufficient scientific review evidence and empirical substantiations to support the level of dredging for a development to assure the public that no new contaminants will be released that could cause further deterioration of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System," End quote.
The Coalition of NGOs then close their 17-hundred-word letter by recommending that any assessment of the resubmitted ESIA be halted on until all their questions and concerns are adequately addressed.
