Turneffe Atoll Development Sparks Environmental Concerns

A proposed private development on the Turneffe Atoll has raised concerns among environmentalists. The issue centers on the Earlene Dixon project to construct a vacation home along the northeastern coast of the atoll. The Department of the Environment (DOE) had initially scheduled a public meeting for July 18. However, several environmentalists criticized the short notice for reviewing the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Yesterday, the DOE responded to the concerns and announced that the public hearing would be moved to July 24. This week, our newsroom asked Minister of the Blue Economy Andre Perez about the concerns being raised.

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy: “I did read about it, yes I did.”

Reporter: What’s your thought on it and do you believe they may be jumping the gun at this point ? 

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy: “Yeah I think I believe I don’t want to preempt or say anything bout it but I do know that as it relapse to development there is due process of course that you have to follow through so I don’t where they are and how they stand and everything so I wouldn’t be able to comment on it.”

Reporter: You’ll be reaching out to them though ? 

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy: “I will be of course as it relates to the Fisheries Department and other different coastal zone management and everything of course we are part of it so I will be just inquiring. It’s my duty and obligation to do so but at this point in time I cannot comment on it.”

DOE cited that the decision was made after considering the national preparation for a high state of readiness related to Hurricane Beryl, and the request made by key stakeholders, the Department.