A contentious dispute has emerged in San Pedro, Belize, regarding the recently inaugurated Artisan Market, pitting political figures against each other in a debate over tourism infrastructure planning and local livelihoods.
Gabriel Zetina, UDP Caretaker for Belize Rural South, has launched sharp criticism against the market’s new location, asserting that the facility remains largely vacant just two weeks after its grand opening. Zetina contends that the government relocated the market to an area that receives minimal tourist traffic, fundamentally undermining the economic viability of the artisans who depend on visitor spending.
According to Zetina, local artisans invested years establishing their reputation and customer base at their previous location. “There is no incentive for tourists to come here at the back,” Zetina stated, characterizing government assurances as “propaganda and messaging.” He emphasized that beyond having an aesthetically pleasing building, the critical issues of rental costs, marketing strategy, and actual foot traffic determine whether artisans can sustain their businesses and support their families.
In response, Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler defended the relocation as part of broader infrastructure improvements necessary for San Pedro’s development as a premier destination. Mahler acknowledged that development might cause temporary inconvenience but argued that San Pedro cannot maintain its status as Belize’s tourism mecca while tolerating “eyesores around the town.”
The Minister revealed that phase one of the project includes dock facilities to improve water access to the area. He emphasized the deteriorating condition of the previous location and the necessity of major investments to elevate the island’s infrastructure to world-class standards, particularly given its proximity to a World Heritage site reef.
The clash highlights the tension between immediate economic concerns of local artisans and long-term tourism development strategies, with both parties presenting contrasting visions for San Pedro’s economic future.