BELIZE CITY – Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler has issued a compelling appeal to Southside Belize City residents to retain their property holdings, revealing that transformative economic development centered around the Port of Belize is poised to commence imminently.
Speaking at a land distribution ceremony in Port Loyola on February 18, 2026, Minister Mahler confirmed that the government has advanced to critical negotiations with substantial international investors regarding the port’s modernization. The ambitious initiative, projected to require investment exceeding hundreds of millions of Belize dollars, represents one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in recent national history.
Minister Mahler emphasized the strategic importance of land ownership as foundational wealth creation, drawing parallels between property ownership and economic empowerment. “Those who have accumulated substantial wealth predominantly possess extensive land holdings,” Mahler stated. “This provides them with leverage capacity for financial institutions and attracts complementary business investments to their properties.”
The government’s parallel initiative to distribute house lots to approximately 100,000 Belizeans forms part of this comprehensive national development strategy. Mahler characterized these combined efforts as transformative for both Belize City and the broader region, potentially reshaping the economic landscape for generations.
Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) are currently underway, indicating the project’s advanced planning stage. While specific timelines remain undisclosed, Minister Mahler confirmed that construction activities are expected to commence in the near term, marking a new chapter in Belize’s economic development narrative.