A significant environmental and political dispute has emerged in Belize’s coastal regions, pitting government officials against local communities over dredging operations and resource management. The controversy centers on Ambergris Caye, where UDP caretaker Gabriel Zetina has raised serious concerns about active dredging sites reshaping marine ecosystems and threatening wildlife. Zetina questions whether Area Representative Andre Perez is adequately monitoring these operations to protect the island’s vital industries.
Perez, who also serves as Minister of Blue Economy, defended the dredging projects, stating they operate with proper licenses and collaboration with town councils. He emphasized that the work occurs on privately owned lands and addresses navigation challenges in shallow waters that previously hampered vessel movement, particularly water taxis. According to Perez, these operations are legitimate and nearing completion, ultimately benefiting marine transportation.
The debate intensifies as Belize faces simultaneous environmental challenges, including the early arrival of sargassum seaweed along its coastline. The Ministry of Blue Economy is deploying barriers, equipment, and developing long-term strategies to manage the invasive biomass, including exploring conversion of sargassum and trash into energy sources.
Meanwhile, on Caye Caulker, local authorities have firmly rejected Perez’s proposal to exchange white marl from Ambergris Caye for their sand reserves. The Caye Caulker Village Council declared the island’s sand a protected natural asset, citing concerns about environmental damage to traditional fishing grounds and questioning the practicality of marl-based road solutions given weather-related deterioration issues. Council leaders emphasize that no agreement was reached despite discussions with Perez and demand respect for their decision to prioritize community resources and environmental protection.