On August 14, 2026, a cross-stakeholder gathering convened in Caye Caulker to address mounting uncertainty surrounding public access, potential user fees, and regulatory control of The Split — the island’s most visited and culturally significant landmark. The meeting was triggered by growing anxiety among local ferry operators, who had received unconfirmed reports that new access fees would soon be imposed for areas surrounding the popular attraction.
By the conclusion of the discussions, the Caye Caulker Village Council issued a definitive reassurance to residents and visitors alike: longstanding public access to The Split will remain unchanged. Officials reconfirmed that all core public assets surrounding the landmark, including the public right-of-way street, the 66-foot public reserve, and all other formally designated public areas, will stay fully open and free for general use.
While ongoing conversations will continue focused on streamlining and organizing ferry operations in the high-traffic area around The Split, village leadership emphasized that ferry services will operate without interruption in the immediate term. Leaders also outlined a commitment to reaching a balanced, collaborative final agreement that preserves the public’s traditional open access to the landmark, while also supporting the needs of local businesses and maintaining reliable island transportation connections for both residents and the tourism industry that underpins Caye Caulker’s economy.
This report is a transcribed version of an evening television newscast, with Kriol-language statements transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accessibility.