In Belize, a proposed $200 million USD development project by Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd. sparked controversy and ignited community opposition due to a lack of transparency, consultation with the affected communities, and sheds lights on weaknesses of Belize’s environmental laws. The project, which encompasses a Port of Belize Cargo Expansion, Cruise Terminal, and Cruise Terminal development in the Port Loyola community, has raised concerns about its potential environmental impact, disruption of local livelihoods, and overall lack of community engagement.
At the heart of the controversy lies the issue of community exclusion. Residents of Port Loyola and surrounding areas have expressed frustration over their lack of involvement in the development process. They allege that the company failed to adequately inform them about the project and did not seek their input on its potential impacts.
The community’s concerns are not unfounded. The proposed development could have significant environmental implications, potentially affecting the delicate marine ecosystem in the area and increasing pollution levels. Additionally, the project could negatively impact local livelihoods, in a community where stevedoring, the art of loading and unloading container ships, is the community’s economic backbone, and the Port of Belize Limited is its primary source of income. The income of 1 in 5 families here has been based on stevedoring for 2 generations. Any new development at the port would directly impact the livelihood of these families.
In addition to the concerns raised by the community, the project also raises concerns about Belize’s environmental laws. Belize’s environmental laws do not enshrine the free and informed consent of Belizeans in developments that impact their living environments. This means that the community does not have the right to veto the project, though they should have a meaningful say in its design and implementation.
Yet, when Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd submitted a $200 million USD proposal for a Port of Belize Cargo Expansion, Cruise Terminal, and Cruise Terminal development, the input of the residents was treated as an afterthought. The company did not meaningfully engage with the community until the outcry could not be ignored.
The Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd. project serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community engagement, environmental considerations, and the rule of law in development planning. Neglecting to involve affected communities, disregarding environmental concerns, and failing to uphold the law can lead to resentment, distrust, and ultimately, hinder the success of even the most well-intentioned projects.
As the debate over the Belize port development project continues, it is crucial that the Belizean government prioritize community engagement, transparency, adherence to environmental laws, and the rule of law, in this and all ‘development’ projects. By listening to the concerns of affected communities, incorporating their feedback, and complying with environmental laws, they can work towards a development project that benefits both the investors and the communities they seeks to impact.
