It's a 20-year plan that calls for major investment to drive sustainable and resilient development on Ambergris Caye - which has a history of haphazard development. Back in 2022, the Prime Minister formed a task force to conduct a comprehensive, multi-sectoral assessment aimed at improving quality of life on the island. That included plans for a new airport, upgraded transportation, water and sanitation systems, electricity, health services, housing, and community development. Today, the government officially launched the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development-partnering with the IDB-at Sunset Caribe Resort.
Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Chair of Task Force
"Recognizing its critical importance, our Prime Minister, at the onset of his administration, felt that Ambergris Caye needed to be prioritized by this government to enhance its long-term growth trajectory."
"In his view, we risk losing one of our country's most precious resources. If we keep enjoying the riches this lovely paradise has to offer without making investments in the long-term sustainable development of the island and its residents."
"It is under this premise and set of circumstances that our Prime Minister appointed a public-private sector task force in 2022 with an aim to prioritize the smart and strategic development of Ambergris Caye taking a comprehensive approach in pursuit of its mandate, the task force requested technical and financial resources from the Inter-American Development Bank to produce what we are launching here today, a strategic plan for the sustainable development of Ambergris Caye."
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy
"This strategic plan was created with San Pedro in mind from the ground up. It reflects a deep understanding of the island's unique needs, its potential, and the collective desire of its people to shape a better tomorrow."
"Whether it's expanding access to education and training, strengthening community, development, protecting our fragile ecosystems, or fostering economic resilience, this plan provides a clear and actionable path forward."
"Importantly, this plan is grounded in values that mirror our island's character, inclusivity, sustainability, equity, and opportunity. It is a call to action that invites collaboration. across every sector from government and business to civil society and our local communities whose voices helped shape these priorities."
Rocio Medina Bolivar, IDB Representative for Belize
"As one of the least leading tourist destinations the island continues to grow rapidly but with that growth comes with serious challenges that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable future. These challenges include gaps in urban services and critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, roads, as well as the increasing vulnerability of climate change and the degradation of the island's unique ecosystem."
"In response in 2022 after the pandemic the Prime Minister, the Honorable John Briceno, conveyed a task force to steer the future development of Ambergris Caye. The task force brought together key players, ministers from different areas of the government, the mayor of San Pedro and the representative of the private sector."
"And the government also invited, at the time, the IDB, the Inter-American Development Bank, to support this important initiative, and we respond that commitment, providing technical and financial resources to develop the strategic, the strategy for Ambergris Caye, one that considers the island diversity and complex challenges."
Implementation of the plan will require investments estimated at over US$300 million over the next 20 years.
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