The proposed new airport in North Ambergris Caye has sparked widespread discussion and strong objections on social media. Residents have raised concerns about the island’s readiness for a project of this scale, the infrastructure needed to support it, and whether other pressing community needs should take priority.
Questions about the future of the existing John Greif II Airport in downtown San Pedro have added to the debate. In the press release below, Mayor Wally Nunez addresses these concerns and what he describes as misinformation surrounding the proposed airport and the possible closure of the current facility.
The Proposed New Airport
Release from San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez – “There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the proposed new airport for Ambergris Caye, particularly claims that our existing airport has already been sold. That is simply NOT true!! The existing airport has NOT been sold!! And at this early stage of planning, any discussion about its potential sale would be premature. There are still extensive studies, consultations and decisions that must take place before a proposed new airport could even move toward implementation. I want to clarify my position and, more importantly, explain the bigger picture.
WE ARE PLANNING FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS
San Pedro is facing development problems that are decades in the making. Uncontrolled growth, inadequate infrastructure, land clearing, drainage problems and increasing demands for basic services did not happen overnight.
For too long, development has moved faster than our ability to properly plan and manage it. We are now dealing with the consequences. That is why we took the important step of developing the Ambergris Caye Sustainable Development Plan, a roadmap for the next 25 years of our island’s growth.
Unlike previous planning efforts, we are also working to establish the rules and municipal systems needed to actually implement this plan. We want a plan that guides development, not another document sitting on a shelf.
THE AIRPORT IS JUST ONE PART OF A MUCH BIGGER PLAN
The development plan outlines 29 proposed projects covering neighborhood improvements, housing, roads, water and sewerage, garbage management, schools, health facilities, parks, beaches, mangroves and economic opportunities.
The proposed new airport is just ONE of these projects. The plan also considers improvements to our existing cargo port, a possible northern cargo port and better organization of our docks and shoreline infrastructure.
And all these things are connected!!
We cannot expand housing without providing utilities. We cannot build drainage systems while destroying the mangroves and wetlands that naturally help manage flooding. And we cannot continue expanding tourism without improving the quality of life for the people who live and work here.
These are mistakes that have contributed to the challenges we face today. We must do things differently.
WHAT ARE WE ALREADY DOING?
We are already working on important parts of this plan, including the municipal framework needed to make our development and zoning plans enforceable.
This includes better land-use regulations, urban development standards, neighborhood improvements, protection and recovery of our natural resources, and planning for future public facilities and infrastructure.
Some projects are already moving forward, while others will take years of additional planning, financing and consultation.
The objective is to ensure that development is properly managed, that our natural resources are protected and that future generations inherit a better San Pedro.
SO WHAT ABOUT THE NEW AIRPORT?
The proposal did not come out of nowhere. The development planning process considered the existing airport’s capacity, future tourism growth, transportation needs and experiences from other destinations. The existing airlines were also included in the discussions.
But identifying a possible future need does NOT mean that a final decision has been made!!
Major investments such as a new airport require extensive feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, consultations with stakeholders, financing arrangements and the necessary approvals.
The IDB has supported the planning process and is financing several components of the broader development effort. However, this does NOT mean that all 29 projects have been financed or approved for construction.
There is still a great deal of work to be done, and the interests of our residents, businesses and existing service providers must remain central to these discussions.
LET’S LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
Our island cannot continue growing without a clear direction. We are already paying the price for decades of development without adequate planning, and we have a responsibility to address those problems while preparing for the future.
We are looking beyond the next election and planning for the next 25 years. That means making decisions based on what is best for the long-term wellbeing of our communities, our economy and our environment.
Let’s not allow speculation and misinformation to overshadow an important conversation about the future of our island.
There is much more work ahead, and everyone has a role to play. Let’s become informed, ask questions and participate in shaping the future of San Pedro.
Our Island, Our Home.” – End of Release.
