Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño continues to support a proposed bridge connecting Ambergris Caye with Mexico, despite opposition from island stakeholders. A central concern is the potential environmental impact of a route through Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, which forms part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.
During an interview with the media on October 23rd, the prime minister reaffirmed his support for the proposed bridge, which would link the island with Mexico’s Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo. “Certainly, from my end, it is something that I think we should continue to look at,” Briceño said. “It is being discussed between the two governments, and it is not something only Belize can decide; it is both sides. We also must take into consideration the environmental concerns, because it will go through a reserve.” Despite concerns about the potential effect on the site’s World Heritage status, Briceño said he believes ways could be found to address the environmental issues.
“I still believe it is something that can be economically viable, to create opportunities, because imagine the Riviera Maya could start in San Pedro and end in Cancun, or start in Cancun and end in San Pedro. I believe it will be able to create many, many opportunities for Belize,” Briceño stated.
During a November 2nd meeting of Belize Tourism Industry Association members in San Pedro, participants strongly opposed the proposed bridge. Some members said the project could have catastrophic consequences for the World Heritage Site, which supports diverse wildlife, including jaguars, deer, wild pigs, pumas, ocelots, and foxes. They also said the bridge could harm Ambergris Caye’s tourism industry, jeopardizing businesses, and the thousands of livelihoods it supports.
Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez attended the meeting, where members urged him to work with the central government to address the island’s pressing infrastructure and public service needs. Perez said major projects, including a proposed new airport north of San Pedro, would require consultations to guide decisions on their future. He also expressed reservations about the proposed bridge connecting the island with Mexico.
Prime Minister Briceño first confirmed the idea of connecting Ambergris Caye with Mexico in October 2021. Five years later, the project remains under discussion. The government maintains that it will hold consultations on the island before any work begins.