Cayo Rosario

A public meeting, a crucial step in the process, was held on Thursday, May 23rd, at the Lions Den to discuss the possibility of expanding the current boundaries of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. This Municipal Boundaries Re-Delineation Exercise campaign, led by the Department of Local Government, is being held across the seven towns in the country. The aim is to engage the local communities, recognizing their importance in shaping the future of their town, especially in areas where there are no readily distinguishable boundaries or traditional boundary lines are not definitive. The session saw many island residents voicing their opinions about the project and suggesting ideas for its successful implementation, emphasizing the significance of their input.

To show solidarity with fly fishers across the country and to continue sending a strong message against developments threatening their livelihoods, a group of fly-fishing guides held a peaceful protest in front of Cayo Rosario on Wednesday, May 15th. Cayo Rosario is a small island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV off the west coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The surrounding area is home to some of the best fly-fishing areas in the country, but a proposed tourist resort on the small island is of concern to many as it could disrupt their fishing grounds. Fly fishers on Ambergris Caye depend on this sports fishing activity involving the three protected species of bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

New developments indicate that construction plans continue at Cayo Rosario, including what appears to be survey markers on protected fishing flats. The proposed tourism development on the 10-acre mangrove caye sits within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The present government claims not to support the proposed project but admits difficulties in dealing with the case they inherited from the previous administration.

The controversial Cayo Rosario development of Ambergris Caye is again a concern to residents of San Pedro Town. The proposed tourism development, which has received environmental clearance and green light for construction, includes over-the-water structures. These buildings will be erected above protected fishing flats - the bloodline of the local flyfishing industry. The area also lies in the middle of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. For these reasons, stakeholders continue to oppose the development and hope that the new administration will intervene and save the multi-million-dollar industry, which is the livelihood of many.

The Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Hon. Andre Perez was quick to respond to allegations being circulated under the guise of fake profiles on social media.

A formal stop order has reportedly been issued to halt development activities at Cayo Rosario, following a site inspection by members of the Physical Planning Unit at the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday, March 6th. Island residents, particularly those in the fly fishing industry, welcome this latest update, which is seen as a protection of the sensitive marine environment near the tiny island that sits within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the north-west coast of Ambergris Caye.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve says that although a permit was issued to build a bulkhead no longer than 300 feet on the western side of Cayo Rosario, the issue is with where the building material is currently being placed.

Former manager for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and director on the board of ACCSD, Miguel Alamilla has confirmed that they are discussing with their lawyers a new approach to stop the development.