Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management (with responsibility for Ports) Honourable Edmond Castro, was on Ambergris Caye Yesterday, November 7, 2018, where he visited and inspected the location for the proposed development of a Barge Berthing Facility.

The proposed project is to be undertaken through a partnership between the Belize Port Authority and private sector entities, principally Bowen and Bowen Limited. The location has for a number of years been used by that company and others for berthing of barges to transport supplies to the island from the mainland; and, with the rapid growth and expansion of business on the island, there is a need for it to be properly developed and upgraded. (According to Bowen and Bowen, for example, the island of Ambergris Caye is the third largest consumer of their products, outranked only by Belize City and San Ignacio/Santa Elena).

The Barge Berthing Facility to be developed is located near the southern end of the island, not far from the Belize Coast Guard Operating Base.

Hon Edmond Castro was accompanied on his working visit by Ports Commissioner Merlene Bailey Martinez.