As we've reported, the international company, Green Tropics Limited used as many as four excavators to dredge a canal through the sanctuary which measures up to 2 miles long and 35 feet wide.

Yesterday, the company sent out a press release explaining the development, which the Minister of Forestry, Lisel Alamilla, told us was done without proper permission.

According to Green Tropics Limited, they seek first to quote, "unreservedly apologize to the people of Belize for the recent misunderstanding in the construction of the final drain section through the jaguar corridor". End Quote

The company claims that they have complied with the laws of Belize, and that they've applied for all the permits and licenses required for the development, which includes Central Bank permits for foreign investment; an environmental impact assessment from the Department of Environment, which is still pending a public hearing on July 3; and BELTRIADE permits for approximately 90 US million dollars' worth of equipment for a sugar mill and a processing facility.

According to the company's release, they were under the impression that because the environmental impact assessment was already submitted in full, they could quote, "could commence to a certain degree to avoid the hurdle of the impending rainy season delaying the project for another year." End quote.

The company continues that based on their understanding from their professional consultants, the canal would not impact the environment in any way since the dredging was in line with the natural setting of water flow in the area.

The company concludes by explaining that their decision to make this major investment in Belize was not an easy one, and neither do they want special treatment from the Government or to try to intrude on any market guarantees that BSI already enjoys.