Goff's Caye - it's a small and well-loved island just about 7.6 miles from Belize City. It's national land and is one of the few places where regular Belizeans can go for an island picnic or beachfront recreation. And on weekdays, it's also a major tourist attraction for cruise ship visitors. And that's why eyebrows went up when survey pegs appeared on the island last week. What even more puzzling is that the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute - which has been managing the Caye since 2002 - doesn't know anything about it!
Today, Director of the Institute CHANTEL CLARK SAMUELS told 7News that they are quote, "working on trying to find out who gave the individual authority to start the survey," end quote.
She says that any structure planned for the Caye would have to pass by her office and the Ministry of Natural Resources. She couldn't speak for the ministry and we couldn't speak with them.
But the ministry is the variable at this time because our reports say someone is interest din a concession to put a restaurant and provide other services out at the caye. So while no one seems to have a clue who gave the authority for a survey or lease, it's fair to assume that a private interest won't go out there planting pegs if someone in authority hasn't given them some kind of go ahead.
We'll keep digging to find out who gave the go ahead, for what, and to see if it will go ahead after all.
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