The stretch of wetland situated behind Hopkins is vital natural ecosystem for a number of different kinds of animals and plants.  Instead of ensuring commitment to protection of this sensitive area, the Government of Belize is dredging and altering it for residential lots use. If the government is concerned for the welfare of the residents of Hopkins, it must make sure that no project or construction should happen on our wetland.

Besides, serving as primary habitat for a number of wildlife species, the wetland behind the village also forms an important network linkage between the land and sea. Bearing in mind that Hopkins is located near shorelines, the wetland plays a key role in providing a natural buffer against storm surges and rising floodwaters from nearby Sittee River.

Scientists list the following prime reasons why we must protect our wetlands:

1.         Wetlands protect and preserve drinking water supplies because they purify surface water and ground-water by filtering and plant chemistry.

2.         Wetlands prevent loss of human life and property during floods because they absorb and store water.

3.         Wetlands retard soil erosion because the abundant vegetation holds the soil in place.

4.         Wetlands provide for a diversity of wildlife due to a presence of a plentiful water supply, habitat for breeding, nesting, feeding and predator escape.

Bearing in mind that these are just some of the benefits of wetlands, government and environmental partners need to act now to stop wetland loss. If the government is serious about protecting its people no one should be allowed to destroy our wetland.

It is very disturbing to know that whenever the elected Village Council members are approached to discuss the million dollar project with the residents, their response is that they do not have any information to share with the people concerning the dredging of our wetland. Moreover, to add insult to injury, it seems that they do not even bother to investigate.  Village Council, if you are interested in managing the affairs of our community, stop playing party politics and deal with the people’s business.

Since I am entitled to my opinion, my bone of contention is that if whatever I understand from the Council members is the truth, I strongly disagree with government officials to come to a community and do whatever they want without consulting the residents and the elected Village Council. Furthermore, I am continually disappointed at the arrogance and disrespect displayed by politicians doing whatever they please in our community, regardless of what we the taxpaying electorates say or want.

As I keenly listened to the Area Representative in agreement with the dredging, he stated that the project is being done to provide residential lots to the people of Hopkins. If it is definitely for the residents, I beg to ask the following questions: why is it that the Village Council does not have a map of the area? I believe that to avoid accusations, a project of this magnitude should be discussed in detail with the Village Council and the people of Hopkins.

I need to refresh the memories of the present administration - the former administration distributed a number of residential lots to residents on the south side of the community and there is no infrastructure in place. Why is priority given to the destruction of our wetland instead of these lots?  It seems that the alleged South African project to construct homes in the area is showing sign of reality.

When questioned further about the dredging, the Area Representative continued to say that canals will be dug in the area to moor yachts and provide an attraction for manatee watchers. I am wondering who will own those yachts and maintain the canals. I will maintain my stance, as in the meeting, I believe that the Area Representatives has insulted the integrity of the people of Hopkins and it time for us to wise up. This is not a blue or white issue; I am just informing the politicians that they need to stop playing politics with the lives of our people. It is unrealistic of politicians to believe that whenever citizens voice their opinions on the perceived wrongdoings of our leaders or even their own political parties, that they do so out of betrayal of their party.

I need to advise the residents of Hopkins to open their eyes. If my intuition serves me right, we have been hoodwinked and I need to be proven wrong. Whenever the residents discover the reality of the dredging and they are affected by serious flooding, it will be too late. It must be emphasized that the project that the Area Representative supports is exactly the same one an investor had proposed to the people years ago. Interestingly, this is the same project that was rejected by the former government with the support of the same area representative who agreed with it today. Come on, Mr. Area Representative, I beg to ask, what triggered the change of heart?

With no disrespect to our Village Council members, beyond the cheerful ‘ALL THE WAY’, it is equality important to fight against injustice in our community. In my view, our Village Councils in the past and present have failed us miserably. Our community is a disgrace; witness the activities happening around us today, and how politicians play with the lives of our people for their benefits and that of their political parties.