By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has again criticized bureaucratic delays at the World Bank, claiming that a dispute involving an alleged iguana sanctuary in San Pedro held up a major electricity storage project for approximately two years.
Speaking after returning from international financial meetings in Bangkok, Briceño said the government had been pursuing World Bank financing for battery storage facilities capable of supplying approximately 40 megawatts of electricity.
According to the Prime Minister, the project was delayed after concerns were raised that land earmarked for the development was being used as an iguana sanctuary.
Briceño disputed the claim, describing the person occupying the property as a squatter, and said World Bank officials were embarrassed when he explained the circumstances during their meeting.
He argued that the delay had serious consequences for Belize’s energy security.
The Prime Minister explained that battery storage would allow Belize to purchase cheaper electricity from Mexico during periods of low demand, particularly in the early morning hours, store the power and use it during peak consumption periods.
He suggested that the project could have helped Belize avoid some of the electricity supply problems it has experienced.
The World Bank announced the US$58.4 million Belize Energy Resilience and Sustainability Project in February 2025. The initiative includes battery energy storage systems at four strategic locations to improve electricity reliability and reduce dependence on imported power.
Briceño said the government is continuing discussions to resolve the outstanding issues while pursuing greater energy independence through solar and other renewable sources.
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