By Zoila Palma: San Ignacio and Santa Elena Mayor Earl Trapp has responded to comments made by Cayo Northeast Area Representative Orlando Habet regarding the El Cayo Boardwalk, questioning the authority under which kiosk rental agreements were signed and calling for consultation with the town council.
The exchange follows Habet’s statement outlining the boardwalk project and its potential to support small businesses and community activities.
Habet said there are four kiosks available for rental and claimed that prospective tenants had already signed agreements but were unable to begin operating because the town council refused to issue them trade licences.
He stated that “rental agreements have already been signed with different prospective tenants,” adding that the individuals had been unable to proceed despite their willingness to invest in businesses at the site.
Habet explained that the kiosks were designed for small businesses operating under a pop-up shop concept, offering products such as coffee, smoothies, desserts, souvenirs and locally made arts and crafts.
The area representative also defended the boardwalk’s value beyond its commercial potential, pointing to community events and recreational activities held at the location. Habet said the facility had hosted movie nights, Christmas celebrations, Mother’s Day programmes and gatherings during the annual La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, as well as a recent free yoga session.
He acknowledged that “there is still work to be done,” but maintained that the boardwalk was already serving the community. He further stated that the project’s success should not be defined by political differences, but by the opportunities it creates for residents and entrepreneurs.
But, Mayor Trapp questioned how rental agreements could have been executed without consultation with the elected municipal government.
He asked, “Who authorized these agreements, what legal authority was relied upon, and what role, if any, was afforded to the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council before commitments were made to third parties?” Trapp also raised questions about who would manage the agreements, collect rental fees and assume responsibility for potential damage to infrastructure or loss of life during a natural disaster. He said the public deserves clarity regarding the ownership and administrative control of the land and facilities.
Trapp further raised environmental and operational concerns about the kiosks’ location near the river in an area known to experience frequent flooding. The mayor said the council needs information on waste collection and disposal, wastewater management, flood-related risks and safeguards to protect the river and public health.
He stressed that the council’s position was not opposition to development, stating, “Our position is not opposition to development. It is a demand for development that respects municipal governance, protects the environment, and serves the long-term interests of our residents.” He also warned against political committees assuming municipal management functions outside the proper legal and institutional framework.
The mayor called for disclosure of the legal basis for the rental agreements, clarification of the parties involved and any approvals obtained, a review of environmental safeguards, and a clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the ministry and the town council.
Trapp said the council is willing to meet with Habet and the relevant authorities to resolve the outstanding issues, emphasizing that “dialogue must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and respect for the institutions entrusted with serving our people.”
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