Bernie Bennett
The Telegram (St. John’s)
July 26, 2000

Conservation groups dispute Fortis, Inc’s assessment of the proposed hydrolectric project in Belize.

The head of Fortis Inc. says conservation groups are uniformed and jumping the gun when condemning a proposed hydro project in Central America.

Probe International, a Toronto-based citizen’s group investigating the economic and environmental effects of Canadian aid and companies in developing countries, came out this week against a proposed hydro project in central Belize, claiming it will destroy one of the last undisturbed wildlife habitats in Central America.

Fortis Inc., a billion-dollar Canadian corporation based in St. John’s, and the Belizean government are partners in Belize Electric Ltd. (BEL), the utility that plans to build a hydro dam and reservoir that would flood a stretch of the Macal River.

Probe International says conservation groups are opposed to the project because it would flood a remote river valley in the central Mayan Mountains that is home to rare and endangered species, including the Central American river otter, Morelet’s crocodile, spider monkey, the tapir, jaguar and scarlet macaw.

Stan Marshall, president and chief executive officer of Fortis Inc., said they are aware some environment groups are opposing the Belize hydro project.

“But they remind me of the people who are opposed to the seal hunt in Newfoundland,” said Marshall from Toronto where he was attending business meetings Tuesday.

“Before they know the facts they are opposed to it.”

Marshall said a study on the impact on wildlife is ongoing and will not be completed for another year.

Until that is completed, there will be no commitment by Fortis to undertake the project. “We’re taking a very thorough approach,” said Marshall. “If the studies show (the project) is technically and environmentally viable, we’ll do it.”

He said that for the most part, the local people of Belize are in favour of the hydro project. He said the people opposed to it are largely an ex-patriot group, mostly Americans, with closed minds.

“It’s premature, from my perspective, at this stage,” said Marshall. “They are not interested in hearing the facts first, but the government of Belize is very interested.”

He said the hydro project is only a proposal at this stage and nothing has been signed or finalized.

“But I do know their government is keen on developing hydro resources in the country.” Marshall made a presentation to the Belize Rotary Club last December and was back again last month for another presentation and never heard any concerns expressed about the project.

Marshall said the Belize economy is growing and the demand for electricity is rising.