Artist’s concept of proposed Cenote Falls Casino in northern Belize
A previously unknown company has promised to build a mega retail center in northern Belize including the country’s first McDonald’s according to a press release issued here this week. The release states in part:
“CEO Michael Rohling and President Charles Barrett announce that on March 24, 2012, DHS Holding signed a Purchase Agreement to acquire 40 acres of land in the EPZ Zone bordering Belize and Mexico. This purchase is the first step toward the development of “Cenote Falls”, a multi-million-dollar Hotel, Casino and Shopping Center.
“The Cenote Falls complex will include one of the best retail shopping centers in Central America. Family friendly restaurants and activities will complement the 50,000 square foot hotel and casino. Attached to the property is a 14 acre Cenote. The cenote is located southwest of the site and is the inspiration for the name of the complex, Cenote Falls, Hotel, Casino & Shopping Center.”
News of the proposed Cenote Falls has been grist for the news mills and social media in Belize this week. Belizeans are fed up with crime, crumbling infrastructure and exorbitant costs of consumer goods. Those who can afford it flee to neighboring Chetumal in Mexico for shopping and relaxation any time they have an opportunity. Whether they would want to patronise a casino anchored mega retail centre is another matter as the comments on social media reproduced below suggest:
Gimme a break. DHS Holding Co. is a penny stock company primarily engaged in promoting it own penny stock. Its three “subsidiaries” have inactive websites. A “50,000 sq. ft. hotel and casino” – that’s about the size of a Motel 6 in Podunk, Missouri. – Lan Sluder – North Carolina resident and author of Belize tourism books.
The area is a FREE ZONE, not an EPZ though granted that can be fixed at any time by a politician signing a piece of paper. Belizeans are not allowed to shop in an EPZ or the Corozal Free Zone – otherwise existing merchants would go out of business. Free Zones are reserved for foreigners, namely Mexicans. I for one would like to see the existing Free Zone upgraded with McDonalds replacing the smelly open air barbecues although I am not sure about Abercrombie and Fitch. New investments are welcome but more casinos are the last things Belizeans need to help develop Belize. – Manolo Romero – Editor Belize.com
Thats wrong how belizean cannot shop at free zone… that is not the point to make belizean can relax. thats call watching and cant buying …