The White Ridge Project
The White Ridge Project, if developed, would produce limestone for export and bring long-lasting benefits to Gales Point Manatee and Belize, including:
Long-term, good-paying jobs for Gales Point Manatee residents
A stronger U.S. - Belize balance of trade
Environmental stewardship programs
Essential community services for Gales Point Manatee residents
Economic Benefits
Jobs & Employment
If developed, The White Ridge Project would:
Prioritize hiring Gales Point-area residents for The White Ridge Project jobs in Belize.
Create more than 250 on-site jobs over time, with over 90% of all jobs, at all levels of skill and responsibility, filled by Belizean employees by year 7 of operations.
Support average salaries for Belizean workers 2.6 times the 2019 average income for Belize residents.
Provide paid professional training opportunities for Belizean workers, including mechanical training, heavy equipment training, and on-the-job training programs.
The Belizean Economy
In addition to creating jobs and direct economic benefits for locals in the Gales Point region, The White Ridge Project would:
Contribute more than 1% of Belize’s 2019 GDP to the national economy every year.
Build upon a strong foundation of U.S. - Belize economic relations, and strengthen the balance of trade between the two countries.
Be a long-term direct foreign investment in the Belizean economy.
This project would expand the trade relationship between Belize and the U.S.
The U.S. is currently a principal trading partner and source of investment funds in Belize. In 2020, the U.S. accounted for nearly 22.5% of Belize’s total exports, and approximately 40% of total imports.
Environmental Stewardship
Conserving & Protecting the Environment
We understand that The White Ridge Project property and surrounding ecosystems are home to a number of at-risk and vulnerable species of plants and animals.
We are working closely with environmental organizations, researchers, regulatory agencies, local scientists, and the local Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary to ensure that, if we move forward with this project, we will manage this land sustainably for the long term.
We know that Belize’s marine ecosystem is one of the most unique in the world, and will work with international and Belizean environmental organizations to support the long-term protection and conservation of Belize’s marine ecosystem.
We will meet all international, national, and local environmental standards and regulations in all work to develop and operate The White Ridge Project.
We have a long history of successful environmental conservation work, and currently manage more than 40 certified wildlife habitats across North America – the second-most of any company in the U.S., and third-most of any company globally.
Community Engagement
Community Commitments
We will support much-needed community services in Gales Point, including improving access to clean drinking water, sponsoring community events and activities, and helping provide essential public amenities for residents.
Since 2020, our community engagement work has included:
Purchasing a motor for the village water pump, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise, the Gales Point Village Council, and the Ministry of Rural Development
Funding new construction updates to the village clinic building, including the rewiring of the entire building, addition of exterior sockets, switches, and lights, renovating the clinic interior, and the installation of a new toilet and sink
Sponsoring three canoes for the 2022 Easter regatta in Gales Point
We will continue to accept and review proposals to support additional community projects in the Gales Point area in Belize.
