Mahahual, Quintana Roo — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on Royal Caribbean to provide detailed information to residents of Mahahual about the company’s suspended “Perfect Day Mahahual” cruise port project, which has faced environmental scrutiny and community opposition.
The $1 billion project, which received support from state authorities, was shut down by Mexico’s environmental protection agency (Profepa) and suspended by a court order. Sheinbaum emphasized that the cruise line must address the concerns of local residents who feel the development isn’t benefiting their community.
“Yes, I’m aware of the situation and obviously the community must be attended to,” Sheinbaum said. “There cannot be a development worth thousands of dollars next to a community that has needs.”
The president noted that support for the Mahahual community is already contemplated in the project plans, and that an environmental impact mitigation study has identified some community needs.
Sheinbaum also stated that Royal Caribbean and other project stakeholders must present the corresponding Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) to environmental authorities, who can modify the project if necessary to reduce environmental effects.
Following the president’s remarks, Royal Caribbean issued a statement inviting Mahahual residents to discuss the “Perfect Day” project. “We invite community members to join us at the next community meeting, which will be held the week of March 1, to continue the dialogue, ask questions, and share perspectives,” the company stated, adding that the meeting date would be announced in coming days.
Despite photographic and video evidence showing construction progress at the Mahahual site, Royal Caribbean maintains that construction hasn’t begun and that the project is undergoing federal environmental review following submission of the MIA.
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