Roatán, Honduras – On October 14, the Roatán Municipality, backed by national government elements, forcefully closed an Office Building, which had been legally incorporated in the Prospera ZEDE regime, evicting a Texas-based business that employed nearly 40 Hondurans. Armed police officers shut the building without prior notice, legal justification, or due process, with the Municipality demanding an extortionate $480,000 USD for reopening, despite the fact that all operations are 100% compliant with applicable legal requirements, including applicable taxes.

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These aggressive actions mirror the authoritarian tactics of Chávez at the height of his power in Venezuela, which scared away investors and triggered economic collapse. The Municipality is taking actions similar to those taken by radical elements of the current administration in Tegucigalpa that is driving out Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and causing major companies to close and take their capital out of the country. 

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The Municipality’s actions will erode investor confidence across the island and risks significant destabilization. As COVID made clear, Roatán’s heavy dependence on tourism for income is dangerous. The Municipality’s tactics jeopardize the Roatan’s ability to diversify its economy.

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The attack on Próspera should sound an alarm for all foreign and domestic business owners in Roatán – today, they come for Próspera, tomorrow, they could come for you.

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The Municipality’s assault threatens the very legal systems that have made Roatán a hub for investment, and the ZOLITUR regime. If the legal systems that ensure differing tax treatments are not respected as an extension of acquired property rights, no investor or entrepreneur that has invested in good faith and relies on special regimes, including ZOLITUR, will be safe. The destruction of these guarantees will ripple across the business community, choking economic activity and threatening jobs.

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This isn’t just about Próspera—it’s about the future of Roatán. 

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Honduras Prospera, Inc. remains committed to defending its operations and standing against this unlawful threat, and is actively seeking constructive dialogue to resolve these matters in parallel to other lawful actions.  

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For now, it’s Próspera in the crosshairs. Next, it could be anyone.

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Contact: medios@Próspera.hn

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