Looking at the big picture, the PUP government appears woefully behind in living up to its manifesto promise of 30,000 house lots to first time landowners. But the big picture can be downright depressing, and today in Sarteneja Village, the small picture made the issue seem far more manageable and encouraging.
Over 800 certificates were presented to residents of the newly declared Sarteneja Registration Section, during official ceremonies at the village community center. It's the product of the land management programme where a new land title certificate is a component of simple and secure land registration. Natural Resources Minister John Briceno told the Press Office that it is a way to ensure stability for these villagers.
Hon. Johnny Briceno, Minister of Natural Resources
"As they get these documents now, these are a security of the tenure. The government of Belize is guaranteeing under that title that a plan exists, that it is unencumbered, and that they are the true owners of that land. The wealth of a nation starts with land and the minute we empower Belizeans, the minute we can secure their land documents, the minute that we can make it easier to transact, where a father can pass over his land to his son or to his daughter, making it so easier that you don't need a lawyer to do that anymore. It's going to be so much easier. Belizeans can walk out from this door today and say they have their land certificates."
According to the Minister, 15,000 parcels of commercial, house, rural and agricultural parcels of lands have been officially surveyed as part of the land management program.
