We haven't heard much from The Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association, also known as BGYEA, for a while. But that's probably because they've been working the corridors of power to secure their land holdings in Harmonyville. An indication of that came today when today BGYEA's President, Nigel Petillo, told 7News that they are in the process of finally acquiring land documents. He said that on Saturday, all the organization's members who have signed up can get the opportunity to purchase the title for their parcel of land at mile 42 on the Western Highway. It is expected that all those members are first-time land owners who have been hard at work developing their own lots.
Petillo told us that Government has green lighted 2 of the 6 phases for Harmonyville, according to the planning:
Nigel Petillo, President of BGYEA
"I am proud to announce that we met with the government last week; we discussed the issuing of land documents and the price that each individual will be required to pay for their land to become property. The government has indicated that they are prepared to facilitate, phases 1 and 2 which have been approved out of the six phases in all."
"Next week Saturday in Belmopan our members are asked to visit the lands department between the hours of 8 to 12. Bring along a photocopy of your social security ID or a photocopy of your passport along with a $5 stamp. You are also asked to bring along with you the recommendation letter that was issued to you by BGYEA, which has a signature and an official BGYEA stamp."
"We had a meeting yesterday at Harmony Ville with our members where our members still showed a slight discontent when it comes to the price of these one acre parcels. The government has indicated so far around $1200 to $1500 per acre for each individual. That's what it would amount to eventually."
"We are here on behalf of the grassroots man that lives that day to day life, who finds it challenging to find $1200 or even $1500 to pay for that title. We are asking the government that when you meet tomorrow in the cabinet to have a little compassion and keep in mind that this is the grassroots sector, we represent the grassroots sector of our country; those who find it challenging to meet their day to day bills."
"I want to say thanks to the government also for respecting this initiative, respecting the wills and the wants of the grassroots people. Keep in mind that parts of the government's campaign was on the poverty alleviation program that they have been talking about. I want to commend them as well, when it comes to the first time land ownership program, that this is a part of that as well, and we are awaiting your favorable response when it comes to the grassroots people."
As noted in the interview, Petillo and BGYEAH are appealing to the Government of Belize to lower the price a bit further because their members are very poor.
