Last week when we asked Minister of Natural Resources Cordel Hyde about a two thousand acre lease for a company named Belize Wind Energy Limited in Santa Cruz Village near Placencia. Hyde suggested that the land lease acquisition was not above board in the first place and stated, quote, "Strictly speaking, nobody should get over 500 acres without National Assembly approval…we're not about catering for one person for 2,000 acres. It's an illegal process, he shouldn't have gotten it in the first place."
Well, the company issued a release today saying Hyde made quote, "false statements and accusations."
The statement says, "A meeting was held in Santa Cruz in November, 2020...where present were Cordell Hyde, Rodwell Ferguson, and Vincent Scott a representative and Chairman of the Santa Cruz Village Council, and a Director of Belize Wind Energy Ltd."
The release adds that "a formal request was made by the Hon. Rodwell Ferguson…to secure land in the said area to allow for village expansion…it was unanimously agreed that Belize Wind Energy would agree to the cancellation of its existing lease to allow for the residents of Santa Cruz and surrounding villages to receive title to land in the said area. In turn, the Government of Belize would issue to Belize Wind Energy a new lease for alternate property among other terms." End quote.
The release adds, quote, "To date, steps have been taken by Rodwell Ferguson and Belize Wind Energy….in order to commence the issuance of title to the villagers of Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. It is unfortunate that the Hon. Cordell Hyde has not followed through with his part of the agreement and instead has chosen to make inaccurate public pronouncements." End quote.
The company says it has received information "that the lease may be cancelled by Minister Hyde….quote, with indications provided that this is to happen at the latest tomorrow May 17, 2020. There is no validity to a cancellation and Belize Wind Energy holds firm that the lease is valid and binding as it was issued by the GOB." End quote.
They say that "Belize Wind Energy is hopeful that this matter will be resolved for the…good of the residents of the Santa Cruz."
We will be following up on this story.
