In the developing areas of Belize City, new homebuilders first settle the area and then try to get papers for the land that they squat on. It works out for most, but for some, it can end up in quite a mess, when others try to claim the land. That's the case of Beverly Simpson, a resident of Port Loyola. While she does have a lease to her land and has occupied it for years, now the dispute has arisen because family members of her deceased husband are trying to "strong" the land from under her. Alfonso Noble found out more.
Beverly Simpson,
"They came to throw out three load of sand in here. The first load was over there and two on this side here. Then they said they will bruk down the house by end of the month and if I don't break it down by then she will come and do it herself."
Alfonso Noble,
But you have papers for the land so what is the problem?
Beverly Simpson,
"I don't know what is the problem with she because when leave from work I come straight home and I don't even mess around with that lady."
Alfonso Noble,
But she is trying to take your land?
Beverly Simpson,
"Yes sir."
Alfonso Noble,
But this is your land, you showed me a lease certificate that says the land is in your name so why are you so fearful?
Beverly Simpson,
"Because she came to argue with me. A Saturday when I was out there she went and cussed out me with the bad word. She told me to get the [expletive] off her land. This was right in front of one of my friends and I didn't even answer her and then she walked off and went. The Sunday she came and cursed out my gentleman and he jumped on the bike and went same way."
Alfonso Noble,
So are you afraid that they will break down the house with you in there?
Beverly Simpson,
"Well I said I will leave her to do it because she will have to pay for it."
Alfonso Noble,
But are you afraid?
Beverly Simpson,
"No because she does those things when I am not around, she waits until I am at work."
Alfonso Noble,
But you know that this is your land, so whatever is happening here on your land is to your interest. She is throwing sand in your land and she is filling up your land. Do you have a lease to this land?
Beverly Simpson,
"Well all I have to tell her thanks for it because I didn't tell her to come throw sand in here and I won't pay for nothing I don't know about."
Alfonso Noble,
But she knows you have a lease to this land?
Beverly Simpson,
"She doesn't know."
Alfonso Noble,
But do you have a lease to the land?
Beverly Simpson,
"Yes sir."
Simpson says she obtained the lease for her land in 2004.
