As we first reported last night, West Landivar residents opposed to David Gegg's plan to build a 56 boat marina in their neighborhood scored the ultimate victory yesterday. That's when Minister of Natural Resources Florencio Marin declared the land a national park. It's a major victory for the residents who had to go to Belize's highest court to get an injunction against the development. The statutory instrument signed by Marin designates the area Gegg wanted to build his marina and office complex on a protected area. That seems to close the door to development.
Perla Perdomo led the fight against the project and today she told us if it's enough to aid their cause.
Perla Perdomo, West Landivar Action Committee
"We view this as very positive and it's a victory for us but it's not only a victory for the residents of West Landivar. I think it is a victory for all communities in Belize that when organized, when you stick together, when you unite and you work towards a common goal, you can achieve it and you can make the leaders listen to you."
Keith Swift,
Is this what you wanted?
Perla Perdomo,
"Yes more or less, we had hoped that we would be able to declare that area a national park so that we can use it to conserve it and to educate children on the different species that are in the area here in the city and its more accessible to all of the inner city schools."
Keith Swift,
So what's next for the park?
Perla Perdomo,
"Well we will be organizing again to approach some organizations to get funding, to develop the educational center that we had talked about and also to keep the area clean and pristine."
Keith Swift,
Mr. Gegg had a lease to this land and now its been taken away from him, or at least he cannot do anything with it, do you guys expect him to challenge this decision?
Perla Perdomo,
"All I have to say is that our fight with Mr. Gegg is over. Mr. Gegg has a good project and I hope he finds an adequate place that he will be able to put the project."
The community hopes to work with the Protected Areas Conservation Trust to develop the park.
