The fight for Will Bauer Flats began back in February and this weekend, it came to a satisfying end for the southern tour guides.
When they noticed dredging equipment around the flats, it immediately raised alarm bells for them, since that area was known for being the ideal spot to go fly fishing. They stood their ground and now it has paid off because the government is acquiring the land for the public purpose of marine conservation and development.
Signed notices posted at the Flats dated August 24th say "the following properties are required for the public purpose of enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment, and the development of the Belize Barrier Reef for a national park and/or protected area...,"
As for the owners of the property, Angelfish LLC, they will now have to be compensated and the notice says, "The owner or owners of the said land or interest therein described in the Schedule below shall, if they so desire, make written claims for compensation to the Chief Land Acquisition Officer..." End quote.
The acquisition has to be published once more in the Gazette before it is official.
