On Friday Port Loyola resident and artist Terryl Godoy took to the airwaves and boldly vowed to resist any attempts by developers at the Belize Port Authority to move him off the spot he's called home for the past 17 years, which now sits in the way of the proposed new Carnival Cruise Port. Godoy admits he doesn't have title to the land which has compounded his situation because the property is owned by Belize Ports Limited. Now, his area representative in Port Loyola, Anthony "Boots" Martinez says he told Godoy as much when he approached him for help. Boots says Godoy has few options and the main one is to simply appeal directly to Belize Ports Limited.
Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez,
“I feel for Mr. Godoy but I think he needs to do the right thing. He needs to go and see the necessary people, who are concerned, who are the owners of the land. I think that is the right way to go.”
KS: As his area representative what would you advise Mr. Godoy to do?
Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez,
“I already told Mr. Godoy to go and see Mr. Luke Espat. This was months ago I advised Mr. Godoy that when he goes to see Mr. Luke Espat I can join in with him if he likes because this is his concern and at the end of the day I will support him if there is a decision where I could pass by views on. But then again the decision has to be from the owner of the land. It can’t be from me and like I said I am not leading any charge to go negotiate nothing because I am not the owner of the land. He needs leads the charge in terms of going to see Mr. Espat and find out what the situation is and then make an amicable solution.”
We note that Godoy has yet to get an eviction letter or any notice from Belize Ports Limited. "Boots" Martinez told us there are plans to move 25 families from the Jane Usher Boulevard area and unlike the case with Godoy he says those families concede that they will have to move.