The UDP in Belize Rural South today issued a release stating that they have compiled land documents showing large-scale, rapid land distribution by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Ambergris Caye.
These parcels they claim range from 50 to 300 acres and they were granted to multiple businesses sharing addresses with PUP-associated law firms and private individuals.
The UDP also accuses officials of issuing surveys and titles for beachfront areas previously reserved as public areas.
Today, we asked the area rep about the big tracts of land near Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve that have reportedly been sold. He explained that there is private land that is undeclared but the reserve must remain untouched. However, he also told us that there is a tract of land that he has received and subdivided for first time land owners.
Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
"Nothing is going to be, nothing. That remains in place and that's part of the Bacalar Chico reserve right."
Jules Vasquez
"But is there talks about a boundary verification because some lands are being, some big tracts of lands are being given out proximal to the reserve."
Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
"Let me let me tell you something here, it's not only about boundary verification but entire areas of north Ambergris has not been declared you know so we have to be as a what is for Bacalar Chico... remember it's a world heritage site. That is a UNESCO world heritage site that area and of course there are private lands there being given up for quite some time now that is still undeclared, so we have to rectify that so it doesn't get out of hand."
"And I do know Bacalar Chico is very much a huge area and certainly that area cannot be touched, it cannot be developed, it is teaming with life there, with with everything. Not only fish or so but there's um animals there's jaguars there's ocelots there's wild boars over there, wild pigs over there. So I don't see what would be a big deal about it to for for trying to do this verification there."
Jules Vasquez
"Are you concerned about the big tracts of land being given out in that area as we see on the electronic map?"
Andre Perez, Area Rep., Belize Rural South
"Well i can tell you that I did get some huge tracts, I did get about let me see about uh four tracts of land. That's the one I got to subdivide to give out to first time landowners."
"I do not know the details of the other tracks that are given out that. I know there are some lands that belong to Koreans. I do know that. My concern right now is getting land for my people."
