Government Urged to Address Land Tenure Issues for All Belizeans

By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, Friday, 21st April 2023

Belizeans from all walks of life are calling on the government to prioritize the land needs of all citizens, not just the descendants of the Maya people. While the government is working to comply with the Caribbean Court of Justice's Consent Order to develop a Customary Land Tenure Policy for the Maya people, many Belizeans are concerned that this focus on a single ethnic group is overshadowing the urgent need to address land tenure issues for all.

Access to land is a fundamental human right, yet many communities across Belize are in dire need of land for housing, agriculture, and other purposes. Some argue that the government's efforts to address the Maya land tenure issue should not take precedence over the land needs of the greater majority of Belizeans.

"As a Belizean citizen, I believe that land rights should be protected for all citizens, not just one particular group," said Maria Hernandez, a resident of Orange Walk. "The government needs to work on policies and programs that address the land needs of all communities, regardless of their ethnicity."

Belize has a complex history of land tenure, with various ethnic groups and communities experiencing different forms of land ownership and access. Some argue that the government's response to this complex issue has been slow and inadequate, and that urgent action is needed to address the land needs of all citizens.

"We understand the importance of addressing the Maya land tenure issue, but the government must also prioritize the land needs of all Belizeans," said Carlos Alvarez, a member of the Belizean Farmers Association. "Access to land is essential for our livelihoods, and we need the government to take meaningful steps to ensure that all Belizeans have access to land and that their land rights are protected."

While the government works to develop a Customary Land Tenure Policy for the Maya people, many Belizeans are hoping that the government will take the opportunity to address land tenure issues for all citizens. The government has a responsibility to protect the land rights of all Belizeans and to work towards a fair and equitable land tenure system.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.