Last night on the news we showed you all the drama of Sunday's big grass-roots land grab in Cotton Tree village. Land activist Nigel Petillo is encouraging Belizeans to clear over two thousand acres at mile 44 to begin the process of squatting for Title by Prescription. He said it's a first come, first serve basis and on Sunday that sent a rush of interested potential landowners to the area.
Representatives for the Belmopan Land Development Corporation were watching closely - and with consternation. That company owns the land Petillo is trying to grab for the public - and they have owned it going back to the 1990's.
But from 2003 to 2018, it's been locked up in a court battle. That's after government acquired half of the 2,600 acre tract for a public purpose. The court just ordered compensation to the company in 2018, and while the final settlement figure is still being litigated - Belmopan Land Development Corporation says it has plans for its fully titled thousand acres plus. And those plans do not include a grassroots land grab! We spoke to the reps today including former Central Bank Governor Glen Ysaguirre:
Glen Ysaguirre, Representative, Belmopan Land Development Corporation
"My concern is not what they want. I mean I could understand what they want. The issue for me is I am a representative of the owner of the land Belmopan Land Development Corporation and our concern is that is private property with ownership and we intend to assert our ownership over the land and protect our rights in that land."
Jaraad Ysaguirre, Representative, Belmopan Land Development Corporation
"We understand that people have some desires or intentions with the land, but we want to emphasize that its privately own and we would have to take all necessary steps to exert our ownership and our intention is not to take anyone to court, but if it comes to that we will have to do what is necessary, because its privately owned land, it's not a vacant piece of property that is just there."
Glen Ysaguirre
"We are prepared to take further action. We will file trespassing charges against people who attempt to encroach illegally on that property for whatever reason."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Why didn't you all step up earlier and say stop now we are the owners and we have an active interest?"
Jaraad Ysaguirre
"To be fair it's really that on Sunday when we saw the images on social media it really alerted us to exactly what the property was and then looking at it we realize that this is the property belonging to the company."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"One of the other criticism that has been made is that the land is not fully paid up on its property taxes and it's an indication that the owner really has no interest in it, they just want to sit down on land when there is a desperate need for land. What would be your response to that?"
Jaraad Ysaguirre
"In response we would say that the taxes has been paid up. As a part of the decision from the supreme court they made deductions for the amount of any property tax that was owing from the quantum that was awarded, so the taxes have been fully paid."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"In this situation you guys will end up looking like the bad guys who are asserting your legal right over lands that grassroots people would want to have as their first piece of land."
Glen Ysaguirre
"It's not the obligation of the company to provide land for grassroots people, this is a title property that has been in the possession of a Belizean-own company for over 30 years. Your need for a piece of land doesn't mean you can disposes someone else of their property."
Ysaguirre says they plan to put up no trespassing signs on the perimeter to deter squatters.
So, while the former Central Bank Governor and his son continue to insist that Nigel Petillo's benevolent land grab at mile 44 on the George Price Highway is misguided, he is receiving support from the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association - which cut ties with him recently.
A press release from BGYEA today made it clear that they are not in any way connected to Petillo's effort, but they are speaking out against his arrest.
That statement says quote, "BGYEA reiterates that it is not associated with the project at Mile 44 of the George Price Highway…(but) BGYEA strongly denounces his arrest...,We emphasize deep concern for the persecution of people who are challenging the status quo, which inadequately provides for so many of our people…
BGYEA remains in solidarity with Belizeans obtaining land but advises our fellow citizens, and especially our members. If you are out in public or partaking in the mile 44 project, please wear your masks and maintain social distancing to avoid arrest, charges, or infection." End quote.
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