A family living along the Sarstoon River in Toledo is being forced off their land. But the Bejerano's didn't get any regular eviction order - on Friday, they got a visit from the BDF telling them to clear out within 30 days. And those same soldiers delivered an enforcement notice from the Commissioner of Lands, Talbert Bracket.
It turns out the Bejerano's, whose land adjoins remote Graham Creek are considered a national security risk due to narco trafficking in that area. So, the Ministry of Natural Resources - most likely acting on instructions from the security apparatus - was instructed to prepare documents saying they have to go.
Only problem is the Bejerano family has been living on and working that 50 acres plot of land from before independence. John Bejerano told PGTV he plans to fight the eviction:
John Bejerano, Evicted from Sarstoon
"The BDF went there and told us to withdraw from there to move you know in one time if not they will burn the house, the tatched house where you could see on the picture and they said we have to go. They went there with two big skiff full of soldiers with heavy weapons and searched the area and say we need to move and they gave us the letter."
"I am complaining about it you know because we've been there a long time my father from George Price time, before Belize became independence. That is where I was born and grew up at Sarstoon at the farm. So I don't know why we have to move. If that is the case, if we have to get two lawyers we will get, because we could find the money to fight for our rights."
"Well, we spoke to alcalde from Graham Creek and Machakila and they said they have no problem and we are welcome to the village. We are under Graham Creek village."
"And they say BDF cannot come and draw away from our land, you know."
Reporter
"But you were there before Graham Creek existed? and before exists."
John Bejerano, Evicted from Sarstoon
"Yes."
Reporter
"And before Machakiila existed?"
John Bejerano, Evicted from Sarstoon
"Same thing."
As we understand it - the Ministry of Natural Resources says that the Bejerano's do not have any land documents showing ownership of the lands they are being evicted from.
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