Ministry of Natural Resources Speaks on La Gracia

The Ministry of Natural Resources issued a press release today to clarify the land issue in La Gracia. The release states that last month, the ministry gave a Superintendent of Police and other Belizeans permission to survey land in the village.   The surveyors in La Gracia were private surveyors carrying out the surveys on those person’s behalf.  The ministry says that the goal is to “resolve a long-standing land matter.” According to Village Chairman Walter Zepeda, residents weren’t informed that an issue was being resolved. The villagers in La Gracia say that for fifteen years they have been farming the land. Some of the farmers claim to have leasehold titles.  The release reminds persons that they must apply and receive a lease or title in order to own national land.