G.O.B. Did Not Consult with Maya Community Before Building

Pablo Mis

Maya property rights have been affirmed multiple times through an unbroken chain of court decisions with the final decision at the Caribbean Court of Justice consented to by the Government of Belize.

On the Phone: Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator, MLA

“Clearly the communities, the Maya communities, all the Maya communities are not confused at all with respect to the rights that they have to those lands.  Even prior to going to the courts the Maya communities were very clear that to their knowledge the land that they have used traditionally is their property and the courts have agreed to do that.  We believe that in the case of Jalacte it is mainly a reckless position of the agriculture initiative that has led to the situation.  We have a lot of confidence that the ministry will be able to come around and engage with the Jalacte community and property owners on the basis of good faith by engaging in dialogue and making sure that there is consensus and there is consent on how to proceed with a development initiative that is of use and is very essential for not only Jalacte, but the surrounding communities.”

Villagers of Jalacte remain committed to continue monitoring the unauthorized development by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture on their lands.