Jalacte Village Sues for Millions in Compensation for Loss of Lands

During the trial, expert testimony was provided by a number of individuals, including engineering consultant Avondale Moody, for the Ministry of Works.  Among the reasons given for the placement of a BAHA outpost in Jalacte is its proximity to the Belize/Guatemala border and the fact that there has been an outbreak of med-fly disease in the area.

Nigel Hawke, Solicitor General

“Our position is in line with what Mr. Moody and all of the officers of the state have been saying.  We have had extensive consultations with members of the community before any construction would have been had, even in relation to the BAHA outpost when there was an outbreak of med-fly disease.  You could quite imagine that if you have a med-fly outbreak and it is allowed to spread throughout Belize, it could cripple our economy.  We have a large agricultural economy, so when you look at Mr. Moody’s evidence you will see it’s consistent with the fact there was and had been consultations with the First Alcalde, the village leaders and members.  And again, I have to make the point, we are asserting that this was long before the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2015.”

Nigel Hawke

Reporter

“What is the value of compensation that the villagers of Jalacte are asking the court to grant them, sir?”

Nigel Hawke

“Well I wouldn’t say the exact figure because it has to be assessed, but it’s in the millions and some of the things that they are seeking, I mean, the court has to deal with because there is an expert to give a report and we have to question that expert, but some of them are, to me, if you want to say outlandish.  But, I mean, like the matter is before the court so I wouldn’t comment too much on that.  It’s in the millions.”

The matter was first reported in 2016 through the Maya Leaders Alliance.