Stann Creek West Area Rep Weighs In on Santa Cruz Land Issue

Rodwell Ferguson

Weighing in on the matter is P.U.P. area representative for Stann Creek West Rodwell Ferguson. According to Ferguson the only person who has the authority to issue land is the Minister of Natural Resources and in this case, it is Minister Hugo Patt. 

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West

“I advised them that if you are going to pursue any subdivision you must get a written permission to survey in black and write from the Commissioner of Lands. Failure to do that then you will have discrepancies along the way. When they reach this deadlock, they tried to get an appointment with the Commissioner because the people in Santa Cruz are very productive. They don’t wait for the Government to survey as so they did it. But almost two years now, and no documents are forthcoming. So the villagers are concern and asked the chairman what is happening and so they convened a meeting about three weeks ago and invited me. I explained them exactly what is the process in getting land in the county of Belize. Only the Minister of lands had the authority to issue lands, absolutely nobody else. A new standard bearer came about in the name of Ivan Williams and apparently he wants to take over the project but apparently he doesn’t want to work with the present chairman of the village. They are saying that they don’t mind working with you if you accept working with us and so there were difference and part ways. The village council act only the chairman or the village council can recommend any lots that can be issued in the village. So if there is any land distribution it must come through the elected village council and that is where the deadlock is today.”