Squatters Taking Up Private Land on Northern Caye Caulker
Concerns have been raised about the illegal occupation of private lands north of Caye Caulker Village. News Five understands that several persons have erected dwellings in an area on the other side of the Split and a recent encounter with squatters could have ended badly, as machetes were reportedly drawn. Earlier today, we asked Area Representative Andre Perez about the issue. He is conscious of the issue and says that the matter is being dealt with through the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Caye Caulker Village Council.
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“I am fully aware of this particular situation, but if I may venture in telling you that that is not the only particular situation that we are aware of, there are many in Caye Caulker, as well as here on Ambergris Caye. Look, we cannot be here to cast or throw blame, but in terms of Caye Caulker, the lands that have been plundered for the past thirteen, fifteen years leaves very little land or, if not, none for the locals in Caye Caulker, the Caye Caulkeños that were born there. The next generation there, there is nothing we can guarantee that there’s a piece of land for them and consequently, these are the results that we are getting from people who are squatting there. The laws of the land have to prevail, of course, and in this particular instance we have been informed about it and the Ministry of Natural Resources is taking care of it and that they are issuing the letters that they have to vacate the place and it is being done via the village council.”