Border Disputes and Consent Protocols in Southern Belize
Several Maya and Garifuna communities in southern Belize have been at odds for quite some time over border disputes. Recently, the Government of Belize made progress in its attempt to resolve the tension between Yemeri Grove and Laguna Village with the signing of an interim border agreement. Since the Caribbean Court of Justice upheld a decision in favor of Maya land rights in 2015, these rural communities have been clamoring to have their village borders officially defined. But, it has been a slow process and doubt surrounding where these communal lands begin and end has led to bitter disputes. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Leaders of Yemeri Grove and Laguna have agreed on a temporary border line between the neighboring villages. Tension has escalated between residents of both communities over their border. On Friday, what many thought would have been an almost impossible sell, was agreed upon by villagers on either side of the land dispute. Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia says the alternative solution was for the government to establish a “no-go zone”.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs
“I am happy to say that the parties, Laguna Village and Yemeri Grove Village leaders, I am really happy to say that sitting down with the facilitation of our ministry and other ministries, they were able to come up with their own interim boundary so that they don’t continue fighting. We had told them that if they don’t agree the government will have to impose a no go zone, a sort of adjacency zone type thing.”
We have seen instances where land markers have been removed from properties along the disputed border line. There have been also reports of threats from both communities. On several occasions, police officers were called in to assist with quelling these heated disputes. The agreement was reached with some key actions that all parties have committed not to undertake in the disputed area.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia
“We had input from our ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the commissioner’s office in the south. We had input from local government and of course we had our legal advisor Mr. Marshaleck. So, we were very pleased that they were able to come up with at least that interim agreement to keep the peace. We will probably have to have an outreach to the villages of Midway and Barranco because they too have a boundary issues.”
And, as the government prioritizes defining a permanent boundary between Yemeri Grove and Laguna, it must also pay attention to what is taking place with Barranco and Midway where a similar situation is unfolding. Residents of Barranco, a Garifuna village, are accusing the residents of Midway, a Maya village, of developing their lands. The dispute has seen several cease and desist letters exchanged and flare-ups from both sides. In Indian Creek Village, another Maya community, the first Alcalde organized a demonstration against the operation of a recently constructed solar system in the village, days before it was inaugurated.
Dolores Balderamo- Garcia
“I don’t want to talk what I don’t know. I think this may have something do with some Maya advocates saying there should be compensation for use of property etc.”
But, in spite of the protest, Indian Creek Village Chairman, Ernesto Choc, spoke from the podium at Friday’s inaugural event. He referred to the project as a testament to the spirit of collaboration.
Ernesto Choc
Ernesto Choc, Chairman, Indian Creek Village
“Today our community stands united ready to embrace a future powered by the sun’s energy. As we gather here to officially inaugurate this solar plant, let us remember the immense potential it holds. It is not just physical structure but a testament to the spirit of progress, innovation and collaboration.”
In 2015, the Caribbean Court of Justice affirmed that the Maya people of southern Belize have rights to lands that they have customarily used and occupied. The Free, Prior and Informed Consent protocol has since been established. The protocol gives Maya communities the opportunity to give or withhold consent to any project within their communities.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Development
“As you are aware the Caribbean Court of Justice made a ruling in 2015 that recognizes customary Maya land rights, and as such it is important that any development that may come into these communities, any investment that may come into these communities, there is a process that the communities must be engaged through, and that is the Free, Prior, Informed, Consent, the FPIC and certainly here for Indian Creek and these communities, it is a lengthy and worthwhile process, because we must ensure that we adhere to what the CCJ has ruled.”
But, when it comes to compensation to Indian Creek Village for the use of the lands where the solar system has been constructed, the government has taken a hard stance against such a proposal.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia
“Of course the government’s position is that if we are going to be rolling out something that will be beneficial to the entire community then the issue of compensation doesn’t even arise. So, that is the government’s position.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
