Decision in West Landivar project set for Tuesday

And rounding out our Supreme Court coverage, this morning Justice John Muria heard submissions from attorneys arguing for and against a tourism project in West Landivar by Belize City businessman David Gegg. Attorney Tania Moody represented the interests of Cecil Arnold and others opposed to the development, while Nicola Cho responded for the Government. Moody is seeking judicial review against the Forest Department for granting Gegg the permit to cut the mangrove currently on the parcel of land. On July fourteenth, Moody secured an initial injunction against the cutting of the mangrove after Gegg’s crews cut about seventy percent of the trees on the property. The businessman has maintained he did so with the permission of the Forest Department, but Moody contends Gegg was only allowed to “trim” the mangrove. Justice John Muria will deliver a decision in the matter on Tuesday. Earlier this week, Moody acting for the West Landivar Citizens Action Committee, successfully argued for the extension of an injunction that prevents any further development in the area pending the outcome of the civil action. According to Moody, who is also a resident of the area, opponents to Gegg’s proposed marina and office complex feel the project will degrade the quality of life in the upscale neighbourhood and poses a threat to the health and safety of area residents. In his defence, the developer has maintained to News Five that the so-called community group consists primarily of just three people: Perla Perdomo, Cecil Arnold, and Tania Moody. The majority of West Landivar residents, according to Gegg, in fact support the project and the economic benefits it will bring.