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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Q: There is a parcel of land which, as locals, we have generally accepted as a park in the San Pablo Area of our town. Driving home I saw a for sale sign on it. This issue has caused concern and has come under public scrutiny by the San Pedro residents, that I have spoken to since the plot of land has Mayan mounds on it. What I want to know is how come the land is being sold? Who owns the land? Is it legal to sell the land? If this land is possibly part of archaeology, why then is it being sold, and who owns it, and how did that person come to own it in the first place? Does the person have the right to sell this land? Can anything be done to preserve this area?
/s/ Via Email [Linked Image]

A: Our "private investigator" has found out that the land is owned and being sold by one Ronald Thompson of Belize City, who claimed to have no knowledge that the land was ever a park. The land measures 150 by 60 feet and is being sold for $160, 000.00 Bze ($80,000USD). In speaking with former Area Representative Patty Arceo, she confirmed that it was during her term that palapas and picnic tables were constructed on the land. Our "private investigator" was able to confirm that an application to acquire the land under the San Pedro Town Council was made sometime between 1999 and 2000 but no follow up was made by either of the Town Councils since then.
Since the land in question has Mayan Mounds, and Mayan artifacts have been discovered in the area, the Archeology Department was contacted and it was found that they had no knowledge of the land sale. The Archeology Department warned that if the land owner has a legitimate land title, the sale of land is legal. The Archeology Department also stated, however, that even if the land is being sold, no development can take place on the land if the Archeology Department is not involved. Because there was an application made to acquired land title back in 1999 and 2000 by the San Pedro Town Council, the Archeology Department also stated that the Department can appropriate the parcel should the land be considered of national importance.

Area Representative Manuel Heredia told our investigator that he will take the matter to Cabinet. Honorable Heredia said that he will do anything within his power to have the land designated legally as a park, including sitting down with the owner and reaching an agreement.

Our investigator also found out that because of the nature of the change of ownership of lands in the San Pablo Area over the years, there was just a verbal and mutual agreement that the area would be respected as a green area and future park, making the area a Town Heritage site.

San Pedro Sun

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,157
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"South Beach Park".....just a thought smile


It's rarely rocket science, it's usually just math: then again if you can't do the math.......
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Minister wants archaeological land back in Govt hands
Last night we reported on the piece of land marked for sale in the San Pablo area of San Pedro Town. The land which was originally used as a park and there were plans for it to be converted into an archaeological site, but somehow it ended up in private hands. And this has raised concern among residents of the area. As we reported, when we called the contact number on the "For Sale" sign, a Roland Thompson confirmed he was selling the land. However he did not divulge any further details of how he came in possession of the valuable piece of land. Late this evening we contacted Area Representative, Manuel Heredia, who told us he was trying to have the property reverted to government land.

Voice of Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism
"It was designated at the time when Sunset Coves was in charge of the lands in San Pablo, I spoke with one of the directors at the time and they said that they did leave it as a reserve and as far as I can recall, there were even picnic tables and chairs over there around the area."

Marion Ali
"Can you tell us Sir, how this park ended up in private hands?"

Voice of Manuel Heredia
"That is where the tricky thing comes up because in reality, all the while I was thinking that its still a reserve or still left as a park. But recently when I passed over there I saw a "For Sale" and a number over there noh. I asked my driver to call that number and one Mr. Thompson from Belize City claims to be the owner of that particular area. And that is as far as property-wise that I got to know; that one Mr. Thompson owns the place. I have been trying, along with San Pedro Sun and Ambergris Today, to try to get to the bottom of this thing but I have not really gotten to the bottom of it as to who sold it to Mr. Thompson and to see if we can clear it up because, personally I believe that is should have remained as a park or a reserve and definitely once I get the pertinent information I will bring it up to Cabinet to see if can acquire that-bring it back to the community because definitely that should not have been sold."

Marion Ali
"But don't you have a lots committee, aren't there procedures that one must follow?"

Voice of Manuel Heredia
"Yes, if it's government but if it's for DFC then the board of directors decide. But I don't see how that could have been sold if it was left as a reserve but I have seen that happen already right."

Minister Heredia says he will take the matter to Cabinet in order to revert it back to public land.

Channel 5

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,740
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It would not be good for something sold legally and in good faith to be "reverted back to public land".

Are there any eminent domain laws in belize?

Joined: May 2000
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When government acquires land - it pays fair market value (as per a number of appraisals.)

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,740
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Well, that's something I guess...


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