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Ministry of Natural Resources
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Village Council takes measures to ensure unrestricted access to public beaches
On Wednesday, January 15th, volunteers and staff from the Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) were seen removing bollards (barriers) from the beach area that had been placed there by a local resident. The CCVC stated they were addressing the closure of two public beach areas and a street, emphasizing that access to these areas is a right for all Belizeans and visitors alike. One of the residents who had installed the bollards, local attorney Wendy Auxillou, explained that the barriers were not intended to block access to the beach but rather to prevent golf carts from passing in front of her mother’s beachfront property.
Community and Society
Legality of gates restricting access to public areas
The legality of installing gates on beaches in San Pedro Town is a contentious issue stemming from longstanding regulations regarding public access to coastal areas. According to Belizean law, specifically the 66-foot rule known as "Queen's Land," all land up to 66 feet from the high-water mark is considered public property. This law mandates that beachfront and docks must remain accessible to the public, prohibiting any permanent barriers that would restrict access.
Environment
Construction project north of San Pedro issued Stop Order
Early in December, images started circulating on social media about a construction project north of San Pedro Town showing a truck dumping rocks off the beach and onto the seabed. The photos shocked the environmental and tourism community on the island, who started questioning this action. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and its building unit were reportedly unaware of the incident; as the images made the rounds, they visited the construction site and suspended the works. The latest update from the SPTC is that an official stop order was issued and is still in effect, while the Department of Environment (DOE) issues a fine for the irregular activity.
Government
Local Government Resumes Municipal Boundaries Re-Delineation Exercise
Following Cabinet's decision in July 2021, the Department of Local Government resumed activities to complete the Municipal Boundaries Re-Delineation Exercise that began in 2012.
Conservation
World Water Day 2021
Today, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mining, and Petroleum, in conjunction with various local water partners, is celebrating World Water Day. World Water Day, which celebrates the vital importance of freshwater, was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993, as the first World Water Day.
Community and Society
Another dock on the beach? Construction halted following public outcry
Although a letter issued by the San Pedro Town Building Unit approved the project, Mayor Daniel Guerrero has maintained that the construction of new piers is out of their jurisdiction.
Community and Society
Ministry of Natural Resources Issues Statement on Squatting
It has been brought to the Ministry’s attention that unauthorized individuals are involved with private lands in the Agricultural Area of Cotton Tree Village, near the Benny’s Warehouse at mile 44, George Price Highway, Cayo District. The public is advised to be cautious not to engage in activities that lead to the illegal disposal of land and unauthorized occupation as persons will do so at their own risk.
Community and Society
Ministry of Natural Resources Re-Opening Protocols
The Ministry of Natural Resources informs the public that all offices countrywide are open between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12 midday and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To maintain the health and safety of customers and employees and to comply with the Government of Belize’s regulations, effective immediately, all persons conducting business at any office countrywide are required to wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice good hand hygiene, and adhere to social distancing protocols.