By Belize Live News Staff: Former Mayor Sheran Palacio has come under intense scrutiny after revelations surfaced about discounted sales of municipal land in the Innovabel Housing area. Critics allege that the discounts primarily benefited her friends, family, and municipal councilors, resulting in a financial shortfall estimated at BZD 758,000.
Facing public outcry, Palacio has issued a defiant response, stating that she is not surprised by the criticism. “I am not surprised that the current Mayor and his cohorts are investing time and energy trying to erase and minimize my legacy,” she remarked in a statement. Palacio also expressed frustration that lands were being acquired by wealthy individuals at the expense of the poor, adding that “poor people need land too.”
Palacio firmly denied any personal financial gain from the land allocations, emphasizing that the recipients came from diverse backgrounds in terms of ethnicity, political affiliation, and socioeconomic status. “For this, I will stand firm unapologetically,” she declared, defending her decisions during her tenure.
The controversy centers on the alleged undervaluation of plots in the Innovabel area, with some reports indicating discounts of up to 95%. Critics argue that these transactions resulted in significant financial losses for the Belmopan City Council.
The former mayor’s stance has only fueled further debate in a case that highlights deep divisions in Belmopan’s municipal politics, with many calling for greater transparency in the allocation of public resources.
