By Belize Live News Staff: Frustration boiled over in Maya Centre Village as residents took to the streets in protest, demanding government action on land distribution. The protesters accused their chairman, Francisco Pop, and area representative, Minister Rodwell Ferguson, of failing to secure land for villagers who still remain without lots.
Ferguson defended his record, noting that efforts have been ongoing since he assumed office in 2020. “I told the chairman I want to pursue this document for Maya Centre. I made several trips to Belmopan with the chairman at that time, Ernesto Saqui, to try to rectify the problems. I sought legal advice from the Minister of Natural Resources. At this point, the survey needs to be completed and the plan authenticated,” Ferguson explained.
However, residents argue that the issue is more urgent than bureaucratic delays. Protester Antonio Bolon said the struggle is not about past purchases but about villagers still without land. “We don’t want to hear anything about 2007. That land already has owners. The issue is expansion. The government must step in and buy land from TexBel for us,” Bolon stressed.
Villagers are now calling on Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde to intervene and commit to acquiring at least 50 acres for distribution. They say that without new land for expansion, the people of Maya Centre will continue to be left behind.
