Sheran Palacio Responds to Innovabel Land Distribution: “Poor People Need Land Too”

The former Mayor of Belmopan, Sheran “Sharon” Palacio is defending her Innovabel Land Distribution program in the Innovabel Estate. She stated, “I was glad to help ordinary Belizeans who would never have had the opportunity to acquire land.”

Criticising the current administration for attempting to undermine her legacy, she stated, “I am not surprised that the current Mayor and his cohorts are investing time and energy trying to erase my contributions.” She emphasised the need for land among the impoverished, asserting, “Poor people need land too.” 

Addressing allegations of personal gain, she stated, “Let it be known that past Mayor Sheran Palacio has not gained a single copper from any land allocated to any of the current owners.”

Palacio highlighted that many city council workers, some employed since 2000, finally became first-time landowners through her program.  “Their sweat, blood, and tears finally paid off when they were empowered to become first-time land (lot) owners,” she declared.

Palacio’s statements follow Mayor Pablo Cawich’s investigation into questionable land sales at the Innovabel Estate, where parcels were sold for up to 95% below appraised values. A leaked document lists 43 parcels, including sales to Palacio’s family for as little as $100. Cawich revealed that this resulted in an estimated $2 million revenue loss.