Government Acquires Will Bauer to Save Fly Fishers

It’s been a long-fought battle to save the Will Bauer Flats from destructive development. The fishing community of southern Belize value the area as a prime location to fly fish; however, the threat of deterioration from proposed developers Angel Fish Caye LLC, threatened the livelihood of these fishermen. After months of public outcry, the government has decided to acquire the land from the owners, who will now be compensated for the loss. Prime Minister John Briceño provided us some details on this decision.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It’s unfortunate also that the fisher folks and the fly fishing association did not alert us early to be able to stop that development. There’s the NEAC, the people ensure the entire process. But now that they’re starting to develop it, we see now a number of people are saying that is one of the best fly fishing areas. And so we need to protect it. And and we, there was no option but to compulsorily acquired that, so that the government can protect it. And I hope for generations to come.”