“No More Docks”: Minister Warns Waterfront Buyers

A heated confrontation over an illegal barricade has brought up broader concerns about the public spaces in Caye Caulker Village. On Wednesday, the village council drew a line between access to public beaches and streets, stating it cannot be compromised for private gain.

Are the real estate agencies misleading buyers? In an interview with the area representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, he said, “We need to get to the root of the problem, and one is the real estate agencies.” Perez added, “When you sell a property to somebody, you cannot guarantee these things. We have people soliciting our offices saying, ‘Minister or mayor, can you help me? These people want a golf cart; they want this, that.” 

Perez said that developers and real estate agents must clarify the realities of property ownership, particularly in sensitive areas like reserves. He pointed out that waterfront properties, while desirable, do not entitle buyers to build docks. “Buying a waterfront property does not guarantee you that you will be building a dock. In fact, we are making it clear: no more docks,” Perez said.

He added, “That goes not only for private individuals who want to close off their properties, but investors and business people, resorts, restaurants, everything.”

He also addressed the issue of beach reclamation, clarifying that while temporary usage might be allowed, it cannot result in permanent privatisation of public spaces.

This comes after Wednesday’s clash over an illegal barricade that escalated between Caye Caulker Chairlady Seleny Villanueva-Pott and resident Wendy Auxillou. The council was reportedly trying to remove wooden posts blocking a public road. Auxillou, responsible for the barricade, tried to stop the removal, but police intervened, reopening the road to the public.

Villanueva-Pott told News 5 that Auxillou had previously created a temporary fence in the area, which was removed last year but reappeared earlier this week. And once again, the barricades obstructed public access.

In an official statement, the Caye Caulker Village Council stated, “We agree unanimously, as does the law, that beach access must be available to all Belizeans and visitors. Furthermore, these areas are nationally owned areas that exist for the benefit of everyone in our community. For us this means visitors and locals alike.”