Village Council Protests Proposed Subdivision of Nature Park in OW

Chairman of the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village Council, Orlando A. Ayuso, has written to the Chairman of the Palmar Lands Advisory Committee, Wincy Perez, strongly opposing a decision reportedly made to subdivide the Sibbal Yuum Nature Park.

In a formal letter dated April 2025, Ayuso expressed concern following what he described as a meeting organised by the Palmar Lands Committee during which “the decision to subdivide Siibal Yum Nature Park was taken.”

He reminded the committee that “on October 27, 2024, this aforementioned area was declared a park and public area via an official inauguration ceremony.” He added, “Present were the then-elected Palmar Lands Advisory Committee and the present-day Village Council.”

Ayuso referenced Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, the Village Council Act, which he said “makes provision for Village Councils to declare areas for parks and recreation.” He noted that the parcel of land in question, “measuring 1,244.39 square yards, has been declared a nature park, which is a green area.”

He warned that “areas such as these are protected by environment and climate change ministries and activists” and pointed out that “the amendments to the National Land Use Policy make provision for securing green parcels when subdivisions are being made within a community.”

Ayuso appealed to the committee to reverse course: “Via this medium I am petitioning that you and your committee reconsider the decision to subdivide this already established nature park.”

He said that “members of the community are already enjoying this area” and that “this community-based development is continuous with many future environmentally friendly plans”. According to the letter, “well over $20,000 Belize has been invested. This was once a grassy area which was being used as a dump.”

“In the past this was an eyesore and a hazard for those living in that area of the village. Today it is the pride and joy of our community,” he said. “It is a recreational area visited not only by our villagers but also by adults and children of the surrounding town area and villages. Just yesterday we had a day of fun in a safe and clean environment.”

He closed the letter with a strong warning: “We respectfully and politely ask that you refrain and desist from launching an attack on Sibbal Yuum Nature Park. We will be taking legal action at the court, as damage to public property is a serious offence, especially this being a declared green area.”