Government Investigates Alleged Land Scandal at Innovabel Estate, Belmopan

An in-depth investigation into the land distribution at the Innovabel Estate in Belmopan continues with the government prepared to litigate if it comes to that.  Love News understands that more than 100 lots are being questioned with one former city councillor receiving some 8 parcels.  In a release sent out by the council yesterday, it spoke of unauthorized discounts given under the project which has reportedly caused the Belmopan City Council to lose some two million dollars in revenue.  The entire matter has placed the placed the council in quite the predicament as they attempt to recover some of those losses.  Letters were sent out to some land owners earlier this month asking that they pay the true value of the land.  The issue with this, however, is that many of them were able to obtain a land title from the Lands Department prior to this council taking over in March.  Mayor Pablo Cawich concedes that with land titles issued the council faces a challenging task.

Pablo Cawich, Mayor of Belmopan City: “Once a title has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources there is no legal stance anyone can take to force someone to pay additional funding. It is a reality that we are aware of but as mentioned we are hoping that as good citizens and good Belizeans their ethics and their morals will drive them towards ensuring that they do pay the true value of the land. In the case of specifically the councilors that was the only resolution that we found in the meeting minutes. Where the councilors had received approval for a discounted sale on the properties. The only reason we’re here today is because one of the people who participate in this unethical behavior decided to go to the media to try and imply that the City Council was trying to do something wrong. I reiterate we are not trying to take away any of these people’s lands, all we’re asking for is that true value be paid.”

As it relates to the previous council administration, Mayor Cawich steered clear of pointing fingers or casting blame.  It was one area of questioning that he says could be answered by past news pieces surrounding the Belmopan City Council.

Pablo Cawich, Mayor of Belmopan City: “I prefer not to comment on that. I believe that there is enough historic evidence documented by the media when it comes to that specific question. We prefer not to go into any mudslinging or anything like that. As you noticed I’ve tried to avoid any finger pointing. Good intentions cannot come at a cost to the city. As everyone should be aware all municipalities in our country struggle when it comes to finances. I believe you can recall as well that there were many instances documented in the news where employees were not being paid on time, investments in the city and repairs were not being executed. All of these things are related to financing and a good intention cannot be the determining factor for other people’s suffering.”