Government Moves to Acquire Disputed Stake Bank Island for Cruise Tourism

The Government of Belize has moved to compulsorily acquire the disputed 24-acre extension of Stake Bank Island. The Commissioner of Lands Talbert Brackett has written to former Stake Bank Chairman and shareholder Michael Feinstein informing him of the government’s intent to acquire the land for public purpose. In the letter, Feinstein is informed that he can also present reasonable proposals for the government to voluntary purchase the land. However, if he does not provide any proposals the government can move to acquire the land within six weeks of the second declaration being published in the Gazette.  The parcel is currently the subject of an ownership dispute in the High Court, which is hindering the project. The government says that once the acquisition and assignment to Stake Bank Enterprises is finalized, the cruise berthing facility, which has been halted since the company entered receivership in March of this year, can proceed to completion. Citing a need to boost cruise tourism numbers, GOB’s acquisition will seek to resume infrastructure works required for the development, financing, construction, management, operation and use of a cruise ship docking facility at the island of Stake Bank, and the development of Stake Bank Island for tourism purposes. Additionally, Feinstein was asked to provide the government with the name(s) of every person possessing any interest in the land on or before the September 30, 2024.