On November 5, 2025, representatives from the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank village councils convened with Belize Rural Central Area Representative, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, to deliberate on the potential merger of the two communities into a single town. This discussion was prompted by recent concerns raised by Ladyville’s Citizen Advisory Committee, which advocated for greater autonomy to address local issues. While the concept of merging the villages has been contemplated for decades, no concrete actions had been taken until now. The meeting provided a platform for both councils to evaluate the benefits and challenges of such a merger, particularly in light of Belize’s evolving municipal landscape and the implications for land tax. Balderamos-Garcia emphasized that the consultation was preliminary and aimed at fostering dialogue rather than imposing decisions. She highlighted the positive reception from the approximately 30 attendees and stressed the importance of broader community engagement in the process. The discussion also touched on the potential advantages of modest property taxes to fund essential services for the expanded community. Balderamos-Garcia reiterated her commitment to inclusive consultations, ensuring that all voices are heard before any decisions are finalized.
