In Belize District, the long-standing issue of El Celaso Lane in Belama Phase Three has resurfaced, raising questions about land ownership and political promises. Residents had anticipated the opening of this overgrown and inaccessible road, with politicians from both major parties pledging to clear it. However, it has been revealed that the land has been privately owned since 2020, sparking concerns about its inclusion in the 2020 Belama land grab.
Back in 2020, when the People’s United Party (P.U.P.) assumed office, the government froze land payments amid allegations that the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) was distributing parcels to voters. Hundreds of lots were subsequently reclaimed, including some in Belama. Yet, residents are now questioning whether every piece of land was returned, particularly El Celaso Lane.
Britney Gordon of News Five investigated the matter, posing the question to former U.D.P. Freetown standard bearer Orson Elrington. Elrington expressed uncertainty, stating that the decision lies with the Ministry of Lands. He emphasized his commitment to helping first-time landowners secure parcels, given the scarcity of available land in the area.
Several residents claim that U.D.P. campaigners, including Elrington, had assured them that opening the road would be a priority. Elrington, however, could not recall whether this specific parcel was among those sold in 2020, maintaining that his focus has always been on land allocation.
In 2021, the P.U.P. administration launched an investigation into the sale of land parcels under the U.D.P., questioning whether proper protocols were followed. Albert Vaughn, P.U.P. chairperson of Freetown and a former city councilor, stated that, to his knowledge, the sale of El Celaso Lane did not undergo the full process. This raises the question of why the land has not been returned.
Elrington reiterated that land sales are processed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and he supports opportunities for first-time landowners. However, the community continues to call on the government to re-purchase the land and fulfill the long-standing promise to open the road.