A contentious land deal in Independence Village, Belize, has sparked allegations of political favoritism and systemic mismanagement. Sherene Garbutt, a local resident, claims she was in the process of securing a lease for 20 acres of prime beachfront property at Malacate Beach when the land was unexpectedly sold to Charles Price, reportedly the brother of the Prime Minister’s driver. Garbutt alleges that her lease application, which had been under review by the Ministry of Natural Resources, was overlooked in favor of Price’s purchase, approved on April 29, 2025. The transaction, valued at just $10,000 for 22 acres, has raised eyebrows given the area’s market value of up to $45,000 per acre. Garbutt is now demanding the reversal of the sale or compensation with comparable land, threatening legal action if her concerns are not addressed. This case is not isolated; similar claims have emerged, including a lawsuit filed by San Pedro resident Lisa Guerrero, who alleges her land at Secret Beach was unlawfully titled to another individual. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of the Ministry of Natural Resources and its handling of land allocations, with critics pointing to potential conflicts of interest and systemic flaws.