In a heated land dispute in Independence, Belize, resident Sherene Garbutt is refusing to back down despite the government’s decision to designate 22 acres of land as a protected area. The conflict began when Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde confirmed that the land, originally leased to Orange Walk resident Charles Price, would be returned to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Garbutt, who had applied for the same land earlier, claims her application never reached Hyde’s desk, while Price’s application, submitted over a year later, was approved. Garbutt is now questioning why her parcel was singled out for protection when a larger 100-acre plot with similar natural features remains untouched. Hyde acknowledged administrative errors but emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving such disputes. Garbutt, however, remains steadfast, demanding the return of the land within her village and threatening legal action if her demands are not met.