GoB launches educational campaign on CCJ Maya land rights ruling

BELMOPAN, Mon. June 22, 2026

   The Government of Belize has launched a national public education campaign aimed at fostering greater understanding and discussion surrounding the implementation of Maya customary land rights in Belize. The initiative, titled, “Community Perspectives on Communal Land Rights,” was officially launched on Monday, June 22 at the George Price Centre in Belmopan by the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs and Transportation in collaboration with the University of Belize.

   The campaign is being launched as Belize continues efforts to implement the landmark 2015 Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Consent Order, which recognized Maya customary land tenure and directed the Government to establish mechanisms to protect Maya land rights and provide appropriate remedies in instances where those rights have been infringed.

   The forum brought together representatives from government, indigenous organizations, non-Maya communities, private landowners, and civil society groups to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and implications associated with communal land rights.

   Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Hon. Louis Zabaneh said the initiative was designed to ensure that all affected stakeholders have an opportunity to voice their concerns and experiences as the country moves toward implementing the Consent Order. “We brought all the parties affected by the Consent Order for the Maya Land Rights case that we’re dealing with. It’s to give everyone an opportunity for them to share their perspectives on how the draft legislation is affecting them and what has been their experiences so far,” Zabaneh said.

   Among those participating in the discussions was Toledo West area representative, Hon. Oscar Requena, whose constituency includes a significant portion of Belize’s Maya population. Requena emphasized the importance of hearing diverse viewpoints as the Government works toward a solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. “It is very heartwarming to hear the presentations by the various panelists, their perspectives. They are also making recommendations and suggestions to Government. They have certain concerns, and as a Government it is important that we listen to everyone, including the appellants, but also the interested parties,” Requena said.

   One of the strongest objections to the whole communal land system came from representatives of Big Falls Village, a multicultural community in the Toledo District. Speaking on behalf of the village, Pedro Chi said residents are opposed to the application of communal land rights within their community, noting that most villagers already hold private or leasehold titles. “Big Falls is not interested in the Communal Land System. Reason why? Most of our people in Big Falls either have leasehold or private properties; there isn’t any other land available for communal use in Big Falls,” Chi said.

   Representatives from Yemeri Grove, Jacintoville, and Mafredi Village also participated in the forum. Attorney Ardelle Sabido, speaking on behalf of those communities, acknowledged the legal recognition of Maya customary land rights, but questioned how implementation would affect the rights of non-Maya residents who have lived in the area for generations. “We are not here to argue against Maya Customary Land, not here to argue that it does not exist; they do. The courts have spoken. The consent order exists. The issue before us is how the Government will implement that,” Sabido said. She added that the implementation process must strike a balance between protecting Maya land rights and safeguarding the constitutional rights of other Belizeans. “The implementation of those rights must not create uncertainty for any other group in Belize. The reality on the ground is that these are not just lines on a map; these are people’s lives. If I’ve been living in this village for three or four generations, where would I go even if Government offered me a plot of land somewhere else? Would I want to leave? Does my constitutional right balance against those of the consent order? These are the questions we don’t have answers to,” Sabido stated.

   While the forum featured a range of perspectives from government officials, private landowners, and community representatives, no representatives from the Maya Leaders Alliance or the Toledo Alcaldes Association attended the event, despite being invited by the organizers.