Belize: Squatters will be punished

The Ministry of Natural Resources in Belize has called on citizens to refrain from squatting on Government or private land.

In a statement, the Ministry said it was brought to their attention that unauthorized individuals are building structures on private lands in the Agricultural Area of Cotton Tree Village in the Cayo District.

“The public is advised to be cautious not to engage in activities that lead to the illegal disposal of land and unauthorized occupation as persons will do so at their own risk,” the Ministry said.

“Any person who is found in the unlawful occupation of national land is guilty of an offence under the National Lands Act, Chapter 191 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000-2003.”

The Ministry noted it is the responsibility of private landowners to remove trespassers from their property and it highlighted the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 98 which says “trespassing on private lands is illegal and subject to removal at the expense of trespassers.”