Posted: Monday, July 7, 2025. 9:27 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd., a Belizean-owned furniture manufacturer, is pushing back against what it calls a “smear campaign” by certain media outlets and NGOs regarding its proposed long-term forest license in the Western Hardwood Area of the Cayo District.
In a press release issued, the company condemned the allegations as “false, reckless, and defamatory,” claiming they are part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish its reputation and obstruct its operations.
“We categorically reject the false, reckless, and defamatory allegations now circulating,” the release states. “These claims are entirely without merit and appear to be part of a coordinated effort to undermine our reputation and obstruct our lawful operations.”
The company says that it submitted its forest license application in September 2024, asserting full compliance with the Forest Act and all regulatory requirements.
According to Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd., the application is a step toward ensuring sustainable production, protecting jobs, and promoting local economic development.
“Our application was submitted in good faith, transparently, and in full compliance with the Forest Act and its regulations,” the company added. “All information requested by the Forest Department… was submitted in full on several occasions, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and cooperation.”
The company also pointed to what it described as a pattern of selective enforcement and double standards within the forestry sector.
Citing past instances of unsanctioned logging, including the illegal harvesting of over 100 mahogany trees in 2018 and another 51 trees in 2023, the company questioned why those incidents did not trigger the same level of scrutiny or public outcry.
“No media outrage, no NGO concern followed either of these serious incidents,” the release noted. “Why is only Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd. being targeted and dragged into controversy for following the very same process?”
The company alleges it is being penalized for refusing to participate in a corrupt licensing culture.
“We have been informed by multiple license holders that approval is often contingent on unofficial payments or ‘compensation,’” the statement reads. “Our refusal to participate in this corrupt system appears to have made us a target.”
Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd. is now calling on key government offices — including the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ombudsman — to launch an independent investigation into the Forest Department and its licensing procedures.
“Belizeans deserve a forestry sector that operates on merit, fairness, and transparency — not favoritism and backdoor deals,” the company stated.
Despite the controversy, the company says it remains committed to sustainable forestry and supporting local communities.
“We make no apologies for taking the ethical path,” the company stated. “We will not bribe. We will not be extorted. And we will not be silenced,” the company said.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd. condemns “Baseless” attacks over Forest license proposal appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, July 7, 2025. 9:27 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd., a Belizean-owned furniture manufacturer, is pushing back against what it
The post Belize Wood Mark Designs Ltd. condemns “Baseless” attacks over Forest license proposal appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
