By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Government of Belize is seeking to give the Commissioner of Lands greater authority to remove illegal occupants from national lands without first having to pursue lengthy court proceedings.
Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the National Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during today’s sitting of the House of Representatives on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining Cordel Hyde, who was absent due to illness.
The proposed amendments to the National Lands Act, Chapter 191, would allow the Commissioner of Lands, or another person authorized under Section 3 of the Act, to take direct enforcement action when individuals unlawfully occupying national lands fail to comply with notices requiring them to vacate.
Briceño explained that under the current legislation, authorities frequently have to take squatters to court when they refuse to leave, resulting in prolonged legal proceedings that can prevent the government from recovering public lands.
He said some individuals deliberately occupy national lands and then sell purported rights to unsuspecting buyers, despite having no legal ownership or documentation.
According to the Prime Minister, the proposed amendments would allow the Commissioner of Lands to use government personnel and, where necessary, law enforcement agencies, including the police, Belize Defence Force or Coast Guard, to carry out lawful enforcement action.
However, he emphasized that the commissioner would still be required to comply with legal procedures and that enforcement action would have to stop if the matter becomes subject to a court appeal.
Briceño also highlighted a situation in the Toledo District involving an individual who has allegedly occupied land near the border without authorization.
He said authorities suspect the individual may be involved in illicit activities but have experienced difficulty removing him under the existing legal framework.
The Prime Minister described the situation as a national security concern, arguing that authorities must be able to respond more quickly when unlawful occupation affects public safety, national security or access to public lands and reserves.
Briceño said the amendments would help address situations in which individuals ignore enforcement notices while allowing authorities to act more effectively within the law.
The bill was referred to the Natural Resources and Environment Committee for examination, consideration and report.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Government of Belize is seeking to give the Commissioner of Lands greater authority to remove illegal occupants from national lands without first having to pursue lengthy court proceedings. Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the National Lands (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during today’s sitting of the House of Representatives on behalf
The post Government introduces bill to give Lands Commissioner power to forcibly remove squatters from national lands without lengthy court proceedings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
