Press Release
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government announces the official appointment of an Independent Commission by the Minister to conduct a comprehensive review of grievances concerning disputed areas between adjoining villages.
In accordance with Section 3 of the Village Council Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2020, the Minister, for the time being, responsible for villages and village councils, is required to declare the boundaries of villages. In addition, and in furtherance of section 3(3) of the Village Council Act, through the power vested in him, the Minister has appointed an Independent Commission to review grievances arising from disputed areas with adjoining villages and to make recommendations to the Minister for resolving such disputes.
The Commission held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025, under the chairpersonship of the Hon. Madam Chief Magistrate, Ms. Deborah Rogers. Other Commission members included representatives of the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Elections & Boundaries Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Mining, the National Association of Village Councils, and a private-sector representative with expertise in physical planning and land information.
The inaugural meeting was hosted by the Secretariat of the Commission and the Ministry of Rural Transformation, focusing on the Terms of Reference for the Commission and a proposed plan of action, which shall guide the work of the established body.
The Commission is tasked to mediate and determine, as recommendations, appropriate and meaningful interventions to resolve disputes over areas of adjoining villages. The arrangement of this mechanism is strictly intended to mediate over disputes that are at a stalemate, as villages and village councils are encouraged by the Ministry of Rural Transformation to use dialogue, mediation, and consultations amongst all stakeholders to address village boundaries and resolve such disputes.
The work of the Commission is scheduled to be completed within six months.
The post Independent Commission Established for Village Boundary Disputes appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government announces the official appointment of an Independent Commission by the Minister to conduct a comprehensive review of grievances concerning disputed areas between adjoining villages. In accordance with Section 3 of the Village Council Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition,
The post Independent Commission Established for Village Boundary Disputes appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.