Farmers in Cayo Report Gunfire and Intimidation in Land Dispute

A group of farmers in Cayo say they are living in fear tonight after reporting intimidation, gunfire, and attempted eviction from lands they have cultivated for years. Attorney Bryan Neal says he is representing a group of farmers from San Antonio Village and surrounding communities, including Seven Miles, El Progreso, and San Ignacio. According to Neal, the farmers have occupied and farmed the land peacefully for many years. However, Neal says the situation escalated in January when a man surfaced claiming to be the caretaker of the property. The attorney alleges that the individual has failed to provide legal documentation proving his authority, but has still attempted to remove the farmers. Neal further says that one farmer was shot at during a confrontation. The matter was reported to the Belize Police Department, but no charges have been filed. He is now calling on police to conduct a full investigation into the reported shooting and on the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure the farmers are protected from what he describes as unlawful intimidation. We will keep following this story.

 

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