Illegal Logging Tied to Political Constituents

It’s a growing concern in Belize Rural North, illegal logging operations are threatening the forested areas of Boston Village, and local leaders are speaking out. On Friday, News Five caught up with Village Chairman Nikolai Alvarado, who’s calling for action. The controversy deepens as Orange Walk South Area Rep Jose Abelardo Mai confirms that some of his constituents are being named in the unlawful activity. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Forest Officer and Area Rep Marconi Leal have also weighed in.

 

Marconi Leal Jr., Area Representative, Belize Rural North

“The chairman reached out to me, he shared his concern in regards to the logging that was taking place, and so that morning I went out there to see what was taking place and we’re happy that that has now been addressed by the Forestry Department.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“It seems to be a perennial issue, from all reports, that you have people who go in there and conduct illegal logging operations, year on year. What do you believe can be done, perhaps in your capacity as area rep or as a minister of government?”

 

Marconi Leal Jr.

“I think over the past few years, and me supporting my dad who was the previous area rep for twenty-three villages, we haven’t seen much licenses being issued, but when it is issued we always want to get visibility so that we can ensure that the Forestry Department is out there and we are aware of what they got approval for so that they don’t infringe on other properties near to that because they are in the bushes; they are in the deep bushes and we want to ensure that private properties aren’t affected and in this case, the chairman highlighted that there is potential impact to private property outside of what they got approved. And so, that is what the chairman was looking at yesterday to try to ensure that we manage that and we try to maximize and optimize Forestry Department being involved to ensure that they do what their license is approved to do…”