Background & Context

The Belize Grassroot Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) is a grassroots movement birthed from Belizeans’ disillusionment and cynicism in the current system of land distribution. As far back as 1998, founding members have been pursuing land acquisition to live through farming activities. Like many other poor Belizeans, they were met with costly bureaucratic processes in terms of time and finances. In some cases, through persistence, the land was granted (leases); however, later canceled because of inept research by public servants and changes in political agenda. These lands were then redistributed to more affluent society members.

Observing the actions of non-Belizeans (Immigrants) who have successfully obtained Belizean land through squatting, in 2010, BGYEA founders decided to adopt a similar strategy. Undeveloped lands were identified near Mile 41 on the Western Highway, and members settled on a portion to undertake farming activities. Some resistance to this initiative unfolded, and the matter eventually became public knowledge. The Belizean public sympathized with the BGYEA’s founders. With their backing, the group was able to obtain the government’s endorsement to legally acquire the lands in the area for redistribution to landless Belizeans. A total of 1,300 acres were acquired and surveyed into one-acre parcels for distribution to 800 first-time land owners. The remaining acres were left aside for public roads and community spaces, including parks, school grounds, and highway buffer.

Today, the movement has evolved from just an initiative to acquire land to one aimed at building a model farming community where “everyoneness” and equity are the norm. The community is now called Harmonyville and currently has approximately 300 families.

BGYEA is governed by a Board of Directors currently comprised of its founding members and is supported by a team of Sisters whose function as the anchor for truth and spur for action.

Today

BGYEA recognizes that while the first phase (land acquisition) of its movement is complete, challenges still exist. There is a constant threat from political leaders to thwart the progress that has been made and prevent similar land acquisition initiatives from taking root in other parts of the country. Also, getting first-time landowners to take up residence on their issued plots remains an issue. Despite these challenges, there is a need to move into the second phase of the movement which is the development of a sustainable and self-sufficient farming community.