January 21, 2013

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the future of my country when I see what is happening with Canadian citizens coming to the Consejo Village area.

I do not understand why these people are allowed to work and make money without having the right to do so, as well as raise their own flag in front of their houses, without any Belizean authorities doing anything about it.

Several of those Canadians started construction businesses as soon as they arrived here. Whether they were on QRP or wishing to apply for residency, they did not have to work in this country.

Furthermore, as these people have been working without legal permission, I really doubt they are declaring their source of revenue to the Income Tax Department.

There is a new condominium project that is about to start in Consejo Shores. A local Belizean contractor came to offer his services, saying he could build for BZ $70 per square foot. A Canadian contractor claimed he could do the same job for BZ $35. So I am just wondering how this man can offer such a low rate without exploiting the people who are working for him, and also, if he is paying social security for the workers and, the sales taxes, etc.

Despite the fact that these people give work to Belizean workers, they are taking management jobs that could be done by qualified Belizeans. They are exercising a real monopoly over this type of job, and there is no place left for Belizean contractors, as all new foreign people coming here are now dealing with the Canadians for the building of their houses.

Some of these Canadians are building several houses for sale at the same time. Are Canadians so rich that they can invest such a big amount of money?

There are two more points I am concerned about:

Firstly, as you know, the coastal shores of Belize are protected areas but, despite this fact, these people clear the mangrove or cut it without permission with the sole intention to have lots with a sea view. They would not do it in their own country, where the laws regarding the protection of the shore vegetation are very strict, but of course they do not mind doing it here.

Secondly, according to Belizean regulations, there is, from the shores, a 33-foot area which is the property of the Government, and has to be left clear for people to have access to the sea, and these Canadians do not respect this rule either, as they put fences around their properties, with padlocked gates, or they have watch dogs.

I can understand the Belize Government let people come on QRP to help the development of this country, but I am wondering why these people do not have the obligation to follow the laws in force. Are these the advantages of being part of the Commonwealth with the Canadians, that they can come to our country and breach its laws?

Patnett George,
San Pedro Town