1 month ago
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A land dispute in Belmopan involving businessman Gary Gentle and other prominent figures in the capital continues to escalate, with the matter now appearing to be headed toward the courts.
At the center of the dispute is a 5.7 acre property currently being used as a shooting range. Two parties are claiming ownership of the land, and tensions came to a head just over a week ago when an altercation reportedly occurred on the property. Since then, cross complaints have been filed with the police. However, Gary Gentle, who spoke with Love News, firmly maintains that the land belongs to him and says he has developed and occupied the property for nearly three decades. He noted that over the years, several individuals have approached him with interest in purchasing the land, but he has consistently refused. He says that is when the threats to his life began. In addition, Gentle raised concerns about actions taken by the Belmopan Police Department, alleging that officers removed barriers that had been placed on the shooting range property. He explained that he had received written communication from the Belmopan City Council, through the office of the Mayor, indicating that the barriers needed to be removed as they were obstructing a public roadway.
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “So two different persons were interested in purchasing the land. They are saying they have a development going on and they want the land, they don’t want a shooting range in the mix. Alright cool, no problem. So I tell them, listen, I have no intention of moving, but if you want me to move then make it worth my while. I’ve been here for almost thirty years right ? They’ve tried absolutely everything, threat on my life, I mean the constant harassment they talk to everyone who will listen to them. Today I came to the range and those guys came to take down the barrier. I just got a letter from the Mayor signed by the Mayor Pablo Cawich saying that it’s a public road and I need to remove it. I got the letter just a while ago and they’re here to remove it. No argument, no fuss, no fight.”
Reporter: Is this in connection to an altercation you had ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Yes sir.”
Reporter: Tell me about that.
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “I was advised to hold on with the information in regards to that. The lawyer asked me to just hold on. I made a report so they asked me to just hold on and not to speak about it as yet.”
Reporter: So just to get the information correct, you’ve owned this land for almost thirty years. You’ve developed it, it’s a well known shooting range now and now the Ministry is telling you that you need to open the road ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Well I haven’t heard from the ministry. This is from the Mayor.”
Reporter: So now your barrier has been removed. As they said they would so what’s the next step for you ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Well I will leave everything in the hands of the legal system. I won’t fuss, I won’t fight, I won’t argue because I won’t get anywhere. This is not something I do on the side, this is what I do for a living every day. I mean come on man, let’s be fair. But this is where we’re at.”
Reporter: Do you think that those threats from those two persons are connected with what is happening now ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Of course.”
Reporter: So at the beginning they approached you to try and purchase the land ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Yes.”
Reporter: But after you refused then you started receiving these threats am I correct ?
Gary Gentle, Businessman: “Yes.”
Gentle also alleges that more recently, two businessmen have threatened his life, claiming that they are attempting to pressure him into giving up the land so it can be subdivided. He says he remains concerned about his safety amid the ongoing dispute. The identities of the other parties involved are being withheld at this time but will be disclosed if or when charges are filed or the matter escalates to the courts. With competing claims, allegations of threats, and cross complaints now filed, the dispute appears increasingly likely to be resolved through legal channels. Love News will continue to follow developments in this story./
English (US) ·