Belize Land Policy and Taxation

Vocabulary flashcards covering Belize’s land policy, taxation, and related social issues discussed in the lecture.

Self-government (1964)

Year Belize gained internal self-rule, allowing the country to manage domestic affairs while Britain kept external control.

Adult suffrage

The right of all citizens aged 18 and over to vote for their politicians.

Lands Act

Belizean law that regulates land ownership; amended to guarantee every born Belizean a house lot.

House lot

A parcel of land granted to citizens for constructing a home.

Farmland allocation

Program that offered farmers 200–400 acre plots depending on their agricultural needs.

25-year lease

Initial tenure under which many Belizeans held land before purchasing it outright.

Lease-to-purchase conversion

Policy allowing lessees to buy their leased land, with past lease payments deducted from the purchase price.

Property (land) tax

Low national tax on land; e.g., about BZ$10 per year for a house lot.

Large-acreage tax rate

Annual land tax for 25–50 acres, roughly BZ$175, still considered inexpensive.

City council tax

Extra municipal levy added in towns and cities on top of the national property tax.

Garbage tax

Fee charged by city councils for regular waste collection services.

Village residence benefit

Living in rural villages exempts residents from city council and garbage taxes.

Foreign land ownership

Belize allows non-citizens to purchase land under the same tax conditions as locals.

Corruption in land allocation

Bribery and favoritism that influence who receives government land.

Absence of 'first come, first served' rule

Lack of a legal requirement to process land applications in the order received, enabling favoritism.

Political pressure over land

Public dissatisfaction when ordinary citizens wait years for land while well-connected individuals receive plots quickly.

Belmopan

Capital city cited as an example where additional municipal taxes apply.