Blue Diamond Ventures Inc (BLDV)

[TASHI]

Here's an interesting report from the Government of Belize dated May 22, 2008.

The 100-day Report by the Honorable Gaspar Vega, Minister of Natural Resources explains some of the problems that have occurred in the Land and Surveys Department. I don't believe that Blue Diamond Ventures Inc. has control over any land transfer delays concerning the new Government of Belize and their Land and Surveys Audit.

http://www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz/press_release_details.php?pr_id=4975

"Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

Hon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Natural Resources - 100-day Report

Radisson Hotel, Belize City - 22 May, 2008
100 DAYS AFTER
REPORT ON THE STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT


My Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment consists of five Departments and one Public Authority.

They are: The Land and Surveys Department
The Department of the Environment
The Geology and Petroleum Department
The Forest Department
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department

I also have responsibility for the Solid Waste Management Authority and oversight responsibility for the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, PACT.

My portfolio responsibilities are carried out through these Departments and agencies, and cover:

Environmental Protection
Forestry
Geological Surveys
Hydrology
Land and Lands Settlement
Land Reclamation and Drainage
Land Surveyors
Meteorology
Minerals
Petroleum
Physical Planning
Pollution Control
Security of Tenure
Solid Waste Management
Surveys
Water Resources Management



The major challenges that we are now addressing in the Ministry are in areas which, prior to the General Elections in February, were very much in the news as causes of great public concern and consternation.

I give the assurance that this will be abated .The Audit exercise being carried out in the Land and Surveys Department, that had as its primary objective the investigation of the extent and magnitude of irregularities in the Land Registry and National Estate Sections that occurred in the months leading up to February 2008, should be completed by the end of this month. This will facilitate the flow of cleared files that had been sequestered for scrutiny. It has taken more time than had been anticipated and I thank all those who were inconvenienced for their forbearance and patience.

We have put on hold transfer of land by Conveyances that are the subject of questionable Grants and transfer of land from certificates that are under review. Some 70 survey plans had to be returned, which were lodged and illegally authenticated in the months of January and February.

In addition, the Audit exercise has sequestered some 6,000 files, primarily looking at compliance and completeness with regards to:
(a) National Lands Act CAP 191 of the Laws of Belize.
(b) Procedural Manual/Functions and Business Review (LSD Sections).
(c) Other documentation regarding Land Policy.

I think it is very important to state the magnitude of the challenges that faces the department, and indeed what we are still grappling with. For example duplication of leases and titles, lands being issued in the sea, clearings of mangrove without permission to name a few. The National Estate Sections alone; in addition to the 6,000 files being audited have approximately 4,000 files back-logged and some 2,000 problem files requiring legal review and possible adjudication. I understand the public’s frustration and dissatisfaction, but in light of this, again I want to beg your patience and cooperation.

In addition, I have also directed the suspension for nine months in the first instance, of lease issuances, dredging licenses, and mangrove clearing permits in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve of the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage Site. This is a necessary measure as we assess potential damage by human activity in this unique world renowned area.

Years of corruption and neglect in the Land and Surveys Department , especially during the nine months leading up to general elections, have had far reaching consequences on that organization’s ability to provide high quality and timely delivery of services to the general public.

Most of those officials who were guilty of dereliction of duty and, or abuse of office have since left. We intend to strengthen the competences of the remaining staff and provide a transparent and accountable environment, work on improving moral and ensure compliance with procedures.

In spite of all the difficulties we face, we have accomplished much in our first 100 days. I want to start with the sections of the Land and Surveys Department.

Land Registry Section: Using the newly established Land Folio System, the Land Registry has processed 1,671 transfers of land valued at $108.6 million (this represent sale price) and 597 Charges on parcels representing some $890.1 million borrowed. So you can see we continue to facilitate and support investments using land as collateral.

Land Titles Unit: This section primarily deals with the recording of Grant Fiats, Mortgages, Conveyances, Transfer Certificate of Title, Bill of Sales etc. This section has processed 1,256 documents collecting some $1.8 million in stamp duties.

National Estate Section: While we have only approved 30 Grant fiats, this represents about 40% of the average grants issued per month over the years. More than 2,000 files with pending transactions have been processed, reducing the backlog significantly. With regards to Leases, we have not really processed many new applications, but that is because we were not accepting new applications; but instead processing files for people that have had their applications left unattended for years. Some dating back as far as 8 years.

Survey and Mapping Section: Authenticated 79 survey plans and completed 49 mutations on the Registry Index Maps.

Physical Planning: 7 licenses for piers were issued under the Public Works Construction Act. This section also serves as the secretariat for the Land Utilization Authority (LUA). A new authority has been established in April and has met already. Some 50 applications for provisional and final approval of land subdivisions has been recommended and approved; more than the average 20. The LUA meet monthly, and the second meeting is actually tomorrow.

Turning to the other areas of public concern, we have now received the report of the Petroleum Consultant and will be pronouncing shortly on a Windfall Tax on Petroleum Revenues that is justified by the increased export earnings of Belize Natural Energy. The potential income will benefit the people of Belize tremendously, ensuring that they get the fair share they deserve.

We have also stabilized the national petroleum industry by insisting on transparency in dealing with the holders of exploration licenses.

I am pleased to report the approval by Cabinet of an exploration license to the Taiwan based OPIC Corporation that will carry out offshore exploration for oil. This is an important development for which we thank the efforts of the Republic of China (ROC) Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Ting Shih.

On the environmental protection side the Department of the Environment is now engaged in a campaign to regulate the operations of a number of small oil refineries that are processing crude oil, mainly into non automotive diesel. Our main concerns are the safety of our people and the environment,

With respect to coastal zone and marine protected area policy, every effort is being made to revitalize the long neglected Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, so that it can resume its important work of protecting our precious marine environment on which so many Belizeans depend for their livelihoods.

I have outlined some of the actions taken by my Ministry since February of this year. It is a time of momentous challenge which calls for determination and perseverance in the many tasks to be accomplished.

In every Department I have encountered an excellent spirit of cooperation among our staff and technical professionals who recognize that the change of government has created the condition and opportunity to do what is right in the performance of their duties…….without fear or favour.

The more pressing challenge lies in rehabilitating the organization of the Land and Surveys Department and restoring public confidence in its operations.

It is a time for innovation and hard work in the service of Belize so that confidence in, and appreciation for public service, may flourish once more."