“Stop Talk. Act Now!”

In 2009, in response to the challenges many Belizeans faced in accessing land, the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) emerged as a champion for transparency, accountability and fairness in land distribution, recognizing its importance for generational food sovereignty and security. BGYEA identified 1,800 acres of tax-delinquent land along the George Price Highway and began calling weekly meetings, to share its concept of communal living and self sustainability, attracting hundreds of Belizeans who expressed interest in becoming a part of the community they would aptly name ‘Harmonyville’. Strategic advocacy and a groundswell of support enabled BGYEA’s founders —five young Rastafarian men— to successfully lobby the government to reacquire the land and allow them to manage it on behalf of the fledgling community. Despite limited government support and financial resources, through resource pooling and volunteerism of labor and expertise, BGYEA was able to make remarkable progress, surveying the land, formalizing the distribution process, and allocating one-acre plots to over 800 first-time landowners, primarily from low-income backgrounds. Community spaces for parks, a fire station, and market area were also established. BGYEA’s farming syndicate model, exemplifying its “no one left behind” philosophy, fosters agricultural development in Harmonyville. Experienced farmers mentor newcomers, promoting knowledge transfer and skill development. This approach has proven successful in helping first-time landowners develop their land productively and build on the communal spirit at the heart of BGYEA’s vision. While progress is slow and demanding, BGYEA remains committed to its vision of a thriving, food-producing community through selfless communal effort.