Chronology of Events: Belize Hydroelectric Development and Management Limited (BHD) in Columbia River Forest Reserve and Bladen Nature Reserve
Date Activities
December 5th 2008 Concession Agreement signed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and BHD
June 2009 Reports of illegal entry, bulldozing, camping, clearing from villagers of San Pedro Columbia to Ya'axche
July 7th 2009 Meeting between the Belize Forest Department (FD), Ya'axche and BHD held at Fairweather Camp. BHD confirmed 10 employees working to build a road for future studies on the Central River. BHD also confirmed that they had no permits from FD for their activities.
July 8-11th 2009 Patrol conducted to Central River area made up of Belize Defence Force Soldiers, Forest Department Officers and Ya'axche's Protected Area Manager confirmed multiple infractions on the ground.
August 12-15th 2009 Team made up of the Department of Environment, FD, the Alcalde of San Pedro Columbia, Paul Walker and Ya'axche conducted a damage assessment of BHD's activities within CRFR and BNR.
October 2009 Damage assessment released
October 13th 2009 Date of research permit and letter to BHD to re-enter Bladen Nature Reserve.
October 28th 2009 Letter to Ya'axche with aforementioned permit attached. First instance Ya'axche was made aware of any such permit. No information in regards to fines and damage fees was passed to Ya'axche.
November 1st 2009 First meeting held in San Pedro Columbia seeking answers to the many questions of concerned citizens.
December 3-5th 2009 Educational visit and patrol conducted by Ya'axche, BNR/CRFR Committee, Belize Defence Force and film makers to Central River Area.
December 13th 2009 Resolution passed in San Pedro Columbia calling upon the Government of Belize to revoke the Concession Agreement with BHD.
January 27th 2010 Ya'axche filed a request for judicial review of BHD research permit to the Belize Supreme Court.
February 2nd - 16th 2010 Rapid Ecological Assessment
February 19th 2010 CJ gives Ya'axche green light for judicial review of Toledo hydro permit