The Ancestors’ Shore: Lines in the Sand

The McClaughlin Family’s Fight for Alligator Nose Beach and the Ongoing Struggle for Ancestral Land Rights in Roatán

Published: August 1, 2025

Written by:  Amaris Taelun for Black Coral Inc. |Volunteer/Freelance Blogger

Introduction: The Sacred Shoreline

Roatán, the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands, is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Afro-Indigenous heritage. While tourism has flourished in the western areas, the East End district—where Alligator Nose Beach is located—remains a culturally preserved and less developed region. The East End is home to generations of Garífuna and Afro-descendant families whose ancestral ties to the land run deep, making it a significant hub for cultural heritage, traditional livelihoods, and grassroots resistance to outside exploitation.

History of Alligator Nose and the McClaughlin Lineage

The land holds profound sentimental value, having been lovingly passed down from Harold McClaughlin to his youngest daughter, Julie, who now serves as the Trustee and Matriarch of the family, acting as the devoted steward of their ancestral property. Harold devoted his life to nurturing and caring for his family, alongside his beloved wife, Zelda McClaughlin Matuta. Together, they raised 12 wonderful children—10 daughters and 2 sons—who are all thriving today, along with their own families, carrying forth Harold and Zelda’s enduring legacy. Before he left this world, Harold took great care to ensure that their family's claim to the land was not just documented but also infused with the rich tapestry of their ancestry. He wove together legal protections with heartfelt storytelling, affirming their rightful ownership and creating a lasting connection to their heritage. Harold’s love and dedication continue to resonate through generations, reminding them of the importance of family and the roots that bind them together.

The Dilemma: What Went Wrong

In earlier decades, Harold McClaughlin issued a 40-year lease to Roy Anderson, a known associate. The lease, while legally executed, eventually expired. Afterward, however, Roy’s son, Eric Anderson, allegedly forged or manipulated documents to issue a fraudulent 99-year lease—without consulting or compensating the McClaughlin family—and continues to run the Paya Bay Resort on the contested property to this day. The family asserts they never received any payments from the original lease or the resort’s operation. Now, third-party claims are being presented with questionable legal documentation and pressure from influential individuals. While no specific government officials are named, it is widely felt that political intimidation and backdoor dealings have hindered the family's attempts to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

Legal Landscape & Indigenous Land Rights

Under Honduran law, especially reforms inspired by ILO Convention 169, Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples are granted protections for ancestral territories. However, enforcement of these rights remains inconsistent. Legal loopholes, documentation irregularities, and lack of political will have created openings for land-grabbing schemes to flourish. Despite these obstacles, communities such as Triunfo de la Cruz and Punta Piedra have achieved favorable rulings through international courts, reinforcing hope that the McClaughlin family can achieve similar justice—though enforcement continues to be a separate battle.

On-the-Ground Impact

At one end of the beach, a luxury resort has risen without the consent or compensation of the landowners. Its towering presence mocks the family’s struggle, built on land once vibrant with ancestral ceremonies and family gatherings. The family clings to a memory—a legal lease granted by Harold that was later twisted into an illegal 99-year claim. Not a single penny has reached the rightful owners.The emotional toll is profound: trees cut without permission, homes removed, and worst of all, ancestral graves dug up and incinerated without warning—a desecration of sacred space and spiritual continuity. Children ask why their heritage is being stolen, while elders mourn a fading legacy.Julie McClaughlin, now managing the family’s affairs under Power of Attorney, has stepped forward to lead the charge for justice. She is supported by other family leaders, including Jason McClaughlin, the local pastor and son of Harold McClaughlin, and Tyson McClaughlin, a family member who has long been involved in land protection efforts. Together, they have faced stonewalling, manipulation, and indifference from those profiting off their land.

Resistance, Resilience, and the Call to Action

Community members, activists, and international allies are rallying around the McClaughlin family. Legal representation is being sought. Awareness campaigns are spreading. The fight is no longer isolated—it has become a symbol of resistance against exploitation and cultural erasure. Alligator Nose is more than land. It is a spiritual inheritance, a battleground for justice, and a call to conscience for all who value truth over profit.

Conclusion: Drawing the Line

The question is not whether the McClaughlins belong on Alligator Nose Beach. The real question is whether we, as a society, will continue to allow wealth and political pressure to trample over memory, heritage, and justice.

✊🏾 Call to Action: Stand with the McClaughlin Family

✅ Sign the Petition – Demand recognition and protection of their ancestral land rights

✅ Share Their Story – Use the hashtag #SaveAlligatorNose to raise awareness

✅ Donate – Contribute to the legal defense fund and advocacy campaign

✅ Contact Authorities – Urge Honduran and international bodies to take action

📩 For media inquiries or to get involved: savealligatornosebeach@gmail.com

🌿 Black Coral Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to environmental justice, reforestation, and the protection of Afro-Indigenous communities and their ancestral lands through advocacy, education, and community empowerment.

🔗 Visit us at: www.blackcoralinc.org