Maya Leaders Say Land Rights Talks With Government at Standstill

A press conference, organized by the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA), on the theme ‘ The Maya People Speak to Belize’ was held in Laguna Village this morning. The conference focused on two main topics, namely, the ongoing aggression against the Maya People in defense of their ancestral lands and negotiations between the government of Belize and the Maya people reaches a stalemate.  Leaders and villagers of Golden Stream, Indian Creek, San Marcos, and other village Alcaldes and chairpersons attended the press conference. The program began with a dynamic speech by the president of Toledo Alcalde Association, Pedro Teul.

The morning’s program continued with presentations by elders, past alcalde and chairman of Indian Creek, current chairpersons of Golden Stream and San Marcos. The leaders reflected on times when village alcaldes and chairpersons worked in harmony, the introduction of ‘third parties’ whom they claim  have created division among villagers, losing access to land for customary practices, and failure of the relevant authorities to bring individuals who allegedly abducted the Indian Creek Alcalde to justice and to resolve customary land ongoing conflicts.  

It was mentioned that similar tensions are brewing in the villages of Jalacte, and Bladen and that government’s intervention is critically needed as in the case with San Marcos and private landowner.  Cristina Coc -spokesperson of the Toledo Alcalde Association reflected on the issues and shared next steps by the Toledo Alcaldes Association. 

Additionally, Pablo Mis provided a brief summary of issues raised during the press conference and shared community maps that have been worked on. 

As it relates to the alleged kidnapping of Alcalde Canti, a formal letter dated May 4, from Toledo Private and Lease Landowners Ltd. to Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira is requesting an official update on the investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Marcus Canti, Alcalde of Indian Creek.  In the letter, the organization expresses concern over the incident, which occurred between April 13 and 15, noting that while Canti was safely recovered, the situation has caused significant unrest and division in the Toledo District. They highlight that the incident led to widespread panic, fueled by a questionable voice recording, and resulted in the deployment of national resources, damage to property, and the detention of individuals who they claim are innocent.  The group is calling for clarity on whether the incident was a genuine kidnapping or a staged event, stressing the need for accountability and justice. They emphasize that the people of Belize deserve the truth and are urging the Ministry to provide a prompt update on the investigation and ensure that no one is above the law./