MLA Prepares for Upcoming CCJ Judgment

The Caribbean Court of Justice during its inaugural sitting in Belize’s jurisdiction will preside over an upcoming land rights claim involving the Maya communities and the Government of Belize.  The matter is an application brought forward by government challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal on the issue of communal land rights.  On Saturday, the Toledo Alcaldes Association held a general assembly to talk over the impending case.  During the meeting the traditional leaders pledged their continued support for the land rights struggle, a position that was reiterated by the deputy Alcalde of Indian Creek.  He said, “We started the long journey to defend our lands and lives together.  Today we gather to agree that we will see it to the very end together. While government has conceded in writing that the indigenous community of Southern Belize has rights and interests in the land they use and occupy, MLA spokesperson Cristina Coc says, “We are confident that the outcome will be positive and believe that the concessions made by government bode well for reconciliation between the parties.  We are cautiously optimistic that the government will do what is necessary to implement our land rights.