What’s the Update on Uxbenka?

Pablo Mis

Mis goes on to make a comparison between the recent situation in Jalacte and the existing issue in Santa Cruz where Rupert Myles and residents of that village are presently before the courts for wrongful imprisonment due to unlawful occupation of communal lands.  He gave an update on the Uxbenka situation.

Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator, Maya Leaders Alliance

“I also want to draw a parallel between Jalacte and Uxbenka, the Santa Cruz situation, essentially, if again proper attention is not given to the situation at Jalacte the Maya people can be blamed again for standing up to defend their rights, their property and I want to emphasize that point.  In the case of Santa Cruz, we just heard from Dr. Morris a few days ago through an email where he has explained that he should be in PG today, again following up in person with the status of Mr. Myles still being on the site.  I understand through his email that a letter has been served to Mr. Myles and there’s no clarity in terms of the Institute of Archaeology, whether he has complied or not.  And I understood from his email that today he was going to take the opportunity to validate for himself whether he has complied or not.  I also get from the email that they will continue to pursue the next course of action in terms of pursuing legal action against Mr. Myles.  Now, for the community that is all they have been asking, at least to know what the status is.  This is the first time we’ve heard since the incident of what exactly is going on so we’re pleased to know that there is some activity towards resolving that situation.”

The Santa Cruz Thirteen reappeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner in Punta Gorda on Tuesday.  That case has once again been adjourned to a later date.