Alcalde Says State Owns Land, Not Mayas by Historical Rights

While Choko argues that having historic ties to the land through their forefathers does not give the Mayas the right to own the land, he asserts that the land is the sole property of the state. Now, this position is in stark contrast to fundamental beliefs of the Maya Land Rights movement. In fact, it flies in the face of one of the key principles of the movement.

Eulalio Choko

Eulalio Choko, Alcalde, Big Falls Village

“I would want to tell you that one ethnic group cannot hold the government hostage not collecting the revenues that is holding down here in Toledo. Cause if you do the math, there is millions of dollars to collect here in the past six years since the ruling was handed out. And, I am surprised the government doesn’t put… not because we are indigenous people, sir. I want to be clear, I am a Kekchi man and I am supposed to call myself indigenous person but yes, we have a prehistoric right by our forefather roaming this territory long before who came, the British, the Spanish or whosoever came here. But, as a Maya, and my people are groomed this way, does not give us the right to own the land. I believe that the state is the solely owner of the land and we must respect the Constitution and do the right thing and pay what we use to pay to the government so that everything would run the way it is supposed to go.”

Paul Lopez

“I would imagine that because of your position you are not the most popular person with the Association and the Alliance.”

Eulalio Choko, Alcalde, Big Falls Village

“I do not associate myself with the Alliance or the Association. You know, I don’t know if I am a rouge alcalde or what you call it.”