Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Meet with Laguna and Yemeri Grove Villages

The Alcalde for Laguna Village Francisco Chub and the Chairperson of the Village, Sebastian Itch, are accusing the Chairman of Yemeri Grove Village of trespassing. In a letter to Usher, dated October second, Chub and Itch wrote to Usher stating that he has on several occasions led unwarranted trespass on Laguna Village lands. The village leaders say this has resulted in “the destruction of Laguna Village property and the incitement of threats and direct violence against leaders and members of the community”. The letter refers to the most recent rise in tensions between members of the two villages that occurred on Sunday, October first. The letter accuses Usher of directing people to measure and place markers on lands that are within Laguna Village.  The letter further asserts that Usher has a desire to see violence erupt between the two communities. The Laguna Village leaders noted in the letter that they “hold customary title to these lands. This customary title was affirmed by the Caribbean Court of Justice, in its Consent Order of April 2015”. This afternoon representatives from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources met with representatives from both communities this afternoon.