Public Consultation in PG Draws Anti-TAA/MLA Sentiment
Also attending the session in Punta Gorda was the chairman of Big Falls Village, as well as the First Alcalde of San Pedro, Columbia. Both communities share a different view from the collective position held by the Toledo Alcaldes Association. Gregorio Choco and Roman Rash spoke with News Five about the sentiments of their respective communities.
Gregorio Choco
Gregorio Choco, Chairman, Big Falls Village
“This is my second time attending this consultation where the government is bringing it to us, that we are learning some ideas what it is about the customary land policy and from here I go back to my village and I advise my village about what I’ve learned from this meeting because attending this meeting is very important and this is the only way you can get the right information and not listening to rumors.”
Isani Cayetano
“What is the sentiment or the concern from the residents of Big Falls regarding this matter?”
Gregorio Choco
“Well, so far, right now I am getting a good feedback from them, because like I said, I get a draft policy and then I read it and give them to go over it too. It is important where Big Falls will be affected with the policy. So when they read it themselves, that’s when they say that it is something good what the government is doing now to inform what will happen to each community in Toledo.”
Jose Teul
Jose Teul, Resident, San Pedro, Columbia
“For the record, let me say that two persons representing the Maya Leaders Alliance. You know, and it saddens me because, for the record, these people are well-to-do. I don’t want to get personal, but they are well-to-do and what they are telling the vast majority of the people that you cannot continue seeing the light or you cannot come and see the light. My understanding of the Maya Customary Land Policy is the old way, the old system of living, versus the modern society right now, using and acquiring your own land and I think it’s basically us, Toledo people trying to work this out the best way. Secondly, having these people out here right now in Santa Elena, it’s all over, and if you look at the placards, some of them are asking, we want our Belizean rights and get piece of this land. If they would only know what their leader, the persons they are following is doing, it’s not giving them the right information.”
Roman Rash
Roman Rash, 1st Alcalde, San Pedro, Columbia
“It’s been a while that this draft is out and in my village it’s kind of confusing my people. Right now in my village the people told me not to attend the MLA or the [Toledo] Alcaldes Association’s meeting. So I follow what my people say, so now I came to this important meeting here to get a better understanding and so far I can see that it’s clear, it’s a clear picture and the things that I see on Facebook where those other organizations are taking the people, tearing the documents, it’s not right because they need to come here and understand before they do such action. Right now in this meeting, I am understanding that the government is trying to help the people, trying to make everything be equal and fair because we are one Belizeans.”
