Minister says Maya communities are part of rosewood extraction
Lisel Alamilla
The Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde’s Association have issued a joint statement saying that they are deeply disturbed and utterly outraged by the actions of government. Spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance, Cristina Coc, told News five that it was an insult and a slap in the face of the Maya people. Well today, Minister Alamilla seemed surprised that the Mayan communities would take such a stance, since she says they are a big part of the illegal rosewood operation on the ground.
Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry
“I want to say that I think it is important that our partners or the N.G.O. community be responsible in what they put out. The Maya leaders Alliance ; the Toledo Alcaldes Association is well aware that this business could not have happened without the participation of the Mayan communities; and in many instances without the participation of their leaders. That is a fact; I am not making that up. So I think they need to deal with that reality and confront that reality. This could not have happened. People going deep into the bushes, cutting the rosewood, identifying the rosewood, who are the spotters of being able to distinguish what is rosewood and what isn’t are the same people from those villages. But nonetheless, I understand through reading the different interviews that the Toledo Alcaldes Association and the Maya Leaders Alliance have offered to assist government in any way possible. So I take this opportunity to tell them that we are interested in them partnering with us. We would like them to help us in giving oversight and being present when we are measuring and loading this material.”
And it seems that assistance in monitoring would be in order right about now, since sources tell News Five that rosewood flitches are being cut en masse to take advantage of the government-sanctioned amnesty. We are told that in one area alone, between the Santa Ana Bridge and the midway junction, there are approximately twenty men armed with chainsaws working frantically to cut rosewood. In villages such as Barranco and Corazon rosewood cutting operations are being carried out through the night.
Alamilla has been paid. That is a fact. Corrupt woman. Barrow is a loser.
so disappointed in alamilla.
So why is Christina getting uptight, if the Minister conceded that the Maya Leaders have a foot in this thing. Are you crying foul Christina, so that the poor people of Toledo love you and behind their back you screw them left, right and center. No Surprise, people take us Maya People for a ride.
Apparently Hon. Alamilla has known about the criminal cutting, no matter who is doing it, and just closed her eyes, undoubtedly paid by her betters.
She needs to hang with the rest of the Mafia in Belmopan and Orange Walk.
The Mayans on the ground who are involved need to be locked up as well. Justice needs to be blind, catch and punish ALL the guilty, without regard to color, family, or language.
When a steward of the public trust betrays that trust, then she must be punished SEVERELY.
If ANYONE is out there cutting now, shouldn’t the Territorial Volunteers or some patriotic group stop them and arrest them? Shouldn’t the reporters be there filming the crimes?
This entire Rosewood Affair is final proof of the utter corruption and total incompetence of Dean Barrow and his government. It will be his legacy.
WOW, in a subtle way she is now blaming the Mayans for what’s going on
How comes through all this, all you see is people complaining, the minister looking the other way, and the Prime Minister saying and doing nothing?
if Ms Alamilla was not elected, how come she is a minister, what is her relation to the Supreme Leader.come on people.dig deepa.
@Whappy,
Come on now, you’re being unfair. The prime minister has been busy speaking on the much more important issue of Guatemala…..oh wait a minute, that was the leader of the opposition who spoke on that issue. Sorry my bad LOL!
WHERE ARE THE BORDER VOLUNTEERS?
WE NEED YOU, PLEASE DO SOMETHING !!!
IF YOU ARE NOT AFRAID OF THE GUATEMALANS, WHY BE AFRAID OF THESE SCUMS IN BELIZE? HELL…DO SOMETHING, SAVE BELIZE !!!!