Greg Ch’oc: A New Commissioner with a New Mandate

Former Executive Director of SATIIM Greg Ch’oc has been appointed as the new commissioner of the Toledo Land Rights Commission.  In speaking with News Five, Ch’oc outlined the scope of his responsibilities in terms of implementing the consent order that was handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice in respect of the Maya Land Rights decision that was handed down in 2015.

Greg Ch’oc, Commissioner, Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission

“My appointment is the Commissioner of Indigenous People’s Affairs and it will include addressing the affairs of indigenous people in Belize, but it will also include taking the lead on implementing the 2015 consent order of the C.C.J.  This appointment will strengthen the relationship and renew the commitment to the process.”

Isani Cayetano

“Let’s talk about the process going forward, in terms of now dealing with the respective communities that fall within the indigenous umbrella.”

Greg Ch’oc

“I’m hoping that the broader Maya leadership, those of the Toledo Alcaldes Association, the Kekchi Council of Belize, the Toledo Maya Cultural Council, the Toledo Maya Women’s Council and the district chairpersons of the village council associations will come back to the table and allow the process to move forward.”