New Alcaldes are Sworn In

Magali Marin-Young

A new cohort of local magistrates took the oath of office as alcaldes in their respective villages over the weekend. The system that is a legally constituted form of traditional governance is predominantly practiced in Toledo District’s Maya communities. On hand for the swearing-in ceremony was Attorney General Magali Marin-Young. She told the media this morning that the incoming group of local magistrates replaces those in office for the past two years.

Magali Marin-Young, Attorney General

“The alcaldes were sworn in this Saturday.  I don’t have the precise numbers but quite a few alcaldes and deputy alcaldes, there’s nothing new in terms of the swearing-in.  As you know, that is a system that predates our contemporary court system.  It’s an adjudicative system that is unique to the south and unique to Mayan communities in the south.  The AG’s ministry intends to engage in training of the alcaldes to ensure that they function properly and they know the scope of the, the parameters of the rules that they are to engage in with the communities.”

Reporter

“And it’s simply for continuity, right?  The previous cohort were in place for how long and these will be in place for how long?”

Magali Marin-Young

“Two years.  So they are appointed every two years.”