PM Says AG Ministry Considering Appeal in Maya Land Case

Prime Minister Briceño also commented on the Supreme Court’s awarding of six point three million dollars to Village Chairman Jose Ical, Alcalde Estevan Caal and the village of Jalacte in southern Belize. As was reported, the building of the Jalacte Road was undertaken by the Barrow Administration in 2013. But, as the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association successfully argued in court, G.O.B. failed to seek the free prior and informed consent of the village.  This act, along with the occupation of land that was being used for traditional farming, without compensating the previous owners were costly decisions.  The Prime Minister says while his government respects the Mayan people, this is a very large award and one that they may appeal.

John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court decided to give such a large award. We have great respect for the Mayan people, and we need to continue, and we must respect their rights. The Supreme Court has determined that, and that is why we have set up a Ministry for Indigenous People. One that will be able to help everybody to sit around the table and to find a way to move the process forward. This was before us. We were not in Government when this happened. The Attorney General’s Ministry is looking at it, and if we see that there is grounds for appeal, we will appeal the case.”