A Call for Meaningful Dialogue in Toledo Land Dispute
When we caught up with Cordel Hyde, the Minister of Natural Resources, he also gave his input on the land dispute between the villagers of Laguna and Emory Grove. As we have reported, the neighboring communities have been going at each other over lands they both claim belong to their respective village. Residents of Laguna assert that they have long recognized the area as communal lands. But, Emory Grove residents have maintained their position and are intent on preventing any development from occurring within the disputed territory. Minister Hyde says he has been monitoring the situation and he is of the view that there needs to be meaningful dialogue between both parties involved in the dispute.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources
“It is a big problem. I wish that we could talk to each other some more rather than at each other. I think that is where we are going wrong. I don’t want you to get upset with me and take it all personal but I feel like at the end of the all the lots of press conferences from all the sides involved, I see the usefulness in that in getting out all the messages, but we have to sit and talk with each other, rather than at each other. What I think we should be doing is having a national educational campaign for people to understand what is at stake here, for people to understand the responsibility of this nation. How do we function as a democratic society and uphold a judgment from the highest court in all the land but make it such that it is workable for everyone.”
Reporter
“It does seem you are saying one thing on the Maya issue that you understand the principle behind the court judgment, but it appears some of your colleagues don’t and they are being accused by the Mayas of continuously disrespecting them, dragging out their feet in complying with that consent order.”
Cordel Hyde
“We area diverse society, people will have different opinions. At the end of the day it is for the majority of this nation to understand what is at stake, what is required, what is the responsibility of the government, of all parties involved as long as there is this court judgment.”
