Unnecessary Ethnic & Racial Taunts? We are all Belizeans

On the Phone: Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Dolores Balderamos-Garcia says that G.O.B. is doing everything in its power to ensure that the situation does not escalate. While asking for either party not to take the law into its hands, Minister Balderamos-Garcia also confirmed that during today’s cabinet meeting, the Minister of Natural Resources Cordel Hyde has indicated that his ministry will be working towards addressing the issue.  But are there racial attacks happening?

On the Phone: Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

“Let us be prudent, let us be respectful, let us not take the law into our hands and let us make sure that we respect everybody. We absolutely must respect everybody. It makes no sense for Belizeans to be throwing insults at any other Belizean. I am now referring to our Commissioner of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mister Greg Ch’oc. He has been subject to ethnic and racial taunts; absolutely unnecessary. We are all Belizeans; every single one of us and this government will always stand on the side of the rights of every single Belizean. If it is the impression, if it is the impression that we are favouring the Maya people, I want to dispel that once and for all. We are doing a job in balancing very difficult competing interests, but we will not put the rights of one set of Belizeans over the rights of any other Belizean. And every Belizean has the right to live – whether it is from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon or from Halfmoon Caye to Arenal. And so, I want to say once more to everybody concerned, let us be respectful of one another. If you have a problem, report it to the authority. We will take action. And we are asking once again, Maya people of Laguna, Yemeri Grove people; if they are difficulties, please report it.”

Minister Balderamos-Garcia says that a meeting is scheduled for later this week with both parties.