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Indeed, Norwegian wants to base their development on Harvest Caye on the Garifuna and Mayan Cultures. Today, we asked Greg Ch'oc, one of the leaders of the Mayan Communities, how he feels about it. He told us that GOB cannot highlight the Mayan Culture on one hand, and on the other, try to resist their efforts to preserve it. Here's how he explained it:

Gregorio Choq - Executive Director, SATIM
"There has been discussion both between Garifuna and Maya organizations on the implication of the Norwegian Cruise Line using the Garifuna and the Maya cultural attributes as the theme for their tourism investment. I think what I have understood the conversation to be, there are parties within the Garifuna and the Maya are concerned that we'll bring this to their attention of the NCL and try to move a way forward. I think there is potential opportunities but there is also the potential of the exploitation of the culture of both people and I think that that has to be discussed in some way or the other. Whether it is with government or with the NCL."

Daniel Ortiz
"Isn't this an opportunity for the cultures to be shared with the rest of the world."

Gregorio Choq
"Well if you look at what we're trying to do here, we're trying to preserve our culture. The land defines our culture and we are here in court to try and preserve what constitute our culture. So in one hand the government can't be promoting cultural tourism and on the other hand, denying us the right to exercise our culture. So it's an opportunity and I think that the parties involved in the conversation right now between the Garifuna and the Maya people are looking at it with an open and progressive thinking. I'm hoping that it will resolve in a win win situation."

According to Ch'oc, the Mayan Communities intend to discuss this issue at length and approach Government with their final position.