For the past few weeks we've been hearing a lot from SATIIM - as that organization has taken the lead in advocating for the rights of the buffer communities in the Sarstoon Temash National Park. But yesterday at his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that SATIIM is not even on government's radar as he reinforced support for the oil company:..
Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
"We absolutely support the drilling for oil in the national park which drilling has in principle been green lighted by the courts so that hopefully oil might be found to benefit the entire Toledo District and indeed the larger country of Belize. IF the Alcaldes Association - I have met with some of the villagers. If the Toledo Alcalde Association recognize by law which appears to be a part of Ms. Coc's Maya Leaders Alliance, but if they wish to speak to me - in fact I have sent a message saying I would wish to meet with them - we are perfectly happy to sit down and talk about this thing, but don't tell me that we must engage with SATIIM when SATIIM is an NGO and can have no proper standing."
Today the Maya Leaders' Alliance issued a very generalized statement about the state of affairs in Belize, express solidarity - it appears - with the Rod OF Correction movement. The statement says, quote, "What we are all really fighting for is a dignified life, one full of respect, and flooded by justice and truth. Our collective struggle is to construct a more democratic and more inclusive Belize." End quote.
The statement adds, quote, "when our dreams, the security of our homes, our lands, and our resources are threatened by our government's failure to recognize our inherent rights as a people, we are obligated to stand firm to demand justice and protect dignity." End quote.
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