7 News Belize

Santa Cruz 13 Back To Court
posted (July 28, 2015)
Viewers may remember that 5 weeks ago, 13 Mayans living in Toledo, now called the "Santa Cruz 13", were charged for unlawful imprisonment, common assault and aggravated assault. Punta Gorda Police slapped on those charges after Creole Belizean Rupert Myles accused them of handcuffing and detaining him with the intention of ejecting him from the village.

Well today, they went back before the Punta Gorda Magistrate for an adjournment, and that's when 11 of the defendants were additionally charged with the offence of common assault, which they allegedly committed against Myles.

It's a minor offence, and so, they were allowed to leave court after getting someone to sign the bail forms for them. Also, since the case is only just in its beginning stages, the prosecution was allowed to ask for an adjournment, while they prepare their evidence to for trial. They are expected to return to the court on September 29.

Shortly after the court hearing, our colleagues from PGTV managed to get an interview with one of the spokespersons for the community. He discussed today's adjournment:

Pablo Mis - Project Coordinator, Maya Leaders Alliance
"This morning we have the 13 Maya leaders brought before the local magistrate again. This session we expected to learn much more what the nature of the charges are and where we go from here. I believe the attorney already explained what happened in court, but Santa Cruz remains very committed to ensuring that we see this through with our leaders. We maintained that the struggle of Santa Cruz is shared by all Maya villages and all of Belize and we believe that we will see justice prevail in the end."

As we showed you last week Friday, the Director of the Institute of Archaeology, commented to the press that his Government Department will be issuing eviction papers to Rupert Myles. He will have to remove the house off the bulldozed mound of the Uxbenka Mayan Archaeological monument, where he chose to build. At a future date, he is expected to face criminal charges for the destruction of an ancient monument.

Today, the Project Coordinator of the Maya Leaders Alliance, told the press that it is pleasing to hear that the state will prosecute this case:

Pablo Mis - Project Coordinator, Maya Leaders Alliance
"Last week we've heard from the Institute of Archaeology NICH, through the media that they intend to evict Mr. Myles and to levy charges where infractions may have occurred. We are encouraged to hear that the Institute is finally coming on board with that. There is the position of the communities that any infraction that may have occurred must be dealt with according to the laws of Belize. The community also maintains that the eviction is to happen urgently because as we speak Mr. Myles continues to denude the area, the mound. He continues to clear and he continues to plant. I think he is living through to his words where he says "I want to see how high they will jump." We expect the Archaeology to move as quickly as possible and to keep the leaders of Santa Cruz informed as to their plans."

Wil Maheia, PGTV
"Has the village made arrangements or will Mr. Myles be allowed to live in the village after he is evicted from the site?"

Pablo Mis
"The process of entering into a Maya village is very clear. It has been established and any person who wishes to reside in a Maya village or to register an interest in a Maya village, must follow that process. Which includes going to the alcalde; the alcalde calling the village meeting; at the meeting discussions happening with the person that's interested to reside in the community. That is a part of building a rapport with potential new residents in the community."

"So any person including Mr. Myles is expected to follow that longstanding process."

Wil Maheia, PGTV
"Mr. Myles wife is from Santa Cruz, so in the event that he does get evicted from the site, will his wife be allowed to remain in the village?"

Pablo Mis
"His wife has never been removed from the village. She has always enjoyed the full privilege of the community and I don't see that changing. On the other hand Mr. Myles has not necessarily lived in the village. He visits the village and well if he wishes to become a resident, there is established processes as has been explained by the leaders from the onset that must be followed."

Wil Maheia, PGTV
"Anything else you'd like to say?"

Pablo Mis
"Just to say again that the Maya communities have been following this case. This last Sunday we had a gathering in Santa Cruz where many more villagers from the neighboring communities came to support the people of Santa Cruz, encouraging them to stay united, stay the course. We, on that note continue to call upon the Honorable Prime Minister to ensure that even the least a response to the request of Maya leaders to begin some kind of dialogue. So that these kinds of incidents do not happen."

Dr. John Morris told us that he is in the process of finalizing the eviction documents which will be served on Rupert Myles.

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