Dear Editor:
Are we living in an authoritarian state now? The recent action by the Attorney General of Belize to use the legal apparatus of the State to impose an Alcalde of his choice on the people of Santa Elena Village, Toledo, is outrageous! It is also extremely disrespectful to the struggle of the Mayas who have sacrificed so much, in the face of oppression, to gain recognition for their rights.
Not only do the Mayas have a right to determine their way of governing themselves as per their customs, the principles of good governance necessitate their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their lives. With the stroke of a pen, the learned Attorney General violated the democratic rights of the people of Santa Elena and turned the principles of good governance on its head.
Even the British, who were brutal colonizers, did not do this. As a matter of fact, they even encouraged Creole and Garinagu logwood cutters to form their own Alcalde system patterned after that of the Maya. Of course it did not work, but they did not dictate who the leaders would be.
What could ever be the justification for the learned Attorney General’s action? The Maya Alcalde System provides a service in the interest of the State at no cost to it. Equally reprehensible is the fact that the Attorney General was asked to do this by Hon. Juan Coy, who himself is a Maya. As a recently elected Representative, he should know the value of following the principles of democracy. But this is exactly what he is taking away from the Maya people now.
As we continue to build Belize as a nation, we need more inclusion and participation, not less. We also need to appreciate each other’s culture and not be disrespectful simply because we do not understand them. Lastly, the powers of the State are to be used to pursue the interest of the people, not to deprive them of their rights.
As always, Power to the People!
Valentino Shal