by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 3, 2023
Kremandala is in mourning following the passing of Amandala columnist, Clinton Canul Luna, on August 1, 2023. Luna was one of the few Belizean writers/thinkers with in-depth understanding of the Caste War, and his columns reflected a singular, incisive, often iconoclastic way of thinking.
The Caste War, a historic rebellion of the Maya people against the Hispanic Mexicans, known as Yucatecos, and the Mestizo elites and white populations who migrated to rural towns, was one of the focal points of Luna’s writings.
His work delved deep into indigenous resistance and the Mayan struggle, bringing to light perspectives from the marginalized communities that were often ignored.
“He was something special,” said Amandala publisher Evan X Hyde, a close friend of Luna and the one who provided him a platform in the newspaper. “Luna had been a very big man in Acapulco. He had been a hotel manager. Luna left Belize when he was 12 after Hurricane Janet “bussed up” Corozal Town. His mom sent him to Acapulco.”
In recent years, Luna had emerged as an invaluable resource for Hyde and many others. Hyde noted, “In these last few years, he’s one of my few guys that I enjoy talking to; he knew so much. Luna had been in the trade union.”
Luna’s writings were a testament to the enduring relevance of historical struggles, as they intersected with contemporary issues of oppression.
He masterfully connected the past with the present, making his columns a thought-provoking experience for his readers.
Additionally, Luna showed unwavering support for the Cuban Revolution and efforts to foster solidarity with Venezuela.
In fact, just a few years ago, the government of Cuba honored him in a ceremony in Belmopan because he was firm in his support of the Cuban Revolution.
But perhaps one of the biggest reasons he was admired, was for the courage he had to write his articles despite the risk of being exposed or ridiculed.
Hyde fondly recalled his last visits with Luna, saying, “You know, when I visited him, I could see that he was ailing, but he said that his brain was very strong, and he would send his columns religiously. In fact, they have columns for this week.”
The community of Corozal Town, where Luna began his journey, will bid farewell to this intellectual icon on Friday, August 4.