Government to Reopen Discussions on Land Dispute Between Yemeri Grove and Laguna in Toledo District

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Dolores Balderamos Garcia says that the government has to reopen discussions regarding the land dispute between Yemeri Grove and Laguna in the Toledo District. The minister says that the initial agreement made between villages has not brought about the intended peace between the villages, as some parties may have misunderstood the terms. The minister stressed today that the government is committed to ensuring that the matter is resolved amicably, but that some parties in the dispute will need to be willing to compromise. 

The National Garifuna Council (NGC) has raised its voice in support of Yemeri Grove on various occasions and noted that Garifuna communities have been reporting similar issues. Today National President of the NGC, Sheena Zuniga singled out the Maya Leaders Alliance, as the group behind much of the contention, and said that Garifuna and Maya communities, by and large, are not in any disputes. Zuniga spoke on initiatives that the NGC is working on to address their land issues, which have been further highlighted due to the situation in Yemeri Grove. 

No date has been announced for the next meeting between the government and the disputing villages.