Task Force May Be Able to Resolve Laguna and Yemeri Grove Land Dispute

Minister Balderamos Garcia also touched on the possibility of appointing a task force to resolve the issues. She says that while it is possible the main goal of the government is to work with both communities to resolve the issue in an amicable manner. 

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs: “Task force I mean it is possible that we can look at it but maybe the impression out there that nothing is being done that is inaccurate because we have invited the people of Barranco to let us know where the alleged encroachments are that the Midway people are putting their cornfield in the middle of Barranco lands. So let us know, do your advocacy and please let me say this we would never say to the Maya people don’t breathe but they liken it to that but unfortunately or fortunately the government has to assert its authority where there are disputes. Yes it is probably not being resolved quick enough but please come to the table with us, please come to the table with us. It’s not helpful to walk off in a huff and that kind of thing it absolutely does not help and again I speak about the issue of representation. It is so important for the government to reach out to all the various Maya villages because it is each Maya village within their village meeting that can make decisions about that village. It is not one set of advocates and we know who we are talking about. So I just really request for restraint. I will be in the south again this coming weekend.”