Maya Center Residents Protest, Await Action on Land

In Maya Center Village, the call for land expansion is growing louder. On Wednesday evening, residents came together in a peaceful protest, followed by a vibrant cultural dance reinforcing their message of unity. Community spokesperson Antonio Bolon told News Five that, so far, there’s been no word from the village council or Area Rep Rodwell Ferguson. But there’s a glimmer of hope, TexBel’s C.E.O. Jennifer Faulkner has reached out and plans to visit Belize next week for a sit-down with Minister Ferguson and Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. TexBel’s manager, Victor Cerecedo, was also present at the gathering, showing support for the community’s cause.

 

On the Phone: Antonio Bolon, Concerned Citizen

“Well yesterday we are to demonstrate or protest but however yesterday evening we haven’t get anything from the government side or the area representative has not come to us as yet to what is planned, the village council here get to us as yet you know. On Tuesday we get a message from the CEO of TexBel Jennifer and she get to us which is a surprise because we never expect somebody to get to us a message from Texas to reach here in maya center and she respond to us that in a good way that she is willing to negotiate with the minister or with the prime minister she said she is already starting the process of negotiation with the prime minister how she is willing to help the people of maya center now she was surprised that we haven’t get a letter from any member of the village council because she said that the letter was sent to the village council on Sunday sometime Sunday morning and then she was waiting for the feedback we haven’t get any of that letter. And then she gave us a letter directly and it is not only one single letter but she print out so much so that everybody can get however we understand and she understands and what she is requesting is that I am willing to work with the people of maya center so she is waiting for the government when they can meet so she can fly from Texas to Belize you know.”