There is a land right flashpoint in the small southern village of Crique Sarco in the Toledo District, and residents are not backing down from an investor who they feel is invading their communal land and infringing on their rights.
A concession for logging was granted to the investor by the Forestry Department giving him permission to cut logwood on 2,000 acres of an estate that apparently includes land within the village. However, this was done without the knowledge of the chairman, or anyone in the village, and now they are speaking out against it.
But they are facing more obstacles since the Alcalde is also greenlighting the project, with an agreement that the investor will assist two households in the village with his project. They have gotten a petition of about 60 signatures from others who agree.
But the chairman decided to write his own letter to the Forest Department, the Ministries of Environment and Indigenous Affairs, and the attorney general. So far, they have gotten no response so now they're taking their issue to the media. Our colleagues at SATIIM sent an interview with the chairman, Jose Cuc, explaining their dilemma.
We'll try to speak with the investor next week.
Woman-Power In South
But while those villagers are working out their dispute, other southerners are making the most of a donation from the Taiwanese embassy.
The donation of fabric was distributed to various women's groups in different districts, who were able to make money by creating various types of bags and clothing. The Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Affairs then visited the different communities and yesterday, she made her last stop in San Pedro Colombia.
There, she and the Taiwanese Ambassador, David Chien, viewed the final products that the women made from the fabric. The Minister and the Ambassador spoke about the benefits of the donations, while a representative from one of the groups explained how grateful they are to have received it.
Vocations Training Re-Assesed
And keeping it on empowerment - the Minister of Education today discussed empowering those who pursue vocational studies by reforming the curriculum. He said that will have to be preceded by a broad based consultation:
