He's the one usually putting pressure on government, but today Greg Choq was the one under pressure. About 150 protestors from Conejo, Sundaywood, Barranco and Crique Carco picketed the SATIIM office on Pampana Street in Punta Gorda Town from 8 to 10:30 this morning. The effort was orchestrated and coordinated by U.S. Capital Energy, the oil company that government has permitted to conduct seismic testing in the Sarstoon Temash National Park. The signs states that those picketing want U.S. Capital Energy to start exploration because they want jobs. Some of the signs also criticized Greg Choq, the Chairman of SATIIM, stating that he does not represent them.
That's only part of a national media blitz that U.S. Capital Energy is orchestrating. Today members of the Association for Concerned Belizeans acting, not as ACB do-gooders, but as functionaries of Alistair King who is the local representative for Belize Capital Energy delivered Beatriz Canelo, the chairlady of Crique Carco Village to our studio in Belize City. With facilitation from those same King/Capital Energy functionaries, Canelo has been in Belize City since yesterday making the media rounds. It's an expensive tour and she told us why she's doing it, and who's paying.
Beatriz Canelo, Chairlady -Crique Carco
"I am here to represent my Ketchi and I hope they realize what I am doing because its time for us to get up and talk for our rights. I am here to represent the five villages and I am here to say the truth."
And for her the truth is that oil exploration in the national park means much needed jobs for her village.
Beatriz Canelo,
"I think in the five villages who support the oil company, I would say 90% of each village supports the oil company."
Jules Vasquez,
Why is that?
Beatriz Canelo,
"Because they need jobs. We give the okay to the oil co mpany because we know that the damage will not be...how do I explain it...there will not be damage like what SATIIM is saying because they already showed us what will be the damage so we are aware of that."
Jules Vasquez,
And you are okay with that.
Beatriz Canelo,
"We're okay with that and that is why the five villages signed an agreement
that they want the oil company because we need jobs in those remote villages. We find it hard. They explained to us that after this, if they do find oil, we have the understanding and they told us that they will provide jobs for the five villages."
Jules Vasquez,
Long term?
Beatriz Canelo,
"Yes."
Jules Vasquez,
Well you know it goes, they make you a promise....
Beatriz Canelo,
"...and not fulfill it. We will try to see that it will be fulfilled. We have to get it in black and white and signed. That is the agreement we have already made."
And while she hopes to get that undertaking in black and white, this village leader says the first mistake was made 10 years ago when government unilaterally declared 41,000 acres of communal lands a national park. Government did that without consulting with SATIIM or any village leaders in the affected areas.
Jules Vasquez,
Do you agree that the Sarstoon Temash National Park, those 41,000 acres. Do you agree it should be a national park or do you think they shouldn't have made it a national park in the first place.?
Beatriz Canelo,
"We don't agree with that. They shouldn't have made it a national park because right now we are facing a lot of problems with the national park. The people don't have freedom to go there and I believe that the trees, the animals and everything that is there belongs to the communities, the villages and now the community finds it hard. If you want a leaf you have to ask permission. If you want to go and fish for you use at home you have to go and ask permission. If you want a piece of stick you have to ask permission. It is not fair. The people are not happy about this."
Jules Vasquez,
It makes no sense.
Beatriz Canelo,
"It makes no sense because we believe that whatever is there is for the people and the people should benefit from it."
And while her people are restricted, now this village leader says u.s. capital energy should enjoy far greater privileges in the national park. It's a position she gives voice to even while admitting she is on the company's payroll.
Jules Vasquez,
Is your trip being sponsored by U.S. Energy, by the oil company?
Beatriz Canelo,
"Yes they are sponsoring me. Yesterday they put me on the 2 o'clock flight and today again they will put me on the two o'clock flight again."
Crique Carco is not in the Sarstoon Temash National Park; it is nearby. But chairlady Canelo along with the chairmen of Conejo, Sundaywood, Barranco and Midway have signed unto a press release which has been mass-produced and circulated to the media, we assume though the good offices of Ms. Canelo's sponsor. The release echoes the sentiments expressed in the story. Those village leaders have also signed affidavits on behalf of the forest department and U.S. Capital Energy Limited. Those affidavits will be presented in court on Monday when the SATIIM's case against the government opens in the Supreme Court.
