So, as you heard, the frustration of the Maya litigants against GOB are very high. As part of today's compliance hearing, Justice Jacob Wit, the CCJ Judge on the panel that is chairing these proceedings, made certain comments to address some of the bigger disagreements that have emerged.
Here's how he reminded the two sides that the final resolution of this complex issue would drag out for an even longer time in an atmosphere of distrust between them:
Justice Jacob Wit - CCJ Judge
"We have to lower the temperature may be and get back to a more practical working relationship between the parties because that relationship has to be maintained, whether some like it or not. We are here to see if there is compliance with the implementation of the consent order; that is what this is about. That's why the court also asked the experts, when we were talking about the protocol, to see if what was on the table and what the government concluded was in accordance with that consent order. We also have to recognize that although the representation of the Maya people is an important issue, it is an issue that the court cannot decide. I think all parties agree with that. So whether or not the Maya people can come to some conclusion, up to now, they have been represented by the MLA and Toledo Alcaldes Association, and if they want to change that, that is up to them. But, these are the two groups that are before us. It is also a fact that they are the appellants. And, of course, when we look at the implementation of a consent order, we have to realize that, as we are a court of law, that there is ‘res judicata' between the parties. So, the TAA and the MLA are parties in this process, and for that fact alone, they cannot be ignored. There's another thing that has to do with representation. I think it was announced that one of the other Maya groups, SATIIM, acting would want to enter these proceedings. We have looked at that. I can tell you upfront that is not what we are going to entertain because it's not a procedure where you can intervene. That period is long behind us. It is just about the implementation of a decision between the parties that are before us. No other parties can interfere. The government, of course, can talk to all groups of Maya if they wish. The only thing we are saying is, given the procedural position of the groups that are before us. The TAA and the MLA can simply not be ignored."
