The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs has appointed a new Director of the Office of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs.
Gustavo Requena, who is the former director of the Ya'axché Conservation Trust in the Toledo District officially assumed office on March 18th.
But he's not being welcomed with open arms by all sectors of the indigenous community. The Maya Leader association issued a release today, quote, "vehemently denouncing" his appointment on the grounds that he has "consistently made public pronouncements that bring into question his capacity to genuinely direct matters to justly advance the customary lands rights of the Maya villages."
In addition to this the MLA claims that his appointment was made without any consultations with the Indigenous Peoples' representatives in the maya communities.
And, the big one: Requena is Minister Oscar Requena's younger brother, which is seen as nepotistic. The MLA says quote, "we will never be able to build a Belize with the confidence of the people if key positions are simply circling among Ministerial and politically affiliated families."
