Cristina Coc
In addressing a gathering during a press conference at the Biltmore immediately following the decision, MLA spokesperson Cristina Coc reiterated that a debt of gratitude is owed to the leadership of the respective Maya communities who stayed the course to see the landmark case through to completion. Coc similarly expressed bittersweet sentiment on the way forward, particularly where it concerns the implementation of the decision of the courts.
Cristina Coc, Spokesperson, Maya Leaders Alliance
“We must also not forget our leadership. If you look at the table you see a few of us. This work could never have amounted to this victory with three people, four people, five people, six people. It is all of you that have led Alcaldes, Alcaldes today, Alcaldes two years ago, Alcaldes ten years ago, you have been the backbone of this movement. You have believed it when nobody else believed it, when everybody said how, how in the world can the Maya people challenge this government to court? We had never been to the courtrooms, all we know is our Alcaldes Cabildo, but today this whole world all of Belize, all of southern Belize is looking up to you as you lead and know that yes in fact authority can be challenged when they are wrong and justice can be served if you remain united as a people. I am filled with joy but I am also filled with sorrow because as we enter now a new phase of our struggle, as we begin to realize how it is that we will implement the decisions of the court, we all know that we will face some more challenges. We will continue to struggle and because the times are changing we will wait to see how our children continue to write history. I am hopeful but I am saddened because some of our brothers are still lost. And so I encourage you, I urge you Alcaldes, communities; it is our collective responsibilities to bring our people united together always.”
The implementation of the CCJ’s ruling should take effect by March 2016.
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