Since the 1980s, the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) has sought to respond to the needs and issues defined by our Guatemalan partners based on the principles of relationship-building, solidarity and mutuality. As a grassroots network with this shared commitment, we undertake initiatives such as advocacy, public education and cross-cultural learning. We know that anti-racism […]
The continuous criminalization attacks against Maria Magdalena Cuc Choc
By: Este, BTS Interim Guatemala Coordinator A preliminary hearing on the case against María Magadelna Cuc Choc, Maya Q’eqchi’ human rights and land defender, was held on September 11, 2020. Judge Edgar Anibal Arteaga who presides over the case took less than 5 minutes to present his resolution and send the case to trial. Proceedings […]
August 2020 – Guatemala under the “new normality”
In our last update at the end of June we provided a broad summary of the first one hundred days since the onset of COVID-19 in Guatemala. We highlighted some of the significant ways in which the Guatemalan government was failing to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic and consequently exacerbating the dire conditions […]
Now 24 Municipalities in Guatemala Under State of Siege
On September 30, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales announced a State of Siege in two more municipalities, now in Santa Catarina Ixahuacán and Nahualá related to a historic dispute regarding the border between the two municipalities. The Indigenous Municipality of Sololá rejects the State of Siege because it is not a good solution for communities looking […]
Guatemalan election results; the social & political landscape ahead
By Este Chep, BTS Lead Cooperant Guatemalans headed to the polls for the second round of national elections on August 11, 2019 where Alejandro Giammattei of the newly founded VAMOS (“Lets Go”) conservative party received the majority of the votes to become the next president-elect set to take office on January 14, 2020. Giammattei was […]
