Activist Pushes for Greater Respect of Maya Cultural Heritage

Cultural Activist Juan Caal explained that Barrow’s photo in front of the Maya temple doesn’t reflect the values and principles of the Maya people at all. He argues that those in charge of cultural heritage, who grant permission for using these sites, need to reform their policies. Monica Magnusson, sister of Christina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Alliance, also criticized Barrow. In a fiery Facebook post, Magnusson called it a blatant example of the elites disrespecting, exploiting, and appropriating their sacred temple. Interestingly, the MLA/TAA hasn’t taken a stance on this issue. Caal believes Barrow’s photo shows an egotistical mindset.

 

Juan Caal, Maya Cultural Activist

“If I describe to you the picture I saw, it is someone portraying power, portraying for the lack of a better word, an egoistic way of thinking. That is what I got and that is my interpretation of it.”

 

Paul Lopez, Reporter

“Does the image and its portrayal on a global platform offend you?”

 

Juan Caal

“Well, this is where it becomes very interesting because you hear people saying it is being marketed on a global stage. Well, this is not the first. He is doing it. Ms. Universe did it. Our own tourism board do it all the time. But if you ask the question, how do we as a people, as Maya people, beside the fact we want to know how it reflects our values, principles, how we benefit form all of this. Is it for the sake of just giving me a voice to be represented. I can tell you, I do not need anyone to represent my Maya culture. I can do it by myself. And while we appreciate others representing it, it has to be done in such a way that promotes respect.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How would you respond to questions such as who has ownership over the Maya temples in Belize and to whom must permission be asked to take a picture or do an interview in front of a Maya temple?”

 

Juan Caal

“As you know the United National Declaration of Indigenous People, shares that these policies must be shaped with consultation or the Maya people involved, to consult. And this has to happen in a way that policies need to be revisited. Whoever the relevant stakeholders that hold the gates to our cultural heritage must have a dialogue and this dialogue must start now where we sit down and promote policies that promotes respect, and appreciation for our culture, not just Maya culture, culture on a whole. I’ll give you an example, how would you feel if your great grand mother’s tomb was behind Shyne’s backdrop. How does it relate to your grandmother. How does that relate to the story you are telling. That is a simple question.”