SATIIM refers to US Capital’s alleged neo-colonial arrogance

On August first, SATIIM and the communities of the Sarstoon Temash Region wrote to U.S. Capital Energy asking the company to suspend its operations within the Sarstoon Temash National Park. That suspension was requested pending the hearing of an application for an injunction scheduled for September nineteenth. U.S. Capital Energy has responded, through its attorney Michael Peyrefitte, and not surprisingly has declined the request to suspend its activities. In a letter to SATIIM et al, Peyrefitte acknowledges that a recent Court of Appeal decision can be interpreted as affirming the rights of Mayas to land and resources in southern Belize. But, writes Peyrefitte, it is certain that “those rights are not superior to the government’s rights to the oil and minerals under those properties.”  SATIIM et al fired back today through a press release stating that a socially conscious company would have acceded to the request, and the oil company’s refusal to do so is demonstrating its, “neo-colonial arrogance.” The N.G.O. and Mayan communities continue to call for an early hearing on the matter and to ask government to protect their rights and interests. The SATIIM release ends with the cryptic message that should these requests fail, it has a duty to protect and preserve its rights and interests.