SATIIM’s Greg Cho’c also against NCL project

Greg Cho’c

In addition to the Garifuna culture which will be highlighted in the new cruise tourism package, NCL is looking at the Mayan culture as a selling point. SATIIM’s Greg Ch’oc told News Five today that discussions are ongoing on that matter, but like the Garifuna position on the matter, it is not a done deal by any means.

Greg Cho’c, Executive Director, SATIIM

“There have been some discussions both between Garifuna and Mayan organizations on the implications of the Norwegian Cruise Lines using the Garifuna and Maya cultural attributes as the theme for their tourism investment. I think what I have understood the conversation to be is that there are parties within the people concerned, the Garifuna and the Maya that will bring this to the attention of the Norwegian Cruise Lines and chart a way forward. I think there are potential opportunities but there is also the opportunity for the exploitation of the cultures of both people and that has to be discussed in some way or the other, whether it is with government or with Norwegian Cruise Lines. If you look at what we are trying to do here we are trying to preserve our culture. The land defines our culture. And we are here in court trying to preserve what constitutes our culture. So on one hand the government can’t be promoting cultural tourism and on the other hand denying us the right to exercise our culture.”

Ch’oc says that the discussions are being conducted with an open mind and he is hoping that it will be a win-win situation.