Community Government

Maya communities are governed today by our traditional system. Every village elects an alcalde, who serves for two years and provides services like a mayor and judge. The Government of Belize has tried to convince the Maya to abandon the alcalde systmem, and has instituted by legislative action a system of elected party officials (called village chairmen) in every village. We are committed to maintaining and strengthening our traditional system of govenrment so that we can preserve our culture and because it is Belize's only tradtional system amongst the indigenous peoples of Toledo, especially in the rural areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Parents and teachers must teach respect for our traditional system to the young people. They must participate in the fajina (village cleaning) when one is called by the alcalde as all villagers must.
2. The alcaldes chosen must be able to work for the entire village, and have time to attend workshops and other project meetings.
3. The Alcaldes Association should seek funding so the Chairman of the Association and other alcaldes can more effectively represent the Maya people of Toledo by attending meetings and advocating with Government.