I was very interested in the Jan 14 Courier article about the ongoing relationship between Chemainus Rotary Club members and the Maya community of San Antonio Palopo in Guatemala.
I do know something about the reality in Central America as I have travelled to Honduras a few times since 2013 to “accompany” – to be present in support of others.
We can focus on the good work done by the Rotary visitors and the effort to enable villagers to improve their living conditions with initiatives such as the “chicken project”. The nutrition program for children will produce dividends for a lifetime enabling these children to grow and become healthy citizens.
Related story: Rotarians’ relationship with Guatemalan town continues from afar
Of great importance is what is brought back to B.C. and Canada. Through the Courier now more people can learn about this small country of Guatemala which has suffered so many hardships, including a war of genocide against poor Indigenous communities. During the military dictatorships in the 1980s, 626 villages were destroyed and up to 200,000 people killed or disappeared.
Unfortunately, some Canadian registered companies have brought greater hardship to the Guatemalan people. The Rotarians of Chemainus can help through their work and visits to raise an awareness of the history of Guatemala, not a poor country but a country made poor.
San Antonio Palopo is just one village but this is where change begins, at the local level. More can be done and will be done because there is a relationship between Chemainus and Guatemala nurtured by the good works and commitment of the Rotarians.
Phil Little,
Saltair