PBI-Guatemala visits Nuevo Dia blockade of the Jupilingo Bridge in opposition to megaprojects

On December 4, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project posted, “Yesterday we visited the peaceful assembly called by Nuevo Dia on the Jupilingo Bridge to demand the immediate interruption of the excessive felling of the Lelá Obraje forest and the implementation of megaprojects that threaten Mother Earth and human rights.”

PBI-Guatemala adds, “As a consequence, a dialogue table is held with different state institutions, where the members of Nuevo Dia present their complaints and requests.”

Emisoras Unidas Chiquimula reported Roadblock Against Mining.

That article notes, “The dissatisfied have indicated that in the vicinity of the protected ‘El Zompopero’ forest, it is intended to install a mining company, to exploit the resources of that locality. The neighbors are opposed to that happening.”

And TN 23 reported, “A group of villagers from a village block the path between the Jupilingo Bridge, El Florido, Chiquimula. The neighbors show their disagreement for different reasons, such as the state of the road, the price of electricity and lack of access to drinking water.”

That article further explained, “Villagers indicate that they will free up the passage when they have a meeting with the municipal authorities. …In declarations, the inhabitants of this village assure that the blockades could extend during several days, until obtaining an arrangement.”

It would appear that a meeting with municipal authorities was arranged and the bridge blockade was ended with that agreement.

For additional context, please see PBI-Guatemala accompanies Maya Ch’orti’ visits to state institutions to demand closure of projects lacking their consent.