On June 30, 2015 the Municipality of Palin, Escuintla, Guatemala inaugurated a new street in the city named after respected Maya Poqomam political leader and indigenous rights activitist, Marcelino Moscut. Moscut was a well-known community leader who fought for various issues effecting Indigenous communities and was a passionate advocate for the Community Radio Movement. He passed away exactly a year ago on June 30, 2014 and his hometown of Palin honored this day by naming one of their main streets after him.
Moscut served as a member of the Guatemalan Congress from 2004-2005. He was one of the founders of the Qawinaqel Education Center of Palin, Qawinaqel Community Radio, and the Academy of Mayan Languages of Guatemala. As one of his last activities, Moscut participated in the General Character Hearing of the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights in March 2013 where he reported the illegal criminalization of community radio leaders and volunteers.
His work and legacy remain as evidence of the strength and determination of indigenous communities and leaders in Guatemala. The entrance to the new street in Palin, Escuintla displays a sign describing the work of Marcelino Moscut ending with a note from his beloved community wishing him eternal peace.
