On February 22, 2013, in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Cultural Survival and local community radio association Mujb'ab'l yol held a forum aimed at spreading the word regarding the role of community radio in the fight to democratize speech in Guatemala. With close to 100 guests, including representatives from Congress, and members of the police force and military, the movement gained new sources of support and strengthened existing sources of support. The event was broadcast at the national level, by approximately 20 community radio stations, exemplifying their role in promoting democracy and information.
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The four speakers, including Cultural Survival’s Community Radio Project Manager, Anselmo Xunic, clarified the importance of community radio for indigenous community development; discredited propaganda by commercial radios against community radio stations; and stressed the necessity of coming together against the powerhouses that the community radio movement faces. "We must unite against the giant forces which attempt to silence our voices, because we may not be very strong individually, but together, we are powerful" stated one of the panelists, Bibiana Leticia Ramirez.
The speakers drew parallels between the colonization experienced by Indigenous communities historically and the colonialist nature of radio now. Panelist Martin Sacalxot, the Attorney General for Indigenous People's Rights in Guatemala stated, "the existing laws against community radio are a form of continuing repression against Indigenous Peoples". Under the current system, only the voice of the powerful minority is legitimized, while the voices of the majority are not only delegitimized, but criminalized.
The forum had a successful turnout and the speakers did a wonderful job of making clear why community radio is such a significant ingredient in the empowerment of Indigenous communities. It was clear that this forum achieved the goal of spreading our message far and wide, with the help of many community radio stations who broadcast the event. In an interview with a member of the military who attended the forum, he stated "community radios signify support and development for Indigenous communities…that is why I support the community radio movement". Alberto Recinos, one of the forum’s organizers, hopes this forum, and other activities like it, will result in increased pressure on lawmakers to legislate in favor of community radio stations in Guatemala by passing the Community Media Bill 4087. “This is part of a wider strategy to keep this important issue at the forefront of dialogue for human rights and democracy in Guatemala.” he explained.
Watch our video with highlights from the forum!
