Showing posts with label Mataquesquintla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mataquesquintla. Show all posts

Friday, September 11, 2015

Crumbling political support for Tahoe Resources in Guatemala

Article written in collaboration with MiningWatch Canada and the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network

If the militarized security strategy that Tahoe Resources has used to put its Escobal silver mine into operation isn’t enough to raise questions about the ethics of the company’s operations in Guatemala, the recent resignation of Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina should be. Pérez Molina stepped down on September 2 after Congress voted to strip him of his political immunity. A week later, he was indicted on charges of illicit association, customs fraud, and bribery for his involvement in a customs network that robbed tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money.

Rewind to July 2013, when former President Otto Pérez Molina made a personal site visit to the Escobal mine located in San Rafael las Flores in the department of Santa Rosa. The visit took place just a few months after Tahoe’s head of security was arrested for his role in the shooting of seven peaceful protesters and a subsequent month-long military state of siege was imposed on four municipalities in the area. While at the mine, Pérez Molina mingled with workers and filmed a national television address affirming support for the project. 

Former President Otto Pérez Molina poses with Escobal mine
workers. Photo: Tahoe Resources

Today, Pérez Molina is accused of heading “La Linea” customs network that is said to have benefited transnational companies by offering lower tariffs in exchange for handsome pay-offs to politicians. Vice-president Roxana Baldetti has also been indicted on the same charges and over a dozen cabinet ministers potentially implicated in the fraud scandal have resigned, including Minister of Energy and Mines, Erik Archila. Archila approved Tahoe’s exploitation license in April 2013 without taking into consideration over 250 individual complaints filed against the license for potential impacts on water and health of the local population.

While it is unclear if Tahoe or other North American mining companies benefited from the fraud ring, the company’s cozy relationship with Otto Pérez Molina's scandal-ridden government has been well documented. During his administration, state-sponsored repression plagued communities in resistance to Tahoe and has facilitated the imposition of the Escobal mine against the will of the local population. 

It is too soon to know how the recent general election results may change this arrangement, but cracks have already started to show at the local level where Tahoe has also relied on close political relationships. 

Cracks in Tahoe’s privileged political support


During the past four years, Tahoe has relied on the mayor of San Rafael Las Flores to prevent local communities from holding a referendum about whether or not they want mining in their municipality. While the six municipalities surrounding the Escobal mine held referenda overwhelmingly rejecting mining, residents of San Rafael las Flores were denied this important opportunity. Instead, nine villages within the municipality organized their own referenda, in which the majority overwhelmingly rejected the Escobal mine. 

Results from Guatemala's general elections held September 6 indicate an important shift in support for Tahoe Resources in San Rafael las Flores, as well as in the surrounding areas. In San Rafael Las Flores, Roberto Pivaral, member of the Committee in Defense of Life and Peace who was an early victim of Tahoe's strategy to criminalize opponents, won enough support in rural areas of the municipality to win the mayoral race on a pro-referendum platform. 

Municipalities surrounding Tahoe’s Escobal project vote against mining


In the neighboring municipality of Mataquescuintla, where 96% of voters opposed mining in a 2012 referendum, Hugo Loy was re-elected as mayor. Loy has openly opposed Tahoe’s presence in the region and has fought hard to uphold the results of the 2012 vote by opposing the construction of an electrical line between Mataquescuintla and the Escobal mine. Opponents to mining in Mataquescuintla have faced severe threats and violence, including the 2014 attack in which 16-year old Topacio Reynoso was murdered and her father Alex was seriously injured. 

Rejection of Tahoe Resources also came through loud and clear in two other municipalities close to the Escobal mine. In Santa Rosa de Lima, residents ousted the candidate who had accepted royalty payments from the company, and instead, elected community leader and pro-referendum candidate, Llan Carlos Dávila. In Nueva Santa Rosa, voters re-elected the current mayor who, due to community pressure, has so far upheld the results of the consultation and refused to accept mining royalties. 

Tahoe Resources' selective amnesia


In a press release issued following President Pérez Molina’s resignation, Tahoe Resources asserted that all is calm in Guatemala and that business will continue as usual. Tahoe expressed support for acting President Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre, who became Vice President after the resignation of Roxana Baldetti. Tahoe stated Maldonado has been "the force of calm in the country" and that "his leadership has been viewed within Guatemala as very positive." 

However, Tahoe fails to mention that Maldonado, a former Constitutional Court judge is also a founding member of the now non-existent National Liberation Movement party (MLN in Spanish), an extreme right-wing political party known for its connection to death squads in the 1960s. The company also doesn't say that during his time in the Constitutional Court, Maldonado voted to annul the historic 2013 genocide sentence and one year later, voted for the early removal of respected Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz. 

Finally, Tahoe assures investors that, “The embassies of Canada and the United States are heavily involved in assisting and supporting the Guatemalan government’s efforts to maintain order and peace and assure stability during these difficult times." But, far from deserving congratulatory remarks for their role, serious questions should be raised about what North American Embassies in Guatemala might have known about rampant corruption in the Otto Pérez Molina administration, and be challenged for their willingness to demonstrate support for such a repressive regime in order to protect Canadian and U.S. economic interests in the country. Rather than providing staunch support to ensure the interests of mining companies, such as Tahoe Resources, Goldcorp, Kappes, Cassidy & Associates and others, they should order investigations as to whether these companies were at all benefiting from the customs fraud ring and make a commitment not to provide any support for mining activities where communities have not given their consent.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

"We are a peaceful people" - Mataquescuintla celebrates 2nd anniversary of municipal referendum against mining

"Second Anniversary, Municipal Consultation as requested by Residents."
Photo: CPR Urbana

“Authorities will come and go, but it’s the responsibility of the people to uphold this decision,” says Moisés Divas to a large crowd gathered in the central park in the municipality of Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, located less than six miles from Tahoe Resources' Escobal silver mine. Two years ago, 98% of the population voted “NO” to the presence of metallic mining on their territory. Last week, hundreds gathered to celebrate the second anniversary of the consultation and to make sure the decision sticks.

"The referendum was a moment when the people could make their voices heard," says Enrique López, member of the city council. "The type of development that is being imposed in this territory is not long-term development for our people." A community-based mapping project undertaken recently in the departments of Santa Rosa, Jalapa and Jutiapa demonstrates Tahoe's grip in the region – highlighting a territory almost completely covered by mining licenses. In addition to the already-operating Escobal mine, Mataquescuintla is impacted by six other metallic exploration licenses.

Residents of Mataquescuintla locate their home on a community map to learn
which mining license might impact their lives and livelihoods.

On November 11, 2012, more than 60% of registered voters in Mataquescuintla voted in a community referendum and 98% of participants – more than 10,000 people - voted to ban the presence of mining on their territories. Together, they joined other municipalities in the area in voicing their loud opposition to the presence of mining companies such as Tahoe Resources, who began commercial production of its silver mine in the area in January 2014.

A month before starting production, Guatemala's highest court ruled in support of Mataquescuintla's municipal referendum, striking down the lawsuit filed to challenge its constitutionality. The groundbreaking decision recognized the responsibility that municipal authorities have to convene such votes and to make decisions according to their results, affirming their value as “adequate means by which peoples may exercise their right to give their opinion and be consulted on topics of interest.”



The decision is particularly important given the government and company's unwillingness to recognize consultations as a legitimate form of decision making that reflects community support or opposition to large-scale projects on their territory. Despite this seemingly dismissive stance, various consultations in Tahoe's area of influence were challenged in Guatemalan courts. Additionally, in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores where the Escobal project is located, efforts to organize a municipal consultation were thwarted by a massive campaign to criminalize leaders demanding a vote. During the anniversary celebration, Moisés Divas reflected on this contradiction stating, “If they don't care about the consultations, if they don't think they are powerful, why do they put so much effort into blocking them?”

While Tahoe Resources publicly promotes that it holds widespread community support for its operations, municipalities surrounding the mine continue in opposition. For example, the municipality of Mataquescuintla has refused to allow Tahoe access to the electrical power station located inside their municipal jurisdiction. Instead operations at Escobal continue to be powered by temporary generators.

Mataquescuintla is not the only neighboring municipality that soundly rejects the company's presence. Four additional nearby municipalities have voted against the mine in municipal referenda, while more than half of the communities in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores - right where the Escobal mine is located - have also declared themselves in opposition.

Maria Antonia Solares from San Juan Bosco stands in front of the
 map highlighting the Tahoe license that covers her community.

Maria Antonia Solares from the nearby community of San Juan Bosco in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores was present at the celebration in Mataquescuintla. Residents of her community are also facing impacts from the Escobal mine and the real possibility of Tahoe expansion into their backyard with the already granted Juan Bosco exploration license.

"It's important to be here, to learn from one another," says Solares. "Even though this is not my home, I am motivated by seeing other people defend their territory in the same way we are in San Juan Bosco." 



Monday, September 8, 2014

Comunidades de Santa Rosa y Jalapa lanzan campaña contra la expansión de Tahoe Resources


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Comunicado de Prensa: Comunidades Organizadas en Defensa del Territorio y la Naturaleza de Santa Rosa y Jalapa

Valla anti-minera ubicada en Mataquescuintla, Jalapa. Photo NISGUA

Desde el año 2012 a la fecha, en nuestros municipios se han realizado Consultas Municipales a Solicitud de Vecinos, en las cuales más de 53 mil vecinas y vecinos, todos ciudadanos en legitimo ejercicio de nuestros derechos ciudadanos, hemos manifestado de manera legal, que NO ESTAMOS DE ACUERDO, con la actividad de minería química de metales, en ninguna parte de nuestro territorio. Estas consultas han sido declaradas constitucionalmente legales y vinculantes a nivel municipal, según resoluciones de la Corte de Constitucionalidad.

A pesar del claro rechazo a la minería química de metales en nuestro territorio, en complicidad con el Gobierno la Empresa Minera San Rafael, continúa con acciones enfocadas en entrar en nuestros municipios de manera solapada, a sabiendas que lo único que logran con ello es generar alta conflictividad y alteración de la paz social y la tranquilidad comunitaria. Una prueba clara de ello, es el otorgamiento de la licencias de exploración denominadas Juan Bosco y Andrés a penas en el primer cuatrimestre del 2,012 que afectan municipios de Santa Rosa, Jalapa y de Guatemala. Actualmente a pesar de la evidente oposición de nuestras comunidades el Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales ha puesto ya a la vista el estudio de impacto ambiental 2014-EAI-4413 PROYECTO DE EXPLOTACION MINERA JUAN BOSCO LEXR-089-08, lo cual es un irrespeto a la clara voluntad del pueblo.

Según la presentación e información brindada a sus accionistas el pasado mes de junio, en Vancouver, Canadá Tahoe Resources Inc. Dueña de Minera San Rafael, S.A. pretenden explotar en nuestro territorio al menos 12 vetas de minerales, tales como oro, plata, zinc, etc. En un área de 2,498 kilómetros cuadrados a través de varias licencias, que ya han obtenido y otras que aun se encuentran en trámite, sin embargo venden a inversionistas este proyecto como si ya hubieran obtenido las tierras, argumentando que actualmente hay un gobierno pro-minero y que en Guatemala se paga una bajísima tasa de impuestos convirtiéndose en un negocio redondo, para ellos.

Ante esta grave situación, las comunidades que a través de la Consultas Municipales a solicitud de Vecinos y Consultas de Buena fé, hemos manifestado que no queremos minería química de metales en nuestros territorios, estamos hoy lanzando una campaña que busca dejar claro tanto a este Gobierno entreguista y pro-minero, como a las empresas mineras y sus accionistas que nuestra tierra no está en venta, que tenemos un modelo de desarrollo amigable con el ambiente y la madre tierra, que para nosotros el agua y la vida vale más, mucho más que la plata y el oro.

Por ello a lo largo de más de 100 kilómetros de carretera hemos colocado vallas en nuestros municipios, para que quienes entren en nuestros territorios, sepan que más del 98% de los vecinos no queremos minería química de metales y estamos en una constante resistencia pacífica en contra de estos proyectos.

Guatemala agosto de 2,014.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Sixteen-year old girl murdered in continued violence associated with Tahoe Resources' mine, Canada Pension Plan urged to divest


(Ottawa/Toronto) A sixteen year old Guatemalan girl, Topacio Reynoso, was murdered on April 13, 2014 near her home town of Mataquescuintla, Guatemala where she was head of a youth movement against mining. Her father, a leader in organizing a municipal vote on the mine, was shot in the same incident and is in hospital in critical condition. This is the latest example of violence and repression associated with the Canadian-listed mining company Tahoe Resources' Escobal project.

Today, MiningWatch is sending a letter* to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board calling on the fund to divest from Tahoe Resources. MiningWatch argues that the investment is a dangerous and unacceptable gamble.

The letter says that Tahoe has failed to disclose that tens of thousands of people in five municipalities closest to Tahoe’s Escobal silver project have voted overwhelmingly against mining in their communities. For example, in the municipality of Mataquescuintla, home of Topacio Reynoso, over half of the eligible voters participated in a vote in which 96% - or some 10,000 people - voted against mining.  

“Opposition to the Tahoe mine in the surrounding municipalities is so great that Tahoe actually sued the Guatemalan government, demanding that the government do more to protect the mine,” remarks Shin Imai, lawyer for the Justice and Corporate Accountability Project at Osgoode Hall Law School. “Although the Court dismissed the suit, two months later, the government declared a state of siege in municipalities where people had voted against mining and issued arrest warrants for more than a dozen people known to oppose the mine.”

As violence and repression against mine opponents grew from 2012 to 2013, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board tripled its holdings in Tahoe.  

Despite broad opposition to its project, Tahoe rushed to put it into production.

The letter points out that Tahoe’s claims about the mineral deposit at its Escobal silver project are not backed by a feasibility study, which is normally used to establish the economic viability of exploiting a mineral deposit. In July 2013, the British Columbia Securities Commission put Tahoe on its ‘Issuers in Default List’ because the company did not comply with related disclosure requirements. The United States Securities Exchange Commission also questioned Tahoe about its claims. As a result, Tahoe was forced to amend its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) to clarify that no feasibility study had been done and to acknowledge that projects lacking such a study “have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure.”

“Given the threat this project poses to Guatemalan communities, and at a time when Canadians are concerned about the ability of the Canada Pension Plan to meet future needs, this investment is simply irresponsible,” remarks Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator for MiningWatch Canada.

Moore adds that Tahoe’s former head of security, Alberto Rotondo, is under arrest awaiting trial for an April 2013 shooting against peaceful protesters, which injured six. “The violence is bound to worsen and the CPPIB should want no part in this,” she concludes.

Contacts:
  • Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.ca
  • Shin Imai, Justice and Corporate Accountability Project, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University,  (416) 736-5274, simai(at)justice-project.org


Thursday, May 1, 2014

Organizaciones internacionales exigen justicia ante ataque armado en contra de líderes comunitarios opuestos a la mina Escobal de Tahoe Resources


Merilyn Topacio Reynoso Pacheco, 1997 -2014 (Foto: Danilo Zuleta)
Han pasado dos semanas desde el ataque mortal contra Alex y Topacio Reynoso, lideres comunitarios de Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, quienes estuvieron oponiéndose activamente a la mina El Escobal de Tahoe Resources en el sureste de Guatemala. Murió Topacio, quien tenía solo 16 años, y fue gravemente herido su papa, quien sigue bajo cuidado intensivo en el hospital. NISGUA está en solidaridad con la familia Reynoso y los miles de familias más pidiendo el derecho a la libre determinación, quienes han sufrido una intensificación de violencia, represión y criminalización desde la llegada de la empresa minera Tahoe Resources, de capital estadounidense y canadiense. 
 
Miles de familiares, amigos y vecinos honraron a Topacio, 15 de abril en Mataquescuintla.
(Foto: latribunadelpatojo)

Estudiantes y amigos hicieron banderas para llevar durante la procesión funeraria. (Foto: latribunadelpatojo)
Hoy NISGUA, junta con 35 organizaciones internacionales más, entregó una carta abierta a las autoridades Guatemaltecas denunciando el ataque y pidiendo justicia. Versión en ingles aquí.

Dra. Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey
Fiscal General de la República de Guatemala

1 de mayo del 2014

Re: Ataque armado en contra de líderes comunitarios opuestos al proyecto minero de Tahoe Resources

Estimada Doctora Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey,

Las organizaciones abajo firmantes estamos muy preocupados ante las noticias del ataque del 13 de abril en contra de Edwin Alexander Reynoso y su hija de 16 años, Merilyn Topacio Reynoso Pacheco. Rechazamos este ataque violento y exigimos que el Ministerio Publico realice una investigación completa e imparcial para asegurar que los responsables sean juzgados. También pedimos que la investigación sea trasladado de la Fiscalía Distrital de Jalapa a la Fiscalía de Delitos Contra Defensores de Derechos Humanos.

Merilyn Topacio Reynoso fue asesinada en el ataque, y Alex Reynoso sigue bajo cuidado intensivo en el hospital después de sufrir cuatro heridas de bala en el pecho y el estómago. Padre e hija son activistas de la Resistencia Pacifica en Defensa de los Recursos Naturales de Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, lo cual se ha organizado en contra de la mina Escobal de Tahoe Resources, ubicada en San Rafael las Flores. Goldcorp mantiene 40% de las acciones de Tahoe Resources, la cual opera el proyecto Escobal a nivel local mediante su filial, Minera San Rafael.

La familia Reynoso ha estado al frente de la lucha regional por la defensa del derecho al consentimiento previo, libre e informado, la auto-determinación, y los derechos humanos, que se organizó ante la llegada de Tahoe Resources a los departamentos sureste de Jalapa y Santa Rosa en 2010. Topacio fue una lideresa del movimiento juvenil de Mataquescuintla en contra de la minería y una defensora de derechos humanos muy conocida y activa. Su padre, Alex Reynoso, es un líder comunitario muy reconocido por su trabajo en la consulta comunitaria y como representante de la Resistencia Pacifica en Defensa de los Recursos Naturales de Mataquescuintla.

En Noviembre 2012, la municipalidad de Mataquescuintla celebró la primera consulta municipal en el departamento de Jalapa, sumándose a otras tres municipalidades en Santa Rosa que han expresado un rotundo “no” a la minería en su territorio. En diciembre del 2013, la Corte de Constitucionalidad dictó en favor de la consulta en Mataquescuintla, reconociendo la responsabilidad de las autoridades municipales en convocar esas consultas y tomar decisiones según sus resultados, afirmando su valor como "medios adecuados para que los pueblos puedan ejercer su derecho a dar su opinión y ser consultados sobre temas de interés." Hasta la fecha, se han realizado 14 consultas comunitarias en los municipios, las ciudades y las aldeas alrededores del proyecto.

A seis kilómetros del proyecto Escobal, los residentes de Mataquescuintla siguen opuestos al proyecto de Tahoe. Pero, en vez de respeto para su derecho a la auto-determinación y a decir no a este proyecto, han sufridas varias actas de violencia, intimidación y represión:
  • Desde 2011, han sido acusados, sin fundamento legal, más de 100 personas involucradas en la resistencia a la mina.
  • Entre marzo y mayo del 2013, en dos ocasiones, la policía desalojó violentamente el campamento pacifico, legítimo y legal radicado fuera de la mina
  • En abril del 2013, las fuerzas de seguridad privada de Tahoe atacaron seis manifestantes pacificas fuera de la mina; uno fue gravemente herido. El ex jefe de seguridad de Tahoe Resources, Alberto Rotondo, sigue bajo arresto domiciliario mientras se espere la apertura del juicio en su contra, por supuestamente haber ordenado el ataque, y por lesiones y la obstrucción de justicia.
  • En mayo 2013, Presidente Otto Pérez Molina declaró un estado de sitio en cuatro municipalidades alrededor del proyecto de Tahoe, inclusive en Mataquescuintla.
Estamos muy preocupados por la violencia y la persecución en contra de los defensores de derechos humanos y líderes comunitarios quienes están opuestos a la mina de Tahoe. Está sumamente importante que el crimen que terminó en el asesinato de Topacio Reynoso y las lesiones de que ahora sufre Alex Reynoso no sigue en la impunidad. Exigimos una investigación completa e imparcial por la Fiscalía de Delitos Contra Defensores de Derechos Humanos para asegurar que haya justicia, y para prevenir más violencia en la región. También pedimos que la investigación sea trasladado de la Fiscalía Distrital de Jalapa a la Fiscalía de Delitos Contra Defensores de Derechos Humanos. Tenemos entendido que Alex Reynoso está recibiendo protección policíaca mientras se recupere del ataque. Exigimos que el Ministro de Gobernación siga trabajando en conjunto con el Procurador de Derechos Humanos para asegurar la seguridad de Alex Reynoso y de su familia.

Muchas de nuestras organizaciones han tenido enlaces y/o compromisos profundos por varios años con los grupos opuestos a la mina de Tahoe Resources, y recientemente, muchas de ellas han visitado a las comunidades afectadas para reunirse con líderes locales y defensores de derechos humanos. Reconocemos que este tipo de violencia, la cual ocurre con preocupante frecuencia en y alrededor de las minas que hay en Guatemala, es también un grave problema global. Muchas de las organizaciones abajo firmantes están actualmente participando en una campaña llamada “Abierta para la Justicia,” para exigir legislación que garantice el acceso a la justicia en las cortes canadienses para las personas afectados por las operaciones mineras internacionales de las empresas Canadienses.

Le agradecemos su atención a esta solicitud y esperamos su apreciada respuesta.

Organizaciones firmantes:

Atlantic Regional Solidarity Network (ARSN) – Canada

Café Justicia Ottawa Education in Action – Canadá

Center for Alternative Mining Development Policy, La Crosse, Wisconsin - USA

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) - USA

The Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America  - USA

Comité pour les droits humains en Amérique latine (CDHAL) – Québec 

Conference of Major Superiors of Men – USA

Denver Justice & Peace Committee - USA

Environmental Network for Central America (ENCA) – United Kingdom

Guatemala Human Rights Commission (GHRC) – USA

Guatemala Partnership Committee, Congregational Church of Needham - USA

Guatemala Solidarity Network – United Kingdom

Guatemalan Working Group of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario - Canada

Heart of the Sky Fair Trade - USA

Inter Pares – Canada

Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul - Kingston, Ontario - Canada

KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives - Canada

Kickapoo Guatemala Accompaniment Project - USA

La Plataforma de Solidaridad con Chiapas y Guatemala de Madrid - Spain

Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) – Canada

Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network – Canada

Mining Injustice Solidarity Network, Toronto, Ontario – Canada

Mining Justice Action Committee, Victoria, British Columbia – Canada

Mining Justice Alliance, Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories – Canada

MiningWatch Canada

Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) - USA

New Hampshire-Vermont Guatemala Accompaniment Project (NH-VT G.A.P.) - USA

Oxfam America

Partners for Arlington and Guatemala, Arlington, VA - USA

The Peace and Justice Committee of First Churches, Northampton, MA - USA

Peace Watch Switzerland (PWS)

Projet Accompagnement Québec-Guatemala – Québec

SalvAide – Canada

Social Justice Connection – Québec

SOAW – LA - USA

SOA Watch - USA

St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America - USA

University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Guatemala Research Group – Canada

cc:

Erick Archila Dehesa
Ministro del Ministerio de Energía y Minas

Ing. Fernando Castellanos
Director General de la Minería, Ministerio de Energía y Minas

Mauricio López Bonilla
Ministerio de Gobernación

Michelle Melisa Martínez Kelly
Ministra del Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales

Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Guatemala
Deputy Political-Economic Counselor, William Ayala

Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Guatemala
Oficial de Asuntos Políticos, Norman Galimba 
Embajada de Canadá en Guatemala
Embajador Stuart Savage

Embajada de Canadá en Guatemala
Oficial de Asuntos Políticos Colleen Pigeon