There will be blood… in Antigua Guatemala

Rudy Giron: Antigua Guatemala &emdash; Ambulant Maya Handicraft Vendors Get Together

I remember having read in Gandhi’s autobiography that truth was not absolute, rather more like multi-faceted diamond; meaning truth had many points of view. I believe the same is true of events and issues.

Take for instance, the ambulant Maya vendors selling handicrafts around Antigua Guatemala. Some would argue that it’s unfair for they to walk around town selling stuff without paying taxes and such. Others might contend that is unfair competition for established business selling handicrafts. A third group might dispute that it is better to have people working than being criminal or thieves. Some would reason that it is the system and the laws that have been set up to negate opportunities to the Maya, especially to Maya women giving them no choice but to sell on the streets. And so on and on. Who holds the absolute truth?

For the last three days the Municipal police of Antigua Guatemala has been letting ambulant Maya vendors know that they will be removed and their handicrafts confiscated as the city hall government, the Muni for short, has decided not to allow them to sell on the squares and streets anymore. Below, it’s a short video clip showing one of these encounters at the Parque Central of Antigua Guatemala. Soon, these encounters will escalate into violence, I can see it, but I hope I am wrong because otherwise there will be blood!

What are your thoughts regarding the ambulant Maya handicraft vendors and their ability to sell on any square or street?

Rudy Giron: Antigua Guatemala &emdash; There will be blood... in La Antigua Guatemala

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