Maya Culture Central to Quintana Roo’s Public Policy

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa emphasized that Maya culture is consolidating as a central axis of public policy in Quintana Roo, as she led the commemoration of the National Day of Maya Culture, “U K’iinbesa’al U Noj K’iinil Maaya Miatsi,” in this municipality in the center of the state.

The Voice of the Maya People at the Center of Decisions

During her address, the governor stated that the Agreement for the Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo seeks to make visible and strengthen the cultural expressions of the Maya people, from artisanal work to community practices that sustain daily life. She underscored that the objective is for prosperity to reach the Maya zone directly and be reflected in better conditions for families.

New Hospital and First-Level Services for the Maya Zone

Before 490 dignitaries from the five ceremonial centers and the three Maya churches in the state, Mara Lezama reported that construction is advancing on a 60-bed hospital in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, which will include a CT scanner, densitometry, and X-ray services that had not been available in the region. She added that the project includes an intercultural birthing space in the general hospital, focused on the care of Maya women.

Infrastructure and Regional Development

The governor also announced that the project known as the Puerta al Mar (Gateway to the Sea) is nearing inauguration, as part of actions to strengthen regional development and expand opportunities for communities in the Maya zone.

Recognition for Those Who Preserve Maya Identity

The event was organized by the Institute for the Development of the Maya People and Indigenous Communities of the State, with the purpose of recognizing those who keep traditions, spirituality, and community organization alive. The head of INMAYA, Enrique Chuc, highlighted the direct dialogue between the governor, traditional authorities, and their families as an exercise of closeness and respect.

Support for Ceremonial Centers and Maya Churches

During the event, support was delivered to representatives of the ceremonial centers of Chancah Veracruz, La Cruz Parlante, Tixcacal Guardia, Chumpón, and Tulum, as well as to the Maya churches of X-Yatil, Yaxley, and Kantunilkín, in a practice that for more than 25 years has supported the preservation of the spiritual and community life of the Maya people.

The program included the participation of the SAYAB K’AAY Children’s Choir, folk dance presentations, and a shared breakfast among state authorities, Maya dignitaries, and their families.

Attending the event were, among other authorities, Agustina del Carmen Tah Pech, representative of the church of Kantunilkín; Simón Caamal Coh, president of the Gran Consejo Maya; Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the State DIF; Maricarmen Hernández Solís, municipal president of Felipe Carrillo Puerto; Venancia Coh Chuc, head of INPI; Maricarmen Solís Sánchez, honorary president of the Municipal DIF; and deputy José María Chacón Chablé.