Maya Land Dispute: Families Seek Fair Deal After 4-Year Wait

Cancún, Mexico — After nearly four years of occupying land allegedly sold fraudulently by individuals who have since disappeared, at least 84 families in the Aldea Cuna Maya neighborhood of Cancún are seeking a fair resolution with those now claiming ownership. Represented by a citizen committee of 10 residents—including Rafael Chacón, Roberto, Don Luis, Elizabeth, Salvador, and Luis Jiménez—the families insist their goal is not to seize the lots but to secure legal certainty and peaceful living conditions.

A Call for Formal Negotiations

Elizabeth, one of the residents, emphasized their efforts to improve the area, stating, “We’ve built roads and worked the land. That’s why we say the land belongs to those who cultivate it.” She added that they await a formal proposal from the purported owners to initiate serious dialogue.

Following meetings with municipal authorities, the residents noted that no official documents have been presented to substantiate the ownership claims of those represented by a legal agent identified as attorney Nora. “They’ve only made verbal claims, with no proof,” one affected resident said.

Willingness to Pay—Under Fair Terms

The families expressed readiness to purchase the lots, provided prices align with government valuation standards rather than what they described as “excessive” or “pressured” amounts. Rafael, another resident, criticized initial offers of 670,000 pesos per lot as “offensive,” later mentioning unclear down payment demands ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 pesos.

He clarified their stance: “We don’t want to harm anyone or occupy land without paying. We know nothing is free.” Many residents reportedly paid 4,000 to 5,000 pesos to individuals who promised title documents but vanished.

Mediation and a Path Forward

Despite tensions, the group acknowledged municipal efforts to mediate and prevent hostilities. “There were past conflicts, but now mutual respect is encouraged—that’s progress,” a resident noted.

The committee resolved to await a new meeting with the alleged owners to review terms for regularization. Authorities have urged both parties to avoid aggression while negotiations continue.