Exploitation of Mayans: Insider Reveals Shocking Truth

Public policies and the political class's interests regarding the Mayan people and other indigenous groups in Quintana Roo remain stagnant. These groups are often used during election periods and at public events to showcase their cultural heritage. However, the emphasis is often on the importance of deceased Mayans, while living Mayans are left in poverty, marginalization, and neglect.

Quintana Roo is home to over 180,000 Mayan people, according to the 2020 Population and Housing Census. Additionally, several thousand indigenous people from various parts of the country have migrated to the state in search of a better life. Unfortunately, they often face exclusion and institutional discrimination.

On August 16th, the V Mayan Congress was held in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto for the propagandistic purposes of institutional social programs. The event was organized by the Gran Consejo Maya, a structure created during Carlos Joaquín González's government. However, the logistics of the meeting, including the organization and proceedings, were led by the Institute for the Development of the Mayan Ethnicities and Peoples (INMAYA), an organization that has faced criticism since its inception.

Approximately 200 people attended the meeting to learn about the 4T social programs. However, the event was filled with applause and good intentions, but no discussion of the numerous issues faced by the indigenous peoples, including the Maya, living in Quintana Roo. These issues include public health, education, lack of decent housing, and the destruction of roads and highways by the Maya Train's construction. The event seemed to be organized solely for institutional propaganda campaigns.

Sebastián Estrella, a longtime advocate for the Mayan people, shared his experiences in an interview. He recalled his efforts to establish an organization to address the numerous problems faced by the Mayans in the 1970s. However, while the organization managed to alleviate some issues, it did not solve them.

Estrella served as a government delegate in Felipe Carrillo Puerto in 1974, during the first celebration of the start of the Caste War, which began on July 30, 1847. This delegation covered what is now the municipality of Tulum, and he actively participated in the celebration.