Guatemala 2009

We gave our Globalization Gone Wild talk regarding Goldcorp and its effects on the local community. The talk went well, and I believe we successfully voiced the harmful implications Goldcorp’s presence has on the local community.

The overarching question we sought to focus our talk on was the following: who are the victims? It is easy to acknowledge Crisanta and the eight Mayan women as victims, but what about the man initiating the confrontation with a machete in one hand and a speculated revolver in the other? He is a victim as well. Families in the community whom have lived side-by-side harmoniously for decades now quarrel regularly. The financial benefits Goldcorp offers selected locals creates a divide and conquer scenario. Goldcorp has created an environment of constant struggle in the Mayan-Man Municipality to ensure control and continued expansion of the Marlin Mine.

The discussion following our presentation elaborated on the divide and conquer phenomenon. Such a technique is a commonality in a scenario where Western intrusion seeks to establish complete control over a community to exploit capital, such as resources and labor.

Yes, this situation is serious and complex. However, onlookers must acknowledge progress has been made, and will continue if the resistant grassroots movement strengthens in support and participation.

Like most spectators viewing situations such as this, I am sure you are asking, what can I do to help solve a problem occurring in a place hundreds of miles away from Oxford, Ohio? You are not powerless; you can take swift and effective action.

Write and submit a guest op-ed to the Miami Student.

Call, fax, and write a letters to your elected officials.

Launch a divestment campaign on campus to determine if Miami is invested in Goldcorp.

Hold an awareness day highlighting these atrocities.

Together we can build a coalition of activists to provide a voice for the voiceless victims of those suffering from Goldcorp’s Marlin Mine.