Taken in the community of San Juan del Golfo, this photograph depicts one of the most important contemporary issues in Guatemala. This particular community, just outside of Guatemala City has been peacefully occupying the road since early this month. The purpose of this occupation is to prevent Radius Gold (a Canadian mining company) in its exploration and exploitation of these traditional lands. Mining, like many other issues, cannot be over-simplified. It is not only contemporary as its roots can be traced back to La Conquista. The combination of age-old racism, concentrated power and companies taking the easy way out lead to situations like San Jose del Golfo.
Translation: Life is more valuable than gold. No to mining.
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