Dozens of motorcyanists concentrated this Thursday, March 20 at the Central Park of Antigua Guatemala to protest against the Lenten and Holy Week plan that implements the local municipality. They warned that, if they are not heard by the authorities, they will take actual measures.
Vinicio de León, a member of the Commission of the Mototaxis Guild, said that it is a peaceful demonstration with which they seek that the municipality is more flexible and allows them to work during Lent and Holy Week, since, with the current plan, they can only operate on a street and an avenue. However, during the last weekend they were denied access.
“We are tired to play with our dignity. Last week we had a meeting in which they explained how the pedestrian area would work and, for some incidents with motorcycles, they decided to get everyone out. What they must do is act against those who commit the infractions,” De León told the local media noti six.
He added that, if they do not obtain positive responses, they will take de facto measures, although it did not specify what type of actions they referred to.
A letter addressed to Mayor Juan Manuel Asturias informs about the demonstration this Thursday.
“The reason for the present is to communicate that the guild of transporters of the city of Antigua Guatemala, of the department of Sacatepéquez, will make a peaceful demonstration as a rejection of the Lenten and Holy Week plan, as well as the old pedestrian that this municipality is implementing in the municipality, since, as transporters, we are violating the right to work,” says the document.
In addition, they warned that they will not deposit the protest until they are heard by the edile authorities.
Posture of the Municipality
For its part, the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala lamented that this type of protests occur because, in its criteria, they affect the image of the colonial city.
“The locks, closures and protests of the tuclutuqueros affect the image of ancient in a negative way, since they do not have a clear foundation and respond to particular interests. These actions seem to have the objective of creating an adverse perception of the city, which could scare away tourism and, in turn, damage the intangible heritage of humanity as is Holy Week,” said Carlos Godoy, of the Department of Communication of the Communication.
He added: “This type of behavior favors those who seek to cause a misunderstanding and generate uncertainty about local management, without considering the repercussions they can have on the community and its economy.”