As we often see in election years, crime is escalating in Antigua. Every time I read the news or my Facebook feed I hear another story about a chicken bus driver murdered, a person held up at gunpoint, or a home invasion. These incidents are rising and rising and getting more and more violent every day. We must stand together as a community: a community of neighbors, friends, co-workers, visitors, of Guatemalans and foreigners, and reject this reality. This problem will not be solved with divisiveness, finger pointing, or looking to a new election season full of promises. We must stand up and demand that the institutions that are here, do what they are here to do. Antigua is much more than just a city, it is an icon of Mayan culture. We will not stand by and watch the jewel of Guatemala be destroyed.
- If you are the victim of a crime, place a denuncia with the PNC or MP.
- If you are a foreigner and are the victim of a crime, engage the tourist police and the embassy to assist you. They are here to help you.
- Knock on your neighbors’ doors, introduce yourself and exchange telephone numbers. Add your neighbors to your favorites so you have an emergency contact in case something happens in the night.
- If you see someone in distress, ask if they need help or if they would like someone to walk with them so they aren’t alone.
- If you are out with friends, make sure everyone has a safe way home.
Don’t be afraid to use your voice. We all are entitled to peace of mind. Don’t surrender to the idea that because we live in Guatemala we must tolerate violence in our community. Don’t be silenced by people who say you shouldn’t speak up because it’s hopeless, because you’re young, because you’re old, because you live in the city, because you’re a foreigner, or because you don’t understand “how things work” here. Stand up and demand change. Demand safety.
