With deep respect and affection we remember Abelino Salvador Mejía Cancinos, member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Communities of Retalhuleu (CCR), who passed away this May. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades and comrades in struggle.
We met Abelino in April 2020 when we began to accompany him and other members of CCR’s board of directors, who were suffering threats and a harsh criminalization process that lasted five years, in retaliation for their work in defense of the environment and the right to life. They were denounced by a former worker of a sugarcane company for crimes of coercion, threats and illegal detentions. During the five years of the trial, from which they were finally acquitted, they were subject to house arrest. This made it difficult for them to receive the necessary medical attention to their health problems caused by the trial. In addition to the health issues, they also suffered economic and social damages.
Abelino was a tireless defender of water, land, territory and Mother Nature. He exercised committed leadership in the struggles for the recovery of rivers affected by agribusiness in the South Coast, particularly by the sugar cane sector. He also stood out for his constant defense of the right to water and food of the communities affected by industrial practices that have deteriorated and contaminated the natural resources of the region. He was a reference in these struggles, earning the respect and affection of many disadvantaged communities of the South Coast.
Although his departure has filled us with sadness, his example, commitment and fighting spirit live on. His legacy inspires and will continue to inspire new generations of defenders of territories and life.