For immediate release
A part of the UCTP land project in Mayagüez, Borikén (Puerto Rico). Photo credit: Arlene Bonet
Mayagüez, Borikén (Puerto Rico) - The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) has recently and officially acquired approximately 20 acres of land in the municipality of Mayagüez, located in Western Borikén. The site will be the location for the Confederation’s new community center and embassy, as well as a premier food sovereignty project. The Confederation, established in 1998, is an internationally respected Indigenous leadership initiative led by and for Taíno and other Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. With the land acquisition and required surveys now completed, the UCTP will move forward with its plans for the physical building construction and other necessary infrastructure development.
“This is an historic step forward for our affiliated and non-affiliated relatives that will provide a unique, contemporary example of Indigenous stewardship and self-determination in the Caribbean context” stated Kasike R. Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero, the President of the Confederation. “The Confederation is humbled by this achievement, which is the first of its kind in scope and structure in Borikén or the wider Caribbean. This is not an individual project, but a collective journey that has been long in the making. We feel our ancestors are pleased with our progress and will continue to shine blessings upon us as long as we remain true to our traditional values keeping our future generations in mind” Borrero noted.
The current plans for the land include the community center and embassy, which will function as a meeting place for educational and related activities, as well as a traditionally focused agricultural project entitled the “Konuko Project”, which includes an agro-food-forestry initiative. While the Confederation’s land holding is currently producing mangos, bananas, breadfruit, coffee, and other foodstuff, the project will introduce and cultivate endemic and endangered fruit and plant species. Additional plans include the establishment of a “batei” (ceremonial plaza) for Indigenous spiritual gatherings.
UCTP International Relations and Human Rights Officer, Tai Pelli stated “The acquisition of land, as the first Indigenous Peoples in this hemisphere to have endured land grabbing, plunder and the effects of the first case of identity theft and invisibility on this side of the world is of great significance. The Taíno Embassy and Cultural Center will bring us the opportunity to: continue advocating for our rights; provide a place for our Taíno Indigenous relatives to bring their issues; learn and share about our beautiful and vast culture; and work and foster care for the land with our traditional Indigenous knowledge, science and technologies.” Ms. Pelli is a member of the UCTP’s Land Back Committee.
The Confederation has appointed Arlene Bonet, a member of the Guainía Taíno Tribe and resident of Cabo Rojo, as the land manager. Ms. Bonet states that “The UCTP project in Mayaguez is a way to connect with the lands that our ancestors walked and feel their presence still alive in that place. It is a sacred space that I love with all my heart and soul. The project gives me inner peace because I know that we are going to leave a legacy for our future generations.”
Serving with Ms. Bonet, an area local, Julio Marty, is also a member of the UCTP Mayagüez land team. Marty states “My commitment to Borikén is to preserve it. Thanks to this farm I can help preserve nature, wildlife, our Indigenous heritage, our culture and what could be more beautiful than the opportunity that was given to me where I was born and raised. For me it is a blessing to continue preserving our ancestral culture, which is super important; and more than grateful that it is in Mayagüez close to my home.”
The UCTP land acquisition was made possible via public donations and funding institutions. The Confederation hopes to begin construction on the community center and embassy in the last quarter of 2025.
For more information contact oirrc@uctp.org
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