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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula November 10, 2005 Text and photo © 2005 CCGAP (Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project) and courtesy Sue Ellen Kingsley.

Observer of human rights in Guatemala to speak Nov. 14

HANCOCK -- Vernon Chow spent the year of 2004 serving as an accompanier to witnesses in a landmark trial bringing charges of genocide against former Guatemalan presidents Rios Montt and Lucas Garcia. In the years 1981-1984, many communities in Guatemala were victims of brutal massacres. At the hands of the military, women and children were burned alive while men and boys were executed.

Survivors of these massacres have joined together to attempt to bring to justice the perpetrators of the terrible violence that scarred their lives forever. However, in the climate of impunity that prevails in Guatemala even today, just the act of witnessing in a trial means putting your life and the lives of your family at risk. 

Vernon Chow, who served as an accompanier, or international observer, in Guatemala in 2004, will speak of his experiences at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Hancock. (Photo © 2005 (Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project. Courtesy Sue Ellen Kingsley.)

That is why witnesses have asked for the physical presence of an international observer in their communities to give them a level of support and security. As accompanier, Vernon Chow lived in the town of Rabinal and traveled daily to spend time with the massacre survivors. 

He will be visiting the Copper Country and will share some of his observations and experiences -- and pictures -- at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at the First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Quincy, Hancock. Dessert will be served, and everyone is welcome. Call 482-6827 for more information.

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