This is the time of year for festivals, and once a year there is the Latin American Carnival in Peckham Rye Park, SE22 in London.
 
This Sunday 23rd July from 11am to 7pm (entry free)
 
In July many Latin American countries commemorate their day of Independence. Colombians celebrate it the 20th July, Peru the 28th, Venezuela the 5th, Argentina and Chile the 9th.
 
Due to these commemorations, the 23rd July the Independence Carnival will celebrate the emancipation of all Latin American people. A day where Londoners will have the opportunity to experience a journey across the rich Latin American culture and history.
 
With:
 
∙ Music and Dancing performances: ROBIN DEL CASTILLO Latin Band Show - Orquestra COCOMEX FUERZA VALLENATA - Folklore dancing band FANTASIA LATINA - Dennis Santa Cruz (El Chacho) ¨C Local artists
 
∙ Activities for Children: Inflatable Castles - Facial painting - Latinito Fair -Mechanic games-Creative workshops - Competitions
 
∙ Stalls with food from different regions in Latin America -Bar with Latin American spirits -Craft Work and Latin American products - Information and promotion.

Latin America Bureau, Rights Action and Guatemala Solidarity Network present:

SIPAKAPA IS NOT FOR SALE / SIPAKAPA NO SE VENDE"
by Caracol Producciones, Guatemala, November 2005

Date: Tuesday 18th July
Time: 6.30pm
Price: £3

The film will be followed by talks and the opportunity to discuss the impact of mining companies in Guatemala.

Speakers: Jane Pelly, Rights Action
Dr. Rachel Sieder, Institute for the Study of the Americas

Spaces are limited for this event. To pre-register for this event please email: dkenner [at] lab.org.uk

Venue:  The Library - Latin America Bureau, 1 Amwell Street, London, EC1R 1UL

---

This documentary analyses the debate on mining exploitation in Guatemala and demonstrates the dignity of the Sipakapan People as they fight to defend their autonomy in the face of encroaching neo-liberal "development" megaprojects.

This 55 minute documentary (with English sub-titles) is about the struggle of the Sipakapense-Mayan people, in San Marcos, Guatemala, in defense of autonomy, locally controlled development and environmental well-being, against the harms and violations associated with the open-pit gold mining operation of the Glamis Gold mining company.

In 2005, Montana Exploradora, subsidiary of the Canadian/US transnational company Glamis Gold, received 45 million US dollars in financing from the World Bank to exploit an open-pit gold mine in Guatemala. There was never any consultation with the local Mayan Sipakapense and Mam communities about the 'concessioning' of their lands and territories to a global mining company that, furthermore, is using the most harmful method of gold mining – open pit, cyanide leaching processes.

In accordance with ILO Convention 169, the Constitution of Guatemala and the Municipal Code, a Community Consultation was held in Sipakapa on 18 June 2005, to establish whether the population would accept or reject mining exploitation in its municipality. The result was a resounding NO to mining.

"Sipakapa is Not for Sale" contrasts the daily life and struggle of the Maya Sipakapan people with the arguments of representatives of the mining company that operates in their territory. It analyses the debate on mining exploitation and demonstrates the dignity of the Sipakapan People as they fight to defend their autonomy in the face of encroaching neo-liberal "development" megaprojects.