Black & White

 

Since my return from the country of Guatemala on April 7th, I can't shake the "kodachrome" memories. As I turn to the daily Guatemala press I have been reading the preliminary reports of the Holy Week as part of the holidays (those I have celebrated with sorrow and joy). Apparently in Guatemala there is talk of 50 dead and over 99 wounded. In Guatemala authorities consider the week quiet in comparison to last year. But the violence continued. At least 70 people were killed mainly in traffic accidents and by gunfire in Guatemala during the Easter holiday. Do not be deterred or fearful, for Guate proper and its drugged culture has yet to spill into the streets of the small villages.

I read on and the news reports that more than 1,000 have been slain in Guatemala in the 1st quarter of 2009. The government is trying to address these staggering statistics... Guatemala has recently banned motorcycle passengers in attempt to crack down on driveby murders by gunmen perched on the back of moving bikes. Gang members weave through traffic in the Central American country, holding up drivers at gunpoint.

This is a country I will never know.