Guatemala Roundup: Arrests over rape, sports, family sues over corpse, mining investments

Traffic management

Guatemala City is taking strides towards modernising its traffic management system through a partnership with Kapsch TrafficCom. This ambitious initiative aims to implement a centralised traffic signal system, upgrading 511 intersections across the city with state-of-the-art traffic lights, video detection cameras, and variable messaging panels that utilise the EcoTrafiX mobility management platform. The new infrastructure will facilitate a variety of traffic regulation modes and foster interconnectivity between diverse equipment, accompanied by a technology transfer process for local personnel training. This project is anticipated to significantly enhance mobility for the citizens of Guatemala City, TTI reports.

Mining investments

On the investment front, a Swiss mining investor has threatened to file a substantial claim of US$100 million against Guatemala with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). According to GAR, this action follows the investor's obligation to suspend operations at a nickel mine attributed to US sanctions, highlighting the precarious position of foreign investment in Guatemala amidst geopolitical tensions.

CONCACAF match

Guatemala national team coach Luis Fernando Tena revealed Guatemala's final squad for the CONCACAF Nations League matches against Guyana and Costa Rica. Footboom reports that the roster consists of 25 players, refined from an initial 28, with notable exclusions including Carlos Mejía, José Carlos Martínez, and Kenderson Navarro. The team faced Guyana on October 11 at 20:00.

Suit over transportation of corpse to wrong destination

Legal troubles are also unfolding as a family from Queens takes action against the Rivera Funeral Home, following the mishandling of their loved one, Carmen Maldonado's remains. Intended to be interred in Ecuador near her grandfather, the remains were mistakenly sent to Guatemala, a mishap discovered via a TikTok news report. The family, initially met with an apology from the funeral home, had to push for coverage of the transportation costs back to the correct location, alongside incurring additional expenses for body preservation. Their lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress and breach of contract, reflecting concerns over systemic issues that may deter others from seeking justice. As of now, the funeral home has not commented to the media regarding the incident, CBS News reports.

Arrests over rape

In law enforcement news, ICE has arrested Maynor Francisco Hernandez-Rodas, a Guatemalan national charged with the aggravated rape of a child in Massachusetts. Hernandez-Rodas, who entered the U.S. illegally, has a history of prior convictions for 'breach of peace' in Connecticut. CBS News reports that despite an ICE detainer request, he was released after an arraignment related to the rape charges. Following his arrest by ICE on September 20, officials highlighted the potential dangers he poses to the community, emphasising the agency's focus on apprehending criminal migrants in the face of challenges posed by sanctuary cities that do not comply with detainer requests.