'Don Jacinto' -said the teacher as he enjoyed a delicious chocolate with savory pork tamales that Carmen served him before class. 'What do you think of the movement the natives of Quintana Roo are organizing for the next change of government?'

'¿What movement?'

'That which once turned into a free and sovereign state only those born in Quintana Roo would run for governor or the other political positions such as town mayors and other functionaries.'

Jacinto thought for a few seconds before answering.

'Well I remember that when I was young, before the second world war, those from Chetumal fought to recover their territory, you know that it had been divided between Yucatán and Campeche. It was during General Cardenas era. I remember when they took us to Santa Cruz to see him. It was after the last attempt of a rebellion by the Mayans, in times of our first teacher. I think I have already told you about it'

' Yes, you have already old me about it, Don Jacinto'

I think I have told the story to every teacher who has come here'

'That's right, you've told me'. The teacher smiled.

'When they elect the first governor for Quintana Roo, everything will be just the same. During all the years I've lived, the authorities are appointed by the governor and the president, from Mexico City appoints this.

'But now there will be elections, the people will decide who will be the governor'

'That's what the politicians say- elections are, as some say, just a farce to make it look legal'

'You don't believe in them, do you?

'I believe in what I see in my villages, in the assemblies to elect the commissary and the local authorities. The people attend elections by obligation. They threat them with not giving them credits and other support programs. When time to vote comes they are told who to vote for, and they do. The people say it doesn't make any difference to them who is elected. The reason being is that, the count of the votes is not made public and there is always fraud with the credits they send for us.

'But the rules and regulations says something different. Don' t they?'

'Come on, teacher¡ you are smarter than that'

'You know more than me, Don Jacinto, I wish I knew as much as you do and have the experience you have. That's why I asked'

'Thank you but I think the years can teach us more than the books'

'Wise words' exclaimed the teacher.

'No teacher, I don't think things will change when the territory becomes a federal state. The politicians will be the same as they have always been. They will continue with their political game as always and the peasants, those who live in the same lands as our forefathers will remain the same, only in more need and poverty. We are now used to electricity and television and radio; to work less since the government gives us credits that we cannot pay back; there is more vice and more crime, more abandoned families, more...'

'Enough! Don Jacinto' you sound very pessimistic.'

'I have good reasons for being so, teacher, I may be pessimistic. What's is wrong with that?'

Jacinto was quiet and looked away for a second toward the sky.

'Will you go to Carrillo Puerto when the candidate for governor comes next week? They had advised there would be a great meeting, we the teachers are supposed to be there as well, we will close the school for a few days. All the employees have been advised so until next Monday, there won't be classes. That's what the representative said.'

Jacinto understood the message. Several times he had reported the absences of the teacher and the problems this caused to the students. Now the teacher had come to let him know ahead of time.

'Well teacher, thank you for letting me know. I don't think I will go because I am behind my work in the "milpa" and I don't want to waste a single day'

The teacher got up from the table having finished his conversation and his breakfast.

'Well Don Jacinto, I am going to my class the student's must be arriving at the school'

'I'll be seeing you' Jacinto finished the conversation.

'Did you hear, Carmen?' She was picking up the cups and plates to wash them.

Carmen didn't answer; she only had an enigmatic smile on her face.

'Are the provisions ready?' Carmen went to the kitchen to bring Jacinto the food and water.

'What time will you be back?' asked Carmen.

'Before dark, I am not taking a lamp'

He took the shotgun and two shells after tying the machete to his waist and putting on his old palm leaf hat. Moments later he was going the narrow path that led to his milpa.

The old truck, occupied completely by about thirty máasewáalo'ob, left for Carrillo Puerto, calculating to arrive before the set time for the meeting in the square.

Dol was talking to the driver inside the cabin.

'What time will we arrive?'

'At about ten o'clock' -the driver answered.

'Tell me something. The people want to stay for a while after the meeting to buy things. Each one received $ 10.00 to eat some tacos'

'So little? you must have kept at least other $ 10.00. Haven't you?

'What do you mean' asked Dol, with surprise.

'Are you a fool or what! We know you were going to get $ 30.00 each.

'No Sir, the one who brought the money told the sub-officer that we will receive $ 10.00'

' Is that what he said? Then he must have stolen the money. If not him the sub-officer did'

Dol didn't answer. He preferred to remain silent and wait to arrive at the delegation office to inquire. It will be better in Carrillo Puerto. If people found out there would be problems.

The driver smiled with roguery. He had planted the seed. He was upset because he was not going to get some "extra money" for the trip. They didn't have to. The vehicle was for official use only and it was forbidden to use it for political reasons.

'Will you wait for us for at least one hour?'-Asked Dol- 'We would have time to get some tacos in the market and buy some things.'

The driver looked at him calmly. The naiveté of the máasewáal made him feel sorry for him.

'We'll see pal, we'll see'

It was almost 11:00 in the morning. The people had congregated in the square in front of the delegation office, which had been decorated with three-colored banderoles, the same colors of the national flag.

Posters with the photograph of the candidate were hanging from ropes tied across the streets from light poles. In the middle of the square a band was playing Caribbean music. The sound system was being tested. The functionaries and other bureaucrats were beginning to sweat profusely because of the intense heat. The sun was up and came down straight on them.

The mass of country people, who were accustomed to the weather, were not yet restless and were enjoying the music. They were eating icicles and chopped ices and different sweets offered by the many street vendors.

The fireworks began exploding, announcing the arrival of the candidates and their committee. The local leaders hurried to take the seats in front of the improvised platform where the speeches would be given.

The applause and cheers broke out when the committee arrived and climbed up the platform.

The speeches started as the hoorays for the candidate ended.

Dol watched carefully some 10 meters away. He recognized the faces of 2 or 3 functionaries who his father had dealt with when he went to Chetumal or Carrillo Puerto. Near there were the rural leaders, the chicle leaders and some teachers. He recognized the school inspector that had gone once to the village. Everybody wanted to be near or nearer the candidate.

The parade of orators seemed endless, even when only and hour had gone by. The people started to get restless when finally it was the candidate's turn to speak.

'Brothers, Countrymen, people of Carrillo Puerto members of the party... we are here to celebrate an old desire of the people of Quintana Roo. A dream of all the authentic people of this territory, for which we have worked for many years, that our land become a free and sovereign State.'

The committee started an applause, which was followed by the people, after a calculated pause.

'Soon the Mayan people -continued the candidate- will see this dream come true. When you the people, with your votes, support me to become the first elected governor of this State.'

A new applause interrupted the speech for a few seconds. The candidate continued, emphasizing the plans he had to support the work of the Mayan people: neighboring roads, schools, electricity, medical services, agricultural support, cattle raising, exploitation of honey and lumber, all of this in benefit of the people, etc. Intermittent applause followed each pause during the speech, and enthusiastic cheers organized by the candidate's followers. The people received palm hats imprinted with the three-colored party logo, sport caps and T-shirts, all of them imprinted with political emblems. Meanwhile the band continued playing loudly their tropical tunes. Part of the crowd received abundant tacos and soft drinks; the rest got sandwiches and cold refreshments.

Dol stayed at the edge of the group of Mayan leaders that were led to greet the future governor of the State of Quintana Roo.

Moments later he rejoined his people and they went to the market to buy some things. They wanted to return to the town as soon as possible. The coming days would be of hard work at the milpa.