The year 2012 will see the dawning of a new era for Guatemala and the world.

That is the message officials from the country brought to the United Nations on Monday.

For Guatemalans, 21 December 2012 will mark the start of the B’aktun era.  This is based on the Mayan calendar, from the indigenous people who built a civilization across Central America.

For Guatemala the date will be a time of celebration and reflection.

Dianne Penn reports.

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