Minister confirms no sale or lease of Caracol

With so many archaeologists gathered in one place, Minister of Culture Mark Espat could not help but comment on the hot button issue of how to administer and develop the nation’s many archaeological sites. At the symposium’s opening banquet on Tuesday night Espat made it clear that he has no use for any proposals that seek to privatise Belize’s Mayan heritage.

Mark Espat, Minister of Culture

?Even more Belizeans were relieved just last week that media reports of the granting of a long term management and development concession at the site of Caracol was in fact unfounded. NICH could not have been more forthcoming and clear in its position: our archaeological parks are not for sale or for lease. There are overarching reasons that we have invested almost sixteen million dollars in this unique ancient city of Caracol. Those reasons are because of its historic value, because it will become the major Mayan archaeological attraction in Belize, and that the benefits thereof should be shared as equally as possible. The management of our ministry applauds the position taken by Prime Minister Musa in addressing this and any future private sector proposal. Our position will not change.?

The minister’s remarks were in response to a proposal from a group led by businessman Eugene Zabaneh who sought a ninety-nine year lease on a twenty-five square mile area centring on the Caracol archaeological reserve. The project sought to promote scientific research and tourism development at the site.