Barton Creek cave reopens
It’s one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Cayo District, and an important archaeological site. And today the Barton Creek Cave was reopened and rededicated by the Department of Archaeology and the National Institute for History and Culture in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board. News 5 was on hand for the ceremonies, and to hear first hand about the interior of the cave, as described by some Belizean school children.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
The official opening of the Barton Creek Archaeological Reserve marked the culmination of years of sometimes turbulent negotiations and compromises. Minister of Tourism Mark Espat says that given the value of the investment, it was worth all the resources that were spent to achieve this small victory for the country.
Mark Espat, Minister of Tourism
“At the end of the day we had to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to acquire these five acres that would serve as an access for Belizeans, for tour guides, for visitors who want to come to see the Barton Creek caves. We’ve done so and as part of Tourism Week, we are launching out our brand new facilities, this landing dock, some work on the road, the quarters for the wardens, a pavilion, restrooms, a water system, and generally upgrading this area. It’s been a very important destination for a number of years now quietly for visitors to the Cayo District predominantly and we believe it has great potential for long stay overnight tourism.”
But with a significant increase in the number of people choosing to spend more time exploring the attractions, these fragile systems must be carefully managed to ensure their survivability. Administrator for the National Institute of Culture and History Victor Espat says this concern has been taken into consideration.
Victor Espat, Administrator, NICH
“The Barton Creek Cave has been used by the Cayo tour guides and operators for many years; however the proper facilities were not in place. And the Barton Creek tour is perhaps one of the most popular tours in this area. And so because we have the proper facilities now, I think the tour guides and operators will be able to deliver a better tour and clearly I think that will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in the district.”
“When the plans were going in for the opening of this reserve, a proper management plan was devised and will be put in place to ensure that we can preserve the cave and that the cave will be around for a long time and we’ll be able to enjoy the cave.”
Some of the first people to go into the Barton Creek Cave after the official ribbon cutting were upper division students of the nearby St. Hilda’s Anglican School in Georgeville. They told News 5 the experience is one they’ll never forget.
Josette Conorquie, Student, Georgeville St. Hilda Primary
“I saw some things that were coming down. And the person that rode us on the canoe told us that it was the monotites and the ones that were going up were the menorites, and the ones that joined together were the calcium and it was very exciting.”
Rasheed Hyde, Student, Georgeville St. Hilda Primary
“I saw all kinds of stuff because me and my friends we were enjoying it and the water was nice and everything. And the man taught us all kinds of things like what Josette just explained to you. And he taught us everything and how you shouldn’t go into a cave that is dusty for you might catch diseases and so. And you must go well prepared.”
Patrick Jones
“Have you ever been in a cave before?”
Rasheed Hyde
“No sir.”
Patrick Jones
“And you enjoyed this one?”
Rasheed Hyde
“Yes sir.”
Patrick Jones
“Would you go back in there?”
Rasheed Hyde
“Yes sir.”
Benjamin Flowers, Student, Georgeville St. Hilda Primary
“I saw many stalactites and stalagmites, and the tour guide told me that there are fish and spiders that have no eyes, and so it was an interesting trip.”
Patrick Jones
“Have you ever been in a cave before?”
Benjamin Flores
“Yes. I’ve been in this one, three times already.”
Patrick Jones
“Why did you go in there three times, do you like it that much?”
Benjamin Flores
“Yes it’s just interesting and it could teach you a lot.”
It is that child-like inquisitiveness that officials at NICH are hoping will draw a steady stream of visitors to the site. Tourism Minister Mark Espat says over a hundred thousand dollars were spent to get the site ready for today’s opening and that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure that visitors walk away with only pleasant memories.
Mark Espat, Minister of Tourism
“There are specific carrying capacities for all of the major attractions such as the Maya temples, such as the national parks. We have tried to work with all the stakeholders, with civil society, with the NGOs, with the Audubon Society that manages some of these parks, as well as with the new Institute of Archaeology. If a site for example has a capacity of two hundred or a hundred and fifty, or three hundred visitors per day then the tourism police unit is now enforcing that carrying capacity, that limitation. We believe that there are enough sites in Belize to be able to offer the exclusivity, the aura of exclusivity to the long stay overnight visitors who pay a premium for that exclusivity and to be able to offer the closer sites to Belize City since the time is very tight for the cruise visitors. We’re working on developing some more sites and certainly on enforcing those carrying capacity.”
And while there will not doubt be a snappy advertising campaign designed to keep tours at this site at near peak capacity, perhaps the best reason to come to the Barton Creek Caves is summarized by this Standard Six student.
Benjamin Flowers
“Well its really exciting and you might can’t bathe now, but when you come it might be a good day to swim or and it will be a good day to go caving.”
Patrick Jones, for News 5.
Entrance to the cave is ten dollars and tickets must be purchased at either the Cahal Pech Museum in San Ignacio or the Institute of Archaeology in Belmopan. You must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide or you will not be allowed inside the cave.
