Minister of Tourism saddened by destruction of Noh Mul
Much has been said over the past week about the wanton destruction of the Noh Mul Archaeological Site by De Mar’s Construction, a company owned and operated by U.D.P. supporter and onetime candidate Denny Grijalva. In the wake of the incident, there was an immense public outcry condemning the actions of those involved. While the N.G.O. community was up in arms, the government was a bit slow in its response to the damage. On Saturday, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Manuel Heredia, during the annual tourism awards, expressed his dismay and openly stated that a complete investigation into the matter has been instructed.
Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism
Manuel Heredia
“As we celebrate our collective individual achievements this evening let me pause for one moment to express my personal outrage of the unthinkable destruction of the Noh Mul Mayan Archaeological Site in the northern part of our country last week. I am saddened by this total disregard for Belize’s cultural heritage and national patrimony. Therefore, in briefing Cabinet on this matter I have tasked the National Institute of Culture and History and the Institute of Archaeology to conduct a thorough investigation to determine all the facts in this case. A cultural landmark such as Noh Mul is a sacred part of Belizean history and should be protected at all costs. As the minister responsible for both tourism and culture please be assured that I will do all in my power to ensure that this unthinkable event is never, ever repeated. At least, not under my watch. My Ministry of Tourism and Culture is committed to its mandate for the sustainable use and protection of Belize’s natural and cultural resources. As a government we are one committed to see that this case, through the full extent of the legal process, all those who are accountable will be held responsible.”
Grijalva has not been too forthcoming on the destruction of the Mayan monument, except to say that he is investigating it and that in any case, others have also been destroying mounds in the past decade.
He needs to go to jail along with this pm and gov.
Truth is, Grijalva had his equipment there for one day and got busted! And rightfully so! Cameras showed up with his hand in the cookie jar! Doesn’t matter how many cookies he says were there when he took his two! He’s guilty! On camera! But that place has not been considered a Mayan ruin by the people back there, it’s been considered a QUARRY!! All the sugar cane roads back in that area got their material from there. And guess who’s equipment was digging it? Min. of Works!! It got exposed, and now everyone is “appalled” and “shocked” but truth is, it’s been a quarry for the last 10-15 years!! Grijalva got busted. People have known about this, but no one cares. Maya ruin? How does that help us? Sugar cane farm roads? Bring it on!!! That’s the truth!!
The minister talking:
“Boo Hoo I am so sad.
Now go order me a New Landcruiser and make sure the windows are dark tinted so I can hide.
And make sure no Maya ruins on Ambergris Caye are destroyed.
We also have to see what we can do to destroy Placencia’s tourism. “
GOB, PLEASE ANSWER US: HOW LONG BEFORE GRIJALVA AND THE OTHERS INVOLVED IN THIS CRIME ARE IN HANDCUFFS?
PM, WHY ARE YOU SO QUIET? TOO EMBARRASSED TO SHOW YOUR FACE?
@storm,
if they ask the pm first thing he’ll say “I don’t know anything of that i have to consult about it before i ……….” as usual he never knows nothing what is going on in Belize, but wait for election time he’ll be spewing about other politicians, this is why before you elect a politician think before, is he right for the post or it’s just foolish voting because I like the blue or the red. every president or pm always makes a press release in important things but this pm since when was has he done one concerning the issues affecting us the Belizeans regardless which party u are it’s us the affected. but good comment STORM it’s the reality we live in with a pm like this.
I don’t want to hear from the Minister of Tourism, I want to hear from the Attorney General and Minister of National Security: WHO WILL ARRESTED, AND WHEN?
I think their paychecks should be withheld until they do their jobs.
“if they ask the pm first thing he’ll say “I don’t know anything of that.” Gee, we hear the same thing from our president. He said he knew nothing about the Benghazi coverup, the phone records of AP reporters being illegally recorded, and the Internal Revenue Service targeting conservative organizations–but not liberal ones. Amazing how such individuals get elected, isn’t it?
Good observation, rivergeezer.
hahah manuel uneducated heredia who reads speeches he does not even understand the bearfoot idiot who is so corrupt stands here in front and talks about moral views huh what a joke this bunch of udp theifing idiots are and pup are the same so there is no hope for belize it should be taken over by guatemala that is the best remedy