The Caracol Archaeological site is located approximately fifty miles from Georgeville in the Cayo District. But due to the condition of the road, the journey can take anywhere from two to three hours. Small vehicles cannot make the trip, and in many spots even four wheel drive vehicles are forced to slow to a crawl […]
It has been a month since the horrible execution of Danny Conorquie at the Caracol Archaeological Site. The murder triggered the closing of the site to visitors, both local and foreign. A week ago, a Belize delegation met with Guatemalan counterparts and signed off on a twelve point agreement. Chief among the points agreed is […]
The constant pillaging of Belize’s cultural and historic patrimony remains a national issue which cannot be swept under the rug. The looting of archaeological sites, including El Pilar near the Belize-Guatemala border, has raised serious concerns from the conservation community. For the past two days representatives of the U.S. State Department have been hosting a […]
The Caracol Archaeological Site remains closed indefinitely in the wake of the murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie two weeks ago. While efforts are currently being taken by the Ministry of National Security to address the issue of incursions, the unfortunate incident which claimed the life of the young officer unfolded before a group of […]
While Caracol has been in the news since last week, another Mayan site, though not as visited due to its remoteness, is perhaps the most dangerous to visit. El Pilar stands majestically between Belize and Guatemala in the west. Because of its location on the border line, it has become the stomping ground for Guatemalan […]
The Benque Archaeological Site, an area surrounding Xunantunich, is an archaeological reserve that faces a number of issues pertaining to its preservation. Not only is the Maya monument in danger of collapse, but it is also constantly vandalized by looters. Regrettably, there is also the problem of the illegal dumping of trash in the park. […]
Established in 2000, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation awards grants for the preservation of cultural sites, objects, collections and traditional forms of cultural expression, including music and dance, as well as language in more than a hundred and thirty countries globally. Ambassador Moreno spoke of the AFCP and its benefits to Belize. […]
About thirty-four million dollars is being spent on road works in the Old Capital. Today, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley, along with the Taiwanese Ambassador launched another project to complement the ongoing infrastructure works, as well as the aesthetics of the downtown area. The official renovation of the Commercial Center is taking off immediately and […]
A new Director of Archaeology has been appointed to succeed Dr. Jaime Awe at the helm of the Institute of Archaeology. Following a lengthy board meeting today, Dr. John Morris emerged to confirm his promotion to the post. As former Associate Director of Archaeology, Dr. Morris has worked closely with his predecessor, as well as […]
Renowned Belizean archaeologist Doctor Jaime Awe is stepping down from his post as Director of the Institute of Archaeology, a distinguished title he has held for almost fifteen years. As head of that department, Doctor Awe has been instrumental in the study of ancient cultures, becoming an authority particularly on the history of the Mayas. […]
The case against U.D.P. standard bearer Denny Grijalva and others was adjourned again today in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. Grijalva is being charged in connection with the destruction of Noh Mul, the largest natural monument in Orange Walk District. It was in May of 2013 that it was discovered that the monument had been grazed […]
Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archeological Sites…It is a project that is the brainchild of the Belize Tourism Board, the National Institute of Culture and History and the European Union to enhance the product and services offered to tourists and visitors to Mayan ruins throughout the country. Two consultants are currently here in the […]
The increase in the smuggling of historical artifacts worldwide has prompted a warning by UNESCO. The UN agency has written to the President of the National Institute Diane Haylock, indicating that now more than ever before, religious, sacred, indigenous, and archeological cultural objects have been appearing on the market as well as in public and […]
‘Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites’ is a local initiative spearheaded by National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize Tourism Board that is being supported by the European Union. This morning, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Altun Ha, in the Belize District, to commemorate infrastructure improvements at the location. The […]
An invaluable piece of Mayan history has been returned to Belize, following diligent work by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in tracking down an olden stone artifact which had been stolen from the Lubaantun Archaeological Site by a university student. On Tuesday, FBI agents surrendered the object to Ambassador Nestor Mendez at the Embassy of […]
The Museum Association of the Caribbean (MAC) is holding its twenty-fourth annual general meeting under the theme “Pooling our Resources: Collaborations, Connections and Partnerships.” The goal is to develop concrete ideas and policies on how the association can address the challenges of museums in the region. The meeting is expected to convince the Ministry of […]
Archeology is celebrated on October twentieth worldwide and today, the Institute of Archeology in Belmopan put off a display for students and the general public. Educational displays and fun-filled activities were available for those who visited to get a better appreciation of the tedious work that is put in to preserve the cultural history of […]
This morning, a very significant donation was made to the Institute of Archaeology…thanks to a project called Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites. One of the objectives of that project is the enhancement of the tourism experience through improvement to tourism infrastructure and services. And that’s just where the donation of large tools […]
In early May, just prior to the village council elections, the historic Mayan monument, Noh Mul was grazed to the ground for road fill. But it was not until today that following up on directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal that four persons were arraigned in court. Denny Grijalva and his wife, […]
Charges associated with the destruction of Noh Mul have been brought against several employees of DeMar’s Stone Company in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. While the men, including proprietor Denny Grijalva and his wife, were being arraigned this morning, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Doctor Jaime Awe, was guest speaker at an Annual General Meeting […]
In early May, the wrath of international and local media, the Institute of Archaeology, the Ministry of Culture and local organizations was brought down on the persons who willfully destroyed an ancient Mayan monument in the Orange Walk district. The site of Noh Mul was pillaged by the Demar’s Stone Company, owned by U.D.P. politician […]
Whylie also commented on the Noh Mul charges…or rather lack of charges, since nobody has been held criminally liable for the destruction of the Mayan mound in northern Belize. Our information is that the investigating officer has been diligently collecting evidence on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Today, the ComPol says that […]
It’s apparent that this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the registries are concerned. But while it is the big issue right, there is another of an equal magnitude which continues to bubble in the pot…Noh Mul. It’s been six weeks since the Mayan monument was destroyed and no charges have […]
It has been almost one month since the Mayan monument Noh Mul in northern Orange Walk was destroyed without any charges levied against the culprits. The trucks and heavy equipment which destroyed the monument were caught in the act, and Denny Grijalva, the owner of the company has accepted responsibility. And according to a credible […]
The destruction of the northern Mayan Archaeological Site of Noh Mul is still very much front and center, even after three weeks without charges being levied. Again, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega is caught up in a mess, since Noh Mul was destroyed by his close affiliate Denny Grijalva. And not only that, but it […]
