088
19 MAY
THE BELIZE TIMES
An incredible display of ignorance
It’s like being punched in the stomach, it’s just so horrendous
– Dr. John Morris
– Dr. Jaime Awe
photo by Tony Rath
Belize City, May 15, 2013 Belize’s eminent archaeologists have reacted strongly to the destruction of Noh Mul, one of Belize’s largest Mayan sites. Dr. John Morris was called to the site on Friday May 10th after the Institute of Archaeology received a call from CTV-3 News in Orange Walk on Thursday about an excavation at a Maya mound. Dr. Morris did not know then that it was one
of the oldest and important Mayan sites that was being ravaged. Since the discovery, the archaeologists have expressed outrage at the destruction. Noh Mul is a Belizean treasure. It dates back to 2,500 years ago; built by the Mayans who used stone tools to quarry the rocks. The site, which sits in an area about 12 square miles, consists of twin ceremonial clusters surrounded by 10 plazas and connected by a raised causeway. Historians believe some 4,000 Mayans lived there between 500 and 250 BC. The site was first recorded in 1897 by Europeans. Despite all the efforts to preserve the heritage, it has taken one single act of wanton recklessness to destroy it. Even worse, all the history has been lost.
“It’s a feeling of Incredible disbelief because of the ignorance and the insensitivity ... they were using this for road fill,” Awe said. “It’s like being punched in the stomach, it’s just so horrendous.” “We can’t salvage what has happened out here,” re-
PUP Northern Caucus condemns destruction of Noh Mul Press Release Noh Mul` On May 9th and 10th 2013, Demar’s Contracting Company, while doing road repairs in Douglas Village of the Orange Walk North Constituency, destroyed one of the tallest Maya Ruins in Northern Belize, Noh Mul (Big Hill). This structure was constructed by the Mayas thousands of years ago and was being demolished for its rich material to be used for road fill. Demars’ Company is owned by Orange Walk Central UDP Caretaker Denny Grijalva, who has been a favourite in receiving Government contracts for road repairs in both the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. The demolition of ancient
2013
Maya temples is deplorable as these are not only important elements of our Belizean history and culture but an integral component of a developing tourism industry. The damage done to the Mayan temple will certainly diminish the growth of a tourism industry starting to develop in the northern districts, and will decrease the potential for much needed employment in the region. The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party strongly condemns the destruction and plundering of the ancient Maya Temple, Noh Mul, and calls on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the full extent of the law is applied.
marked John Morris, of the Institute of Archaeology. “It is an incredible display of ignorance. I am appalled.” About 80% of the site was destroyed making any attempts at preservation futile. Dr. Awe said it is likely that the coming rains will complete the crumbling of what’s left of the important Mayan site. Even international archaeologist have expressed dismay at the news, which spread like wildfire on the international media. Arlen Chase, who heads the Department of Anthropology at the University of Central Florida, said Noh Mul’s destruction is a great tragedy because there was much more to explore and learn about the site.
“A great deal of archaeology was undertaken at Noh Mul in the `70s and `80s, but this only sampled a small part of this large center,” he said. Dr. Awe said that the destruction compels them to take full legal action against the culprits which includes the construction company owned by UDP Politician Denny Grijalva and the landowner who gave permission to access the property.
Marshalls On the Move All Marshalls and potential members of the Western Caucus/ Divisions. You are invited to a very important meeting on Saturday May 18th, 2013 at Cahal Pech Resort in San Ignacio at 3:00pm sharp. Come join our National President as we mobilise and organise this dynamic group. Let us continue to serve our great party and in so doing, SERVE THE PEOPLE!