Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) handed over the second installment of their $20,000 pledge from BTB and NICH/Institute of Archeology towards the Marco Gonzalez Mayan Archeological Site in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This took place last week Thursday, June 16, 2011.
These funds total to $10,000US which qualifies the Marco Gonzalez Site to meet the $10,000US Challenge Grant from the Challenge Grant from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. All of this money will go towards building project Phase 1 Permanent Boardwalk across the marsh and into the site area. Two grant proposals are being written for submission that will ask for funding the first phase of the project. The existing “London bridge” will be removed for safety and for the enhancement of the marshland eco system.
The statutory instruments for the Mayan site on the island have been gazetted which makes the site an official Archaeological Reserve, properly available to the public. A request for the use of the green building at the site’s entrance has been sent to the owners of the property. The building will be for housing our first Belizean employee as Fee Collector/Security person.
Two additional employees are being sought for part time grounds men. The spring storms plus additional debris accumulated over the years are in need of clean up. After an initial time of cleaning, a permanent grounds man will be hired.
Calendar Fundraiser
The 2012 Marco Gonzalez Maya Calendar is now soliciting advertisers. Jan Brown says that this is their first major fundraising event. “It will be a must have calendar for 2012,” commented Jan. “Wait until you see what December holds and who is featured as our Mayan Queen for January 2013, welcoming all to a new era!”
Jan says that the Marco Gonzalez project has been fortunate to receive funds from an anonymous donor, as well as a $500USD donation from Tiffany and Rex Redden.
Tours of the site are being conducted daily for visitors and locals. The cost is only $10 for Belizeans and $20 for visitors. When the fee collector is in place, a sign will be posted with prices and weekend specials for Belizean adults and children.
Make sure you visit the new Marco Gonzalez Mayan Site Website:
www.marcogonzalezmayasite.com
