The Xunantunich Education and information center was opened today at a special ceremony.  Correspondent Elaine Berry was there and has the details.

ELAINE BERRY

“The opening of Xunantunich Education and Information Center was held this morning at the Xunantunich Archeological Site in the village of Succotz in the Cayo District, a project that was funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize. Opening remarks were done by Dr. John Morris, Director of the Institute of Archeology, Kevin Gonzales of the Belize Tourism Board and representatives from the European Union Technical Support Office. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Aviation Manuel Heredia Junior delivered the main address. Love news spoke to Minister Heredia about the Education and Information Center.”

MINISTER MANUEL HEREDIA

“There were nine archeological sites that were targeted under the Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archeological Sites and we have been at Altun Ha, we are now here today opening this education center which will facilitate our archeologists to be able to train over here. We can also do training for tour operators, tour guides, students some local and abroad. So I see this as a huge opportunity that not only are we taking advantage of the archeological sites, the temple and everything that we have over here but also to be able to educate our own and educate tourists as to the importance of why we have the archeological sites.”

ELAINE BERRY

“Following the ceremony, the unveiling of the plaque and ribbon cutting took place which was done by the minister and a representative from the European Union. A tour of the education center took place followed by a tour of the different archeological sites. Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archeological Sites.”

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