USG FUNDED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE OPENS

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000186

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CEN (CHRISTOPHER ASHE),WHA/PD (MICHELLE LEE)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC SCUL BH
SUBJECT: USG FUNDED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE OPENS


1. On May 7, 2009 the Serpon Sugar Mill Archaeological Reserve
officially opened. CDA J.A. Diffily and Minister of Tourism Manuel
Heredia cut the ribbon to commemorate the event. The event received
wide TV coverage. This milestone sees the realization of a
restoration project that was made possible through a USD55,000 grant
provided 18 months ago through the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural
Preservation. This is the third project in Belize that has benefited
from the Fund since it was introduced in the country in 2004. The
Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided almost
USD150,000 over the past 3 years to Belize to help preserve its
priceless cultural heritage sites.


2. The Serpon Sugar Mill was established in 1863, marking the
introduction of industrialization to Belize. The mill was abandoned
in 1910 when sugar production moved to the northern districts of
Belize. Through this grant program, Serpon has been resurrected for
all Belizeans and visitors to enjoy and learn from. This is the
first project funded by the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural
Preservation in Belize which does not focus on preserving the
country's Mayan heritage. The funding of this project shows the
Embassy's commitment to the diverse elements of Belizean culture and
history. The CDA's presence at the ribbon cutting reassured the
Belizean Government and people of the commitment of the USG to
cultural preservation. Also present at the opening were the
Minister of Public Utilities, President of the National Institute of
Culture and History, and the Director of Archaeology, as well as
several members of the media. Working with these institutions on
cultural preservation projects not only benefits the people of
Belize, but also improves the image of the Embassy and USG.

DIFFILY