On Wednesday the airwaves were abuzz as WAVE Radio forewarned of an existing unsigned development agreement that proposed to lease 25 square miles in and around the Caracol archaeological site. Within a few hours, the Prime Minister denied the report (Will GOB Privatize Caracol?), saying that the proposal had been considered but not approved. Well, at last night's opening of the archaeology symposium Culture Minister Hon. Mark Espat stated categorically that Caracol is simply not for sale.
Hon. Mark Espat, Minister of Tourism
"NICH could not have been more forthcoming and clear in its position. Our archaeological parks are not for sale or for lease. They are over-arching reasons why we have invested almost $16 million in this unique ancient city of Caracol. Those reasons are because of its historic value, because it will become the major Mayan archaeological attraction and the benefits thereof should be shared as equally as possible. The management of our Ministry applauds the position taken by Prime Minister Musa in addressing this and any future private sector proposal. Our position will not change."