Belize Gov't Calls For Investigation Into Destruction Of Mayan Pyramid

<p>BELMOPAN, BELIZE (BNO NEWS) -- The government of Belize has ordered a through investigation into the destruction on an ancient Mayan pyramid that was over 2,000 years old.

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<p>The Noh Mul pyramid, located in the San Jose/San Pablo Village in the Orange Walk District of Northern Belize, was bulldozed and turned into to rubble by DeMar's Stone Company, a construction company owned by Denny Grijalva.

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<p>Belize's Ministry of Tourism & Culture called for the prosecution of those responsible for the destruction of the ancient site, describing the incident as 'ignorant and unforgivable.'

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<p>In a statement, the ministry expressed "outrage on the destruction of the Noh Mul Mayan Archaeological Site. This total disregard for Belize's cultural heritage and national patrimony is callous, ignorant and unforgivable. This expressed disdain for our laws and policies is incomprehensible."

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<p>However, the Belize Tourism Industry Association claimed that local government officials such as the Ministry of Works have been complicit in a number of ancient sites in the area in order to produce road fill.

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<p>Belize's deputy prime minister, Gaspar Vega, meanwhile, 'emphatically' repudiated the allegations of being involved in any way of the destruction of the Noh Mul. Vega also called for a full investigation of the incident.

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<p>Noh Mul, which means 'Great Mound,' is approximately 2,300 years old and was standing approximately 20 meters (65 feet) tall.

</p> <p> (Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].) </p>