Belize’s archaeological authorities have issued a forceful public warning following a series of vandalism incidents at protected historical sites, with the ancient Mayan complex of Xunantunich becoming the latest target of destructive graffiti tagging. The Institute of Archaeology emphasized that such acts inflict permanent damage on the nation’s cultural heritage and violate strict preservation laws.
Dr. Melissa Badillo, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, expressed profound disappointment at the recurring vandalism despite ongoing educational initiatives. “It is deeply disheartening to witness visitors engaging in such destructive behavior,” Dr. Badillo stated. “We maintain continuous awareness programs with schools, tour operators, local communities, and researchers precisely to prevent these occurrences.”
The Institute highlighted the severe legal consequences for damaging protected monuments, including fines reaching $75,000 Belize dollars or imprisonment for up to five years. Dr. Badillo acknowledged the challenges of monitoring visitor behavior, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, while emphasizing the shared responsibility of both local and international visitors.
“We’ve documented incidents involving both Belizean citizens and foreign tourists,” Dr. Badillo noted. “Our message is unequivocal: this destructive behavior is universally unacceptable and carries serious legal ramifications.”
The Institute urges all visitors to respect site regulations, follow guidance from archaeological rangers and certified tour guides, and immediately report any suspicious activity to help preserve Belize’s irreplaceable archaeological treasures for future generations.