The Marco Gonzalez Maya Site AC Ltd, on March 3rd, received grant monies to the tune of US $7,000 from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. The funds were secured by Mr. Matt Fowler, formerly of Mr. Joe’s Grocery who is a member of the Board of Directors for both the MGMSACL and the Upton Foundation.
According to Jan Brown, Chairman of the Board of the Marco Project,
“This time, the grant money was also earmarked to help two other local organizations. On Monday, March 12th, funds were distributed to the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch to allow us to become a member and receive the continued security they have been providing for the past 2 years. Money also went to the SAGA Society, which will provide volunteers for much needed grounds maintenance at the site.”
Jan is excited at the donation and plans on using some of the funds towards the upkeep of the boardwalk as well as general maintenance of the site entrance and grounds.
There are also plans to get on site electricity at the entrance as well as an upgrade to the fee booth house which would include a small shower. This is in the hopes of getting overnight security at the site. Jan stated, “We are looking into having electricity before long. We’re asking to work with BEL on a grant basis or the cost of solar power. When electricity is installed, we can hire someone for night and weekend security, thus giving us more protection of the antiquities of the site.”
According to Jan, the Site is also slated to receive funds from an Upton Foundation Challenge Grant. Funds received by Marco Gonzalez will be matched by funds from the Institute of Archaeology and NICH. Local resident and entrepreneur Diane Lawrence of Quicksilver is also contributing to the Marco Gonzalez project, donating $5 from the sale of each Zipper Beverage Kuzie to the site. At the site, Visitors have a selection of items from t-shirts, Belizean herbal soap, water and bug repellent to purchase, which further contributes income to the site.
Straying a little from the funding, the Marco Gonzalez site has been included on the international schedule for the BTB/NICH Belize Maya 2012 calendar of activities. In speaking of the activities planned for Marco Gonzalez, Jan stated, “Our 2012 event will be June 20-23rd as a four-day exhibit at the Belize Yacht Club with Friday, June 22nd, being the day for live exhibits at the Maya site. It will feature life as we presume by the Maya living in this village. Mark your calendar to share this experience with us.”
For further information on the Marco Gonzalez Site or to plan a site visit, Jan may be contacted at 662-2725.
