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According section 2003-2004 archaeology report which has been leaked me Belmopan: "A total 298 structures have been identified project area. very high density is consistent with heavy settlement other river valleys Belize."

The destruction these temples structures akin blasting gigantic hole Mesa American Indian history, which can never recovered, dealing crippling blow Belize's present future tourism prospects word outrage reaches outside world.

BEL Fortis have always glibly said Mayan sites along 17 square kilometes area reservoir on Macal Raspaculo River, which flooded make Chalillo dam, are insignificant. their feasibility study said, archaeological sites located were photographed, surveyed recorded. analysis vegetation, soil topography maps indicated archaeological sites were limited following categories: minor Maya centres, quarry lithic sites, sparse settlement areas possible cave formations.

However, suppressed report states: "Four sites detailed are specifically referred requiring excavation. Garapata, Bejuco, Peligroso are classified Large Plazuela sites. Rubber Camp a multiple plaza site comparable medium-size center." Then: "Eight (8) additional Large Plazuelas 3 additional multiple plaza sites were identified. multiple plaza sites are particular archaeological significance, however, current scope the project available funding make further investigations these sites prohibitive. Bajo de Lago great interest due its monumental architecture, size proximity Macal. Without doubt center top hierarchy sites Macal Valley. However, all four multiple plaza sites are grouped together suggesting perhaps shared influence.

The large plazuelas isolated structures are dispersed relatively evenly throughout valley. suggests were purposely located in such way best utilize available local resources. multiple plaza sites likely represent centers exerted some level control over more dispersed settlements. may explain their larger size location across valley.

The survey, carried out BEL Fortis between June 2003 March 2004 Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Macal River Project under Archaeologists Douglas Weinberg Jaime Awe, unearthed numerous burial sites, these possibly hundreds other burial sites will will flooded lost forever if dam goes ahead.

In same manner which BEL Fortis tried cover up their geological mistakes forge ahead with dam, are now attempting delay suppress report, gloss over its findings get the dam completed filled before Belizean public can protest. The flooding crucially important archaeological area fact crime about happen. Under Belizean law, "Ancient Monuments and Antiquities Ordinance," proceed flood Chalillo Dam – prior much more intensive mitigation studies, which include possibility actually removing some sites another location illegal – if carried out without permission Archaeological Commissioner. would very brave very foolish archaeological commissioner who gave permission.

In one many burials, according report: "Artifacts recovered included number ceramic shards, 3 pieces worked slate, 4 mano fragments, 1 metate fragment, number quartz crystals a green obsidian blade fragment. only known source green obsidian Mesoamerica located north Mexico City, thus find an important indicator long distance trade."

The report concludes: "To assure complete understanding project area, further survey including data collection on structures, sites, and features project area should continued. includes areas on Raspaculo Upper Macal branches previously un-reconnaissanced. Minimally, will entail 3 more months survey operations terrain difficult bushy, long distances are involved. Additional focus should given areas containing agricultural terracing study these features allows greater insight into land usage patterns.

And, "Efforts should continued mitigate excavate much archaeological remains project area possible. Only small percent possible investigations have been carried out date. Though season accomplished much, primary focus on structures sites identified Thompson Woodyers preliminary survey, which defines an incomplete sample. According Terms Reference Environmental Compliance Plan have mitigated almost two thirds archaeology specified excavation. However, Season 1 survey revealed almost 1000% more large sites project area than specified. Investigations have yet focus on isolated structures multiple plaza sites, which are arguably most important remains present. Season 2 investigations should focus on sites Ramonal, Rubber Camp, Bajo de Lago, should encompass some isolated structures.

This course not what Fortis BEL want. will cost them more money more delay their now over-expensive folly, which should never have been started first place. yet another unbearable financial load, headed shoulders Belizean citizens, their children must carry next 50 years. My feelings rage, against brutal senseless assault against history original inhabitants Belize death drowning, before further research can carried out, only equalled my disbelief people Belize will allow [Prime Minister Said] Musa [Minister Finance Ralph] Fonseca fool them yet again with their glib confidence trick Chalillo will lead cheap electricity.

Think about it. Did BTL (Belize Telecommunications, Ltd.) lead cheap communications? Did BWS (Belize Water Services) lead cheap water?