New Welcome Center Unveiled in Succotz  

On Friday, the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo District celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated welcome center. As the gateway to the Xunantunich Archaeological Site, this building is strategically designed to be a central hub for visitors and tour guides. It will facilitate organized tours and provide access to cultural and archaeological information, helping to promote Belize’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

San Jose Succotz, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan communities, serves as the gateway to the Xunantunich Archaeological Site. The village is vibrant with locals who keep the culture alive. On Friday, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new welcome center, designed to help visitors learn more about the area and its rich heritage.

 

Jorge Espat, Area Rep., Cayo West

“ This facility is being built here in San Jose Succotz,  but it’s going to assist many Belizeans.  And the way that I say this is because we have two guides, not only from San Jose Succotz,  We have tour guides from Benque Viejo, San Ignacio. Belize is a diverse country.  Full of culture.  Full of opportunities. And we are not here, myself is not here to stop that growth. I am here to assist, to help, to continue the growth.  For the betterment of the future of those coming behind.”

 

This project came to life thanks to the combined efforts of Cayo West Area Representative Jorge Espat, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, and the Belize Tourism Board. Nicole Usher-Solano, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, explains how the new welcome center will help forge stronger connections between visitors and locals.

 

Nicole Usher-Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations

“Cayo is one of the most important destinations for tourism in Belize. People come here all the time. People come to visit Xunantunich, but do they come to just visit Mayan temples? No, they come here to connect with the people. They want to come in here. I know that a lot of people are coming in. There are some beautiful restaurants in the area and they want to come in and they want to not only meet you, but they want to share in the beautiful culture of this community. And this space is created so that we can share that with our visitors.”

 

The center is perfectly situated to welcome tourists, while also deeply rooted in the village’s rich history.

 

Francisco Torres, Succotz Resident

“I am certain, and there is no doubt about it, that the villagers of Succotz are proud to have an exceptional center.  This center is located in the plaza of the village, where it was known to be the Alcalde’s court justice, the jail, the British flag, the old time Catholic church, and the primary schools. In this same place, the dance of the morals, The Mestizadas dance and the comedies took place. The history of San Jose’s Succotz has its origin from the Mayas. Hence, we can say that this village was the cradle of our ancestors.”

 

As a token of appreciation, local tour guide Rosario Vasquez presented Jorge Espat with a hand-carved sculpture depicting Belize’s national symbols.

 

Rosario Vasquez, Tour Guide

“I am happy, guys, with everybody, BTB, and mister  Milin, and all the workers who did this, he put everything what he got here. I am offering this beautiful present for this welcome center is the national symbol of Belize, made from slate or sedimentary rock. So we find it here in Black Rock. But this is my gift to mister Milin Espat  because he appreciates everything what he brought, what he give to him,”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.