Institute of Archaeology advises that permits must be obtained for exploration of archeological sites

Posted: Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 2:49 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma:  The Institute of Archaeology (IA) has written to Nigel Petillo and Julian Monroe Fisher and affiliates to advise that permits must be obtained for exploration of any archeological site.

Petillo reportedly posted to Facebook inviting those interested to join him for a search and exploration of an archaeological site and cave in Jacinto Ville, Punta Gorda Town.

The IA noted that “any individual or group of people who wish to explore or search ancient monuments and antiquities MUST obtain a permit from the Director of the Institute of Archaeology. Your attention is brought to section 49, where it states that: “subject to this Act and to any regulations made hereunder, the Director may, in his absolute discretion, grant permits in the prescribed form- (a) to any suitable person or group of persons to enter upon any specified lands or in any river, stream or watercourse or under the territorial waters of Belize where ancient monuments or antiquities are or may be situated to search for and explore or excavate such ancient monuments or antiquities therefrom subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.”

In addition, the IA says that the aerial video that calls for the public to join in exploring the archaeological features is illegal and also a security risk to the integrity of Belize’s cultural heritage.

The IA further directed them to “immediately cease and desist from any such activity, and the immediate retraction of this video and its associated social media script (see attached Fig. 1-4).”

The IA urged those involved that if the directive is disregarded, Petillo and affiliates will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and will be subject to the penalties stated below in accordance with the NICH Act:

63.-(1) The Director may direct any land owner, lessee, concessionaire, contractor or any other person who is about to engage in any operation which in the opinion of the Director is liable to destroy, damage, interfere with or otherwise be to the detriment of any ancient monument or antiquity.

 (a) not to proceed with any operation until the Director shall have had an archaeological exploration and survey carried out; and

(b) to take or to refrain or desist from taking any such action as part of the operation, as the Director may decide to be fair and reasonable for the proper protection of the ancient monument or antiquity. 63.- (2) Any person who contravenes any direction in writing of the Director under sub-section (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment.

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The post Institute of Archaeology advises that permits must be obtained for exploration of archeological sites appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 2:49 pm CST. By Zoila Palma:  The Institute of Archaeology (IA) has written to Nigel Petillo and Julian Monroe Fisher and
The post Institute of Archaeology advises that permits must be obtained for exploration of archeological sites appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.