This International Museum Day is a tribute, a day of reflection and remembrance for all and especially for one we lost this month. One lone ranger, visionary, optimist, doer. George Thompson completed his earthly journey this month at the youthful age of 55. But before doing so, Mr. Thompson engineered the revitalization of heritage tourism in Belize through the creation, preservation, consolidation, care and maintenance of infrastructure to support balanced cultural, economic and conservation uses at archaeological reserves throughout the country of Belize.
George recognized that people from the local community are the experts in their own cultural history, ecosystems and conservation practices. He used a human centered approach to develop trusting relationships between the archaeological sites, their caretakers and the surrounding neighborhoods. George took time to ensure that each site team understands the importance of their role and work in the local, regional, and global context of a developing tourism based economy in a fledgling 40 something year old nation.
He worked to bring balance to the changing ethic of archaeological research and investigation and helped to solve a myriad of unanswerable questions about how best to simultaneously protect and promote archaeological resources within Belize.
Everyone loved George. He was patient, kind, and thoughtful. A person you could depend on for an honest answer to almost any question. But most of all, George was always planning... planning for the future... planning a new idea... planning how to make something function better. He was engineering a better life for everyone with consideration of all our constantly moving parts.
This International Museum Day is a tribute to George Thompson who absolutely created well being and sustainability in cultural heritage sites across Belize by his leadership, kindness and by listening to and engaging the wisdom of the people.
Indigenous Peoples Day of Resistance Ceremony Opening at Santa Rita (Chac temal) https://fb.watch/nFCXtmsjSu/?mibextid=Nif5oz
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