For the second consecutive day, citizens and activists held a march against the construction of the National Olmec Museum, arguing that it will destroy La Venta Museum Park, where vestiges of that culture are currently housed.
Last Monday, the director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Diego Prieto Hernández, met with Governor Javier May Rodríguez to present the project for the National Olmec Museum. According to the official ceremony, the project seeks to present Tabasco as an important part of the country’s history and culture.
Although details of the project are still unknown, politicians such as former PRI governor Manuel Andrade Díaz and former PRI-PAN gubernatorial candidate Lorena Beaurregard de los Santos opposed the project and called for mobilizations to prevent the “demolition” of La Venta Park.
Communities spread through social media that the La Venta Museum Park was going to be destroyed.
This Sunday, activists and citizens demonstrated again in protest against the construction of the National Olmec Museum, which, they say, will be located in the La Venta museum.
As part of the demonstration, activists collected signatures to present their written opposition to the construction of this project.
Also yesterday, the same people held a demonstration with the same petition.
The activists were led by Yered Quevedo, president of the environmental group “Comprometidos por la Tierra.”
The protesters marched along Paseo Tabasco Avenue toward the Government Palace, the seat of the executive branch.
Former Movimiento Ciudadano gubernatorial candidate Minés de la Fuente participated in this Saturday’s demonstration.
This was despite the organizers’ request that political parties and politicians refrain from participating in the march.
Although the project is being carried out by the INAH (National Institute of Archaeology and History), opponents claim it will damage the environment and archaeological remains, including the Olmec head, a symbol of Olmec culture.
Activists claim it will demolish trees and damage the flora and fauna in the Olmec zone located in Tomás Garrido Canabal Park.
The Secretaries of the Governor’s Office and Culture, Fernando Vázquez Rosas and Aída Elba Castillo, respectively, stated separately that the environmental impact studies are being conducted by specialists in the field, and that INAH architects and technicians are also participating, so the environment and cultural heritage will not be harmed.
Source: proceso
