Earlier this month, the current Director of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH)’s Institute of Archaeology, Dr. Jaime Awe, who has become synonymous with the institution since holding the post from the year 2000, announced his resignation effective this Thursday, July 31.

Replacing Dr. Awe will be Dr. John Morris, who has been in the field of archaeology since 1980, and who is the present Associate Director of Research at the Institute of Archaeology. Morris, who has worked closely with his predecessor, as well as the National Institute for Culture and History, in shaping the objectives of the department, confirmed his promotion to the post today following a lengthy board meeting.

After breaking the news during an Archaeology Symposium at the start of this month, Awe said that he would remain very involved in archaeology studies in Belize; however, the director’s job had gotten tedious, and therefore, Awe, who will soon be 60 years old, intends to spend the next 10 years doing research and teaching.

He said, “My decision to resign was based solely on my personal desire to give more focused attention to my passion in the field of archaeology, research and teaching. Belizean archaeology is not just a job, it’s my life.”

While he does admit to having big shoes to fill, Dr. Morris explained that the idea is to expand and build upon a solid foundation that has already been laid for archaeology in Belize.

Over the years, Dr. Awe worked tirelessly and passionately in unearthing and explaining the mysteries of the rich Maya culture to countless students, writers, researchers, observers and all Belizeans, while also becoming the face of Belizean archaeology worldwide.