Bell received a certificate in
Architectural Conservation at the International Centre for the Conservation and
Preservation of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Rome in 1983.
Bell has conducted cultural
tours since 1992. She is an active member of various associations in Antigua
that provide private sector support for preservation and positive development
of Antigua.
“It is an on-going effort to preserve the city and the next few
years are critical,” Bell
said.
She noted that tourism brings much-needed dollars to impoverished Guatemala, but as Antigua
gains popularity, it also feels increasing development pressures from those who
would destroy the centuries-old urban fabric and compact city in the name of
chain resorts, restaurants and shops.
So far, Antigua’s leadership has
held the line in keeping chains from demolishing historic buildings and forcing
those mega businesses to conform to the vernacular of the area.
Elizabeth Bell profile continues tomorrow Dec. 23
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