The release explains that Government has cut NICH's subvention by about half. Add that to the fact that the institution presently has zero revenue from the various tourist sites it manages, and you have a no cash flow situation. Reports say NICH's revenue has fallen by 75% - and that remaining revenue is all government subvention, which has now been cut. Typically, flows from tourist sites such as Nohoch Che'en and Maya temples account for more than three quarter of NICH's revenue - and all that's gone.

NICH first instituted 20% to 50% pay cuts across the board in May - but with no opening date for tourism on the horizon, now, the job cuts have started.

It says it has already cut overall expenditure by half, but, continues to run at a deficit because expenses - including payroll - "have exceeded revenue by approximately 50%."

The release adds "The Board of Directors and Management have agreed on a phased approach moving forward. The decisions we have taken thus far have been and continue to be challenging. We aim to ensure the continued protection and promotion of all forms of tangible and intangible culture while retaining most of our staff to the ability that we can." End quote.