Swing Bridge Gets New Coat of Paint

The Belize City Council on Saturday collaborated with eleven students from Wesley Junior College to give the historic Belize City Swing Bridge a facelift. The bridge got a fresh coat of yellow and green paint. The oldest mechanical-operated bridge in the region is rarely swung except in times of emergency to accommodate boats taking shelter. It usually receives repainting once a year. We hear more from Councilor Micah Goodin and Wesley student Tania Craig.

Micah Goodin

Micah Goodin, P.U.P. Councilor

“This was an initiative spearheaded by myself and councilor Albert Vaughan – he’s responsible for works. He thought the bridge needed a facelift. And so he decided that we should collaborate with young people, get them on board, get them to give back to the city. And so we contacted the Wesley Junior College – they were very receptive, and so they decided to come out here today. A lot of the students are using it as an opportunity for them to get some community service hours.”

Tania Craig, Team Leader, W.J.C. Community Service Group

“Eleven of us are out here painting the bridge, collaborating with the City Council, and it’s great opportunity doing this for the community.”

Tania Craig

Aaron Humes

“In terms of how you were approached and why this particular bridge?”

Tania Craig

“Well, the bridge is a [historic] bridge and it needs some work, and I believe it’s a great idea for us to do this today, and to let the center of the city shine.”

Councilor Goodin says the council will discuss plans for further maintenance of the bridge at its next caucus meeting.