$82,5000 lotto jackpot finally claimed
The Lotto jackpot had gone unclaimed since July sixth, but today one very happy couple woke up to the realisation that they were eighty-two thousand, five hundred dollars richer. The winning ticket sat for almost two months in the drawer of Gilroy Hendy. Hendy, a twenty-six year old postal worker of Central American Boulevard in Belize City, had forgotten about the piece of paper…at least until News 5 reminded viewers that a pile of money was just waiting for an owner.
Gilroy Hendy, $82,500 Lotto Winner
“Well apparently I never know I got the lucky numbers. So on the news I heard that someone from Ladyville won, cause that was where the ticket was bought. So today I came to the Lotto office and I checked the numbers and apparently I had the five lucky numbers. So I came and I collected my prize.”
Stewart Krohn
“The ticket was just sitting in your drawer?”
(Shakes head yes)
Stewart Krohn
“How did you feel when you picked up that ticket and realised that the eighty-two thousand, five hundred was for you?”
Gilroy Hendy
“Well in these rough times you really feel good to pay some bills and take care of business, so it feels good.”
Stewart Krohn
“What you gonna do with the money now?”
Fiona Gillett
“Well I’m gonna pay off some bills and look after my two daughters’ education.”
Much of the credit for Hendy’s good fortune must go to his girlfriend, Fiona Gillett. Gillett, a resident of Ladyville, says she played an important role in winning scenario.
Fiona Gillett, Girlfriend of Lotto Winner
“Well I really say a major role because if we didn’t go and visit my mother, and it was late already, about ten to 6:00 when we purchased the Lotto ticket. He wouldn’t have bought it there anyhow and we would have missed it if we waited to come to Belize.”
Stewart Krohn
“Well I see you say “we” now, do you guys regularly buy the Lotto?”
Fiona Gillett
“Yes, every Saturday and Wednesday we do, also the Bel3, but we never win. This is the first time we won anything.”
After taxes Hendy takes home seventy thousand, one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Meanwhile, the current Lotto jackpot is now up to a respectable one hundred and two thousand, five hundred dollars. The balls drop Wednesday night at 9:00, right here on Channel 5.
