The Newly renovated Hopkins Village Main Road

Earlier this week, the newly upgraded Hopkins Village Main Road was officially opened. The road was rehabilitated under the Banana Accompanying Measures Programme 2013, and was jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize. The project is valued at approximately two point eight- six million dollars. The newly completed project is of major importance to the social development of southern Belize. Here are some highlights of the inauguration ceremony.

Ted McKoy

Ted McKoy, Chairman, Hopkins Village

“Hopkins Village is a village that is special in many ways. Hopkins is one of the communities that you can really talk about as unique and special because we have a vibrant culture and a vibrant people. We as a community have been gifted something which I believe deserves nothing, but the greatest thank you.”

Malgorzata Wasilewska

Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of EU (Belize)

“The inauguration of the Hopkins Village main street and the renovation of the water supply system is indeed a significant occasion for the village and for all of us who had the pleasure to support it. It is also a pleasure to see that the park has been given a facelift with a fresh coat of paint befitting its status as an appealing public space for the village and also an attraction for tourist and a meeting spot for residents, right at the village centre. With the improved infrastructure including the paved streets, pedestrian crossings, road markings, new traffic lights and a stable water supply for the village, expectations are that the general living conditions in Hopkins Village will improve.”

Rene Montero

Rene Montero, Minister of Works

“The Hopkins community, one of our hallmark communities where the culture of the Garifuna people is rich and alive and is lived on a daily basis, we cannot forget the contribution of the Garifuna people that have done in the fields of education, agriculture and tourism and the Garifuna people are known to be among the best fishermen in the world and law enforcements. Gone are the days when the people of Hopkins took four hours to get here from Dangriga on boats and then the road too was a long journey. The European Union is the greatest single donor to this country. They have committed grant funds through the EMS, the BAM, BRDP and EDF Funds to the tune of approximately two hundred million Euros or five hundred million Belize dollars since 1993.”