New resource centre opens in Mesop
Residents of Belize City’s Mesopotamia division, particularly children, now have a resource centre to call their own. Today was it’s first day of service.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
88 West Street, which was once a community day care centre, has been refurbished to meet a community need. That’s according to Ray Lightburn, who unsuccessfully contested the division in the 1998 general elections.
Ray Lightburn, Former PUP Standard Bearer
“We decided that the best thing would be to put in a resource centre with a library downstairs and computers upstairs, so the kids can benefit. They don’t have to go over the bridge to get this and the underprivileged will have access to the computers.”
The centre, which was officially opened this afternoon by Education Minister Cordel Hyde, is furbished with a couple desks and chairs, six computers and a library.
Ann-Marie Williams
“I noticed there is lots of books, there is a set of encyclopaedias, lots of foreign books. I don’t see a section with local books.”
Ray Lightburn
“Well, one of the things is that we got from the library all books, and from the schools books that were contributed from abroad. That’s a very good point you made because I’ve had a discussion with the Minister of Education and we hope to get all the local input, everything that the Education Department puts into libraries.”
And in an area where slot machines have replaced good clean recreation, Lightburn feels that the resource centre is a good start. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The centre will be open weekdays 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00, with a staff of two to provide assistance.
The Mesopotamia Resource Centre is not the only new development in the area. In a couple months time a standard bearer will be chosen at the PUP divisional convention and one man who will not be a candidate is none other than Ray Lightburn. He told News 5 this afternoon why he’s calling it quits.
Ray Lightburn
“I just felt that…I’ve been in active politics for forty-two years and I just feel that I can be of better help doing things like this and I’m also working on a project with Urban Development to refurbish houses in the area. I feel that…Politics what it is today, you have to have resources, and if you don’t have the financial resources, you have to sell you soul.”
Ann-Marie Williams
So the other two opponents have resources? Who will you be supporting?”
Ray Lightburn
“I hope however many people there are, they will have to have resources. I am not endorsing anybody at this time, I don’t think it’s fair. I think that whoever…”
Ann-Marie Williams
“I’m not saying endorsing, I’m saying I won’t see you on the street campaigning.”
Ray Lightburn
“No, I will not be campaigning for anyone, I feel that if you want to be a leader, if you want to be a standard bearer, you have to earn it,. you have to do something in the neighbourhood, you have to bring something to the table and whoever bring something to the table and the people accept them, will be the standard bearer.”
Candidates for the PUP nomination in Mesop include Philip Brackett and Rhenae Nunez.
