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Feb 14, 2007

Government and Town Council unite for San Pedro streets

Story PictureAnd speaking of traffic, today a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Government of Belize and the San Pedro Town Council in which G.O.B. granted three point eight million dollars for street rehabilitation. According to a government press release, the project was conceived several months ago by members of the business community, and is proof that two opposing political parties can work together in the name of progress.

Godfrey Smith, Tourism Minister
“I brought out ministry of works officials along with B.T.B. representatives , and there followed meetings, which included the Town Council, the area representative, the business community – we went back and forth on whether it should be the cobblestone project or whether it should just be paving of the streets. But I think eventually the right decision was made, in terms of the aesthetics and the environmental aspects of the project, to do it the cobblestone way.”

Elsa Paz, Mayor, San Pedro Town Council
“Again we have proven that unity makes force. The fulfilment of this project is again a reassurance to all that we at the Town Council and the Government of Belize have the interest of the people of San Pedro at heart, and that we will do everything that is in our hands to continue giving the people of san Pedro what they deserve.”

Manuel Heredia Jr., Area Representative
“We have gone through memorable days, good and bad. Whenever the rains are there we had tremendous problems. I felt embarrassed watching the tourist walking in those streets. And whenever it is shiny, then the board will go and grade the streets and in a few days, back again to the same thing. And the effort of the business community, together with the town council, I feel should be applauded.”

Said Musa, Prime Minister
“But also it shows that there is a recognition on the part of our Government that we can’t play politics with an issue like this; that San Pedro, Ambergris represents a major factor in the economic life of this nation. I am told, for instance, that close to fifty percent of the hotel tax comes from right here in San Pedro, Ambergris. Now, that(crowd applauses)…that is not to mention, of course, the business tax, the income tax that is paid by the workers, the amount of jobs that is generated to benefit the Belizean people. A Government cannot ignore that fact – that we can’t look at the fact that San Pedro is now govern by the opposition party and therefore spite or ignore San Pedro. That is not the policy of the People’s United Party. It has never been, under since 1998, I can speak for that period when I became the prime minister of this country, and I want to assure you all that we will continue to work with all those who want to work with us. We invite all municipal bodies, village councils, everybody; let us put aside party politics and work for the common good of the Belizean people(crowd applauses). Thank you all very much.”

In addition to central government’s three point eight million, the town council will raise an additional one point seven million. The project, to be carried out by David Medina, should be completed by year’s end.


Viewers please note: This Internet newscast is a verbatim transcript of our evening television newscast. Where speakers use Kriol, we attempt to faithfully reproduce the quotes using a standard spelling system.

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