New park unveiled in Caribbean Shores
Belize City is known for many things…but having beautiful parks is not among them. Enter Caribbean Shores representative Jose Coye, who says that he’s doing his best to change that situation… and this morning showed off his latest creation to the press.
Marion Ali, Reporting
It is a project that has sparked controversy over the last few weeks in Caribbean Shores. Health Minister and Area Representative, Jose Coye, says Dolphin Park, which he built at the end of Campus Drive in West Landivar, was not only part of his campaign plan to protect the coastline, but offers a natural setting for residents to enjoy.
Jose Coye, Area Rep., Caribbean Shores
“We know that we had lost some of the seashore already in the past, but we wanted to ensure that what was left would have been developed…The park is as you will notice, the whole concept behind it is to try and keep it in its natural state as much as possible and to perhaps give it a little rustic look.”
“I believe there are those who for political partisan reasons would want to bring out the project as if though it’s a project being done for private sector purpose, as if though the land is being reclaimed for that. And I think that could have been the genesis of the mischief.”
But the mischief also arose from the fact that part of the land in question has been originally granted to a private land owner; one David Espat, brother of Ministers Mark and Jorge.
Jose Coye
“They met with the Minister of lands and agreed that they will give back the piece of land to the government for exactly what they had paid for it.”
Marion Ali
“How big a piece of land is it? ”
Jose Coye
“It is about two lot size.”
Coye said no mangroves were destroyed to build the park. In fact he says, the area where the park now stands was formerly used by barges to land goods and for repairs, activities that were destroying the precious coastline. The attempts to preserve the existing mangrove however, are running into some problems.
Jose Coye
Now the challenge that faces us, and we’re getting experts to look at it, is can we preserve them in captivity, because that is what this is doing. Mangroves apparently has to grow in their natural environment and the minute you tamper with their environment, you tamper with their life.”
But life in the neighbourhood of the park is still seen as improving.
Phillippa Arthurs, Area Resident
“The park good for the community because the kids could play there, they’re safe. And one of the things I like about it because I could on there and do a little fishing cause we do have fish there that we could catch, and I just like to relax and just enjoy the park.”
Shirley Middleton, Area Resident
“It’s a wonderful thing for the children them, cause this place is so far and they need fu play and they have to go so far to play.”
Marion Ali
“So you start taking your kids there?”
Shirley Middleton
“Yes, everyday the children go.”
Marion Ali
“And they like it?”
Shirley Middleton
“Very well.”
Marion Ali
“Before that where you used to take them?”
Shirley Middleton
“They never used to go nowhere. Now and again out at Ramada Park.”
The preservation of the coastline in Caribbean Shores also includes land reclamation at two other locations further away on Seashore Drive, using rocks, and slabs torn down from the infrastructure project. Benches will also be erected at these spots. Marion Ali for News 5.
The park includes a gazebo built over the sea and a fountain. Total cost of the project, according to Coye, will be one hundred and sixty-one thousand dollars.
