Belmopan, Belize (Belizean.com) An F.A.A. certified pilot has called for the closure of the Belmopan (capital of Belize) airstrip following the erection of elevated concrete structure and water tower 300 feet from the threshold of the runway.
Mr. Stuart G. Young Airline transport pilot LIC# 223-0464 Federal Aviation Administration U.S.A. wrote this week in a letter to the editor of the Amandala Newspaper that: "About one year ago, I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Reporter. The letter was concerning the Belmopan airstrip and construction of a bar. The letter was heavily edited, so that the first three paragraphs were omitted. It had no technical merit and made little sense. I now will try your newspaper as I will sign and reveal my name as I did in the Reporter.
"My concern is the construction of a bar approximately 300 feet from the threshold of the runway 11 (110 degrees) on the north side of the highway. The bar and property are owned by Mr. and Mrs. Botes. He works at the Ministry of Natural Resources and his wife works at the Belmopan Market (self-employed). The Botes family have the right to open a bar, but not there. "