The third in a series of ongoing renovations brought civil aviation officials to Dangriga Town for an airstrip inauguration ceremony.  The project which is the result of collaborative efforts between the Belize Airports Authority and COCESNA was completed at an estimated cost a little over four hundred thousand dollars. The scope of the undertaking included the re-pavement and demarcation of the landing strip as well as the reconstruction of the tarmac.  Guest speaker at this morning’s ceremony was Minister of Civil Aviation Manuel Heredia.

Manuel Heredia; Minister of Civil Aviation

“It is not only my honor, but it is a privilege to be up here to place the final stone on a challenging but needed journey. However, this journey is only a small stepping stone towards the goals of the Government of Belize to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to allow Belizeans and foreigners to enjoy the convenience of local air travel. It is also to ensure that the economic benefit of air travel and tourism are enjoyed by our Belizean people.”

According to Barbara Miller, chairperson of Airports Authority, a considerable sum has been spent over the past year renovating airports across the country.  The project began with the makeover of the Corozal - Ranchito Airstrip followed by the resurfacing of the Punta Gorda Airstrip. The gathering today was also addressed by Aaron Gongora, Mayor of Dangriga Town.

Aaron Gongora; Mayor of Dangriga Town

“This upgrade has come at a time when it will prove to be an invaluable link to the rest of the country. As the rainy season approaches and some of the broken links within the districts are yet to be joined. Despite the high cost of air travel, goods and services must continue to flow. It is our continued hope that the collaborative effort that exists between the Central Government, the private sector and the Dangriga Town Council will continue to blossom and in turn fruit into tangible economic benefits that will reflect on the various talents, skills along with such goods and services that can be provided by our community and by extension the district.”

While revamping the existing infrastructure is commendable there has been much concern surrounding pedestrian traffic on or near runways.  BAA’s general manager Kenworth Tillett spoke with Love News regarding this matter.

Kenworth Tillett; General Manager, Belize Airports Authority

“In Belize people don’t really respect the fact that they are not to be walking or doing anything other than using the runway for landing and take off of aircraft. What we are trying to do is basically try to fence where we can and stiffen the legislation in terms of people who violate the codes. If you notice we have erected signs around of course the horses don’t read the sign but their owners are responsible because we are trying to avoid a disaster because whenever we have a collision between people and aircraft or aircraft and animal normally everybody loses.”

Prior to its relocation at Pelican Beach the Dangriga airstrip was once situated near the Melinda Forest Station in Rural Stann Creek.