Distribution of lots, San Ignacio 1959. Mr. Johnson Robinson receives the first lot
After we purchased San Ignacio from Mr Melhado and Son, we began to distribute lots to the people, who had been denied this privilege. - -After the lots were surveyed behind the Old Hospital, as the MAYOR of San Ignacio and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee of Lands, I invited First minister and Leader of Government the Honorable George Price to the first approvals to the many applicants.
Who was the FIRST resident to receive the FIRST lot officially in San Ignacio? Mr Johnson Robinson, a long resident of San Ignacio received his lot from the Honorable George Cadle Price accompanied by the Mayor of San Ignacio, Hon. Hector Silva. Where was that lot? Across from the Falcon Field on the Joseph Andrews Drive. This was the area the people of San Ignacio use to call "Survey Area." Tom Greenwood of Radio Belize was present to give the good news.
Some two hundred persons were recipients on the first instance. And some 40 got their TEN acre plots on the Road to Bullet Tree Falls, on the road to Branch Mouth and the Foot Hills of the Cahal Pech Hills. There after other applicants were processed. ( No applicant was ever rejected,)
I refer to the first lot on the recently acquired Melhado Lands, because prior to 1959 there was a reluctance to sell lots to anyone ( long story ). San Ignacio really did not exist as such. It was known as CAYO until we passed a resolution in 1960, reinstating the 1870 name SAN IGNACIO. ( again long story ). Old El Cayo was bounded on the North by Branch Mouth, on the south by Mr Williams' cane field, on the east by Government Rest House and on the west by the Old Hospital. Punto Final - 1/3 was up the Hill, 1/3 was Downtown and 1/3 was Mora Town.
IN 1960, When the PUP bought from Mr Henry Melhado, all the lands which comprised, SAN IGNACIO and its surroundings, - - - some 2,400 Acres - It was agreed, that Lots and Parcels would be survey and applications opened for interested residents of the area.
Surveyors, Mr Joe Longsworth and Mr Kenneth Schnarr were assigned to do the Surveying.
The first Lots surveyed were those, behind the Old Hospital, which was known as SURVEY ROAD.
( Now known as Joseph Andrews Boulevard.)
Applications were invited. AND THE FORTUNATE ONE TO BE FIRST APPROVED was that of Mr Johnson Robinson, on Survey Road, near to where the Ideal factory is.
SO, I INVITED THE HONORABLE GEORGE C. PRICE TO HAND OVER THE FIRST LOT TO MR. JOHNSON ROBINSON
( In the picture below is, Premier George Price handing over the TITLE to Mr Robinson. Myself and Tom Green Wood witnessed the HUMBLE delivery. ( No marimba, no orchestra no fan fare)
Photograph courtesy Hector Silva
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