|
Baldemar Graniel
|
The growth and proper development of
almost anything can be achieved only if the responsibility with whom it
lies is with that of a genuine leader. Probably the best description of a
leader is a service-minded person who serves their community without
personal gain; who is efficient and promotes high ethical standards. This
week we feature a true leader in our town - Mr. Baldemar "Baldi" Graniel,
JP.
Born in San Pedro to Marina and Rosendo
Graniel on April 12th,
1950, Baldemar grew up with six sisters and four brothers. Being raised
during the 50s was special for him; the fun memories are still vivid in
his mind. He attended primary school only, since the island did not have
a high school at the time. Baldemar says he would have liked to continue
his education but, because of financial restraints, this was not
possible. Like most young men of that time, he started working with his
father and brothers fishing in the neighboring areas of San Pedro.
Shortly after, he graduated to the next stage of his trade - the ten to
twelve days at-sea fishing expeditions. Baldemar fished for lobster,
conch and fish on these long trips for a period of twenty years. Even
though this job was a tough one, upon his return to San Pedro after every
trip, he would spend his free time learning new trades and doing
different tasks or as he calls them, "experiences of life". This was how
he became a self-taught plumber and electrician.
At the young age of 21, he married Maria Tzul and
together they have four children, three grandchildren and another one on
the way.
Word of Baldemar's plumbing and electrical skills
earned him a temporary job as supervisor for the Water and Sewage
Authority (WASA) and eventually he was hired permanently. Mr. Graniel's
position encompassed doing almost everything himself. He jokingly said,
"I was my own boss and supervisor of the only other person who worked at
the office." After dedicating nine long years to WASA, he decided to
become a self-employed plumber and electrician.
Probably one of Baldi's greatest assets has been, and
still is, his leadership and organizational skills. He has been
instrumental in founding and actively participating in many of the town's
groups and committees. He was a founder and one of the first members of
San Pedro's volunteer fire service. Fires in San Pedro were, thankfully,
not a frequent occurrence then, but Baldi and the others were always
ready with a disposable fire pump they had to wheel along the sandy
streets. During the flourishing years of Caribeña Cooperative, he served
as Vice-President for eight years. No task was too hard for him. Baldemar
and his brother served as the first water taxi service in San Pedro. He
says this started many years ago, during a time when the fishing
cooperative was ready to export marine goods. Customs officers from
Belize City would come over to supervise this process and by the end of
the day (or sometimes night) had to be transported back to the city. His
brother owned a small skiff and they would be responsible for
transporting these officers, regardless of rough weather. They even
served as a sea ambulance on numerous occasions.
More visible today has been his tireless participation
and contributions in the San Pedro Lions Club. Although not a Chartered
Member of the Club, because of the strict Lions rules observed at the
time, Baldemar has been with the group since its formation, 24 years ago.
Since then, he has held various positions in the Club serving as
President for two terms and as District Governor. He presently sits on
the Board of Directors and is the Clinic Committee Chairman. Mr. Graniel
has also served as an advisor for the Leo Club during its existence. In
1984, he was appointed Justice of the Peace and in 1991 as a Commissioner
of the Supreme Court. Presently he is the President of the San Pedro
Justices of the Peace Association and a Commissioner of the Supreme
Court.
Always searching for new ways to help the residents of
San Pedro, Baldemar entered the political arena. He has served as Mayor
for San Pedro during the years 1992-1994 and has recently been appointed
Deputy Mayor for the years 2000-2003.
Baldemar Graniel has been an active member of
this town working for progress and the well-being of its residents.
Whether it is installing plumbing at the Lions Den, electrical work at
the library or dancing comparsas, Baldi is a wonderful example of
excellent leadership in "Our Community."
|