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| Ramon Contreras
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Ambergris Caye is
an island whose population is growing very rapidly, and taxis have become
a necessity to the residents and the thousands of tourists who visit the
island every year. This week, The San Pedro
Sun is pleased to feature a man who, for many years, has
made it his business to safely deliver passengers from destination to
destination in San Pedro, Ramon Contreras.
Ramon Jesus Contreras was born on September
20 th, 1964, in Benque
Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District, to parents Elda Valdez and Victor
Manuel Contreras. He graduated from Mount Carmen Primary School in 1972.
In 1975, Ramon's cousins offered him a job working as
a mechanic at a shop they owned in the village of Caledonia in the
Corozal District. Ramon worked there for the next twelve years, during
which time he met a woman whom he would eventually marry years later,
Paulina Trejo.
In May 1987, Ramon and Paulina visited San Pedro
for the first time. Happy with what they found, both agreed they would
like to live on the island. Immediately after that, Ramon sought
employment with local businessman Marciano Salazar, and began his new
occupation, driving a taxicab.
Ramon earned a good living working for Mr.
Salazar and "put away a little money" every week. After eight years, he
was able to purchase a van and began his own private taxi service. This
proved to be a successful venture as Ramon continues to make his living
by carrying passengers and cargo from place to place. It is obvious he
enjoys his job; sixteen years later, he claims he is not tired of
providing transportation service for the island. "I try my best to always
offer prompt and reliable service," stated Ramon.
On April
21 st, 1996 Ramon
married the woman with whom he had shared so many happy years. Today,
they are the proud parents of one son, Uriel Brian, who is seven years
old.
Working long hours everyday, Ramon eventually
saved enough money to purchase property, and then to build a house. In
February 2003, Ramon and Paulina invested in their own business - a deli,
selling fast food, juices, sodas, as well as other refreshments and
snacks. When he is not working, Ramon enjoys visiting his family in Cayo
and spending time with his wife and son.
Ramon commented that, aside from the fact that
he has a home and family here, he likes San Pedro because he has made so
many friends on the island.
Now a contented family man, Ramon is dedicated
to making certain his "precious cargo" safely reaches its destination.
For this reason, and more, San Pedro is glad Ramon Contreras managed to
"steer" his way into "Our Community".
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