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Like them or loathe them, drivers in Belize City have more or less gotten used to the mini roundabouts at both ends of St. Thomas Street. And while most of us are still puzzling over the figures at the center of the roundabouts, nothing could prepare us for the random precision of a gazebo which has been quite suddenly slapped into place at the southern approach to the Swing Bridge. Looks good enough for a photo-opportunity at a wedding but what’s it doing at bridge foot? Keith Swift asked councillor with responsibility for traffic, Dean Samuels.

Dean Samuels, City Councillor in Charge of Traffic
“Mrs. Delsia Feinstein, she took it upon herself to grab this project and help in financing and getting the traffic gazebo built. This definitely will make the flow of traffic at peak hours, the officer could be in there working away from the harsh environment of the hot sun and it will help them to get their job done safely because that is what we are about, safety for the pedestrians and motorists coming in that area. So at peak hours, the officer will go in there and direct the traffic.

I personally believe that it is something new and I look at it more to say beautification. It is something strange, it is something different, it will beautify the downtown area, it will definitely help with the officers when they are doing their job. I look at it as something new, something different. And a lot of people might have a lot of opinions when it comes to the traffic gazebo but definitely it serves a bigger purpose than just the look or being a distraction.

I must say that the Mayor was very passionate about this project. This was something that we sat together, we spoke – this was something that she shared a great passion for and wanted to see finished. And it was my privilege to work with her in getting this project finished.”

The gazebo will be officially opened tomorrow afternoon. And if you plan on being downtown tomorrow morning between 6 and mid-day, you will have to do so on foot. The City Council this evening announced that parking will be prohibited on Albert Street between Church Street and Rectory Lane for the entire morning. This will be done so BEL can carry out maintenance work.