When Tropical Storm Matthew fizzled into a tropical depression, there was a universal sigh of relief amongst Belizeans. But except for a few flooded streets and minor beach erosion down south, the only memorable impression made by Matthew is a blow to one of the country's already teetering iconic structure. That structure is the historic lighthouse at Half Moon Caye, which finally gave way to the forces of Mother nature. Remnants of one of the country's oldest lighthouse, built in 1820, can be seen partly submerged in waters at the edge of the island. And, because of its historical significance to that island, and the role it played as one of the major tourist attraction, the Belize Audubon Society, which manages Half Moon Caye, is seeking funding to erect a multi-function building visually replicating the iconic architectural design of the old lighthouse.
Dirk Francisco, Belize Audubon Society
"The lighthouse on Half Moon Caye is an icon in the country of Belize and Belize Audubon Society is currently in the process of enhancing the recreational aspect of Half Moon Caye when it comes to visitors, we want to enhance the visitor area and offer more to the visitors of Half Moon Caye and at the same time ensuring the continuous conservation of the bio-diversity on Half Moon Caye natural monument. So we have been designing concepts of the multifunction building that we want to build there and we use the lighthouse on Half Moon Caye as a idea to build replica of that lighthouse on Half Moon Caye. Anybody who have visited Half Moon Caye would notice that old lighthouse on the island from a distance and because of the age of that lighthouse it became like an icon for half Moon itself although the main attraction on Half Moon Caye is the nesting colony of the red footed booby bird, but most people that go there they are like 'Hey that's a magnificent old structure' so it's a significant cultural feature in the Belizean landscape."
The new structure will not only honor the old lighthouse but will also function as a visitor center, communications center, and patrol and observation deck.
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