John Brackett - the founder - and as far as we can tell, sole member of the pressure group called CIFOS has mounted a one - man protest against the swing bridge.
The structure is nearly one hundred years old - but he says - based strictly on his observations - that it is unsafe and unfit for the public.
Here's what he told us:
John Brackett - Citizens for Safety (CIFOS)
"Our bridge is collapsing. There is a lot of big holes on the bridge; it seems like the bridge has been neglected. As you can see, the bridge is falling apart from the bottom to the top, and it seems like no one is concerned. Therefore, I have to bring it to the attention of the public."
Jules Vasquez
"But why are you creating a public scare when you don't know for certain that the bridge is collapsing? Yes it looks run-down, and there are rusty areas, and all these things. But perhaps, it's structurally sound."
John Brackett
"Well, it is obvious at some point, Jules, I could take you and walk you on the bridge, and show you where it is definitely collapsing."
Jules Vasquez
"Aren't you concerned that you may be creating a public scare without maybe knowing all of the facts regarding the structural soundness of the bridge?"
John Brackett
"Well Jules, It's obvious in the eyes of the public, therefore, we are calling upon the Belize City Council or the Minister of Works to do something about this bridge before someone gets hurt. I wouldn't want to cross this bridge if I don't have to, and I am positively sure that no one from the council that has a vehicle walks this pedestrian walkway on this bridge, to see the danger of bridge. This is total non-sense. This is fantastic foolishness."
We were unable to got comment from the Ministry of Works. We do know that the bridge was refurbished about ten years ago.
It was first installed in the 1920's...
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