In the 1970's the women of Maskall Village set off to build their own community center - and they did, with their own resources and hard labour.
In the three-plus decades since, the old center had fallen into disrepair, with a leaky roof, rotten windows and the usual trappings of decay.
But with $178,000 thousand dollars from the Commonwealth Debt Initiative channeled through the Social Investment Fund, that center is restored and better than it was - even in the 70's.
We found out more at the opening today:
Daniel Cano - Director, SIF
"This project is financed through the Government of Belize's Commonwealth Debt Intiative Program. And it entailed the reconstruction of the roof, the replacements of windows and doors, to benefit over 2000 persons here in Maskall. The importance of this project is that the structure have been rehabilitated. Many important community functions can take place, such as being used as a hurricane shelter and there will be training activities for various community groups. And I think that's where the true value of the project is, in the use of the building."
Hon. Edmund Castro - Area Representative, Belize Rural North
"Maskall is the largest village in this old road, coming through for us today. And hence, today is the day that we have the official opening of the community building here. We also know that during the time, as I am the Chairman of NEMO for Belize District. And in the times of disasters, such as hurricane, we normally would evacuate people from Caye Caulker and some people from San Pedro that used in Maskall, and there is no space for them to go. This building now provides and serves as a hurricane shelter because I think that this one can withstand a category 3 or 4."
Maskall is 38 miles North West of Belize City and 27 miles south east of Orange Walk Town - and is the second to last of eight villages on the Old Northern Highway.
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