70 days after a commitment was made by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to move two houses donated to the San Pedro Police Department, that promise has yet to be filled. The houses were donated to the police through the San Pedro Business Association (SPBA) to be used as living quarters.
SPBA founding member Elito Arceo had offered to move the buildings with community support, but the SPTC stepped in and committed to doing so instead. Once occupied by members of the Belize Coast Guard on the island, the structures remain unoccupied on a private property in the San Pablo Area. When asked what has taken so long for the SPTC to relocate the structures, Deputy Mayor Gabriel “Gabby” Nuñez indicated that beyond previous reasons given, he wants to complete a project he is currently involved with, that will help address the living conditions of the police, before moving on to the relocation of the two buildings. “All the materials have been purchased for the two buildings. We have taken the decision to complete the construction of the two-story wooden barracks, which we estimate will take another two weeks, and then we will proceed to moving the two houses,” said Gabby Nunez.
The building Nuñez was referring to is the new police barracks whose construction is being spearheaded by a handful of businesspeople, and led by Mukul Kanabar. As of May 28th, the group said that they were excited to report that a great deal of progress has been made. Most of the windows and doors have been installed, most toilets are in, showers are being tiled, lights have been installed and water has been connected. Kanabar also reported that adding to the previous lists of donors is Exotic Caye Beach Resort who made a contribution of $1,000. That donation has been put together with other donations for the barracks, which when completed, is estimated to cost over $150,000.