Inauguration of Mahogany Street Reserve: A Milestone in Belizean Community Development

Belize City, Belize, Thursday, February 12, 2024: Today, Belize witnessed the inauguration of the Mahogany Street Reserve Project, a transformative initiative that signifies a collaborative effort between the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize City Council. The project aims to rejuvenate the Mahogany Street Reserve, with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, supporting local vendors, and fostering community development.

Initiated in 2022, the first phase of the project, spanning from Evergreen Street to Oleander Street, introduced eight new vendor booths, a public restroom, a public parking area, and a private parking facility for St. Luke Methodist Primary School. This represents a significant step towards creating a vibrant and welcoming community space.

The ongoing second phase, extending from Oleander Street to Mackay Boulevard, is well underway. Approximately 20 additional vendor booths are being added, with 10 booths already completed and the remaining 10 in the final stages of completion. This phase includes a comprehensive approach to reorganizing the vendor booths, aesthetic enhancements, street cementing, landscaping, utility infrastructure accessibility, and the implementation of safety and security measures, including a surveillance system.

The project places a strong emphasis on the existing vendors at the Mahogany Street Reserve, who provide essential services such as food, grocery items, boutique, and barber services to name a few. These vendors operate under the regulatory framework established by the Belize City Council, ensuring adherence to all legal requirements.

Booth sizes have been carefully designed to accommodate the diverse needs of vendors, with single booths measuring 12 by 12 feet and double booths sized 12 by 24 feet. Out of the total 28 booths, 5 are double, and the remaining 23 are single. Vendors also have the opportunity to expand their booths by submitting applications to the Belize City Council and receiving guidance throughout the process.

In addition to the physical infrastructure improvements, the Mahogany Street Reserve Project extends support to local vendors through a generous equipment grant. Every vendor is granted $1,500 to acquire equipment that enhances their business operations. The project team works closely with each vendor to ensure the chosen equipment aligns with their specific needs, including stoves, refrigerators, blenders, microwaves, barber chairs, burglar bars, mirrors, and more.

Speakers at the inauguration ceremony included Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining and Area Representative for Lake Independence;  Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations; Hon. Gilroy Usher, Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport; His Worship Mayor Bernard Wagner, Allan Pollard, Deputy Mayor, Belize City  Council; Josue Carballo, Director of Industry Development Department, BTB and Stephanne Hamilton, Councilor responsible for Tourism at the Belize City Council. 

The Mahogany Street Reserve Project is not just about physical development; it is a testament to the commitment of the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize City Council towards fostering a thriving and inclusive community. The project’s inauguration on February 12, 2024, is a celebration of collective efforts, community spirit, and a brighter future for the Mahogany Street Reserve and its surrounding areas.