NICH Parking Lot Named After Former Mayor

What used to be known as the NICH parking lot off Regent Street in downtown Belize City has been officially renamed the David Fonseca Parking Facility, in honor of the city’s first elected mayor. This parking lot is set to be a lifesaver, not just for everyday parking woes but also for the busy holiday season, like the fast-approaching Christmas. The facility is equipped with surveillance cameras, electric charging ports, and a scanning system for payments via prepaid parking cards or coins. It’s expected to not only generate revenue for the Belize City Council but also breathe new life into a part of the city that’s been slowly fading. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

The new William David Fonseca parking lot has officially replaced the old NICH parking lot in downtown Belize City. Located between the Court building and the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts off Regent Street, this facility cost the council just under four hundred thousand dollars. It can accommodate thirty-four vehicles at a time, providing much-needed safe parking in an area where it’s been scarce. This is expected to revitalize activity in this part of the city.

 

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“It will enhance off-street parking in the downtown area. It’s a safe area, it is manned by cameras fully automated, all the sort of modern, smart solutions are integrated into the system. People visiting areas across the city – this is our urban setting – they are always driving around looking for parking, safe parking areas. People have that appetite. Romac’s Parking Lot has been doing great in this area and so this will enhance Romac’s. There is always need for more parking.”

 

Present to unveil the plaque honoring the late Mayor David Fonseca was the Minister of the Public Service, Henry Charles Usher. Usher, a close friend of Fonseca, shared this special moment with Fonseca’s wife now serving on his Fort George Committee.

 

Henry Charles Usher, Friend of Former Mayor

“It was an honor of mine to be here to be a part of the opening ceremony for this parking lot named in honor of William David Fonseca, a good friend of mine, a good friend of Fort George, a longtime supporter and committee member in the Fort George Division under the Right Honorable Said Musa. Ms. Yolanda Fonseca, his wife continues to be a committee member in Fort George.”

 

Yolanda Fonseca drew attention to the significance of the area where the parking lot is located and pointed to the buildings and what they represent in one area she called the Freedom Zone.

 

Yolanda Fonseca, Wife of David Fonseca

“Look at our justice system, it stands proud and tall, that stands against internal injustice from tyranny and those who want to come against our humble democracy, but it doesn’t stop there. In my mind, this is a zone. This zone here is specifically Freedom Zone. Just, just look at it. We have financial freedom, we have the banks, we have spiritual freedom, we have the church, we have good governance. Good governance is freedom beyond you can really imagine. They’ve just established a statue of our national father, George Cadle Price.”

 

Anyone who uses the parking lot will pay three dollars an hour. Marion Ali for News Five.