Working off the success of its beautification of the Seine Bight football field the Peninsula Road Landscape Project (PRLP) is looking forward to expanding its efforts. The four person committee, working under the auspices of the Placencia chapter of Belize Tourism Industry Association, completed its pilot project in Seine Bight last month and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“In putting up a series of wooden barriers between the field and the road we were serving many purposes”, says committee chair Stewart Krohn. “As a fence it keeps the balls from going on the road and causing a possible traffic accident. By having flowers growing up the wooden slats it adds a large measure of beauty to the area and will complement the new community center.”

The project was a group effort with Steve Christensen doing the woodwork, Krohn supplying the palmettos, Hannah Cowell contributing the design and Sara Robinson handling the planting.. Funding for materials and labor was provided by the members themselves and the businesses they represent, namely Caribbean Cabinet and Furniture, Platinum Designs, Viva Verde Nursery and Cocoplum. But to enlarge the project that finance base will have to grow. “We are looking at a number of strategies to carry out our master plan,” says Cowell, “both for the initial planting as well as regular maintenance.” Those plans include nothing less than the landscaping of the entire Placencia Road from the Point to Riversdale…and while that may seem a tall order in a time of economic austerity the committee remains optimistic. “We do not expect to do everything overnight,” says Krohn. “Just as plants and trees take time to grow so will this project. But just looking at Seine Bight you can already see a lot of progress. The road gives the village a better look, as does the football field, the school playground. Each success brings more success.” And that spirit is evidenced by the quick work of the new Seine Bight village council which has already organized a community cleanup and provided for the painting of a number of houses. Individual residents are also fixing up their properties as are developers embarking on new projects on the north side of the village.

The committee will be cooperating with the Seine Bight council on a redevelopment plan for the old water tank area of the village and the next step will be the landscaping of the section of road from the air strip heading north to Cocoplum.

BTIA chapter manager Elysia Dial calls for all members in this area to consider what they can offer in terms of monetary donation, labor, plants and any other resources to help this committee continue the work that that will ultimately make the Peninsula more pleasant for residents and a more attractive destination for visitors.

Sponsorship opportunities to own sections of the upkeep and maintenance of the road will be available soon so register your interest now.

Contact Hannah at 610-0327, Stewart at 610-1009, Steve at 610-1399 or Sarah at 624-5430… or just stop them in the street if you can offer any support.