Ferry Inauguration, 15 April 2000

An impressive list of dignitaries was on hand for the inauguration, most of whom were key players in making the ferry a reality. We present here only those who took part in the formal inauguration ceremonies, and in the order they spoke to the huge crowd assembled.

• The Hon. Vildo Marin served as Master of Ceremonies for the inauguration.
• Mr. Juan Guerrero, Chairman of Sarteneja, gave the welcome address.
• Mr. Ismael Westby, Chairman of Progresso, addressed those assembled.
• Mr. Orlando Olivera, Chairman of Copper Bank, also addressed the crowd.
• Mr. Oscar Copo, Chairman of Caledonia, expressed his community's thanks.
• Mr. Mario Narvaez, Mayor of Corozal Town, spoke for the Corozal Town area.
• Hon. Valdimar Castillo spoke to all assembled on behalf of Corozal District.
• Mr. José Montalvo, manager of Belize Sugar Industries, Ltd. (BSI), gave some history of the ferry. BSI's donation to the project included the boat itself, which was once a sugar barge that moved sugar on this very river. The work was done at the shipdock at Libertad, refurbishing it into a large, safe ferry.