by Jill Cotter
PUNTA GORDA TOWN, Toledo District, Wed. Oct. 16, 2024
Larry and Karol Smith moved to Punta Gorda in 1973 and served as missionaries for 20 years. After retiring from missionary work, Larry and his family built the Sea Front Inn and operated it for 20 years.
Around 2003, Larry wanted to do something to give back to PG. The Dolla Sign was created in his imagination, as he wanted to show the different cultural groups living together in harmony. The shape of a Belizean dollar coin was chosen, since he felt that it represented Belize and everyone would recognize it.
After he obtained permission from then Mayor, Mr. Tony Westby, and the Town Council, a cement structure was built with a 4-foot deep foundation to prevent any mishaps, hurricanes etc. from knocking it over.
Larry hosted artist friend Mr. Dale Langfoss to come down from the States to paint the mural. Local artist “Ras Bigga” was hired to assist. The Queen’s face was replaced by portraits of Belizean children from different ethnic groups living in PG. Over a year later, the sign was completed at the forked road entering Punta Gorda Town.
Larry and Karol Smith continue to maintain the sign. Larry convinced BEL to put up two street lights that shine on the sign at night.
Several years ago, they hired local artist Jill Burgess to upgrade the sign, and Jill worked under Larry’s guidance to restore it from the weather damage.