BELIZE CITY, Fri. Feb. 19, 2021– On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Mayor Bernard Wagner, accompanied by councilors Albert Vaughan, Dr. Candice Pitts and councilor-candidate Kaya Cattouse, made their way to the Armadillo Basketball Court for a private ceremony to unveil the newly rehabilitated Armadillo Basketball Court in the Mesopotamia Division.

According to the council, the rehabilitation of the basketball court and Armadillo Park as a whole has been a long-time investment on the Council’s part, with Mayor Wagner being the main sponsor of the basketball court. The Council has also been working with the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) to improve some of the city’s underdeveloped areas and make better use of parks, playgrounds and green spaces. Through this project, Armadillo Park is expected to be furnished with new amenities such as benches, trash cans, plants, a snack shop etc.

Following a few words by the Mayor, ten youths from the neighborhood were invited to participate in a three-point shootout. They were given a brief tutorial by NEBL star and City Council Programs Manager, Devin Daly, then each participant stepped up to take individual turns at the shootout. Following the games, they were all presented with certificates of participation, snacks and their own basketballs.

In his remarks, Mayor Wagner mentioned that this initiative is something that will benefit the residents of Mesopotamia now and in the future. He believes that once the COVID restrictions are relaxed, the Armadillo Basketball Court will foster athleticism and sportsmanship for those living in the area. On behalf of that area, one of the community leaders, Shane “Mud” Harris, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Wagner and the council for investing in his community.