I recently took a walk down memory lane — quite literally — to visit a place that once played a vital role in our community’s wellbeing. I’m talking about the first bridge leading into the Jetty area, right here in Dangriga, where I was born and raised.
This bridge was more than just a structure; it was a lifeline — a natural part of the drainage system that protected the Lakeland and Rivas Estate areas from flooding during the rainy season. Water once flowed freely from those neighborhoods out to the sea, easing pressure on our homes and preserving the land.
It worked.
It made sense.
It kept us safe.
But something changed. The waterway beneath the bridge was blocked — allegedly by Basilio Zabaneh. To this day, the reason remains unclear. But what’s crystal clear is the damage we’re now dealing with.
The land is choking under stagnant water.
Flooding in Lakeland is no longer an occasional inconvenience — it’s becoming the norm.
And with each rainy season, the risk to families, homes, and livelihoods grows.
Let’s be honest: this is not about nostalgia.
It’s about survival.
It’s about honoring the wisdom that kept Dangriga thriving before backroom decisions and political interests disrupted the natural order.
I’m calling on the Mayor of Dangriga to launch an immediate investigation into this issue before the next rains arrive. The people of Lakeland, Rivas Estate, and all who care about Dangriga deserve answers — and solutions.
We cannot allow poor decisions of the past to keep flooding our future.
To the residents of Lakeland and Rivas Estate: your voices matter. Your presence matters. Let’s demand that the town council address this head-on. Let’s demand restoration — not just of the waterway, but of the respect our communities deserve.
That bridge was never just about stone and steel.
It was a pulse in the body of this town.
Let’s bring it back to life.
