The Rotary Club this weekend held a boat show in which the industry players pulled out everything they had to offer to show to the public. But it was more than just straight out advertising for the business houses it was about a worthy cause. 7NEWS was at the Old Belize compound on the Western Highway and we got in on the action.
Alfonso Noble Reporting,
There were jet skies, outboard engines, generators, sailboats, and all manner of tackle and fishing gears - even sunglasses. Francis Woods, the boat organizer, says what you see is where we're at in the marine industry.
Francis Woods, Organizer
"The marine industry has really grown over the last three or four years due to cruise tourism and we wanted to showcase what Belize is doing in the marine industry."
And the major suppliers to the industry decked their wares for the public to feat their eye on what they've got to offer.
"Bradley's Boat Yard has four models of seventeen on this show. We have our Pelican 300, our Pelican 390, Pelican 4900, and our Pelican 12. The Pelican 300 is primarily a pleasure boat. The boats that we have on display are designed by Belizeans and built by Belizeans. The molds are made by Belizeans and I think it's a big plus for Belize. Most other companies, even the companies abroad, like in the US, some of them do not design and build their own molds, they depend on other companies to do that. Bradley's Boat Yard has the capability of performing the design and the mold building function as well as the boat building and this is basically where we are at today."
Danny Madrid, Marelco Limited
"We sell from four horsepower up to 225 horsepower. We sell two-stroke engines, we sell four-stroke engines."
And from engines to boats to life vests, those who brought out their equipment says that being out here is serving two purposes.
Danny Madrid,
"By being here, even if you don't make a sale here, you are donating something back to Rotary so they can help our children who have heart problems. We feel good to be here. It is a great experience, its good to look at your customers, people coming into your booth, and look at the product that you have. So yes it does help to advertise your product."
Bombardi Recreational Products,
"We're happy to be a part of this event to contribute to the Rotary cause and we are happy that all the proceeds will be used for a good cause for towards helping others."
Proceeds of the show will be used for the Rotary's Gift of Life program.
