The Northern Highway's entrance to Belize City has a new addition tonight as a massive 38-foot distressed metal structure commemorating Rotary International's centennial year of service to the world has been mounted at the mile two roundabout. President of the Rotary Club of Belize, Alberto Young, says the monument was erected to commemorate the Club's centennial celebration as well as bring visible presence of the club into the country.
Alberto Young, Rotary Club President
"We're joining in that celebration by commemorating this monument, the 4 way test, which is Rotary's ethics of the things we think say or do. One of the things that this monument will do, as you will see on both sides, is that we've published the 4 way test because we feel that with people practicing more ethical standards in business and in leadership Belize will be a better place and will be a model for our neighbors and the world. We ask all leaders and for people to look at it and read it and follow it because it will truly help them to make wise decisions, decisions that are right, and it will be beneficial for all. It is our way of saying to Belize and our community that we are here to stay. The Rotary Club of Belize has been in Belize since 1957. Rotary has been here for 48 years now and there's nothing of significance that says this is Rotary's home, for the most part for Belizeans. What we're doing here is just commemorating that, telling the Belizean public that we're here to stay."
Alfonso Noble,
Is this a bit much, is this excessive?
Alberto Young,
"Well I wouldn't say excessive, it is significant which is emblematic of Rotary's contribution to the world."
The monument is made of steel and copper, it stands at 38 feet, the diameter of the Rotary symbol is 8 feet and its cost is in the range of $40,000. A committee of Rotarians led by Cisco Woods is responsible for the design while the team from old Belize assembled it.
