Oftentimes, structures in Belize are dedicated to public figures who have passed away as a way to honor them. We have the George Price Highway, the Philip Goldson International Airport, the Edney Gain Building, and now... the Earl Trapp Building!? Residents of the twin towns were a little taken aback when they saw the brand new sign on their town hall.
And while eponymous buildings aren't exactly uncommon, it typically happens after the figure has passed away - or at the very least, has served their term. But the San Ignacio/Santa Elena mayor says his council wanted to honor him while he was still in the position that he has held for 4 terms. He explained how the decision was made.
Earl Trapp, Mayor of SISE:
"With respect to the building, it's been 10 years that we have constructed this monument here and it's beginning to drain down, especially through the painting so I brought it to the council and we decided that we need to give it a new face lift. If you notice, we have the fence already, we began to paint that about a month ago. And now the building."
"Like you mentioned, yes we are renaming the building. Well not really renaming but it has Earl Trapp Building and below it has San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council. My council had a meeting 6 months ago and by a resolution and by unanimous decision decided to accredit my valuable contribution to this community by naming it after my name."
"I'm here for almost 24 years. 12 years as a councilor and going for almost 12 years as a mayor. I believe that yes I have contributed immensely to the development of this community and yes some of the critics would say why not have someone name it after you after you demit office. But again there's a valid point but we have to change the way we think. Ladies and gentlemen, don't wait for a man to die to tell him he's good."
"If this will bring down the skies, I am more than willing to take it down."
We checked as best we could determine - there is no other active politician who has a building, major structure or public space named after them.
