THE UNKNOWN COROZAL TOWN OF YESTERYEARS

Years ago in Corozal there was a division more obvious than there is today. It was a division of class and race in a town that had only two main streets. Front Street and Back Street. These streets were basically where Fourth and Seventh Avenue are today.

The town was divided into Barrio, the area north of the center of town, and Bacadilla, the area south of the Center.

People of these two areas, especially the youth, did not get along well. There was always a fight or two occurring betweem the Bacadilla and Barrio groups.

Another obvious show of difference was in the dances that were held. Dances were held for the different levels. There were dances that were for the affluent and dances for the middle and lower class citizens. People of the two group NEVER went to the same functions.

Some prominent names were the Orosco's and the Romero's.

The District Commissioner at one time was my grandfather, Edward LLewelyn Ysaguirre. He had the power to sentence a man to jail and to forgive and give a pardon if he felt it was deserving.

Edward L. Ysaguirre was a very strict man. He was called DC and if you look at the birth certificate of the 1950's it is probable that his signature will be on it.

After he retired, people would bring him fruits from their farms as payment for him to read letters and other documents for them or for him to write their letters or wills. Many people were unable to pay cash for the services he rendered to them so he would take the produce of their farm in payment. He had many friends in the rural areas of Corozal and countrywide for he served the government of Belize in almost every district. He came to Corozal when it was time to retire because he asked my grandmother where she would like to live of all the places they had been. I am sure glad they chose Corozal Town for I am attached to this town. It is home to me and I enjoy living here.