Caye Caulker resident hits the jackpot

Lester Arnold, a resident of Caye Caulker Village, is two hundred forty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty dollars richer. That’s after he won the Fantasy Five Jackpot of two hundred and ninety-one thousand dollars. The sixty-year-old purchased the winning quick-pick ticket last week but was unable to collect his winnings until today. Arnold says his IDs were expired and he had to wait until his social security was renewed. Earlier today, Arnold told Love News that he’ll be using the money to build himself a home.

Lester Arnold, Fantasy Five Winner: “I bought the ticket and the next day I was looking at it and I thought I only had four numbers but when I went to the store that I bought it at that’s when they guy said finally somebody in Caye Caulker won it and that’s when I knew.”

Reporter: I understand you’ve been holding on to this ticket for about a week and change. How did you feel when you came in today and cashed in that ticket ? 

Lester Arnold, Fantasy Five Winner: “A lot better than I did a week ago when my stuff was expired you know I couldn’t collect it because my social expired on my birthday and all my IDs expired on my birthday so I had to wait a week.”

Reporter: What’s your plan for this money ? 

Lester Arnold, Fantasy Five Winner: “I got a piece of property from Mr.Heredia I’m going to build on it, put a house so I don’t have to pay rent. It’s only my sister I told. My kids live in the United States and they’re too damn old you know and basically it’s a little bit of money compared to them living in the United States but it’s a blessing because I need it. You know ? When you’re paying rent you’re homeless regardless of what you think. You might end up paying thirty, forty thousand dollars in five years to your land lord and you’re homeless. This gives me a chance to have a home, not just a house you know what I’m saying ? So I’m happy and I’m glad for the blessing.”