Gamboa’s Controversial Effort Inspires Nationwide Support

What began as a good faith effort by Superintendent Aaron Gamboa to help children return to school has transformed into a powerful story of partnership and generosity. Police officers across the country have been stepping up to ensure students head back to class with dignity, sparking both debate and compassion along the way. When A&R, the country’s sole authorized JanSport distributor, raised concerns about the school bags, it created an unexpected opportunity for collaboration. Businessman Said Perdomo and Kelvin Li of Vin’s Liquors joined forces with A&R to provide hundreds of genuine JanSport bags, books, and other supplies. A&R Enterprises has issued a formal apology to the people of Belize expressing regret for any misunderstanding for this school bag donation and emphasizing their responsibility to protect authenticity and warranty as they are the authorized distributor of JanSport in Belize. Tonight, we bring you the story of how one officer’s initiative turned into a movement of unity for Belizean families.

 

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

For many families, back-to-school shopping is an overwhelming expense, but this year, a community-driven effort is lightening the load. Superintendent Aaron Gamboa’s school bag initiative, which started as a simple act of kindness, came under scrutiny when questions were raised about counterfeit JanSport products. But rather than dividing the community, the situation opened doors for collaboration between the police and the private sector. Now A&R Enterprises, Car Guys, and Vin’s Liquors have joined forces with donors like Said Perdomo to provide children with authentic JanSport bags and school supplies.

 

Said Perdomo, Businessman

“You have two side of the story I am a business man at the end of the day I know what A&R is going through when you are building a brand and you see you have to invest you have to put up that marketing a lot of money in one brand if you notice they have billboard all over but Gambis does no wrong like I said before that man is giving to poor people the man is giving to people that cannot afford that is something that is something no one is doing how will he benefit from that? No way! He is not running for politics. He is soon done he only has two or three more years in the force that man is doing this from his heart all love he and his family are love to me it was bad timing so when I saw that I thought about it and I crack a joke on Facebook and then I say you know what since I understand the two of them I will buy some bags from A&R and make them match it and we will give it to the same man that they are attacking well I shouldn’t say they are attacking but that people are attacking for the fake bag so it started like that.”

 

Businessman Said Perdomo has partnered with Vin Liquors for a generous school donation. In addition, A&R has agreed to match his contribution not only providing school bags but also filling them with essential supplies like pencils and other items students need.

 

Said Perdomo

“People suffer, you have to help you know what I mean you have to help you were a child you know if somebody gives you this this is my daughters but if something gives you his you are excited so they are giving you a bag you are not worrying if it is fake and as a parent that cant afford it your kid will be one step closer to go to school you hustle school bag you hustle pen, pencil, book school bag must be half of what you need to have and they are one more step to full attendance and education is important”

 

To help us better understand the issue we spoke with attorney Tiffany Cadle, one of the country’s few specialists in intellectual property law. She explained the real risks of counterfeit goods and why enforcement matters. Cadle says the sale and circulation of fake products not only violate intellectual property rights but also hurt local distributors who follow the law.

 

Tiffany Cadle, Attorney at Law

“The giving away to the public in any manner is always something that is welcome especially at this time people are struggling to get their children back to school that is an effort that we cannot downgrade but what is being highlighted here is the backlash to A&R who I am made to understand they have issued a statement that says they are the distributor they are the sole distributor for JanSport School bags. Now as a business what you are doing is destroying JanSport name their reputation of a bag that is known for its strength, durability what if for argument sake these bags aren’t real they go to school and two weeks into school these bags buss do you think they are going to say JanSport counterfeit they will say I will never buy a JanSport again from nowhere because this bag is not good.”

 

We visited A&R Enterprises to show viewers how to spot a genuine JanSport bag. From logos to stitching and tags, they highlighted the key details that set the authentic bags apart.

 

Tanya Arceo

“Can you show me if these are authentic JanSport what are the features what are the details is there a way that you can show me?”

 

A&R Employee

“How we tell the difference if a JanSport is real or fake you can also open the school bag you will find a QR code you can also scan it. Also the zipper have the JS for the JanSport and the quality of the school bag lost long and strong.”

 

The source and authenticity of the bags for Gamboa’s program remain unclear, but the situation underscores the importance of intellectual property. Knowing how to spot genuine products helps protect businesses and consumers alike. Tanya Arceo for News Five.