Who is Webster Spooner from The Dog of the South and what is their importance?

Webster is a youngster in Belize who must fend for himself. To survive, he is an assistant/bellboy at the Fair Play Hotel, but, as well, engages in any money-making activity available in order to obtain cash. He is typical of many children in Latin American countries who must fend for themselves in a country that does not have strict laws regarding school attendance and child labor. He is street smart and wily, completely able to care for himself.