DEMO Works to Implement Plan to Restore Normalcy after Fire
On the ground in San Pedro, the District Emergency Management Organization continues its efforts to return a sense of normalcy to the area hardest hit by the fire. Since Monday, the organization has been coordinating with other agencies to provide relief for the displaced families. That initiative includes the collection of funds to assist with the purchase of basic necessities. It also includes providing shelter for those directly affected by the fire. DEMO will remain active on the island until the end of the week. Nonetheless, a plan has been formulated to assist the fire victims in the weeks ahead. District Emergency Coordinator Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano outlines the measures being taken to address the resulting issues.
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano, District Emergency Coordinator, Belize District
“Yesterday, we accommodated all the fire victims that came to seek help. Accommodation is provided to them through hotels and private homes and in terms of relief items, we provide hot meals. We provide breakfast, lunch and supper. For this afternoon, what we will be doing is distributing some relief supplies in terms of some household things including mattress so that the victims can be more comfortable with wherever they are.”
Isani Cayetano
“With regards to the cleanup effort, I know that an initiative to begin clearing the debris and the rubble began yesterday morning, immediately after the fire. Where do you guys stand in regards to this effort?”
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano
“In regards to the cleanup effort, we have volunteers on the ground doing the cleanup and after the police gave the all clear for the other contaminated area to be cleared, the group of volunteers…they are still working on the ground. And when the demolition crew start to demolish whatever there is to demolish, another crew will come in and continue to clean up effort.”
Isani Cayetano
“At this point, have you guys gotten an idea more or less what the total costs of damages are?”
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano
“We are still working on that Isani…we are still working on that.”
Isani Cayetano
“How long will the District Emergency Management Organization be activated in terms of dealing with these individuals? I know the recovery is a fairly lengthy process.”
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano
“We are hoping that by the end of the week, the EOC will be deactivated.”
Isani Cayetano
“The effort from the wider community to assist either in rebuilding or taking down what is left in terms of either providing financial support or any other form of assistance for these eighty-eight victims. What has that been like since yesterday?”
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano
“From what we have in our records, financially it looks good. I cannot give you a figure, but it looks good. The assistance is still coming so I can’t give you a definite answer with that.”
Isani Cayetano
“And the coordinated effort from the Lion’s Club and the other N.G.O.’s who have pitched in to assist these families; how has that been shaping out?”
On the Phone: Jeromi Augustine-Cayetano
“Oh very good, very good. And for the record Isani, I must say that NEMO is assisting with the coordination of all these agencies coming together to provide some kind of relief to these people.”
Smart today donated two thousand five hundred dollars to assist the fire victims. The company has also activated a Smart Cares Program to facilitate customers who wish to pledge a donation, which will be deducted from their credit.
