Tourism Minister Speaks About Way Forward After San Pedro Fire

San Pedro has a population of twenty-seven thousand residents. The popular tourism destination has been growing by leaps and bounds and the tourism dollar contributes heavily to the economy. The island, however, has been lacking proper fire-fighting equipment for some time and massive fires, at least one recently in which four family members were killed, have highlighted the sub standard fire-fighting services. Area Rep and Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Junior spoke today about the devastating blaze on Friday night. Heredia said today that G.O.B. will step in to assist.

Manuel Heredia Jr.

Manuel Heredia Jr., Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“Government yesterday agreed that they would do its part in purchasing portable pumps and probably a water truck that can hold probably three thousand four thousand gallons [of water] which can be manoeuvred easier than a fire truck. Even though B.T.L. has pledged to donate a fire engine already, government will still do its part to reinforce. The idea is to have a portable pump on the northern part one of the southern part and the base at the centre so that wherever it happens, they can start from that and then they can come together and do a better job than what is happening. This is the second fire in the same area and also the building people will be making sure that whenever they rebuild, they can rebuild in a safer way so that what occurred Saturday does not happen again.”