San Pedranos return a year old favour
The process of recovery now underway in southern Belize is the product of many different efforts. While the Government of Belize is mounting the largest single campaign, it is direct people to people contributions that have become crucial, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. One such arrangement has particular significance.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
One year ago the people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker were hit hard when their area was devastated by Hurricane Keith. This time around they have united and are helping their friends in the south. Jim Muhammed, Chairman of San Pedro’s Emergency Management Organisation and a team have been dispatched to the area to co-ordinate the relief effort.
Jim Muhammed, San Pedro Emergency Management Organisation
“One thing our community learned is that when we got all of that help, that if anybody else every needs us we are there to support them.”
One way San Pedro residents showed their support is by responding to a radiothon that took place on Tuesday. As a result, they have brought financial assistance and tons of food clothing and other supplies to the area.
Alberto Nunez, Mayor, San Pedro
“We started at 10:00 and we ended 9:00 last night and we had all the stuff that you are looking at here, plus thirty-four thousand dollars in cash. And pretty close to another eight thousand dollars that the area representative is donating. But she is putting it into gas and things like that to bring the stuff this side.”
It was an encouraging sight to see a human conveyor belt form along the coast as the villagers helped to bring the bags and boxes of supplies onshore.
Patty Arceo, the representative for Belize Rural South, was also in the area helping the villagers to recover from the devastation. Arceo says they will also be assisting Placencia to bring back badly needed tourists, the lifeblood of the village economy.
Patty Arceo, Representative, Belize Rural South
“We will be stationed there for about three to four days for right now. Then we’re going to go back to see what more assistance we’re going to be bringing here.”
It is easy to get discouraged when you see the amount of destruction spread over a wide area, and some residents are left feeling hopeless. The San Pedranos understand these emotions and have been motivating residents to unite and forge ahead to rebuild their communities.
Jacqueline Woods
“When you look at the destruction, does it remind you of what you guys went through just last year in San Pedro?”
Alberto Nunez
“Oh yes, it’s exactly like that. We just remember what we went through just over a year ago.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What’s your advice to the people down south on how to get back, become motivated and start to rebuild?”
Alberto Nunez
“Well, I guess the cleanup has to start and we have to concentrate from one area and go right through. Not just pick a little bit of debris from here and a little bit from there, because you don’t see what you accomplish for the day. Just start from one end and keep on going and everyday you will see how you are advancing and your courage will come back.”
It may be recalled that in the aftermath of Hurricane Keith a number of Placencians organised several boat loads of relief supplies for the people of San Pedro.
