Princess feeds hurricane victims

While life in Belize City is largely back to normal following Hurricane Keith, there are a number of people whose homes were destroyed or damaged to the point that they will need massive repairs. To help stricken residents focus on the cleanup, one city landmark has not only opened its heart, but also its kitchen.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

Keith may have done some damage to the Princess Hotel and Casino, but it did not stop the hotel management from contributing to the relief of some less fortunate Belize City residents.

Enver Somay, General Manager, Princess Hotel And Casino

“This is the idea of the owner, the president of the company Mr. Sudi Ozean. We are feeding the people who got homeless. They have really got a lot damage from the hurricane and they need to eat. We are trying to feed them and at the same time give some help to the government and the people.”

The people that are dining at the Calypso for lunch have been gathered from Belize City with the assistance of the government. Their homes were either badly damaged or destroyed by strong hurricane winds, rains and flooding.

Murl Coleman, Hurricane Victim

“The whole top came off. The back came off, the rooms sank down. Everything broke.”

Brendalee Montejo, Hurricane Victim

“Due to the hurricane weather, the damage the house. It dropped and fell. That’s how we end up at the shelter.”

Enver Somay

“Mostly they would get one meat, chicken or pork chops and rice and beans with the salad and punch to drink.”

The program will continue every midday for the next two weeks. Jose Sanchez for News Five.

Water pouring through the hotel’s roof, which was under construction, caused extensive damage throughout the Princess. The casino opened this afternoon and if you’re in the mood for a movie, guess what’s playing tonight: The Perfect Storm.