San Ignacio Man Needs Your Help!
When the pandemic hit in early 2020 and tourism collapsed, almost forty thousand Belizeans lost their jobs. Unemployment is tough on all families, but for Jaime Beckford, losing his job last March could not have come at the worst time. Beckford, a father of four, was diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease two years ago. When he was working, he could afford his medical bills; but after ten months of joblessness, relying on friends and family’s kindness, he’s out of luck and hoping the persons who hear his story will be willing to assist.
On the Phone: Jamie Beckford, Needs Medical Assistance
“I was employed as front desk clerk in San Ignacio, here. Since March I have been unemployed. I have been a concierge and front desk clerk for the past twelve, thirteen years in various parts in Belize City. In 2017 I found out that I have this hypertensive heart disease and I have been trying to take care of myself since then but usually I do checkups but since then I have not been able to follow up. In my view, from what I am experiencing I think I really need to do another one. Either an MRI, endoscopy and CT scan. Based on the symptoms that I am going through right now, my hypertension is through the roof, like coughing up blood and stuff like that. It is a little bit worrisome. I feel the sentiments with all the other Belizeans who are going through this. I am not one who, for me it takes a lot to seek help from other people. Trust me I would like to go back to work and do all of these things. I love doing what I do. I deal with tourists, I deal with people. So everybody who knows me knows that I have always worked in tourism so it is a direct impact to me. It’s not something can do about it. I would to be able to help myself. I have always had help with a couple of friends. I am very private too, I don’t really deal with a lot of people. So I have one or two best friends and a sister who has always assisted me but in this time everybody is going through their own struggle. It is frustrating you know, staying at home and being, it’s the new norm. I don’t like having to beg people and stuff like that. Everybody will tell you that they have their own problems when you look at around and you really see there is not enough money for the rent and food the house then you get frustrating because you turn around and say who is going to help me right now.”
If you would like to assist, you can call 635-8169. Or deposit to Jamie Beckford at Belize bank account number 650-02-2-285150 or account number 8302 at Saint Martin’s Credit Union.
