Evacuation Routes for Belize City are Identified

Melanie Dawson

Various routes have been identified for residents of the city, as well as persons seeking refuge from the islands, to find shelter elsewhere. While there are essentially two entrances to Belize City via the George Price and Philip Goldson highways, Dawson says that in the Old Capital there are multiples means of accessing both highways.

Melanie Dawson, CEMO Liaison Officer

“When it comes to the evacuation routes in the city, we try to use the most effective way out of the city so we do not cause traffic jam because at that time, you know, this is when residents will be out buying their groceries and doing different stuff and certain areas, we do know that the traffic sometimes gets backed up.  So, for example, for the Fort George Division, we have the route going from… you go Queen Street, you go Daly Street, Marine Parade.  You go Princess Margaret Drive to Coney Drive, Buttonwood Bay Boulevard and then onto the Philip Goldson Highway, onto Chetumal Street and then down to the George Price Highway.  We also have, for example, Albert Street.  You would go Albert Street, Queen Charlotte, then you would go Caesar Ridge Road.  You would go Faber’s Road and into the George Price Highway.  There are different evacuation routes that you can take in the city that will lead you to a clear way and a free way out of the city on the highway.”

Isani Cayetano

“What plan is in place for persons coming from the islands who are transiting through Belize City to move onwards?”

Melanie Dawson

“Okay. That is one of our plans that we had started from the beginning of the year.  We communicate with Ms. Parham who is the NEMO coordinator.  She would let us know, “Okay, Ms. Dawson, we will start our evacuation.”  And then from there the evacuees from the cayes would come in at the Tourism Village and then from that point we will evacuate them to the UB gymnasium in Belmopan.  So they have their designated shelters for the evacuees from the cayes in Belmopan.”