Opposition in solidarity with Haitians; GOB monitoring situation

As far as we have been able to ascertain, no Belizeans have been injured in the earthquake and communication with the honorary consular representative in Haiti could not be established during the course of the day. We have, however, learnt that the offices located in Petition-Ville were damaged. The representative, Didier Gardere, was unharmed. This morning the opposition People’s United Party issued a release saying it stands in solidarity with the people of Haiti and will support the International Red Cross efforts. It is also encouraging all Belizeans to give generously to local efforts to assist the Haitian government and people. The government of Belize weighed in this afternoon saying that it is closely monitoring the situation to identify how best to coordinate its assistance to relief and reconstruction, including a possible collective approach with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CEDEMA) and the US Southern Command based in Honduras.