Smog over the capital; Education Ministry monitoring the classroom

The forest fires in the Cayo District blanketed Belize City on Tuesday morning.  But for weeks Public Service Officers in the Capital have been feeling the effects of the carbon monoxide in the air and residents have been complaining of irritated eyes. Today the Western Highway from mile twenty all the way to the Capital was covered with smog.  Isolated fires in the Belmopan area were also contributing to the smog in the air.  Medical officers have noted the danger to asthmatics and people prone to allergies.  It is a concern shared by teachers and students.  News Five spoke to the Education Information Officer for the Ministry of Education who says that the situation is being monitored.

Arlette Gomez, Education Information Officer, Ministry of Education

“As it relates to the bush fired, we have spoken with the experts at the Ministry of Natural Resources who have told us that there are no serious risks at this time to any human life or any life at all. And the Ministry of Health is also guiding us on how we should act as it relates to health issues. We have not been receiving any complaints as it is at this time about anybody being affected by this smoke. But we are looking at the matter and we are monitoring it and if any of those authorities see it fit for us to act and make any decisions, then we will go ahead and do so.”

Jose Sanchez

Arlette Gomez

“I have spoken to some teachers who say that some students have complained of minor eye irritation, etc. but it affects the districts on a day to day business, but you’re continuing to monitor it.”

Arlette Gomez

“Yes we’re continuing to monitor and if any of those schools—I know the schools that are looking at it on an individual basis—so if they have any major problems, they should contact their distr4ict education centers who will then inform us and then we will speak with the relevant authorities to ensure that everybody is being taken care of.”

The air cleared somewhat in Belize City this morning and it is predicted that in the next few days, the smog will disperse.