The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) held a special meeting on December 3, 2010 at The Villas at Banyan Bay to officially close off the 2010 Hurricane Season. The meeting was held to acknowledge and give thanks to the San Pedro/Caye Caulker Emergency Operation Center Committee members for their support throughout the 2010 NEMO activities, especially during the hurricane season.
In her welcome address at the meeting, San Pedro Mayor Elsa Paz, encouraged members of the EOC to continue the good work and applauded all for their efforts and support during the 2010 hurricane season. Mayor Paz emphasized on more training for the members and encouraged them to keep up the good job they are doing.
Members of Caye Caulker Village Council who are also members of the EOC were present and the meeting where Mrs. June Wayne, Operations Officer for the Caye Caulker EOC, thanked NEMO for all the training they have received and hopes there will be more training in the future.
Mrs. Josie Nunez former president of the South Neighborhood Watch Committee gave a brief summary of a vulnerability assessment conducted over the summer by eight youths who volunteered their time to assist NEMO in this exercise. She stated that the exercise was a very good experience for the youths and herself because, this was the first time they were involved with such an activity in the community.
As a token of appreciation to all the members of the Emergency Operation Center Committee (EOC) and also to the volunteers the District Emergency Coordinator, certificates were handed out to all members.
“I believe this will boost up the members’ energy and encourage them to continue supporting us whenever they are called upon to assist in times of an emergency or disaster,” commented Jeromey Timrose Augustin, District Emergency Coordinator of NEMO, Belize Rural South.
NEMO continues to prepare throughout the year. If anyone would like to be a volunteer with NEMO they can sign up at the office located on Barrier Reef Drive, upstairs The Baker. The San Pedro Town/Caye Caulker Emergency Operation Committee (EOC) members continue to meet on a monthly basis. These meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month.
“Once again I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the public officers, volunteers and community driven people who assisted NEMO in whatever way possible; the committee members stand ready and are prepared for 2011,” stated Jeromey Augustin.
Note: The District Emergency Coordinator will be on vacation commencing December 13 to January 6, 2011. Mr. Pablo Ico, deputy Mayor will be holding over her position in the meantime. In case of a disaster please call Mr. Ico. He can be contacted at 633- 7820. I will be off Island from 19 December 2010. I can be contacted via cell phones 666- 7476 or 600- 8672.