As the community of Ambergris Caye rapidly pushes humanitarian efforts to effectively assist the fire victims of this morning’s tragedy and ensure that they are fed, clothed and sheltered, the San Pedro Town Council pushed forward a massive cleanup campaign of the devastated downtown area and the San Pedro Police Department looks into making an arrest of an individual suspected to be the arsonist responsible for the fire.
Henry Jemmott, Assistant Superintendent/Deputy CEO of Police in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, stated that his department is conducting an internal criminal investigation separate from the San Pedro Fire Department’s investigations. They are looking at arson as to the cause of the fire.
Just a few hours after the massive and disastrous fire that raved through downtown San Pedro, the Lions Club, Leos Club and the San Pedro Food Bank were first to organize a collecting station for non-perishable food, clothing and personal items for the fire victims. Clothing, toys for children and even diapers have been made available to them, but now donations of towels, pillow, bed sheets and personal hygiene items are being asked for by the Lions Club/Food Bank.
The San Pedro Lions Club has been set to officially collect all monetary donations through their local chapter. Those living abroad can make donations to their local Lions Club chapter to Lions Club International (San Pedro Fire Victim’s Funds) or through the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (SACNW) that has set up an easy online donation page on their website. (https://sacnw.org/wp/product/fire-victim-assistance/) The SACNW will forward all funds to the Lion’s Club.
Various organizations have set up collection centers for goods and funds; the San Pedro Town Council urges Belizeans to contact them at 226/2936 to verify their validity if they are not sure of the groups authenticity.
Free Cargo Services
Tropic Air
Maya Island Air
Caribbean Queen Barge
Groups Assisting Victims
San Pedro Lions Club
San Pedro Food Bank
South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch
Red Cross
Rotary Club
Courts country-wide branches are accepting donations
Gallardo Services and Hardware in Belmopan setting up collection of goods
(Add more businesses/ogranizations assisting in commets section to help spread the word)
The San Pedro Town Council and the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation along with various organizations, such as, Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works, Transport and NEMO, the San Pedro Fire Department, NEMO, the San Pedro Police Department, the People’s United Party, the San Pedro Food Bank, San Pedro Lions Club, San Pedro Red Cross, Projects Abroad and the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye have been working diligently to assist those affected by the fire by creating strategies to clear the area, finding resources to further aid them at this time of need and allocating shelter for the families that lost their homes.
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works, Transport and NEMO, stated that his Ministry is barging over bedding, stoves and supplies for the fire victims. He was impressed at the quick organization of the community and also promised to push at Cabinet level for the purchasing of a fire truck for the island
As of last night, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has been activated and working closely with the above-mentioned organizations and the San Pedro Town Council. During the course of the day, the SPTC assigned its work crewmen to the site of the fire to help dispose of the large pieces of debris; however, the assistance of more volunteers is greatly needed.
The San Pedro Town Council and the different organizations are hereby requesting that those wishing to donate non-perishable goods such as canned food and items like clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. to kindly do so at the San Pedro Lions Den. Those wishing to make fresh food donations for volunteers and fire victims can do so throughout the day at the SPTC Conference Room. Also, those wishing to make monetary donations can direct their donations to the San Pedro Lions Club/Fire Relief.
Currently, volunteers are still needed at the San Pedro Lions Den with the distribution of items, as well as at the NEMO station, which is located at the SPTC Conference Room (back of SPTC building). The NEMO station will be operating at the SPTC Conference Room for approximately three (3) days with twenty-four (24) hour assistance.
For more updates follow the San Pedro Town Council’s facebook page or call the SPTC’s offices at 226/2936.
The immense support from the community of San Pedro, Belizeans across the country, and the visitors as well, has been overwhelming and the continued assistance proves that the community of San Pedro and its friends is strong and united.
Mahogany Bay Village, Curio Collection by Hilton deployed 10 of their employees to commence cleanup efforts
Belize Electricity Limited crew arrives to install high tension wires and reconnect the area with electricity
