Minister of NEMO (with responsibility for National Fire Service), Hon Edmond Castro was on the ground on Saturday, August 4, 2018, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, within hours after an early morning fire destroyed 10 buildings, leaving more than 75 persons homeless.
After a brief meeting at the San Pedro NEMO Office, Hon Castro joined Area Representative Hon Manuel Heredia on the ground where they inspected the damage and spoke with victims of the devastating blaze. All victims were already being provided with shelter (mainly at Hope Haven); food, water, clothing and hygiene kits.
Hon Castro and Hon Heredia also assured fire victims that Government, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, business and the general community, will do everything possible to help them rebuild their homes and lives.
Social Services and NEMO secured most of the families’ forms to help recover from their losses. Stoves for the families are scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday, and cash to help secure new housing. While the families rebuild their lives, the public is being asked to kindly continue supporting them in any way possible.
Both the Lions Club and Hope Haven are accepting donations and are mostly in need of underwear, bedding and basic survival needs of pots, pans, plates, and cutlery so that families can start preparing their own meals as they find new homes.
Hope Haven will continue to house the victims and provide three meals a day through your support and food donations. The community response has been incredible, and not a single belly has been left empty thus far!
Monetary donations can be made at https://www.paypal.me/LoveShareUS. Please leave a note that says “fire relief”, 100% of your donation is used to aid the displaced families. The Belize Red Cross will also be hosting a radiothon and dollar drive on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.
A huge thank you all for the immense amount of support that has already been provided; it was amazing to see a few smiles start to take shape on the faces of these folks amongst this devastation.
