Statements of solidarity are being received from the international community and friends of Belize on the devastation caused by Hurricane Dean in the northern Districts of Belize.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, in its capacity as Chairman of the Foreign Assistance Committee (FAC), has launched an appeal for immediate urgent humanitarian assistance for the residents of the northern Districts that were directly affected by Hurricane Dean.
In response to the appeal the Government of Belize has received pledges for assistance from international organizations, including the United Nations agencies in Belize, who have committed US$330,000 in humanitarian response. UNICEF is also committed to soliciting funds in the amount of US$470,000 to address water sanitation, educational infrastructure and disaster training.
The Government of Brazil has expressed its willingness to provide food and water purifying agents; the Government of Cuba will provide technical assistance with vector control, equipment, and chemicals; the Government of the United States is providing US$50,000 and food supplies; the Government of Guatemala is assisting with the loan of heavy equipment and technical assistance in the rehabilitation of the rural and feeder roads in the northern districts.
The Government has received commitments from the Governments of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Honduras to assist in the emergency relief efforts.
The Government has received assistance from the local community including Social Security, Benny’s, and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The Red Cross has been assisting with the distribution of food and clothing to the residents of the affected areas.
The Inter American Development Bank has indicated that it can make available emergency resources to assist in the disaster relief and recovery process. They will also receive an update of the immediate short term needs of the country that will help the bank in tailoring its assistance.