San Pedro NEMO holds Search and Rescue/First Aid Training

The San Pedro branch of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is holding a Search and Rescue/Basic First Aid Training on Friday, July 1st. The training is being held with the objective to continue the preparation for the remaining hurricane season 2011. The training will be held at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room commencing at 8:30 am.

The purpose of the training is four-fold: to enhance knowledge, skills and ability to better understand the importance of search and rescue; to train participants on how to conduct search and rescue; how to apply basic first aid on casualties and; the importance of search and rescue and basic first aid in the field before and after an emergency or disaster.

While the training is geared towards the emergency chairpersons and committee members, members of the general populace are welcome to attend. The terms of your participation would be discussed and you are asked to contact Ms. Jeromey Timrose, District Emergency Coordinator for NEMO San Pedro, no later than today at 600-8672/666- 476 OR 226-4291.

Ministry of Health conducts workshop on Disaster Response

Press Release – Belmopan - April 12th, 2011 - The Ministry of Health is currently conducting a three day workshop on Disasters, Incident Command and Crisis Leadership. It started yesterday Monday, April 11 and will run through to Wednesday April 13th, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City.

The main objectives of the workshop are to evaluate the present multi-sector systems, information and practices in Belize on health-related responses, to become familiar with the U.S. Incident Command Systems and also to gain knowledge and skills in crisis leadership and risk communication.

Topics being discussed include Pandemic Influenza and Disaster Response, Emergency and Disaster Management, Risk Communications and Media Effectiveness and Psychological First Aid for all hazards.

Participants in the workshop include health practitioners from hospitals and clinics, police officers, representatives from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Fire Department and Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA.)

The workshop is being held in collaboration with CDC-CAP Guatemala and the University of South Florida.

NEMO holds last meeting to officially closes the Hurricane Season 2010

The official hurricane season runs through the months of June through November. Tuesday November 30th marked the last day of the Hurricane season for the year 2010. The past Hurricane Season saw the country facing three major scares.

Hurricane season 2010 started on June 1st and promised to be one of the most active in recent years. With twenty one names listed: Alex, Bonnie, Collin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Sharry, Thomas, Virginie and Walter, hurricane season 2010 was well underway. Twelve of those named storms became hurricanes and of those twelve, five were intense hurricanes; major hurricanes categories three four or five. For us here in Belize, the threats didn’t start until late June.

On June 26th at about six pm, tropical storm Alex, the first named system of the season made landfall in Belize approximately twenty miles north of Belize with maximum sustained winds of about 65mph. The damage suffered by the country as a result of TS Alex was fairly minimal notwithstanding the fact that it was a very large system.

Karl and Matthew followed within 10 days of each other. What started off as an area of interest, I92L, out in the Caribbean, moved westward and reached tropical storm status “Tropical Storm Karl” late Tuesday afternoon, September 14th. At about 7:30am on Wednesday September 15th, the center of tropical storm Karl made landfall just north of the country of Belize, passing through and going towards Chetumal, Mexico with maximum sustained winds of about 45 mph. The extent of the tropical storm covered the area between San Pedro and Belize City, covering the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts and northward over the Yucatan Peninsula. This was followed shortly after by Matthew and Richard.

Hurricane Richard was the 17th named storm and the 10th hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. Richard developed from an area of low pressure that stalled in the Caribbean Sea in mid-October. It slowly organized and was declared a tropical storm and given the name Richard on October 20th 2010. At around 5:40pm on October 24th, Hurricane Richard made landfall about 20 miles south-southeast of Belize City at peak intensity with wind gusts of about 90-100mph.

Hurricane Richard crossed the country of Belize to the Guatemalan Boarder maintaining its strength all the way through. Hurricane Richard caused major structural damage and power outage for most of the country. The citrus industry suffered a major blow as all the citrus crops were blown off the trees. Richard destroyed many homes leaving thousands without roofs over their heads. However most importantly, Richard also caused the loss of two lives.
Through all these threats and in some cases, hurricanes, the National Emergency Management Organization NEMO and its various sub bodies, including the members of the Emergency Operating Committee were instrumental in maintaining order and keeping residents of both islands safe.
Miss Jeromey Timrose Augustine, DEC District Emergency Co-ordinator for Belize Rural south which includes San Pedro and Caye Caulker, hosted a final meeting for the hurricane season 2010. The meeting was held at the conference room at the Villas at Banyan Bay on Thursday December 2nd at2:00pm. The purpose of this meeting was to officially close the hurricane season as well as issue Certificates of Appreciation and awards to outstanding chair persons and members of the Emergency Operating Committee EOC that have supported NEMO throughout the Hurricane Season. Over 35 individuals gathered at the conference room, where Mayoress Elsa Paz offered her thanks to the team for a job well done during the Hurricane Season, as well as reports given by the various committee leaders.

After certificates and awards were issued, the group was invited for refreshments and a social. The San Pedro Sun congratulates all members of NEMO, the EOC, Public Servants as well as volunteers that worked tirelessly throughout all the threats that we faced in the past months, to keep us all informed and safe. Now that the threats are over, it is now time to re-build and start making plans for Hurricane Season 2011.

NEMO holds last meeting to officially Close the Hurricane Season 2010

Hurricane season 2010 started on June 1^st and promised to be one of the most active in recent years. With twenty names listed: Alex, Bonnie, Collin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Sharry, Thomas, Virginie and Walter, hurricane season 2010 was well underway. For us here in Belize, the threats didn’t start until September 14^th.

What started off as an area of interest, I92L out in the Caribbean, moved westward and reached tropical storm status “Tropical Storm Karl” late Tuesday afternoon, September 14^th. At about 7:30am on Wednesday September 15^th, the center of tropical storm Karl made landfall just north of the country of Belize, passing through and going towards Chetumal, Mexico with maximum sustained winds of about 45 mph. The extent of the tropical storm covered the area between San Pedro and Belize City, covering the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts and northward over the Yucatan Peninsula.

This was the first threat that placed the country on high alert and even made landfall.

This was followed shortly after by Matthew and Richard. Hurricane Richard was the 17^th named storm and the 10^th hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season.

Richard developed from an area of low pressure that stalled in the Caribbean Sea in mid-October. It slowly organized and was declared a tropical storm and given the name Richard on October 20^th 2010. At around 5:40pm on October 24^th, Hurricane Richard made landfall about 20 miles south-southeast of Belize City at peak intensity with wind gusts of about 90-100mph.

Through all these threats and in some cases, hurricanes, the National Emergency Management Organization NEMO and its various sub bodies, including the members of the Emergency Operating Committee were instrumental in maintaining order and keeping residents of both islands safe.

Miss Jeromey Timrose Augustine, DEC District Emergency Co-ordinator for Belize Rural south which includes San Pedro and Caye Caulker, will be hosting a final meeting for the hurricane season 2010. The meeting is scheduled for Friday November 26^th at 2:00pm. The purpose of this meeting is to officially close the hurricane season as well as issue Certificates of Appreciation and awards to outstanding chair persons and members of the Emergency Operating Committee EOC that have supported NEMO throughout the Hurricane Season.

The San Pedro Sun congratulates all members of NEMO, the EOC, Public Servants as well as volunteers that worked tirelessly throughout all the threats that we faced in the past months, to keep us all informed and safe

Lieutenant General P. K. (Ken) Keen donates to NEMO

The Embassy of the United States of America and the U.S. Military Liaison Office in Belize is pleased to announce the visit of Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command Lieutenant General P. K. (Ken) Keen.

Lieutenant General Keen will present US$150,000 of relief supplies to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on Wednesday, November 3. Relief supplies include two generators, mattresses, blankets, clothing, medical supplies, sheets, and pillows. The donation is made possible through U.S. Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.

Lieutenant General Keen serves as the Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida. He is second-in-command of one of ten Unified Commands under the Department of Defense. Southern Command conducts military operations and promotes security cooperation throughout the 16 million square mile area of Latin America and the Caribbean. Most recently, LTG Keen served as the Commander, Joint Task Force Haiti during Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE. As Commander of all U.S. forces in Haiti, he led the largest ever U.S. military operation in support of foreign natural disaster response.

San Pedro Community Relief Fund Established For Hurricane Richard Victims

Community groups and leaders met this evening to determine how the community of San Pedro can assist families on the mainland who have suffered the consequences of Hurricane Richard. With reports of over 200 homes damaged during the storm, and under the directive of Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. who attended today’s Cabinet meeting, it was determined that building supplies were paramount in assisting those in need. A San Pedro Community Relief Fund has been established and fund raising efforts are slated to begin tomorrow.

Students are encouraged to bring $1 to school tomorrow and a street-side collection drive will be held in front of Reef Radio beginning at 7am. A Belize Bank account will be opened where donations can be made as well. Fund raising efforts will continue through Thursday.

On Friday plans are for representatives from the Community Relief Fund to travel to Belmopan where they will present NEMO Head Quarters with the monies raised. In turn NEMO will use the donation to obtain the building supplies necessary for rebuilding and repairing the damaged homes.

For more information on donating to this worth cause please contact the Reef Radio at 226-4054.

NEMO Gives An "All Clear" as of 7AM

Although San Pedro and neighboring cayes have some cleaning up to do after Hurricane Richard passed through last night, we are happy to report that all is well on the island. More photos to come!

This photo was taken this morning by Elbert Greer.

NEMO Public Advisory #8- Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #8- Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 24, 2010, 03:18 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #8
Hurricane Richard

At 3:00 p.m. the center of the Hurricane Richard was located near Latitude 17.2 North, Longitude 88.0 West, located 25 miles East South East of Belize City. The Hurricane is moving towards the West North West at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 90 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for Belize.

During a Hurricane

o Stay inside

o Stay away from flood areas

o Close all interior doors, secure and brace all external doors

o All vessels should remain in port.

o DO NOT LISTEN TO RUMORS! Stay tune to your radio and television for advisories from NEMO and the National Met Service. Listen to the official authorities of NEMO and the MET Service.

o Remain vigilant and be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods.


:- End of Release -:

NEMO Public Advisory #7- Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #7- Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 24, 2010, 12:00 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #7
Hurricane Richard

At 12:00 midday the center of the Hurricane Richard was located near Latitude 17.1 North, Longitude 87.5 West, located 55 miles East South East of Belize City. The Hurricane is moving towards the West North West at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

The center of Hurricane Richard is expected to make landfall on Belize this evening as a Category 1 Hurricane.

All public transport operations (buses) have been ceased effective 10:00 a.m. this morning, except for transit buses that will complete their runs to the North at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. The safety of the public is of ultimate importance.

All private motor vehicles are advised to avoid travelling by 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.

People living in Dangriga and Communities in the Stann Creek District who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

People living in vulnerable areas within Belize City who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

People who are planning to leave Dangriga and Belize City and have not done so as yet are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

o Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o Mariners are advised not to go to sea. All vessels should remain in port.

o By now all Hurricane plans should be in action.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods. Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.


:- End of Release -:

NEMO Public Advisory #6 - Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #6 - Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 24, 2010, 09:00 am


NEMO Public Advisory #6
Tropical Storm Richard

At 6:00 a.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 16.8 North, Longitude 86.4 West, located 130 miles East South East of Belize City. The Storm is moving towards the West at 10 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 70 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

The center of TS Richard is expected to make landfall on Belize this evening as a Category 1 Hurricane.

People living in coastal communities including: San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Mullins River, Monkey River, Placencia, Seine Bight, Punta Negra, Hopkins, Sarteneja and who believe their homes would not withstand 50 mph winds or do not feel safe at their homes are advised to seek shelter. Shelters for coastal districts have been opened from 6:00 p.m. yesterday October 23, 2010.

People living in Stann Creek and neighboring Communities are advised to evacuate to Shelters.

o Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o Mariners are advised not to go to sea.

o If you have to evacuate do so early. If you are going to Shelter take along those things you will need. Your life is the most valuable possession.

o By now all Hurricane plans should be in action.

o If you live in an area that will flood move your family and belongings to safety.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

People who have livestock areas that are likely to flood should move them to safety. Farmers in areas that normally flood who have crops in the fields should harvest them.

NEMO strongly advise those people in Gales point, Lord's Bank and Lucky Strike who are refusing to move, to understand that you take responsibility of the consequences of your decisions.

Employers cannot stop employees from safe guarding their lives in times of national threat to Belize.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods. Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.



:- End of Release -:

NEMO Public Advisory #5 - Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #5 - Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 23, 2010, 08:00 pm

At 6:00 p.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 16.2 North, Longitude 84.4 West, located 270 miles East South East of Belize City. The Storm is moving towards the West at 8 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 65 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

The center of TS Richard is expected to pass near the north eastern coast of Honduras tonight. It is anticipated that the Storm will make landfall on Belize Sunday afternoon/evening as a Category 1 Hurricane.

People living in coastal communities including: San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Mullins River, Monkey River, Placencia, Seine Bight, Punta Negra, Hopkins, Sarteneja and who believe their homes would not withstand 50 mph winds or do not feel safe at their homes are advised to seek shelter. NEMO will be opening shelters for coastal districts at 6:00 p.m. this evening.

o Public Officers are being asked to report to their respective shelters.

o Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o Mariners are advised not to go to sea.

o If you have to evacuate do so early. If you are going to Shelter take along those things you will need. Your life is the most important possession.

o Put your Hurricane plans into action.

o If you live in an area that will flood take seriously the advice from NEMO and the Met Office and be prepared to quickly move your family and belongings to safety. Belongings include assets, property, animals and crops.

o All Tropical Storms and Hurricane are not the same therefore take this advisory seriously.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

People who have livestock areas that are likely to flood should move them to safety. Farmers in areas that normally flood who have crops in the fields should harvest as soon as possible.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods. Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.


:- End of Release -:

NEMO Public Advisory #2 - Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #2 - Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 22, 2010, 06:05 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #2
Tropical Storm Richard

At 6:00 p.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 15.8 North, Longitude 82.3West. The Storm is moving towards the West at 5 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 miles per hour with higher gusts.

People on the Cayes and along the coast who need to move are advised to do so early. Fisher folks are advised to stay alert and listen for the marine advisories.

People who are evacuating to shelters are advised to do so early and take three days' supply of dry and or canned food.

People who have livestock’s in low lying areas that are flood prone should move them to higher ground. Farmers in flood prone areas who have crops out in the fields that are close to harvesting should consider harvesting as soon as possible.

Stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend and if you have to take the following actions do so promptly:

o If you were planning to go to the Cayes and along the Coast this weekend you are advised to cancel your trip

o If you are at Sea seek safe harbour

o If you have to evacuate do so early. If you are going to Shelter take along those things you will need. Your life is the most important possession.

o Review and be prepared to put your emergency / Hurricane Plan into action

o If you live in an area that will flood take seriously the advice from NEMO and the Met Office and be prepared to quickly move your family and belongings to safety. Belongings include assets, property, animals and crops.

o All Tropical Storms and Hurricane are not the same take this advisory seriously.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

Public Officers are being asked to remain alert and be ready for deployment. All government vehicles must be fueled and parked at the Ministry of Works compound in their respective district.

The Preliminary Phase and a Tropical Storm Watch is still in effect. Please contact your NEMO District Emergency Operation Center for local information.

NEMO remains on ‘HIGH ALERT’ as it continues to monitor Tropical Storm Richard.


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Tsunami Warning preparations

The fire engine sirens and selected vehicles horns will blast for 15 seconds and pause for 5 seconds FOUR TIMES. The sirens and horns will stop for THREE MINUTES and start blaring again in the same sequence. This will be repeated until NEMO issues the “All Clear”.

As soon as you hear the sirens or heard that a Tsunami has occurred:
*Move away from the Sea!
*Go to a safe area. MOVE to higher ground or to the upstairs of the nearest concrete (cement) building or climb to the highest point!
*If where you are is safe, stay there.
*When a Tsunami warning is issued; DO NOT drive onto the highways due to the possibility of getting trapped.

Tsunamis can be triggered by earthquakes, landslides and even asteroid impacts. A wave that appears harmless on the deep, open ocean grows when it is funneled upward by the rising seafloor at the shore.

NEMO Posts Storm Shelters Throughout the Country

NEMO Special Advisory #1

The latest update is, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was estimated to be near latitude 17.5 N and longitude 87.2 W. This position is about 70 miles east of Belize. Tropical Storm Alex is moving west northwest at 9 mph and is expected to continue on that track for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are now 45 mph with further strengthening expected. However, strengthening will be limited due to the storm’s proximity to land.

Persons in southern Belize who wish to receive information from NEMO can call Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 630-9711 and Mr. Kenton Parham at 662-4434. They can also call NEMO headquarters and ask for ACP Magdaleno at 610-0114 and Santiago Acosta at 668-4179

In San Pedro Town the following shelters will be opened: San Pedro High School (upper flat only), which will be managed by (Ms. Betty Longsworth); The Belize Yatch Club will be Melony Grinage and Maricia Leal and Ken Dyre; Evangelical Church Hector Alamilla; and Shalom Church Camille Ottley, which will be managed by: (Ms. Betty Longsworth). The Shelters will be opened at 4:00pm. The district coordinator is Ms. Timrose Augustine and her contact number is 600-8672 and 226-3651/ 3654.

Public Officers, who are in San Pedro, should report to Ms. Betty Longsworth so that you can be placed on shift.

In Caye Caulker the following shelters will be opened at 4:00 pm: Roman Catholic School and Private Homes which will be managed by (Ms. Nelda Rosada). The Shelters will be opened at 4:00pm. The District Coordinator is Ms. Timrose Augustine and her contact number is 600-8672 and 226-3651/ 3654.

In Corozal Town the following Shelters will be opened: Corozal Community College and will be managed by (Jael Cobb from Civil Aviation; Earl Miller from Customs Department; and Nazly Lopez from Ministry of Agriculture Corozal). The district coordinator is Mr. Elodio Aragon and his contact numbers are 610-0914 and 422-3158/ 3654.

In Belize City the following Shelters will be opened at 4:00 pm: On the North Side is Trinity Methodist Primary School which will be managed by ( Eugene W. Sabido from Forestry Department; Mary Guzman Election and Boundaries; Sheila Pitterson General Sales Tax Department; Wayne Frazer Income Tax Department; Shasta Gentle Audit Department; Karina Marage Customs Department; Charles Flowers Audit Department; Shellymae Crawford Police Department; and Alea Gillett from Fishries Department).

Mr. Charles Flowers is in charge for the Human Resource Personnel/Public Officer.

All Saints Primary School which will be managed by Elizabeth Betancourt from Ministry of Education; Fatima Godfrey Election and Boundaries; Tricia Wade Police Department; Sean Lord General Sales Tax Department; Maxine Davis Income Tax Department; Ian Lopez Civil Aviation; Keith Smith Customs Department; Randolph I. Young Audit Department; Dominique Fabro CITO;and Salvador Alvarado ITVET Belize). On the South Side shelters are Gwen Lizzaraga High School which will be managed by (Balita Campos Youth for the Future; Edmund Zuniga Audit Department; Jeneisha Gill Ministry of Works; Yvette Robateau Police Department; Ewart Bradley Jr. Ministry of Economic Development; Gary Brian Peters Ministry of Housing; Jaqueline Willoughby? Director of Public Prosecutions; Jason Daly Immigration Department; Tamika Swift Police Department; Hector Cunningham Fisheries Department; Jeavon Hulse? Department of Environment)and St. Johns Vianney which will be managed by (Dawn Brackett Director of Public Prosecutions; Eleanor Belizaire Ministry of Education; Tanya Peters Ministry of Labour; Ella Jean Gillett Policy and Planning Unit; George Castro Audit Department; Kenisha Stuarte Bureau of Standarts; Rudolph Baptist Post Office; Maelyn O’Brien Police Department). The district coordinator is Mr. Roger Espejo and his contact number is 670-8192.

Belize Rural will open Shelters at 4:00 pm in Lucky Strike – Government School , Maskall School Santana, Corozalito and Rockstone Pond Community Center which will be manned by the Village Chairpersons. The district coordinator is Mr. Calbert Budd and his contact numbers are 602-8632 and 225-5149.

In Orange Walk Town the following shelter will be opened at 4:00 pm: Complex Building, which will be managed by: ( Teresita Reyes Magistracy Department). The district coordinator is Ms. Suliema Celiz and her contact numbers are 629-1151 and 322-3228.

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NEMO Issues Tropical Storm Watch

Date: Friday, 25 June 2010 Time: 3:00 P.M.

NEMO PRESS RELEASE No. 2

The area of disturbed weather over the northwest Caribbean has become better organized. The possibility of Tropical Cyclone formation in this area over the next 48 hours has increased to 80 percent.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has put into effect a Tropical Storm watch for the entire coast of Belize as of 3:00 pm today. A Tropical Storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are likely to affect the country within the next 36 hours.

People along the coast and on the cayes are encouraged to evacuate early, once the NEMO declares a Phase.

Mariners and fisher-folk need to make early preparations to seek safe harbour, if the need arises.

Motorists are advised that increased rainfall can cause flash flooding and render roads impassable.

The general public is being advised to:

Review your emergency plans (family, community, business)

Ensure you have adequate food, water and medicine

Make early preparations to seek shelter if necessary. If you need to seek shelter, know where you are going. Make sure to inform relatives and friends of your plans, whereabouts and intended destination.

Public Officers are encouraged to be alert and ready in the event they need to report for duty.

The public is further advised to listen to local radio and television stations for official updates from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

The next advisory will be issued at 9:00 pm.

:- End of Release:-

NEMO holds training exercise

For the spectators on the beach, it seemed as though there was an accident in progress, but in fact, it was a simulation exercise for NEMO participants. Having trained for search, rescue and evacuation, participants of the exercise put what they learned into action. According to Mr. Frank Panton, the scenario was as such: “Two boats collided between the reef and Central Park. Belize Port Authority (BPA), Coast Guard, NEMO and SP Team came into action and tried to rescue and help those on board. There was one (hypothetical) death and one injury during the simulation, and participants had to apply what they had learned in the classroom.” He added that the exercise was completed successfully.

NEMO hopes that boat owners, managers, operators, participants and the public at large, will now ensure that passengers using the water taxis are documented (and not just by head count), plus that life jackets are won or made readily accessible to all who travel via water taxis. It is important for all to work together in a collaborative manner and be able to communicate with each other in such incidents. Safety and accountability for passengers was the top priority demonstrated.

San Pedro NEMO members in training

The San Pedro Branch of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) conducted a training exercise for various stakeholders and members of the committee. The training was conducted at the Social Security Building on Pescador Drive. The one day workshop was entitled Emergency Operation Management Training, and was aimed at reviewing the island’s evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster. The training was conducted by NEMO Coordinator Jeromey Tem-rose Augustine and some 20 people from various government and none government organization took place.