Supporting Migrant Communities Through Hurricane Shelters  

Hurricane season has commenced and now, with the inauguration of three newly built hurricane shelters, the villages of Santa Familia, Billy White and Duck Run Three can safely say that they are a little more prepared for the season. The installation of these shelters is part of the Building Climate Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced Peoples in Settlements of Western Belize Project, a joint effort between the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the International Organization for Migration, with funding from the European Union. On Friday, Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, hosted a ceremony, commemorating the success of the endeavor. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Building Climate Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced Peoples in Settlements of Western Belize Project was launched to support displaced persons in migrant settlements to become productive members of their host communities, strengthen their socioeconomic growth and prevent the need for further displacement. The project commenced in December 2022 with the extension of the water system in Santa Familia Village, and was intended to end in December of 2023, however, it received a no-cost extension, and is now entering its second phase of projects. Diane Locke, Head of Office at IOM Belize, said that IOM is committed to aiding the villages with the development of their communities.

 

Diana Locke, Head of Office, IOM Belize

“All five communities have those that are pending will continue to receive maintenance manuals for the hurricane shelter. So it’s not just a shelter being handed over, but we’re also preparing manuals, which will guide the communities on maintenance and upkeep of the shelters. I must add that these community centers belong to the people of Santa Familia. They’re not a government owned community center. So it is in the hands of the community. They’re responsible for the upkeep and the maintenance of the building. Similarly, the three communities that received the upgraded water systems also received training and they also received a manual for the maintenance and upkeep of the system to the village chairperson and the villagers, We are pleased to be a partner in this process of your development through these small but impactful activities.”

 

The project is valued at two point six million dollars and Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, says that each dollar was appropriately spent in ensuring that these shelters will withstand many hurricane seasons to come.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“In the face of nature’s fury, hurricanes have the power to devastate lives and communities,  leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Yet in the darkest hours, it is our humanity. It is our sense of solidarity that shines the brightest. Today, we celebrate the unwavering commitment of my government and our community to protect and support one another, no matter the challenges that we may face. This hurricane shelter stands as a testament to our collective determination to safeguard the most vulnerable among us, the elderly, Children, the sick and the marginalized. It is a place where fear is replaced by courage, uncertainty by preparedness, and despair is replaced by hope. In times of crisis, it will serve as a sanctuary, providing not only shelter from the storm, but also essential resources, comfort, and care.”

 

The shelters are equipped with water tanks, a kitchenette and solar lights for additional security and community members were trained on how to properly care for and manage the new facilities.

 

 

 

Diana Locke

“Additionally, all five communities participated in shelter management training. First day training, fire management for emergency response teams, and firefighting brigades in the community. The community health workers in the Ministry of Health also received fresher training. All five communities have been given, will receive, and have been given, maintenance manuals, which is to be used and, and it tells you how to go about to do maintenance, the time of the maintenance on the community center for the proper upkeep of the building and similarly, for those communities that receive the water systems, they also got training and they also received a manual to tell them how to use the shelter. So as IOM, we’re very pleased to be a partner with you, mister Victor and the government of Belize. In this process, it’s a small activity, but it has a very powerful impact.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.