BDF Housing Needed

After having inquired for the BDF to be brought to the island to help combat crime, they were finally temporarily stationed on the island but currently the San Pedro Business Association (SPBA) & Minister of Tourism are faced with housing and feeding the BFD, Coast Guard and Police units. It has become a costly effort and also has proven to be inefficient for the group themselves. Due to this situation the Chairman of the SPBA, Elito Arceo, has been doing some research on alternate solutions and has come up with a plan on how to alleviate this problem.

Plans are to create a permanent barracks for the BDF, Coast Guard and Police on Ambergris Caye. The Barracks would consist of two buildings - one would be set up as a bunk-house with beds for 18 to 20 people and two bathrooms. The second building would be set up as a kitchen and dining hall.

The cost to purchase and ship two prefabricated Mennonite houses is BZ$30,000. The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., has agreed to carry this proposal to Cabinet. In the meantime the SPBA has already received a pledge of $5,000 cash from Belize Legacy Resort, and Cal and Amanda Syme have agreed to lease the SPBA a piece of land at $1 a year for five years on which the barracks may be constructed.

In order for this barracks to function properly here is a list of things which are needed to accommodate the BDF and other units in the barracks (Cash donations being more than welcome as well): Lumber to construct Bunks, Mattresses (regular or foam), Toilets, Sinks, Shower stalls, Kitchen Sink, Refrigerator, Plates, Pots & Pans, Utensils, General kitchen supplies, Sheets, Towels, Blankets and pillows.

A Stove has already been donated by SEAduced by Belize. Used items are more than welcomed any help is greatly appreciated. The SPBA believes that this plan will make having the BDF, Coast Guard and Police presence more manageable, which is in the best interest of all residents and businesses in San Pedro.

By setting up these barracks it will give these groups a consistent location to eat, sleep and also organize and coordinate their operations on Ambergris Caye. Please contact the SPBA with any questions, concerns or donations that you may have. Email: info@sanpedrobusiness.com, Call 226-2254 or 610-1697, or stop by the Office in the Vilma Linda Plaza.