In August 2021, ground was broken for the Caye Caulker Health Center, and yesterday, after years of inadequate health services on the island, the center was finally inaugurated.
At the ceremony, the area rep and the minister of health spoke about the importance of raising the standard of healthcare on one of Belize's most popular tourist destinations.
Andre Perez, Area Rep, Belize Rural South
"This morning, on occasion of this gathering, is special to me, it is. It is the accomplishment of a commitment made to the people of Caye Caulker. This health center is more than just a building. It means for the first time, residents in this community will have access to proper health care in a proper facility. This government has fulfilled yet another promise in Plan Belize. This will undoubtedly result in a healthier community and it would mean that residents and visitors alike can be confident that when the need arises, the health services will now be available. Visitors to the Caye Caulker can now be assured that health services are available and this contributes to the overall tourism package that La Isla Carinosa has to offer."
"It is important that we reach out, you have a friend, you have someone that's living abroad, or NGO's or anybody that wants to play a part in contributing to this building and to the maintenance of this place, you are welcome to do so, we can guarantee you along with the office, with the people that work along with there village council, the order of the day is going to be transparency and accountability, whatever you contribute to this beautiful health center, will go to the right place and well spent."
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health
"Caye Caulker is one of Belize's prime tourist destination and deserve adequate health facilities for both residents and visitors. I am told that Caye Caulker has an average population of 5,000 persons and when tourists come to this community, that can go up to as much as 9,000. Having trained medical personnel is not enough to provide quality health services. Equally important is having a good infrastructure with adequate examination and observation rooms, having the right equipment and also medication. The building, as already highlighted, has also been built with a flat roof for future expansion. And I want to say that today, I am saying this publicly, with the commitment of our CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister and as the chairperson of SIF, has expressed support to the ministry for the expansion of this building so we can also provide for us to be able to house the doctors and the nurses and to be able to provide additional services here in Caye Caulker. So that is the commitment we are making here today."
