In September, the Florida Cruise Association donated hurricane relief supplies to Belize in the wake of Hurricane Dean, including zinc and plywood. But, as was revealed in the Reporter Newspaper some of those supplies never made it to Corozal, they were re-routed to a private warehouse. It was made out to be a scandal but the NEMO Minister Godfrey Smith said they were only being held there until a formal presentations could be made by the donors. But a month has passed and nada so today we asked Smith - where are the supplies.
Jules Vasquez,
Much was made earlier in the month or perhaps late last month about the reception of supplies, hurricane relief supplies, and a portion of which was diverted to a warehouse, many said nefariously diverted, that was the report, presumably for distribution in your division or some political purpose. It was said subsequently that in fact it was just being held so that a presentation could be made. We're at the end of October. Where are the supplies?
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of NEMO
"No we're not at the end of October and first of all the use of the word diverted I take serious issue with. In fact the President of the FCCA is here. There will be a handing over ceremony at some point tomorrow of the remainder of the materials as well a check, the amount I cannot ascertain yet, for the National Emergency Management Organization so that I can say to you categorically and point blankly that every piece of material furnished to Belize from the FCCA will be handed over to the NEMO as of tomorrow."
And moving from controversy to community, Godfrey Smith the area representative also discussed the opening of a new building at the Central Assembly School. It's a joint project with the Korean government for a new building that has a day care unit and vocational training areas. He discussed it today.
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Area Rep. - Pickstock
"It will be skills training for adults, sewing machines to facilitate the teaching of sewing to perhaps single mothers or mothers with children who don't have other means of employment. We see there is a computer class as well. So not only will the students be able to make use of the facilities but the people who are not students - mothers, fathers, residents of the community will be able to participate."
