And those weather conditions sent 344 persons into city shelters last night - but there are no reports of significant structural damages to any structures - so all that plywood that so many of us bought…well, we'll just have to save it up for another rainy day.
As you saw earlier, the majority of the damage was in the south. But, with government's finances facing severe COVID cutbacks, what type of relief will those in need be able to get from NEMO? We asked the Minister today if an upcoming election is a little incentive to spend more freely:
Jules Vasquez
"When they had that significant rain event in Belize City, it was just a really, it was some kind of mushroom cloud they called it but that caused all that flooding in Belize City. The government at that time was coming up to elections and at that time the government had a lot of funds because the Venezuelan money mi the roll and they say just open the spigots, we got to help these people. We are two months and change from an election, but plantain no the eat like rice. Is the government intent on using this as an opportunity to show the people of Stann Creek that hey, we are there for you?"
Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of NEMO
"What I can say is the government of Belize love it's people and we no the use no opportunity to squander money we don't have. If the people truly need and deserve the assistance, then we as a government, we're responsible to make sure that we take care of those people but we're not going to find money and beg you and say, your house look like it was leaning, your house look like it need two sheet of zinc or plywood and go try find the money to give you. We no the use the opportunity for political gimmicks."
Jules Vasquez
"Your party has in the past though."
Hon. Edmond Castro
"No, never. Those people needed, were flooded out and they needed mattress, they need a tabletop stove and stuff and we provided that. We won't talk too fast but perhaps next week this time, there will be another one or two in the Caribbean, so we have to play it safe and continue to pray that no more follow the path of Nana."
Jules Vasquez
"Because of the financial constraints government is under, it's not like before. I image that the Prime Minister, the Financial Secretary as well, has you all on a tight leash because the government is broke."
Hon. Edmond Castro
"Look, every government will find money to assist it's people. Any good government will find money to assist it's people and if the people need help, then it is our responsibility. We had ask them to vote for us as a government that we will take care of their needs."
