The Belize Association of Louisiana have now gotten through all the banking details and have a resource to accept donations for relief to the folks in Southern Belize that were impacted by Hurricane Iris. The attached document has all the contact details. It looks like the process of getting back to some semblance of normal is going to take a while for most of the folks...

October 8, 2001, Hurricane Iris, a category 4 storm, slammed into the southern coast of Belize with winds of 145 miles per hour and gusts approaching 200 m.p.h.

The Damage Assessment Committee is still in the process of compiling a full report and to date the figures are as follows:

Homes: 2,614 were destroyed leaving 19,880 men, women and children homeless

Industry: Industries taking substantial losses: Citrus at approximately $2.3 million, Banana approximately $50 million, Aquaculture, at $2.6 million, Fisheries assets $2.6 million and Marine Productivity $3.3 million

Infrastructure: Roads, piers, culverts, bridges, to date, a loss of $1.7 million; 12 health centers damaged, 19 schools destroyed, 11more damaged and 2 police stations destroyed while 7 others damaged

Tourism: 80 hotels have been severely damaged totaling 570 rooms; loss of revenues is estimated at $39.3 (tour and restaurant/bar)

Not only has Hurricane Iris desecrated homes, it has devastated the economy.

We, at the Belize Association of Louisiana, are desperately working to assist our brothers and sisters and we are in dire need of your support. With your help, we hope to provide shelter to hundreds of people. Monetary donations for building supplies can be made to:

Belize Association of Louisiana, Inc.
(memo Hurricane Iris)
P.O. Box 19373
New Orleans, LA
701793-0373

Any Bank One Branch
B.A.L., Inc. Hurricane Iris Relief Fund
Acct #1591612872

Hide Wadeb,

That's great what you're doing for the people of Belize. I was wondering where the office of The Belize Association of Louisiana was located. Could you also include a phone number where we can talk. I know if we promote this a little more the people in the New Orleans area will be willing to help.

Thanks,
yat

The following is some additional information I just recieved from the organizers of the relief efforts in New Orleans...
In addition to the general donation efforts previously stated in theis message thread. These people really know how to get the right stuff to the right people in Belize.
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The Belize Association of Louisiana, a 501-C-non-profit entity, will be hosting a very special Hurricane Iris Relief Radiothon benefit on 1540 AM KGLA TROPICAL CALIENTE on November 4/01 from 1-5pm. The proceeds from this event will be distributed to victims of Hurricane Iris in Southern Belize to assist with building supplies.

On October 8, 2001, Hurricane Iris, a category 4 storm, slammed into the southern coast of Belize with winds of 145 miles per hour and gusts approaching 200 miles per hour.

The Damage Assessment Committee is still in the process of compiling a full report and to date the figures are as follows:

Homes: 2,614 were destroyed leaving 19,880 men, women and children homeless

Industry: Industries taking substantial losses: Citrus at approximately $2.3 million, Banana approximately $50 million, Aquaculture, at $2.6 million, Fisheries assets $2.6 million and Marine Productivity $3.3 million

Infrastructure: Roads, piers, culverts, bridges, to date, a loss of $1.7 million; 12 health centers damaged, 19 schools destroyed, 11 more damaged and 2 police stations destroyed while 7 others damaged

Tourism: 80 hotels have been severely damaged totaling 570 rooms; loss of revenue is estimated at $39.3 (tour and restaurant/bar)

Not only has Hurricane Iris desecrated homes, it has devastated the economy.

We are, therefore, requesting you join in our effort by donating to this worthwhile cause.

Your gracious tax deductible donation is most appreciated. Kindly email your donation to the above address or you may fax to 504-464 0325. We do need detailed information on your donation, including its value and restriction. Please make a hard copy on your letterhead (include phone/fax/email) and we will contact you later as to where it can be sent. Please keep in mind the date of the event and provide adequate time for purchaser to use certificate.

Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.

Tico & Dulce Bevier
Belize Association of Louisiana

PS. PLEASE MAY WE HEAR FROM YOU BY OCT 31/01/00. THANK YOU.

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