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Posted By: Marty US Warden and Embassy Info - 08/20/05 05:29 PM
The Staff of the Embassy of the United States of America in Belize welcomes you to beautiful Belize. The U.S. Embassy has three representatives (wardens) on Ambergris Caye and one on Caye Caulker to help you if you encounter any difficulties:


Ambergris Caye:

Dr. Wil Lala 226-2716 [email protected]
Tom Vidrine 226-3245 or 600-2262 [email protected]

Daniel Jamison 226-3905 [email protected]


Caye Caulker:
Wendy Auxillou 226-0370


Lloyd W. Moss is the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the U.S.A. in Belize. His phone number is 227-7161 and email is [email protected] .



Ms. Cynthia Gregg, a consul of the Embassy of the USA. Her phone number is 227-7161 and her email is [email protected].


Lost Passport:
1. Police Report

� You must first report the loss to the local police station. If you think it was stolen, please inform the police. The San Pedro police: 226-2022 and Caye Caulker: 226-0179.

� Following that, please notify the U.S. Embassy at 227- 7161, Consular Office, so the loss may be properly recorded.

2. Replacement

� You may come to the U.S. Embassy, Hutson Street entrance, Belize City, any Monday through Thursday afternoon, 1:00-4:00, or Friday morning, 9:00-11:00, to report your lost passport and file an application for a replacement.

� Please bring two passport photos (2 inches x 2 inches, white background). You will be required to pay the fee of U.S. $97.00 or Belize $194.00 (cash only; we are not able to accept credit cards or traveler's checks) for a new passport. You will also be asked to file a lost/stolen report with the Embassy.

� Emergency replacement passports may be ready as early as the following day. Non-emergency passports are processed in the U.S. and take 8 days, so please plan accordingly. You will be responsible for changing flight plans if required to do so.

Arrest or Detention by Belize Police:

All detainees are allowed one telephone call.

� 8:00-5:00 a.m. - Monday through Friday - please call the U.S. Embassy, Consular Office at 227-7161. If you are not able to get through to the Embassy for some reason, please call one of the wardens listed above.

� Week-ends and evenings - Please call the U.S. Embassy, 227-7161, and your call will be forwarded to the Duty Officer. The Duty Officer will request full name, date of birth, circumstances of arrest, and immediately forward this information to the Consular Officer.

� Please note that the U.S. Embassy does NOT provide bail or bond services. Detainees will be provided with a list of lawyers. The U.S. Embassy representative will make telephone calls to the U.S. as requested for assistance.

Death or Accident:

� The San Pedro Police (226-2022) or Caye Caulker (226- 0179) will be the first on the scene.

� You should immediately notify the U.S. Embassy, 227-7161, if a death occurs, providing full name and date of birth of deceased, and circumstances of the accident to the Duty Officer or Consular Officer. Please call one of the wardens listed above. The warden will be able to provide valuable assistance in dealing with police and processes at the scene. The U.S. Embassy will assist with the required processes following the death of a U.S. citizen: autopsy, cremation, certificate of death, and transport to the United States.

- US Embassy & Hurricane Planning Meeting:

Lloyd W. Moss is the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the U.S.A. in Belize. His phone number is 227-7161 and email is [email protected] .



Ms. Cynthia Gregg, a consul of the Embassy of the USA. Her phone number is 227-7161 and her email is [email protected].


These were the two main points she wanted to make.

1. Please register at the Embassy and provide emergency contact numbers either of friends in Belize or in the U.S. This is for their safety, especially with hurricane season coming up. We also could have people calling from the U.S. looking for their loved ones if there were a hurricane, but without a registration, we would not be able to locate the person residing here in Belize. Last year's tsunami in the Near East and the experiences of the consular offices trying to locate AmCits has taught us a good lesson about being prepared.

2. Hurricane season - with your registration we can e-mail you alerts, etc, but once the electricity goes out and the telephone lines are down, each person needs a plan. We are quite sure that no airplane will be provided for evacuation. Have a plan!

Here are a few Documents they are distributing now.

American Citizen Registration

U.S. Embassy - Belize City

227-7161



Name:__________________________

Address in U.S.: ___________________________

Sex: ________Date of Birth: _______________

Place of Birth _____________________________

Passport Number: _____________________

Expiration Date______________________

Date Arrived in Belize: _________________

Estimated Date of Departure:____________

Purpose of Visit: ________________________

Names, birthdates and passport numbers of U.S. citizen family members accompanying:

_________



Contact Information:

E-Mail Address: __________________________
Do you wish to receive periodic updates from the U.S. Embassy in Belize by e-mail?____



If you are working in Belize:

Occupation: _______________________________________________

Name of company and Address:_____________________________
Work Telephone number: ___________________________________


Residence address while in Belize____________________________________________

Residence telephone number while in Belize: ___________________________________

Cell phone _____________________________



Who should the U.S. Embassy contact in case of Emergency?

Emergency contact in Belize: _______________________________________________

Name Relationship

Telephone Number(s): ______________________________________________

Emergency Contact in U.S. ________________________________________________

Name Relationship

Telephone Number(s): ______________________________________________
Addresses in U.S.:________________________________________ Street E-mail Address

Does the U.S. Embassy have your permission to contact this person? ________________



Medical Alerts:

Does any member of your family have a medical condition of which we should be aware?



The Privacy Act and the Warden System



According to the Privacy Act (Public Law 93-579), passed by Congress in 1974, the Embassy cannot release information about you without your permission (unless that information is already in the public domain or is specifically permitted by the Act).


The U.S. Embassy Warden System - the method whereby the Embassy disseminates information and alerts registered Americans in the event of a crisis -involves releasing contact information of American citizens to Embassy Wardens. Although wardens agree to treat such information as confidential, they are not employees of the U.S. Government. Therefore, registered Americans who wish to be included in the Warden System network must consent to the release of their contact information to the Warden responsible for their section of Belize.


Registered Americans who have not authorized this release cannot be included in the Warden System and will not receive Embassy information or alerts.



AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION



I, ____________________________, do hereby authorize the Embassy of the United States of American in Belize and the Department of State to release information regarding me as necessary for my inclusion and participation in the Embassy's Warden System.



________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date


Mr. Lloyd Moss gave the following speech:


POLITICAL-ECONOMIC SITUATION:

Like many other countries of similar stature of size, politics and the economy are very much intertwined. The US supports the democratic institutions of Belize and trusts in these institutions to uphold legal agreements and debt obligations that they have signed on to. The Embassy keeps an eye on political and economic development in Belize.



The Government of Belize has been most cooperative with us on several bi-lateral agreements important to the U.S. concerning narco- trafficking, money laundering and ship boarding. We are glad to be assisting Belize in the creation of a Belizean Coast Guard. We also have projects to help Belize combat HIV/AIDS, keep Belize med fly free, and assist the Belize Defense Force with training and equipment. In cooperation with the BDF and government ministries, the U.S. Military also conducts medical and engineering exercises in Belize that benefit her people.


CIVIL UNREST:

By global standards, the civil unrest - rallies, marches, and demonstrations - that took place in Belize earlier this year were fairly peaceful and nonviolent. The current political situation in Belize is a domestic matter, to be resolved by Belizeans. Any political change in Belize should be in accordance with the Constitution of Belize, through democratic processes, and peaceful.


CARICOM and CAFTA:
The United States supports free trade and looks forward to a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA). Primarily because of its commitments to CARICOM, Belize was not included in CAFTA. Eventually, we expect Belize, along with its CARICOM partners, to be included in a U.S.-Caribbean Free Trade Agreement.


NEW AMBASSADOR:

We at the Embassy are looking forward to the arrival later this summer of Ambassador-designate Robert Johann Dieter.

U.S. Embassy - Belize City

Hurricane Season

June 1 - November 30, 2005


1. Be aware of the hurricane phases.

� "ALERT" - After a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 21° north latitude and between longitude 80° west and 83° west, a hurricane ALERT is in effect. All residents in the cayes are advised to leave the islands at this stage of the hurricane.

� "WATCH" - If a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 20° north latitude and between longitude 83° and 85° west, a hurricane watch is in effect. The international airport will close when there is a sustained 40 mph wind speed, usually during the WATCH phase. Those on the mainland coasts should make plans for moving to high ground in the interior.

� "WARNING" - After a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 20° north latitude, and west of 85° longitude, a hurricane WARNING is in effect. During this stage the hurricane or storm appears likely to strike the coast of Belize in a matter of hours. Anyone still on the coastal region of Belize is advised to move to the central highlands.



2. Know how to monitor the progress of the hurricane.

� Via internet: The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration has a continuously updated site: www.nhc.noaa.gov . The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belmopan has a website also: www.nemo.org.bz . Add these to your internet "Favorites' now so you will be able to get to them immediately.

� Via telephone: call 225-2011, the National Meteorological Office at Goldson Airport.

� Via radio: Belize Communication & Security, Ltd. (BCSL) is located in Belmopan. When an ALERT is issued or the US Embassy announces emergency conditions, BCSL initiates its hurricane or emergency plan which includes monitoring of all frequencies and responding to all call signs. These call signs include any appointed U.S. Embassy Warden. Each Warden may program his VHF radio to the following frequency for country-wide communication services during emergencies - at no charge. The primary frequency is: Receive-149.800 Transmit-150.400 Tone: 100Hz. Any warden may call BCSL at 822-2149 for further information. The President of BCSL is Rick Simpson -also a U.S. Embassy Warden.

� All major local television and radio stations will have continuous update of the hurricane progress.



3. Have an alternate residence and evacuation plan in place. Residents of San Pedro and outer islands are advised to leave the islands as soon as a hurricane 'ALERT' is issued. Residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move into central Belize when a "WATCH" is in effect. Have a hurricane emergency kit in place in your home and at your emergency residence.



4. Know your warden. The Embassy will monitor the path of the hurricane via the National Hurricane Center in Miami and give periodic updates to wardens about conditions. Once the decision is made by the Embassy Chief of Mission to evacuate the Embassy in Belize City, all wardens will be notified and wardens will be responsible for notifying residents of their zones that the Embassy has begun preparation to move to Belmopan and advise all U.S. citizens to move inland. At this point evacuation by air is extremely unlikely, but if possible, information regarding time and cost of air evacuation will be given to wardens for dissemination. If you do not know who your warden is, and if you wish to receive e-mails directly from the consular office, please contact Cindy Gregg, [email protected] or 227-7161, Consular Office.



5. Make a post-hurricane assessment. After the hurricane has passed, the Embassy will appraise the situation in Belize City before re-opening. Notices will be sent to the American community as soon as the situation has returned to normal. If there is a threat to safety, security or health, evacuations may be considered at this point.


A Few Tips on Evacuation
List of Items to take with you, if being evacuated to a Shelter on the Main Land, for the duration of a Hurricane.



Place your emergency food pack in one box containing about one weeks food supply. Include a tin opener and personal toiletries; also take other food from your cupboard, as well as any special foods or medicines required by you or your family it would be advisable to take a small first aid kit. (Take any bottled drinks you have.)

If you have them, sleeping bags and blankets.

A maximum of one suitcase, clearly labeled, containing:

Take sufficient clothing for 96 hours, including warm and waterproof clothes.

Take personal toilet requirements, towel and toilet paper.

Take knife, fork, spoon, mug, plate and bowl.

Take a torch and spare batteries.

Important Ensure you have all your family documents e.g. passport/insurance papers/medical records Land Papers (store in waterproof bags);

It will be helpful to carry a small personal radio and spare batteries.

NO PETS please make sure you take care of your pet and arrange for it to be taken care of and has enough food and water for at least 7 days.



You may also find the above list useful if you are going elsewhere.



Suggestions on what to do when preparing to leave.

Keep your radio on. Listen to the latest news.

Pay no attention to rumors. Only rely on official information.

Board up your windows or put storm shutters in place.

Sterilize your bathtub and fill it with water. Water supplies may continue to be contaminated even after you return to your home.

Make sure your vehicle or boat is fully fueled.

If you have an upstairs, place as many items upstairs as possible. Flooding may damage anything left downstairs. Put as much as possible in cupboards so if you loose your roof not everything will be damaged.

Secure everything that may blow away (rubbish bins, TV aerials, etc.)

Remove coconuts and heavy foliage from nearby trees.



Those people who intend remaining in their homes, in addition to the above, are advised to ensure they have sufficient gas for cooking.

For more information please visit the NEMO website at the following address: http://www.nemo.org.bz/

James Janmohamed O.B.E. J.P.

District Emergency Coordinator.


Hurricane Tips for Pets
contributed by Saga Humane Society, 226-3266

Hurricane season is upon us. The most important thing to remember about your pet is that you CANNOT take it with you if you need to go to an evacuation shelter. The ONLY exception to that statement is a Seeing Eye dog.

Therefore, if you have a family pet, it is necessary to make a hurricane plan for its care and safety. Some places that your pet can stay are: a kennel, a friend's home that is in a safety zone, or with you in your house. Pack the following pet supplies: identification tag, rabies tag, leash, pet food, newspaper or kitty litter, medicine, blanket, toys, and food bowls. Since it may be very busy at the kennel during a hurricane, leave a note with special information about your pet, including an emergency phone number.

Do not wait until the last minute - plan ahead by calling your local airline, water taxi, kennel, friends house or pet supply store for information needed in case of evacuation. Your veterinarian may be able to help you locate someone to help as well.

If you must leave your pet at home, DO NOT TIE THEM UP - their chance of survival depends on their ability to get to higher or safer areas. Leave dry food and water in spill-proof containers located in an area that is most likely to remain safe and dry. An upper floor is preferable in case of flooding. A bathroom is one of the most recommended spot or an area that contains furniture that the animal can climb up on.

It is also important to remember that if you have pets that have learned to live together in harmony (dog & cat, hamster & cat); they may revert to their inherited behavior in a storm.

These are only precautions to take if you must leave your pet at home not a guarantee of survival. Prepare children and yourself for the fact that the animal may not be alive upon your return.


Scared animals may wander and pack together, reverting to basic natures as they struggle for food and water in difficult conditions. If you try to rescue a pet, be careful when approaching any animal that has survived a storm.
Posted By: Katie Valk Re: US Warden and Embassy Info - 08/20/05 05:35 PM
Rosie Flores boards pets at her kennel in Boom during hurricanes. 225 9085. I'm a warden in Belize City.
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