On Tuesday the US Government was bearing gifts. Close to a million dollars were delivered to numerous NGO's. Today the top brass of the US Southern Command delivered his own goodies; this time the recipient was NEMO, who got equipment that will come in handy in emergencies. News Five's Jose Sanchez was present for the ceremony.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The United States government has handed over three hundred thousand dollars worth of equipment to be used in times of emergency to NEMO. The presentation was made by Lieutenant General P.K. Keen, the Military Deputy Commander of the U.S. Southern Command.
Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen, Military Deputy Commander, U.S. Southern Command
"The total value of supplies and equipment is about two hundred and ninety-six thousand Belize dollars. this donation was funded by the humanitarian assistance project known as HAP, and deployment of the light engineering company was enabled by global peace operation initiative and program by the department of state and we have the U.S. Southern Command to help execute those programs."
Noreen Fairweather, NEMO Coordinator
Noreen Fairweather
"There has been a relationship between the Belize and SouthCom for some years now. We have had a significant partnership, collaboration and they have always extended tremendous amount of support. We owe as we speak to our warehouse at the national headquarter here in Belmopan the support from SouthCom, the one in Independence, retrofitting, training, equipment, the complete works. And this has happened not just today. So mtodayis just a ceremony for a handing over but it is more than that; it's continued partnership, continued relationship."
lt. gen. P.K. Keen
Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen, Military Deputy Commander, US Southern Command
"Miss Fairweather, I think the example of your national emergency management organization is one to be emulated here in the region and we are always amazed at how you are able to kick into action very quickly follow storms and to take care of people in Belize and we are always proud to be a partner with you when the need arises to provide assistance."
Lieutenant General Keen also recognized the BDF's presence and goodwill after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Lt. Gen. P.K. Keen, Military Deputy Commander, US Southern Command
"Our U.S. Department of State through the Global Peace Operation Initiative or GPOI has been working with and supporting the B.D.F. and the light engineering company in Belize since 2006. The program aims to build and maintain the capability, capacity and effectiveness for peace operations."
Melvin Hulse
Melvin Hulse, Minister of NEMO
"Our military people have been part of nearly every exercise outcome done. They have been one of the pioneers in pushing the kind of structure we want in disasters. And the warehouses, you might think we di make a big thing out of a few donations today, but that donation is only qa continuation of what has been done for years and years of constant every giving. And if we didn't have warehouses, we have fifty-two villages and two cities that got affected by Hurricane Richard. If it wasn't for having these warehouses and having it at the level and standard and the hurricane proof-we have one in Ladyville, we have one in Belmopan, we have one in Independence and we hoping to beg them for one in Orange Walk-that is the whole purpose of the trip. Those immediate things where our people can get out there and help the grass root people with food within a few hours of the hurricane ending would not happen. It'sd what we have in the warehouse and those things that come now will help the thousands of people that are now personally affected."
Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.
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