Looks like the school needs more help now than ever!
On Wednesday, Francis Wilson of Holy Cross Anglican School spoke publicly of a letter addressed to her from Marlene Leslie, General Manager of Anglican Schools. The letter sent shock waves throughout the island, especially to the board of directors of Holy Cross and parents of students that attend the institution. "The authorities are concerned [�] with the physical condition being as it is around the school. They are concerned about the health factor. Believe me it is a time bomb. They are seriously talking about closing the school or re-locating it to the old medical facility after re-furbishing," stated the letter. Holy Cross Anglican School rests on eight acres of swamp land donated to the Anglican Diocese by the Government of Belize in 2006 and lies in the San Mateo Subdivision.
Investigations have revealed that on July 5th, 2008, three-year-old Zoila Ack was at home in the San Mateo Area when she accidentally fell into the lagoon that surrounds her house. A previous wound to her foot became infected and after seeking emergency care at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Ack died while returning to San Pedro.
On July 18th, 2008, water samples of the lagoon were tested and Thomas Flowers, San Pedro Public Health Inspector, wrote: "After vigorous testing of water samples taken from the San Mateo Area [�] it has come to the attention [�] that the ground water (lagoon) in that area is heavily contaminated. The water analyst on staff has pointed out that the contaminants are mostly fecal contamination indicating fecal waste pollution in that area. [�] It was noticed that there were no proper sewer systems in place [�]. Those who had primitive septic systems still run the risk of contaminants because of the high water table in San Mateo. [�] My recommendation would be to lobby either the Government of Belize (local or otherwise) or an NGO for help in this area." A water sample was taken from the Holy Cross Kitchen Area and the results showed that the treated school water was not contaminated.
An interview with Mayor Elsa Paz revealed that San Mateo is not only lacking a proper sewage system but it does not have the proper roads or infrastructure needed to put one in place. Road construction and infrastructure do not lie within the San Pedro Town Council's jurisdiction (road maintenance does). As such, the Mayor, along with Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia began lobbying Central Government for assistance for the residents of San Mateo. An initial walk through was conducted at the Subdivision and included a visit to Holy Cross.
A follow up meeting was held at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) conference room and included the presence of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Belize Water Services Limited, Ministries of Education, Health and Works, as well as Marlene Leslie of the Anglican Diocese.
Since the school is in the San Mateo Area it is strongly believed that the school should be temporarily moved to prevent a health hazard to its students and faculty. According to Wilson, the water used at the school is treated and the grounds have been worked on to be filled. "The issue that needs dire assistance is San Mateo. Our school provides a safe haven for our students. Many of our students come from the subdivision, and, at least, while they are in school, are in a clean and dry environment, well fed, educated, provided with dental and medical care and tons of love," Wilson explained.
Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. stated that the matter has been presented to Cabinet and it is government's strong stand that Holy Cross will remain open. Solutions to address the health hazards, as well as the living conditions of San Mateo residents are being discussed as of press time.
Six calls placed to Marlene Leslie were unreturned and The San Pedro Sun was told she was unavailable for comment. Calls placed to both George Lovell of NEMO, who was present at the meeting, and Minister of Education Patrick Faber were both fruitless, as well.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
