AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Fire Boat

How far does your FAR squirt water? 4' of draft is an issue.

*gulp* Ok, Ahhhemmm, well alrighty then. Am I allowed to even wishfully think that figure is in Bz$? Not that it would make a difference, so I'll just assume it's USD.

I'd conjecture that you'd find the communities and government on AC or even the mainland interests in the Caye hardpressed to come up with that kind of money. Particularly so when there is a critical need for projects more important to the peoples' immediate day to day lives. Projects such as an adequate, continuously clean water supply, adequate sewage systems, proper roads, funding of schools, and basic social services. Not to mention good basic fire and police services. After that or in conjunction with that, as you prefer, I suppose you can begin on the environmental laundry list. Projects such as restoration of critical mangrove habitat where illegal or improper land use was allowed and has left the island naked to the ravages of storms and erosion. Yet despite all I've mentioned the island has seen large donations of cash, better directed at such causes, donated and willingly accepted for items such as, oh, say 30' tall LED clocktowers situated in the middle of a crowded intersection.

The Caye is a unique community, and I will be very up front about the fact that I'm a newbie owner and learning how it works. But, perhaps like yourself, I'm interested in participating for the betterment of the island. So I ask questions like yourself and I learn things everyday that simply amaze me as far as how things are done. Many people here on the Board, and it is a diverse community in its own right, have repeatedly seen the kinds of questions you're asking. Dont take terse responses personally (I'm sure youre not, but just in case...) they're are simply giving you their best abreviated answers.

Headstrong individuals (particularly of the non-citizen kind) and their ideas seem to be categorically dismissed if their opinions or ideas differ, or don't coincide, with the current agenda or opinions of the incumbent leadership. We have a local mayoral election comming up and there may very well be a change for the better in that regard. I hope so, but its an uphill battle for the progressive independent candidate.

Other people have learned to work the ropes and are effective but they often have been here for years, are major players, well funded (or may purport themselves as such) and know how to work the politcal and administrative machine. Unfortunately not all of those folks are of pure mind and intent. While working the machine the populace at large has found that many such operators run the machine for a more self serving than altruistic purpose.

The other aspect of the kind of project you're proponing is mainteneance and upkeep. This touches on that topic to which Bywarren was alluding; equipment/programs of this type require a significant ongoing ops budget. Based on past record such political and fiscal committment has often been wanting on even simple projects like mooring or navigational bouys upkeep. (As to your question about why it takes so long to get things done or commit, the simple but true answer is, it's Belize)

Again, I think its a fantastic idea but given the fiscal (and physical) realities of the Caye, about which I am constantly reminded whenever I talk about improvements with friends and neighbors, headstrong efforts might be better placed elsewhere when it comes to improving emrgency services. As a suggestion work with the local fire department to enhance personnel training, keep existing equipment in good repair and most particularly, coming up with a cost effective way to provide additional water to fire fighting apparatus for the fires to which thay they can respond. The recent story about the total loss of the single moms house house becasue the responding unit ran out of water is a heartbreaker. Perhaps you saw it too. A water tender to provide backup might be better suited to the local FD's needs.

But even then such work, ideas, suggestions and plans needs to be done with respect, flexibility, and a sensitivity to toes, allegiances and alliances. At any rate, I thought I'd offer some broader comments on the realities as they have been presented to me in the past. Just sayin'.

Bear, that was one of your best and most diplomatic responses I can recall seeing.

I particularly liked the part about:"As a suggestion work with the local fire department to enhance personnel training, keep existing equipment in good repair and most particularly, coming up with a cost effective way to provide additional water to fire fighting apparatus for the fires to which thay they can respond."

Didn't the fire department once upon a time have a small pumping unit and extra hoses that could suck water out of the lagoon (or ocean) to help with dousing fires? Or was that just talk, a few years back?

4 feet of draft and 185 feet of distance on the cannon. That means that you should be able to put out most dock fires and zero home fires on the north end of the island.

although I am sure your heart is in the right place the idea is not very practical.

Good Luck.

A fire boat is exactly what the island needs for safety/fire/rescue issues. Not as large as the one pictured however.
There are many smaller models available that have about 1 foot of draft. There is equipment that can ensure an endless water supply and fire hose that can be extended from the boat up to 1,000+feet away flowing over 100gpm's.
The problem is the lack of governmental concern and funding for fire safety issues. I find that intersting but not surprising. Ambergris Caye has as many fires and other emergencies as a city 4 times the population. And good luck getting a fire truck past the bridge when you need one.
Purchasing, equiping, maintaning, training, boat storage and theft are all major concerns for a fire boat idea. But it is a good idea.

Doesn't the township of San Pedro get donations from the community to upgrade equipment? Isn't there any like fund raising events to raise money to help to purchase equipment? That would assist in saving of property?

I have just been educated regarding the sea's around ambergris caye in regards to how shallow the water is and can see that the craft I had intended on using is out of the question for that application (lesson learned). So will have to look for a boat that will cruise in shallower waters. Thanks.

There are fundraisers for various concerns on the island.

I have spoken with the BTB, The Mayoress and the Minister of Tourism many times over the years about the lack of emergency services on the island. Many times...

Reaper, Thanks for the input.

Yes, I have seen the smaller boats that would work well in and around ambergris caye, someone told me that the (river?) also known as the (cut?) is also very shallow, will it allow access to the west side (lagoon) or would one have to go all the way around the south tip of the island. I would enjoy working with the local land based fire dept coming up with ideas to increase the effecency(sp)of fighting fires. I love being a part of the community and trying to give back. I've been part of my local township volunteer fire dept for the past 2 years.

And with that I will assume it went upon deaf ears? But I would imagine (just an educated guess on my part and I don't know how educated it is) that it's about funding. In the little town I live in they arn't real crazy about change and we have to fight for every penny to buy new fire suits, hose's or what ever.