What about all the people who lived in those poor dwellings.They are lucky to have their lives, but now they have NOTHING.Who is going to help them?
I don't REALLY hear anyone speaking for them or collecting for them.

**and don't be nasty and remove this post either, please!**

It saddens me that they always seem to be left to fend for themselves while the rich go on with their weddings,entertaining,etc.

IMHO....
Love and Peace. June

June, it is my fondest hope that the money and supplies (construction, clothing, etc.) will be distributed in a very fair manner and that those most in need will receive the lion's share of the resources available. I gave money over the internet in blind faith that the town board will take care of the entire population of SP as best they can. I am hoping that it starts with the west side of the island. Almost certainly, there will be real or percieved inconsistencies. But, as someone living in the states and trying to help, all I can do is trust in the people on the island to look after and help each other with what is available. I am hoping that the "little" people do not fall through the cracks. However, since we see this happen in the states, it would not be extraordinary if it happened in SP or Caye Caulker. It would be extraordinary if it doesn't happen at all. Still, I believe that the people of SP are good people and will do what they can for as many as they can. I don't know if this makes you feel better. I worry about them also. I don't know what else to do. Just my thoughts. Kim

Thanks for such a nice response. I guess I am not really worried about the little guy, not helping the little guy...they always help each other.There has just been so much talk about getting the resorts/hotels/eating establishments/etc. up and running and I can't see those people... concerned with tourists and making a buck, concerned with the poor people. There is a lot of love ,care and concern expressed on this board...but I don't hear a lot about the "little guy".
God bless. June

June, not sleeping either, huh? There are two parts of my brain that argue with each other. The humanitarian part wants to send all of my money and resources to the people suffering the most (and fix the immediate disaster). The pragmatist part of my brain says (even though the growth is slower) build the economy back up because it gives these people a paycheck. Such a dichotomy. I wrestle with this so much. Such as relief efforts- do we refuse to pay duty and not send supplies? Or do we pay the duty (or someone else pays) and they EVENTULLY get them? it is such a quandrary. I wish I had the wisdom of Solomon but I do not. As someone in the world of public health and social issues, I struggle with this continuously. I wish I could change the order of things. If only they would let me be Benevolent Dictator. (just joking). Kim

I appreciate your joke. It made me smile.I haven't been doing too much of that lately.My guy is on Caye Caulker and I haven't heard from him since the 4th. His sister assures me that he is okay, but she hasn't heard from him either. Really very strange.Isn't it ?

So you are right, not sleeping, been glued to this board since the beginning of Keith's wrath. If the world were perfect~ and we all know it isn't~the poor would be fed, clothed,housed,etc. FIRST,but if the world were a perfect place ,Keith would have stopped by but wouldn't have knocked so damn hard!

I agree with the things you say, I too have the same struggles.

Take care. Peace. June

Hey June,
I like to hear your question about the poor people on the islands. But not only the poor ones, but also some fisherman on Caye Caulker lost houses and boats and have no money no income. These people need urgent help.
I am just starting searching for funding in Germany and be trying to get some money from the german government. But I dont know if they will give some.
Whats the name of your Guy at Cauye Caulker? I have contact to louis reyes (uncle luois) from Caye Caulker, may be he knows something about your friend.

hans from Germany

June,
I too have been worried about the, for the lack of a better name, poor people on the western side of the island. There are people of extraordinary warmth and kindness that I have met on AC. Some of them I only know by their first names and where they work. I sent a donation to the town committee, but I have been trying to figure out how I can get money, clothes or food to specific people. I won't be coming down until December and that seems like so far away if someone has lost everything and needs help now.

Yeah, Maggie, we remove all the posts on poor people, gimme a break. i remove two lousy threads in 9 days, out of 2 billion, and i get this.

spare me.

when people start squabbling, and the spirit of a thread is nasty and mean, i remove them. twice that has happened.

the first 5000 we got to the island was in materials purchased and brought down by Jeff Gram. they were all given out to the poorest folks in minutes.

Everyone is getting fed, rich or poor. Building materials will be shared. Peter chopped poles and materials for 30 huts yesterday, and is delivering them this AM. Good work is continuing among all people.

[This message has been edited by Marty (edited 10-10-2000).]

Maggie,
I agree with you about the poor people but at the same time the tourist coming there and spending money is the best way to help them get back on their feet.I only respond to this due to the wedding reference because that's me-I live and work outside Belize city and LOVE SAN PEDRO-I want to go there for my wedding and at the same time help the poor get back on their feet

Forgive my naivete, but I was under the impression the collected money was to help the poor, ie, the ones who lost homes and were too poor to afford insurance. given to Did you say that the building materials were given to both rich and poor? I'm sure the resort owners could afford insurance. I'm dismayed, and sure that many others are as well.