Sandra Swan, Bishop Sylvestre Romero, Prime Minister Said Musa, Abigail Nelson and Caye Caulker Village Council Chairman Alberto Villanueva Jr.

    Master of Ceremonies Eiden Salazar welcomed those gathered to witness this historic event in Caye Caulker. He introduced Caye Caulker Village Council Chairman Alberto Villanueva Jr. who stated that although it was not an easy road, he was pleased to be a witness to this rare occasion in Caye Caulker of "handing over homes to deserving people." He also mentioned the other tasks that still needed to be completed for the project, such as electricity and water.

    Secretary of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, Cecile Reyes, explained that the houses were built to replace those destroyed by Hurricane Keith, with funding provided by the Board of Episcopal Relief and Development. She assured those gathered that this act of generosity was not performed to convert anyone to the Anglican religion but out of compassion for those who had lost so much. The Secretary encouraged homeowners who were receiving the $30,000 houses to be sure to make their payments. She stated that this money would be deposited back into ERD's charitable fund so the church could continue to help those in need, like the people in Placencia and Monkey River who received assistance after Hurricane Iris.

    Bishop Sylvestre Romero of the Anglican Diocese of Belize praised ERD for their initiative and hard work, and for "responding generously without even getting a request for assistance." Bishop Romero presented crosses to the Diocesan Secretary, the Village Council Chairman, Prime Minister Musa and others who were instrumental in overseeing this project. Presenting a token on behalf of St. John's Cathedral, he reminded those present that, "a building is not a church; the church is in all of us."

    "Episcopal Relief and Development is a not for profit organization which works in countries affected by natural disasters." explained Ms. Abigail Nelson, the Director of ERD's Latin American Program. She went on to describe how she had witnessed the destruction in Belize a few months after Hurricane Keith, and assured the new homeowners that the houses were solid, strong, cement structures. Ms. Nelson stated that this project is a culmination of years of work between ERD, the Anglican Diocese of Belize and the Government of Belize. She also congratulated all of the homeowners and urged them to "always remember those who are less fortunate." Ms. Nelson was presented with a local painting of Caye Caulker beach house, to remind her that she should not forget her dream of living in a house by the sea.

    Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Musa spoke of the approximately one billion dollars in damages Belize suffered from natural disasters. The Prime Minister recalled the mood of Caye Caulker after Hurricane Keith and praised the people for their resilience and strength, saying he now felt a renewed spirit in the community.

    The Prime Minister told those gathered that he, too, is a member of the Anglican Church and had once studied to be an Anglican priest. He stated how proud he was to be an Anglican and noted how the Church continues to play an important role in fighting poverty.

    Mrs. Sandra Swan, President of the Board of Episcopal Relief and Development, then presented keys to the new homeowners. Mrs. Swan expressed her great pleasure in having the opportunity to witness this solidarity with those who were suffering. She thanked everyone for their support, and mentioned that the Anglicans in the US would be so excited to hear that their efforts went to "build a miracle."

    New homeowner Margarito Cu gave the Vote of Thanks on behalf of all who were blessed with a "better place to live." Former CC Lots Committee Chairperson Catalina Rosado was given special thanks for assisting the housing applicants.

    Bishop Sylvestre Romero concluded the ceremony by blessing the new BahÌa Puesta del Sol Housing Project. Following this, invited guests were treated to a delicious lunch at Habaneros Restaurant.