By: Omar Silva

Editor: National Perspective Bz – DIGITAL 2024

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

 Belize City: Tuesday 19th November 2024

As Belize struggles to recover from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sara, the glaring neglect of the People's United Party (PUP) government in addressing the social needs of the people has once again come to light. Sara’s devastating floods have wreaked havoc not only in Belize but across the region, including Nicaragua, Honduras, and parts of Guatemala. Yet, in Belize, the government's response has been marked by delays, insufficient resources, and dismissive remarks that insult the intelligence and resilience of Belizeans.

Floods Expose Gaps in Preparedness

The storm’s torrential rains submerged vast swathes of land in the West, South, and North of Belize. Communities are grappling with washed-out roads, broken culverts, and agricultural devastation. Small farmers in Cayo, for instance, lost their crops—critical to their livelihoods and the country’s food security. Yet, the PUP government seems to have approached this inevitable eventuality with a lack of urgency.

Prime Minister John Briceno himself admitted that the government’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) was allocated only $1.5 million in the most recent supplementary budget. Why was this funding delayed until late into the hurricane season? Disaster preparedness is not an afterthought—it is a necessity. Belizeans are left wondering why their government gambled with their safety, knowing well the hurricane season's predictable threats.

A History of Neglect

Tropical Storm Sara is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, flash floods in the North left residents of Orange Walk and Corozal stranded and their properties destroyed. Yet, the PM chose that moment to make one of his infamous "foot-in-mouth" remarks, dismissing the situation with a tone that seemed both out of touch and out of bounds.

This pattern of callousness has become a hallmark of the PUP administration. Instead of action, Belizeans receive patronizing explanations and excuses about limited resources, while tangible relief remains elusive.

Sara's Aftermath: More Than Just Floodwaters

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Sara underscores the government's lack of foresight and planning:

Health Concerns Loom: Floodwaters, potentially contaminated by latrines in Guatemala, pose a significant threat of cholera and other waterborne diseases to communities downstream. Yet, there seems to be no proactive plan to prevent outbreaks.

Infrastructural Collapse: Roads, bridges, and culverts across the nation have been washed away, leaving entire communities cut off. While the PM promises to “fix” these, his words ring hollow without immediate action or a comprehensive plan.

Agricultural Devastation: Small farmers, particularly in Cayo and Corozal, have lost their crops to floods. This is a severe blow to their livelihoods and the nation’s food security.

Public Frustration Boils Over

The response—or lack thereof—has sparked outrage. NEMO’s National Coordinator, Captain Daniel Mendez, has been heavily criticized for his handling of the disaster. Many Belizeans feel that the government is more concerned with saving face than saving lives.

Prime Minister Briceno’s attempt to defend Mendez, attributing criticism to misinformation and sensationalism by the media, further illustrates how disconnected the government is from the reality on the ground. Belizeans are not swayed by spin; they want results.

A Call for Accountability

Belize cannot afford leadership that reacts instead of preparing. The PUP government must:

Immediately Release NEMO Funds: The allocated $1.5 million is a start, but it is far from enough. Additional resources must be identified and deployed without delay.

Support Small Farmers: Farmers who lost their crops need immediate assistance to replant and rebuild.

Health Precautions: Preventive measures, including access to clean water and medical supplies, are essential to avoid a public health crisis.

Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and culverts must be rebuilt to withstand future disasters.

Belizeans deserve a government that puts their safety and well-being above political posturing. The PUP administration must be reminded that disaster preparedness is not a political favor—it is their duty.

As the floodwaters recede, so too must the complacency and negligence of those in power. Belize cannot afford more foot-in-mouth moments or "lee breeze" dismissals. It’s time for action, accountability, and leadership that truly serves the people.