Public consultations have been scheduled across the country. A disappointed District Coordinator James Janmohamed stated, "I understand that the public sometimes does not pay attention to hurricane matters outside of Hurricane Season, but these consultations are vital to protecting the nation's resources in the event of an emergency."

    The Belize National Hazard Mitigation Policy addresses natural and technological hazards affecting Belize. According to NEMO, this policy will be incorporated into all projects and plans at all levels, and will directly influence the future development of Belize.

    The Hazard Mitigation Policy came about as a result of investigations carried out by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), which showed weaknesses in the disaster management plans of many Caribbean (participating) States. CDERA approached NEMO Belize to assist them in the development of this policy, which is currently in the third of five stages. Quoting the third draft of the policy, Hazard Mitigation is "Structural and non-structural measures undertaken to limit the adverse impact of natural hazards, environmental degradation and technological hazards." Simply put, this identifies potentially dangerous situations that could occur as a result of an emergency or a disaster, whether natural or man-made.

    What the public consultations are designed to accomplish, is to identify certain dangers (hazards) in each community that could be avoided, and in an emergency or disaster, what could be done to lessen the severity (mitigation) of certain impacts. "What we are focusing on are the things that could cost people their lives should an emergency situation occur," Mr. Janmohamed told The San Pedro Sun.

    Some of the examples of suggestions made in other areas of Belize were: structurally reinforcing a bridge that has weakened over the years, so that it does not wash out in the event of a flood; removing old cars or boats from residential areas so that they do not become airborne in the event of a hurricane; building a larger water storage container so that more potable drinking water is available in the event the community water supply is contaminated; or planting more palm leaf in less affected areas (inland), so that when a village needs to rebuild, materials are more readily available.

    The community of San Pedro is asked to assist with the National Hazard Mitigation Policy by sending their comments or concerns regarding potential dangers or hazardous situations on the island to the following address: James Janmohamed, District Coordinator, P.O. Box 18, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America; or E-mail: hatari@btl.net.

    Copies of the draft policy are available at the San Pedro Town Hall and the San Pedro Library, and at Maya Island Air or Tropic Air terminals (Belize City Municipal Airstrip). The draft can also be accessed on the Internet at www.nemo.org.bz