Embassy of Belize
in the United States of America

Permanent Mission of Belize to
the Organization of American States

High Commission for Belize to Canada
October 29, 2010

Update on the post-Hurricane relief and reconstruction efforts in Belize
My Dear Belizeans and Friends of Belize in the United States:

As promised in my communication of October 26, 2010, I write to provide an update on the relief and reconstruction efforts underway in Belize in the aftermath of Hurricane Richard which struck Belize on October 24, 2010.

In this context, I can inform that the damage assessment and needs analysis has been completed by the National Emergency Management Organization. A copy of the Initial Situation Assessment Report providing detailed information on the effects of the hurricane is annexed for your information. As informed earlier, one of the most critical needs is the reconstruction and rehabilitation of houses, since the NEMO assessment indicates that some eight hundred and thirty one houses were totally destroyed or suffered damaged. Work has commenced in the rebuilding and repairing of homes, but there is a great need for funds to pay for these efforts. Most of the materials needed and all the labor required can be sourced within Belize, so the best way to offer assistance is through monetary donations that can be used to buy the materials in Belize at lower overall cost and within a shorter period of time than if they were sourced from outside Belize.

For persons or organizations wishing to make donations, the Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC has a special account to receive said donations:


1. By check made out to “Embassy of Belize – Hurricane Relief” and mailed to: Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008.


2. Through ACH or PAYPAL by sending the donation to:
ABA Routing Number: 254075069
Account Number: 1305716605
The name of the account is “Belize Relief Fund,” and it is held with the OAS Staff Federal Credit Union in Washington, DC

In addition to monetary donations, some Belizean organizations are preparing to collect and ship household goods for those victims that lost everything to the Hurricane. While donations are always welcome, our authorities are coordinating to ensure that the goods that are being sent are items that are needed and are in good condition. To that end, it is urged that all persons or organizations intending to ship relief supplies to Belize contact Mr. Patrick Menzies, Diaspora Affairs Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize (diaspora@patrickmenzies.com) and provide him with a list of the proposed in kind donations so that NEMO can indicate which items should be priority and which ones are already held in sufficient quantities in Belize.

I once again extend my great appreciation to all those Belizeans in the United States and the Friends of Belize who have made donations, are preparing donations or are organizing themselves to assist in the relief efforts in our country.

Sincerely,



Nestor Mendez
Ambassador
2535 Massachusetts Avenue,NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel:(202)332 9636.Fax: (202) 332 6888