I personally know very little of what happened in the past but I think Nurse Natalie and Amanda (as well as others) are getting at the real issues here.

It might help if we get a partner somewhere in the US that could help us set up a true emergency response organization that we could then raise funds for. I think in this case we would also need a local doctor to take responsibility for managing the physician component of this undertaking.

I think the way to go is private funding for this as the government has enough fiscal burdens already and given the current economic climate the government is unlikely to be able to provide much in the way of funds.

I also believe that we could come up with a model that would provide ongoing funds for the emergency response organization through perhaps a voluntary contribution from our tourists. This would take a real committment from the hospitality community and would of course be ripe for abuse if we are not very careful but I think most tourists would be happy to donate $1.00 Belize a day per person to fund this.

For myself I would be happy to try and get a hospital or physican organziation here in South Florida to support us in this endeavor. I am also to provide some limited funds and my time to help move this along.

I have been talking to some folks up north of the cut about my concerns about medical treatment especially in the event of severe weather when water transportation would likely not be available.

I am newcomer to this board and I am not trying to insert myself into this situation for any reason other than trying to be helpful. I am only on the island about 1/3rd of the time but stand ready to help in any way I can.

Anyone feel free to contact me by email to discuss.


Captain One Iron