I think in most cases tourists and workers come to AC because of the added advantages of some basic services and amenities. There are certainly more places in Belize that actually offer a more realistic look at Belize then AC.

The cost of living here on Ambergris Caye is higher then any other place in Belize and there is a reason for that.

A $1 tax used for emergency services here on Ambergris Caye might do some of the following depending on the amount of cash it would generate (easy to determine by simply looking at the numbers).

- Implement an emergency medial service 24/7/365
- Implement an island security or policing service

Both of the above are needed and would make AC a better place for locals and visitors alike.

In regards to current tax levels they are very low at this time and if we want to have services they must be paid for. You can't expect people to work for nothing.

In regards to what should be done I will leave that up to more qualified people (doctors) but I would think that a combination of ER at the polyclinic and paramedic services working out of the same location would provide the assistance needed.

Volunteers are important but you cannot discount the value of full time employees who know:

- Where they are going
- What equipment to bring
- Have the transportation to get there
- Can respond in a timely fashion

Emergency medical services are just that. They must be rendered in a timely and effective manner. If you respond to a heart attack with a band aid you are not helping anyone. Training and equipment can be donated but paying someone every week requires an income stream.

If the price of your tropic ticket goes up by $1 and the price of your water taxi ticket goes up by the same amount I don't think anyone would notice.