U.S. Government-funded emergency response vehicles arrive in Belize

Published by BBNTEAM at July 23, 2022

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Posted: Saturday, July 23, 2022. 12:22 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Two ambulances, two support trucks, and an array of medical supplies arrived on Thursday via a United States Air Force flight – donations obtained through an ongoing U.S. government-funded Central America Regional Security Initiative – Economic Support Fund (CARSI-ESF) grant of US$250,000 (BZ$500,000) to nonprofit Belize Heroes in 2021.

The organization enhances emergency medical services in the Cayo District through training and equipment for the Belize National Fire Service. CARSI-ESF supports Belizean civil society organizations to promote transparent and accountable governance and improve accessibility and effectiveness of government services. This donation underscores the continuing partnership between the United States and Belize to improve Belize’s emergency and disaster response capabilities.

Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management Hon. Orlando Habet thanked the United States Government for its continued partnership and support to the Government of Belize in strengthening its disaster and emergency response systems. Minister Habet highlighted, “Providing immediate and effective life-saving care in a safe and clinical working environment with maximum mobility is extremely important in our society.”

Roberto Riverol, Emergency Medical Services Project Liaison Officer for the Belize Heroes added, “Belize Heroes believes that pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services is a basic human right and should be accessible to all who need it, regardless of their socioeconomic status; and we continue to work toward achieving that.”

U.S. Embassy Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Officer Vincent Lowney emphasized, “We stand with Belize in our unwavering commitment to improving the safety of all the people of this country. Today’s equipment is a significant step towards realizing the National Fire Services dream to cross-train their team in emergency medical services and will increase access to critical health resources for tens of thousands of people in western Belize.”

The shipment was facilitated through the Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program, jointly administered by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. To date, the United States has provided over US$9.5 million in grant funding through CARSI’s Economic Support Fund in Belize.

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