Fundraising Drive from San Pedro Business Association Safety Committee
As you are aware a year ago we all started an emergency security project in response to an escalating crime situation we were experiencing on the island. We made a deal with the Government for it to provide a 10 man complement of specially trained police officers and BDF soldiers to supplement our local police presence on the streets. In return we would guarantee to maintain them with the basic necessities of food, housing, water and electricity for as long as they remained here. This was a long term plan.
After the expected initial trials and tribulations the project has proven itself to be a success and now contributes 70% of the officers who solely conduct night patrolling from 9 pm to 5 am 7 days a week. The team does not have sick leave or regular leave as they are simply replaced by relief from Belize City. It consists of 2 police Anti Drug Unit officers, 2 Anti Gang Unit officers and 6 BDF soldiers. The police work in teams assisted by the BDF soldiers.
The cost of setting up this project, as well as monthly maintenance, has been primarily funded by dues and donations through the Business Association. We are now at a point where we are nearly out of funds and owe $ 5482.00 for loans to handle some emergency housing issues which occurred recently at the barracks.
We need to raise emergency funds at this time to ensure that we can continue to have this additional security for at least over the next 3 months. We would like to ask that all members pledge a minimum of $200 by this Monday November 2nd. We shall also solicit private funds to further supplement the program. We need a minimum of $ 13,000.00 to continue.
If we cannot get sufficient pledges then we will have no option but to close down the barracks next week. If we do so then we will only have 3-4 officers available at night to patrol and respond to reports for the entire island – which is what we had before we started this project. Obviously we must ensure that this does not occur.
Please email your pledge to info@sanpedrobusiness.com and you will be contacted to arrange for payment at your convenience. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who would be willing to contribute.
Thank you for your continued support.
San Pedro Safety Committee – San Pedro Business Association
