7 News Belize

Water Taxi Gives Back To Island Communities
posted (April 2, 2020)

Belizeans all over the country have been hurting financially ever since the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the global economy. But, for those who earn their livelihood from tourism are the ones most devastated by the pandemic.

San Pedro and Caye Caulker are among the country’s premier tourism destinations, and so when all international travel was cut off, they were among the first to experience the crisis.

Today, San Pedro Belize Express water ferry made a gesture of customer appreciation to the suddenly needy residents of both islands with a donation of basic food items that could become scarce due to the State of Emergency.

Daniel Ortiz was there:

If today was a normal business day, this vessel, 3-star Horizon, would have been packed with passengers on their way to Caye Caulker and San Pedro. But, because of COVID-19, it was packed instead with food items and groceries.

The water taxi company, San Pedro Belize Express, decided today that they wanted to give back to the residents of the islands. And so, they delivered a 30,000-dollar donation of food, since no one is allowed to travel to or from the two communities.

One of the company’s representatives told us that they can sympathize with the plight of residents. The islanders make up a significant portion of their customer base, and that’s why they were moved to make this contribution.

Shameka Pennill - Office Admin., San Pedro Belize Express

“The company decided to donate $30,000-worth of food items to Caye Caulker and San Pedro for those individuals who have been affected by the COVID virus. So, we just made the delivery to Caye Caulker. We’re now here in San Pedro doing our last delivery. We brought in flour, rice, sugar, some noodles, some oils, just basic stuff, just to keep everyone going, you know? We have co-workers here. We have affiliates. The entire island of Caye Caulker and San Pedro have supported us tremendously over the years, and we feel that this is just a part of giving back to them, to let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers and that we’re with them throughout this entire thing.â€￾

The Chairlady of Caye Caulker was on the water taxi pier to receive the donation on behalf of the village residents. She told us that residents are grateful for the company’s generosity.

Seleny Villanueva-Pott - Chairlady, Caye Caulker Village Council

“Everybody knows that Caye Caulker is fuelled by tourism. The unfortunate threat of COVID-19 is real. It’s here, and most of our hotels have a shutdown. Most of the workers are off the island, but the few people who are on the island will need to eat. This is where this donation will come in. We will definitely distribute to people who need it the most. We already have a list, but we will revisit the list now because we had some donations from the Chinese community, but with this additional donation from San Pedro Belize Express, we can now expand the list, which we are very, very grateful for. There are several people who will appreciate any help. And so, we’re very grateful to San Pedro Belize Express for this.â€￾

Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr. received the donation from San Pedro Belize Express on behalf of San Pedro residents. He told us that he is happy that the company giving back to both communities.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“At this time of crisis, I believe that whoever and whatever they give us, it well appreciated. When you have people, particularly San Pedro Belize Express, who have been doing great with both Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and when they open up their hearts to say, look, we have been making money over here. It is time to give back, I really believe that all business people are supposed to be like that. In good times you make. In bad times, you give also. So, we really appreciate this good gesture from San Pedro Belize Express. It will be well taken care of. There are other people that have donated a couple of bags of beans, rice, and cooking oil, and it is adding up.â€￾

San Pedro Town also received a donation of 1,100 pounds of groceries and vegetables from the Puerto Secreto Foundation, and from the communities of Blue Creek and Shipyard in the Orange Walk District.

This donation will go toward food programs were meals are cooked and delivered to those in need on San Pedro.

In tomorrow’s news, we’ll show you our interviews with community leaders about what the islands are doing to weather these tough financial times.

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