Repatriation of Belizean citizens stuck in foreign countries since March has started - in very limited doses. We'll tell you about that shortly - but first to the process of what is being called controlled repatriation
The hundreds of Belizeans in the US, the UK, Asia, Cuba and many other parts of the world are being asked to fill out a three page application for the government to figure out how to let them into the country in the most orderly and health-safe manner.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs is leading the effort - and today on Ask the Experts, CEO Lou-Ann Burns Martinez explained the process for resident Belizeans only to return home as soon as possible, and safe:
Lou-Anne Burns Martinez, CEO, Min. of Foreign Affairs
"At this time only people who have filled out the application form and are approved to return and we are calling it a controlled return and we are doing that because we need to ensure that its done in a safe manner that raises the least possible health risk for those already in Belize and as safe as possible for those seeking to return."
Dorian Pakeman, Press Office
"So what's the criteria for repatriation?"
Lou-Anne Burns Martinez
"At this time we want to look at those most in distress, those who may have economic, health or other particular reasons that they should be prioritized for return home. We have to ensure that the numbers of people coming in are numbers that we can safely approved and ensure that everyone goes into quarantine after arrival. There are quite clear procedures in terms of how that will work when you return and what is expected of each national who seeks to come home. We will definitely keep the numbers low and manageable, because we want to ensure that we put health and safety first and so we have to ask everyone to be patient in this process."
And, so what will it cost for a Belizean to be quarantined? Here's what Ambassador Burns-Martinez said:
Lou-Anne Burns Martinez
"In terms of the range, at this time you are looking at the cost of 3 meals a day, because your meals will be provided to your rooms and the room and board. The hotels have been trying to keep the rates as low as possible. At the moment and this is subject to change, just as you will see we have some modifications on the application form when you go online, also some of the information is subject to change, so once we are in touch with you we will give you the ranges available and they generally begin about $110 Belize a night."
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