Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2025. 8:29 am CST.
Press Release
In a proud moment for southern Belize, forty-eight residents from five villages in the Toledo District graduated last Thursday as members of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). The ceremony at Julian Cho Technical High School marked a significant milestone in building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities through disaster preparedness.
The new CERT members hail from the villages of San Miguel, Na Lum Ca, San Pedro Columbia, San Jose, and San Antonio. Over the past weeks, they completed rigorous training in disaster risk reduction, participatory risk assessments, CPR and basic first aid, search and rescue, shelter management, and fire safety. To enhance their readiness, the graduates will also be equipped with a range of gear to support their wildfire response capabilities.
During the ceremony, the graduates, many of whom were women, proudly received their certificates and CERT shirts, which they wore as a visible symbol of their achievement and their commitment to serving their communities in times of need.
The project was spearheaded by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), through funding from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The investment reflects a strong commitment to building disaster-ready communities while safeguarding both lives and natural resources in rural Belize.
Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, commended the graduates for their dedication and community spirit. “What we are witnessing today is more than the closing of a program – it is the beginning of a new chapter for these villages. Each CERT member represents a first line of defense in protecting lives, property, and livelihoods. Your training ensures that communities are not only better prepared but also more resilient in the face of disasters,” he said.
Toledo West Area Representative and Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Oscar Requena, underscored the importance of community participation. He noted, “I had the privilege of joining the people of Toledo on the frontlines during the 2024 wildfires. I saw first-hand the courage and determination of our villagers. This CERT program gives our communities the knowledge and tools they need, not just for today but for generations to come.”
Also addressing the gathering was National Emergency Coordinator of NEMO, Mr. Daniel Mendez, who highlighted the broader vision of the CERT initiative. “This project has laid a strong foundation for similar initiatives to be carried out across the country. What began here in Toledo is setting an example for how we can empower communities to take the lead in disaster preparedness and response,” he stated.
The CERT initiative forms part of a larger national effort to strengthen disaster risk management through community training, inter-agency collaboration, and resource mobilization. With the addition of these 48 trained members, Toledo is better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in addressing wildfires and other hazards that threaten rural communities.
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The post Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Graduation Ceremony appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2025. 8:29 am CST. Press Release In a proud moment for southern Belize, forty-eight residents from five villages in the Toledo District
The post Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Graduation Ceremony appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
