The United Democratic Party laments the terrible destruction that Hurricane Iris has visited on southern Belize. The loss of life and property, in areas where existence was already at times a difficult enterprise, is a tragedy. We offer our prayers, our sympathy and our solidarity to those whose loved ones have died, who are without food and home, whose crops and livelihood have perished. The people of the south though, are justly famed for their hardiness. We know that their resilience and their resolve will enable them, with the help of the rest of the nation and the international community, with the blessing of almighty God, to triumph over even this terrible adversity.
Great misfortune requires great courage.
And already there are tales of the heroism and humanity that so many displayed in the middle of the raging storm. We offer our full support to the Government as it coordinates now the relief and reconstruction effort. All of us must assist in that effort any way we can. God bless Belize, and may we soon recover from this disaster.