Crozier DIRfinal

THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
PLANNING IMPLICATIONS OF AN APPLIED EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT STUDIO IN SAN MATEO, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE
BY
JOSEPH CROZIER
A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF URBAN
AND REGIONAL PLANNING IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
PLANNING
DECEMBER 1, 2015
APPROVED BY
________________________ _________________________
DR. PETRA DOAN DR. WILLIAM BUTLER
COMMITTEE CHAIR COMMITTEE MEMBER

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This work is dedicated to my family and especially my grandfather, Richard Lowery, for
the unwavering support throughout my life and academic career. I would not have had
the opportunity to pursue higher education without their help.

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Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................4
Belize.............................................................................................................................................................6
Ambergris Caye.............................................................................................................................................9
San Pedro....................................................................................................................................................13
San Pedro Infrastructure.........................................................................................................................14
San Mateo...................................................................................................................................................18
San Mateo Infrastructure........................................................................................................................21
The Future of San Mateo ............................................................................................................................25
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................28
References Cited.........................................................................................................................................30
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................................31

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Introduction
During the summer months of 2015, the Florida State Emergency Management
Department and other associated staff prepared for, departed on, and evaluated a trip to
San Mateo, San Pedro, Belize. While in the community, a full utility survey was
undertaken to quantify available services as well as document the current population as
a studio project. The author of this Directed Individual Research participated in this studio
and was a primary author of the San Mateo Infrastructure section of the report. This paper
extends the work of the previous studio by reviewing planning implications of the
conditions in San Mateo.
The San Mateo population has boomed in recent years, developing an estuary into
an informal community that houses much of the San Pedro tourist-industry workforce. It
was found that the water provided through the utility service was not potable. Block
constructed and generally inadequate, open-bottom, septic systems were universal, if
present at all. Overall, the general infrastructure was exceedingly meager. This data has
been compiled into a report and has been granted to the Red Cross to determine a further
course of action, if any, will be made.
In order to determine the potential implications modern planning applied in San
Mateo may result in, further analysis is necessary. While the parcels are delineated well
and these lines are observed in the community, the lack of infrastructure supporting the
community is a major cause of concern. None of the roads are paved and while others
are still being elevated out of the water by compressing household trash and Sargasso
seaweed into a surface that will eventually have fill dirt added. Additionally, many

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questions went unanswered despite the time spent on the ground in the community such
as the nationwide trends of regulation enforcement.
If the San Mateo community is to increase the quality of life of residents, joining in
the San Pedro jurisdiction may be an option. During the fieldwork in San Mateo, the only
San Pedro resources observed were the San Pedro police. During this time, they made
regular rounds through the community’s best roads. While it was clear that no sanitation
services were present, the garbage was desired as a source to continue to raise the
community out of the water. The homemade septic systems, when present, were not
meeting their purpose. Also, the source of food for the population was unclear as some
families had small livestock but no gardens were found.
While the initial project was focused on emergency management, the potential
ramifications of modern urban planning in the San Mateo community were made clear. In
order to truly examine the potential for change, additional trips would need to be
appropriated in order to research this small community due to the lack of available
information on the area and the unorthodox population it supports.
In this report, I have gone beyond the initial frame of the Emergency Management
and Homeland Security studio to look at issues wider in Belize. After the departure from
San Mateo, subsequent information was gathered by Shirlee Arnould, a resident of San
Pedro and the Branch Coordinator for the San Pedro Belize Red Cross. This information
was aggregated through email correspondence in which I posed questions that she would
delineate to local engineers and other members of the community for accurate responses.

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Belize
Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to its east, Guatemala to its west, and
Mexico to its north. The capital, Belmopan, is located on the mainland (Central
Intelligence Agency, 2015). The country gained independence from Great Britain in 1981
and was not formally recognized by its neighbor, Guatemala until 1992 (Central
Intelligence Agency, 2015). Until this time, the democratic nation found today was known
as British Honduras. Further, border disputes with Guatemala persist. The population is
about 350,000 persons, but others remain undocumented (Central Intelligence Agency,
2015). The climate is tropical, with rainy and dry seasons. The largest natural hazards
present in the country are floods and hurricanes. The CIA Factbook for Belize reports that
current environmental issues include “deforestation, water pollution from sewage,
industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal.”1
The nation as a whole is “small, upper middle income” with an economy oriented
toward the export of crops including bananas, citrus, sugarcane, and others (The World
Bank, 2010). The World Bank document states tourism has been rising in stature in
regards to the Belizean gross domestic product with tourist visits doubling between 1995
and 2007. Today, the preponderance of the population is clustered amongst the few cities
found in the nation. The World Bank report attributes the growth of population due to
immigration from nations such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
These immigrants are known to seek refuge in informal settlements prone to flood and
other natural events. These factors considered, the United Nations reports that Belize
1 The majority of this paragraph is copied from the “Community Profile” in the Appendix

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boasts the third highest growth rate in the region, at 3.1% per year between 2005 and
2010 (The World Bank, 2010). Today, the nation is comprised primarily of ten primary
cultures across its area. These include East Indian, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Mennonites,
and Creole people with the primary language of the nation remaining English (Casado
Internet Group, Belize, 2015). However, as reinforced in the surveys taken in San Mateo,
English does not reign without competition.
Poverty is a major concern in Belize. The poverty rate has increased from 34.1%
to 41.3% of the documented population from 2002-2009 (The World Bank, 2010).The
rural poverty rate (55.3%) is approximately double the urban rate (27.9%) with an uneven
geographic distribution across the nation (The World Bank, 2010). Much of this poverty
correlates with the informal settlements identified across the nation. Moreover, many of
these people work in the agricultural enterprises found in Belize or aid with tourist related
activities. The informal settlements oriented toward the rural aspects of the region are
even less likely to have any governmental oversight. Regardless of the geographic
orientation, an absence of infrastructure is commonplace (The World Bank, 2010).
The governmental structure found in Belize has large implications on this study as
well as the measures taken in the future. According to a World Bank report, “there are
two levels of government: a state government and single-tier local government.” This
allows for major gaps of regulation enforcement considering the limited number of
municipalities. Those settlements that are found outside of a town or city have only the
national government to regulate them. This oversight has implications at all levels,
especially in regards to settlements such as San Mateo.

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Until the 1990’s the Belizean government was extremely centralized. World Bank
dictates the Belizean Constitution did not mention local governance until decentralization
efforts began in the 1990’s. The government allocated a framework known as the National
Policy on Local Governance in effort to improve the municipal management throughout
the nation. This work was primarily spurred from a lack of revenue toward the national
government from the cities and towns of Belize (The World Bank, 2010). The late
emergence of the decentralization has led to many of the challenges and failures of
governmental support and regulation found today.
The Belize Department of Environment (DOE) has statutory provisions for
development that must be followed, but are often not enforced (Ambergris Caye Citizens
for Sustainable Development, 2015). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is
required in order to construct: housing developments of more than 50 houses on the
Cayes or islands,2 any land reclamation or creation projects in excess of ten acres along
the coast or within a wetland, or clearing of more than 10 acres of mangroves in
ecologically sensitive areas (Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development,
2015). According to the Department of Environment, “all application for development in
coastal areas or offshore cayes or islands needs to be sent to the DOE for Environmental
clearance” (Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development, 2015). While the
large resorts found in locations around the study area may follow the EIA process due to
their conspicuity, this policy is ignored at a widespread rate alongside of most
governmental policy.
2 DOE interprets this as 50 lots not 50 family homes

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Ambergris Caye
The largest island under the sovereignty of Belize, Ambergris Caye was once a
peninsula extending northward to Mexico, serving as the southernmost point of the
Yucatan Peninsula (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 1). The Caye has been separated at
the border between the nations with a canal. Prior to today’s terraforming, the island
primarily consisted of a sand buffer protecting an inner core of mangroves (Central
Intelligence Agency, 2015). The island was reportedly given the name from large amounts
of ambergris, a valuable excretion from the digestive tract of sperm whales, that washed
up onto the shore in the past (Casado Internet Group, Belize, 2015).
According to the Master Development Plan,
“Ambergris Caye was formed by an accumulation of coral fragments
and silt from the Río Hondo as it emptied from what is now northern
Belize. The Caye is made up of mangrove swamps, 12 lagoons, a
plateau in the north called Basil Jones, and a series of low sand
ridges. The largest lagoon, fed by 15 creeks, is the 2.5-mile-long
Laguna de San Pedro on the western side of the island.”
Currently, the most prominent of the perceived environmental degradation
concerns in Ambergris Caye relate to tourism. These issues correspond to both allocating
accommodations and entertainment choices for tourists as well as housing the workers
in the tourism industry. These issues coincide with environmental degradation through
the construction of mega-resorts and, on the opposite spectrum, the construction of

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informal and unregulated housing for the workers. The lack of enforcement of
environmental policy is a large threat to the Belizean landscape and way of life.
The massive reef under the care of Belize is self-regulated by those that elect to
visit the site.3 This reef is critical to the economy of the entire nation. Second only to the
Great Barrier Reef off of the coast of Australia, the reef found off of the coast of Ambergris
Caye is the longest in the Western hemisphere. It can be found 500 to 1200 meters from
the coast, depending on the location (Casado Internet Group, Belize, 2015). Further, the
reef “protects the coastline from erosion due to wave action and without it, the island
would not exist” (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 4).
The Master Development Plan for Ambergris Caye cites concerns over the
lack of protection:
“In March of 2009 representatives from the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage Sites visited Belize upon receiving information that developments
of concern were taking place within the Barrier Reef World Heritage Site;
particularly within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. It was reported that
the World Heritage Site is “poorly protected and that there is no clear
recognition and understanding of the management implications.... and
should be considered for immediate inscription on the list of World
Heritage in Danger” (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 38).
3 Personal observation

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Resorts and other projects positioned throughout the Caye impose a heavy
presence. With seemingly little interest in environmental management, the developments
often neglect the importance of natural environment as the draw to the region. There are
citizens that are working to protect the area and act as a liaison between the developers
and the government. Technically, in order to construct large-scale resorts anywhere in
Belize, an EIA must be completed. Also, the “development of tourist or recreational
facilities on cayes or islands” of any kind triggers an Environmental Impact Assessment,
or a Limited Level Environmental Study at the least (Ambergris Caye Citizens for
Sustainable Development, 2015).
Since 2013, the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development have
labored to ensure that the Caye retains its natural composition. The members of the
organization fear that the influx of development through the various resorts is ruining the
island, compromising its integrity for future generations. The mission of the group is to
“support and promote sustainable development on Ambergris Caye and in its surrounding
area through education, awareness and citizen involvement. Sustainable development
meets the needs of the present while protecting and enhancing natural resources without
compromising the livelihood of this and future generations” (Ambergris Caye Citizens for
Sustainable Development, 2015).
In September 2015, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute
(CZMAI), Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development held the fourth and
final public information session in San Pedro in regards to the Belize Integrated Coastal
Zone Management. The consensus of the public was that the plan was generally
unbeknownst to the public and will lack enforcement, similar to previous planning efforts.

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It was noted that the CZMAI lacks the funding to even buy a boat to enforce new laws
created to protect the reef. A member of the public went on to state: “a good example is
all the massive construction happening on our island, mangroves are being cut left, right
and center and the dredging is destroying the seagrass beds. There is not one coastal
zone or forestry officer enforcing any law” (The San Pedro Sun, 2015). This public
meeting and the concerns therein summarize much of the issues the nation faces in
regards to environmental sustainability and the enforcement of law. All told, the residents
of Ambergris Caye wish to “keep the laid back, peaceful, and secluded character of
Ambergris Caye intact” and the environmental degradation and widespread construction
circumvent this ideology (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 14).
The Master Plan current allows for a two-year grace period in which to improve the
land before it reverts back to the state (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 45). This policy
appears fair in terms of high demand locations, yet it may become a large cause of
dispute. Inspection of San Mateo yielded a property that existed primarily on mangroves
had a residence in the rear, by appearance. In order to gain access to the residence,
water had to be crossed. Upon arrival at the residence, it was determined to be a façade.
Here, two walls were erected toward the roadway, with no other construction in place,
reminiscent to a Hollywood movie set. This structure was likely built to circumvent the
two-year grace period described in the Master Development Plan.

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San Pedro
The Town of San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye. This island, and the Town
of San Pedro found therein, is a major tourist destination. Here, the Town serves as the
location for the majority of the island's businesses and infrastructure as the only formal
settlement on Belize’s largest “offshore island” (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 1). This
infrastructure includes an airport, police station, and fire station. Located to the north of
the Town is a wastewater treatment plant and water distribution site. Situated throughout
the Caye are a number of resorts and settlements. Belize, generally, is a frequent
destination for vacation cruises and other non-work trips, approximately 60% of all visitors
to Belize stop in San Pedro (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 22).
San Pedro traces its origins back to a small fishing village with the first guest
accommodations placed in 1965 (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 9). Today, Cardona
and Cardona allege that the “once prosperous fishing industry is no longer aimed at local
sustainability but rather at supplying the demand made by the vast number of restaurants
and their guests” (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 9). This statement corresponds with
the precarious relationship between both tourism and the ecosystem for economic
success. While the Town of San Pedro has geared its economy toward tourism, tourism
likely would not be successful without the natural landscape to view. The largest attraction
today is the reef able to be seen from much of the Town. This reef is not only extremely
fragile, but also generally unprotected by representatives of the state. The Master
Development plan documents the pressure from tourism in and around San Pedro
“strains the local government and national government to protect the natural resources

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and cultural heritage of the coast.” With the aid of the reef, San Pedro is the dive and
water sports capital of Central America (Casado Internet Group, Belize, 2015).
SAN PEDRO INFRASTRUCTURE
Due to the isolated nature of Ambergris Caye, the primary mode of travel is through
the aid of golf carts. All vehicles must be ferried in from the Belize mainland, along with
other large materials, and those that were present were mostly no larger than quarter-ton
trucks4. Those vehicles that do exist in the Town were observed to be in disrepair,
primarily due to the extreme corrosion associated with the salt air. The lack of heavy
vehicles and the associated impacts on the streets on the Caye has led to roadway
construction holding a lessened prominence on the infrastructure priority list. In the Town
proper, only nine are paved with cobblestones while the remainder graded sand that
washes away after many storms (Cardona and Cardona, 27). These roads do not have
any gutters or sewers to accept rainwater with the exception on grading in the
cobblestones that channels water down the middle of the road5. This lack of infrastructure
leads to frequent inundation in the low-lying downtown areas.
The water for San Pedro is desalinated water distributed by Belize Water Services
Limited. The Master Plan reports the entirety of the island depends on this water
considering the wells have been contaminated from over pumping and leaking septic
systems (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 13). Differing from the results that follow from
the survey of San Mateo performed by the FSU EMHS, 40% of residents surveyed for the

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Master Development Plan for Ambergris Caye found that the property taxes were too high
and a staggering 75% of residents reported issues with municipal services including
water, sewage, and solid waste collection (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 13). This
survey did not include residents of the San Mateo community. At the time of the survey,
none of these services were rendered, regardless; today it is unlikely that such residents
would be included. In the survey, approximately 72% of respondents resided in the Town,
with over 50% of those individuals current residents of 20 years or more (Cardona and
Cardona, 2009, p. 13)
The lack of zoning in San Pedro has led
to disputes amongst property owners. As the
Town, as well as much of the Caye has
adjusted economic orientation toward the
tourist industry, bars and entertainment
facilities have become much more prevalent.
There is no legal support to the zoning plan,
leading to many bars built in residential zones.
This activity has been done to the displeasure
of many helpless residents. No
comprehensive plan or development plan that
governs the Town has ever had any legal
clout, but only recommendations. This has also
led to the lack of building and zoning code enforcement. For example, while in San Pedro,
Figure 1. Crozier, Joseph (Photographer). (2015, June
16)

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a two-story building located downtown and directly across from the airport under
construction was being framed using 1”-2” diameter timber collected on the island.6
The minimal execution of regulation by law enforcement often leads to disputes
amongst residents. In August 2015, the local newspaper, The San Pedro Sun published
the article “Environmental Issues arise from illegal squatting in San Pedro” regarding
squatters in living in the mangroves next to a land owning resident in the community of
San Pedrito, just outside of San Pedro. The resident was concerned “about the
environmental impact from the waste and garbage being dumped into the water, but also
the public health of those living in the immediate area” (The San Pedro Sun, 2015). The
complainant stated he had sought help from a number of authorities including the local
health inspector, the mayor, and other local authorities to no avail. Notably, the mayor
himself stated that “squatting is a central government issue” alluding to his lack of direct
Figure 2. Image of debris outside of squatter residence
http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2015/09/12/squatters-respond-
to-allegations-made-by-san-pedrito-land-owner/

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action on the situation (The San Pedro Sun, 2015). A few weeks later, an additional article
was published. This article was the response that the squatters had to the accusation by
their neighbor stating that the allegations were “inaccurate and biased” (The San Pedro
Sun, 2015). Here, the squatters blame garbage in the area from the “high tide and
currents coming from the north” (The San Pedro Sun, 2015). These members of the
community agree that they are squatters, admit that they have no septic systems, running
water, or electricity yet only implicate their legally-residing neighbor and others for the
rubbish in the area. This scenario alludes to the context of much of the Belizean issues
in regard to environmental protection. Those that do elect to be whistle-blowers may have
no impact in the problem. In this case, the newspaper published the name and location
of the whistle-blower, likely leading to further confrontation with the squatters next-door.
Cardona and Cardona’s Master Plan finds all household and commercial waste
generated on the Caye is under the responsibility of the San Pedro Town Council. This
waste is brought to an open municipal dump free of cost to residents, including medical
waste from clinics. The dumpsite is “situated within a wetland area approximately two
miles south of San Pedro Town and has an open area of about five acres” where it is
“minimally separated and burnt on a daily basis” (Cardona and Cardona, 29). The Master
Development Plan discusses intentions to move the dump to a more suitable location,
owned by the Port Authority in the future. The proposed dump site is 25 acres of land that
would have more appropriate measures to contain leachate than the current facility,
however, no progress has been made to relocate the dump site since the discussion of
the new facility in the 2009 plan.

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San Mateo
The community of San Mateo can be found on the northern outskirts of San Pedro,
just over a small bridge over a narrow waterway abutting the Town. The bridge serves as
a partition between development to the south and disarray in San Mateo. This permanent
barrier enforces the separation between San Pedro and San Mateo, the Town and a
neglected community. Here, those that wish to enter San Pedro to work, to take their
children to school, or other, must pay a small toll to gain entrance to the district. Despite
many emigrating to find work in the San Pedro area from Honduras, Mexico, and nearby
Caribbean Islands, the community as a whole is very tight knit.
San Mateo is a small settlement, housing many citizens that live, work, and
play in nearby San Pedro. It was commonly stated by residents that their quality of life is
dependent on the season, with much more opportunity to provide for their families in the
tourist-rich winter season. Many of the residents rent homes temporarily, transitioning
throughout the region where jobs are available7. This community has minimal
infrastructure and an absence of building code and other measures oriented toward the
health and safety of the residents. While the lots have been carefully divided and sold,
they remain in an unimproved state unless the landowner improves it, such as through
raising the elevation. Moreover, water is brought into the community, yet it is not potable,
and the option of electricity is a recent addition. The policies that the DOE ought to be
enforcing throughout the Belizean geography are not enforced here. In order to build,
permits must be sought from local planning committees and in order to clear mangroves,

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the Department of Forestry must issue a permit (Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable
Development, 2015). These practices are not followed in San Mateo.
The lot lines were created by a survey conducted by the National Lands Office
approximately 25 years ago. These lot lines included many inundated areas, extended
into the sea, and did not allocate appropriate space for roadway easements in much of
the area. Illustrated on page 50 of this report in the appendix, these lot lines were critical
for spatial orientation while on the ground in San Mateo. In the past, many of the volunteer
groups that came through the area would labor to pick up the rubbish found around the
community. However, much of this waste ended up returned to the same location. The
citizens used garbage of any type, plastic bleach bottles to tires, to try to lift their land out
of the contaminated water. This garbage would accompany the Sargassum seaweed that
is brought in by the truckload daily. The seaweed is raked and gathered from the resorts
and dumped in the center of San Mateo. Here, wheelbarrows and other means were
constantly being filled with the material to be brought to personal lots. Eventually, when
the landowner is satisfied with the level of the lot, sand is brought in to cover the fill.8 In
the future, this ephemeral fill may settle or wash away, leaving the landowner in the same
position as before. This improper fill may lead to settling and unsafe shifts of structures
on the lot, considering that 233 of the 250 single family homes in the community were
elevated with some sort of wooden construction, ranging from two-by-six and two-by-four
cut lumber to raw tree limbs gathered on the island (Appendix, pg. 52).

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The culmination of failed governmental accountability and enforcement have
materialized in the community of San Mateo. A door-to-door survey of the households
found in San Mateo was completed to learn more of the public perceptions of the issues
in the community as well as to gain a better understanding of the infrastructure present
including water, sewer, electricity, structural and other questions. All 301 of the homes
found in the community were surveyed physically as well as an additional 74 lots that
were vacant (Appendix, Figure 5). Here, there are no building regulations or codes,
provisions against fires or storms, or even a single paved street.
This community is not a squatter settlement but it shares many of the same
characteristics. The Master Plan for Ambergris Caye continues the trend of ignoring the
impoverished settlement. The document does not include San Mateo in the segment
“North of the Town Core” in the Land Use section of the Analysis of Current Conditions.
Here, other communities and subdivisions are depicted with the exclusion of the most
proximal to San Pedro, San Mateo (Cardona and Cardona, 2009, p. 26). In 2008, a three-
year-old fell into the lagoon that surrounded her home. She later died of complications of
an infection in her foot after receiving medical treatment (The San Pedro Sun, 2008). This
lagoon was found to be heavily contaminated with fecal coliform, as well as other lagoons
in San Mateo. While many of the lots have been improved and elevated since this time,
lagoons such as this still surround many of the lots with visible contamination, thick with
algae and human waste.

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San Mateo Infrastructure9
WATER
Water for these residents was previously provided by the Government of Belize
Office Water and Sewer Authority (WASA), but has since been privatized through the
Belize Water Services Ltd. This occurred in 2001, but the residents of San Mateo
continually stated that they were on the WASA water lines. Nevertheless, a slight minority
of lots fall on the main water lines, 176 structures (39%). Again, there is no evident pattern
to which fall on the line (Appendix, Figure 12), but when examining the image of lots
without connections to the main water line (Appendix, Figure 13) certain rows of lots seem
to be more susceptible. This may indicate that those lots were planned after the lines
were created, and no extensions were put in place before structures were placed.
Residents that were connected to main water did not drink the water, but did use it for
washing. Only 64 structures reported that consumable water was present, though the top
image indicates a greater number. This would suggest a misunderstanding or
miscommunication of the word “consumable” meaning usable or potable. This
differentiation could cause confusion even among the researchers. Sharing water from
the main line with a neighbor was also present with 116 structures (26%) receiving shared
water. There was some overlap in those structures that were on the main line and those
that shared from the main line, with 74 (42% of those on the main line) reporting this
anomaly.
9 90% of this section was included in the “Results” portion of the studio report in which I was a primary
author

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Belize water services did not begin serving the San Mateo community with water
until mid-2014. The water is delivered through above ground PVC lines. These lines go
to the majority of the houses, yet pressure is ephemeral (Appendix, Figure 12). During
the survey phase of the project, every household was asked both the reliability of the
water and if it is able to be consumed. The survey elucidated that the water is not potable.
Nearly every household stated the water was only used for washing and other purposes.
Correspondingly, the greater the distance from where the line entered the community, the
less reliable the water was. The residents closest to San Pedro had few complaints, most
residents stated it was unreliable in the morning, and those in the rear of the community
had very little use of the resource.
It was divulged after the FSU Emergency Management and Homeland Security
report was compiled that the water meant to be consumed in San Mateo is ocean water
that is reverse osmosis treated by the private company, Consolidated Water Belize
Limited before it is sold to the public’s own Belize Water Services. This resource was only
piped into San Mateo about 8 -12 months ago.10 However, as discussed in the
implications of the survey, this water is only used for general cleaning purpose.
In order to adapt to the lack of drinking water, some homes had rainwater collection
systems. These were mostly present on the more established properties. Very few
properties elected to do this, however, nearly every household purchased 5-gallon jugs
of water daily. This water, sold as “crystal water” is distributed by Bowen & Bowen, Ltd.
This is one of the wealthiest companies in the nation, possessing the only rights to bottle
10 Email correspondence with Shirlee Arnould

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all Coca-Cola products in Belize and establishing and owning the largest Belizean beer,
Belize Brewing Company, Ltd. This water originates at water treatment plant in Ladyville,
Belize, northwest of Belize City (Bowen & Bowen, Ltd and Companies, 2015).
ELECTRICITY
Electricity was present to 236 (52%) structures in San Mateo, yet the sources and
integrity varied. The bulk of structures with power (Appendix, Figure 8) had lines
originating on the main power line. These were installed approximately five to six months
prior to our visit, according to the residents. Some lots had improvised power, whether
split lines or a simple extension cord running from a neighbor’s house. Those without
power (Appendix, Figure 9) did not have power of any kind available in their home. While
many of these lots were found on main roads, residents reported that they were
responsible for the creation of a “power pole” to house a meter and serve as a means to
split off from the main line. This added cost was the cause for many of the powerless
homes to remain in their current state.
Those with power from the main power lines were provided electrical boxes outside
their homes with meters. These were either placed on the structure, on the pole, or,
somewhat commonly, on cement slabs that stood along the road just outside the home.
However, as stated, the residents were responsible for housing this electrical meter. Most
of the homes with power along the center of San Mateo had electrical boxes, while most
of the outer lots with power did not. This indicates that the main line runs through the
center of the community.

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Although Belize is the recipient of year-round direct sunlight, far fewer than
expected structures utilize solar power, considering the recent addition electrical
connections. A meager eight structures, located away from those with reliable electricity
maintained solar panels. Many of those residents stated the solar panels were only used
on occasion. Utilization of solar-derived electricity may be a way for the Belize
government to provide reliable electricity to those residents who are not on any power
line, or to discourage power sharing in the dangerous methods that have already been
used. The size and capabilities of the solar panels found in San Mateo varied immensely.
The majority of the few systems present had very low capabilities while a few, well-
established, homes maintained systems more extensive capacities.
SEPTIC
Most lots with structures had some sort of waste removal present (Appendix,
Figure 15). Of these, the majority had above ground septic tanks made from cement
blocks. These septic tanks would be used until they filled, then a new one would be built,
leaving the older tank to empty over time. Inhabited lots with no waste removal present
(Appendix, Figure 16), tended to be on lots secluded from primary roads or access points,
lots that may have been an afterthought between two planned rows of lots.
Waste removal is present in 236 structures (52%). These vary in type from septic
tank (162) or outhouse (78), with some lots maintaining both options. Twenty-five lots
have a hole in the ground or a bucket under the house, previously a common practice

25
throughout the community. Overall, there are 210 structures with a combined 265 toilets
in the community.
A San Mateo resident of 15 years reported that a majority of the cement septic
tanks had open bottoms, only filled with shells and rocks. This construction facilitates the
waste to flow easily back into the ground. She said there had been several attempts by
the community residents and government alike to formalize waste removal, but none had
been successful. This universal trend amongst the septic tank construction has led to the
unnaturally lush population of mangroves, Sargassum seaweed, and other greenery that
thrive in the nutrient-rich environment.
The Future of San Mateo
The quality of life for the residents of San Mateo has been improving drastically. It
was observed that the majority of residents take great pride in their property. A common
practice of the residents continues to involve raising the level of their property, making it
as safe, dry, and aesthetic as possible. The residents own the land, whether it was given
to them or they lease it with the option to buy, and they all pay taxes11. Today, with the
amount of improvement that has occurred on the land, it is becoming less of a blighted
area. The Belizean Red Cross delineates infrastructure planning has just begun in the
area. Beginning in January of 2015, household garbage began to be picked up daily in
11 Personal correspondence with San Mateo residents

26
San Mateo. Previously, the garbage was a welcomed addition to the area, used to
accompany dredge material and Sargassum seaweed as a supplementary means to
elevate the lots. Additionally, the water and electrical services have only been offered to
the residents of San Mateo in the last year and fire and police services of San Pedro have
been extended to San Mateo recently.12
While San Mateo is not included in the recognized communities or settlements
officially, its prominence is growing. When discussed with members of the Town Council,
none of the members had stepped foot in the community and it continues to be considered
a blight of the San Pedro Town. San Mateo may never be the formal, block and mortar
construction of homes and shops as seen in San Pedro. However, the Town Council
wishes to cease the environmental degradation, namely through the lack of containment
of human waste. Today, nearly every occupied lot, corresponding to over half of the lots
surveyed, had some sort of septic containment system. Still, most were not sealed
properly and the waste is allowed to percolate into the ground. The widespread addition
of the septic systems has been a recent change, according to long-term residents of San
Mateo. Previously, waste was often deposited directly into the water under homes or
thrown into the surrounding waterways, acting as an impetus for the EMHS visit.13 The
Town Council and large resorts are concerned that a large storm would spread the
massive concentration of human waste around the rest of the area, leading to not only
loss in tourism dollars but potential danger of illness, such as the three-year-old girl that
died of complications to the infection in her foot.

27
The low-lying area is not suitable for septic systems. The systems used generally
do not have any sort of drainage field whatsoever and the infiltration is not controlled. In
order to resolve the largest issue, that of human waste, yet a sewer system would a costly
solution. This system would require the widespread retrofitting of an appropriate system
and the addition of pump stations throughout the community. This system would be of
great cost and is not currently considered as a feasible solution by decision makers14.
Vacuum trucks have been used in similar cases to remove sewage from holding tanks for
offsite treatment, however, due to the unregulated road construction and lack of easement
access to many lots, this would not be feasible with in the community’s current state. If
the necessary investments were made, the appropriate removal and treatment of human
waste in the San Mateo community could lead to improvements in the safety and
wellbeing of those leaving in and around the area.
It has been alleged by the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross that the San
Mateo community has been incorporated into San Pedro, leading to the recent extension
of services.15 This annexation should incur more formalized regulation by San Pedro, yet
resources are limited. If the waste water treatment plan utilized by the residents of San
Pedro could be extended to San Mateo, the issue of excessive effluent could be greatly
reduced. This extension would not come cheaply, likely requiring the aid of an outside
partner, such as a non-governmental organization (NGO). If this service were to be
extended, or the opportunity to use vacuum trucks became a viable option, an NGO may
negotiate some kind of trade, such as returning the most coastal areas of San Mateo to

28
their natural mangrove ecology. This trade would lead to the restoration of a natural buffer
between the ocean and settlement, filtering water and effluent while offering protection
from wave action. Alternatively, a higher bed tax for tourists could be imposed in San
Mateo, or throughout Ambergris Caye to include the resorts throughout the island. A small
increase in this tax could provide funding for sewer system extensions, or improved
regulation.
Conclusion
The issues concerning the community of San Mateo are not unique to this location.
Unregulated construction has established housing incrementally for a new workforce.
This workforce fills the demand created by the ever-expanding tourism industry of the
Town of San Pedro and Ambergris Caye as a whole. Communities such as San Mateo
establish themselves all over the world, where the current infrastructure does not meet
the demand of the people. It is a concern that as San Mateo fills, future settlements will
arise, with potentially greater environmental impacts.
Moving forward, there is little to no force prohibiting a new community from settling
nearby once San Mateo nears capacity. This community may be a true squatter
settlement with no land ownership, with additional damage to sensitive systems such as
the mangroves. The gap in regulation between the municipalities and the national
government allows for issues like this to continue to threaten Belize and the Belizean
natural resources. Enforcement must be improved if the main driver of the economy,
tourism, is to continue. The additional settlement of people with minimal regulation may

29
lead to damage to the ecology of the island and most seriously to Belize, the reef. The
increase of a bed tax for tourists staying in or around San Pedro could correlate to
increased regulation. This regulation could enforce building and zoning codes, ensure
that mangroves and other land-based resources are not tampered with illegally, or provide
protection for largest tourist attractor, the reef.
In much of the nation of Belize, enforcing regulation has been a persistent issue.
Regulation such as environmental policy and building codes, especially, are not at the
forefront of the priority list for the underfunded and understaffed law enforcement
agencies. Illustrated in the San Pedrito example, the policy that the central government
must resolve disputes and other issues outside of Town limits, may be something for the
national government to alter in the future. The increase of a bed tax may provide critical
funding for such enforcement.
In recent months, the quality of life in San Mateo has moved in the right direction.
While there is still substantial room to improve, the recent addition of running water,
electricity, and rubbish collection available to those that can afford it has made a major
impact in the San Mateo way of life. In the future, paved roads and infrastructure to
mitigate some risk from high water and storm surges would help adapt the community
toward a more sustainable future. However, the most prominent improvement is a sewer
system to remove human effluent from the area where it may be treated properly, away
from this low-lying area.

30
References Cited
1. Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development. (2015, November 6). Who We
Are. Retrieved from Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development:
http://accsdbz.org/
2. Bowen & Bowen, Ltd and Companies. (2015, November 5). Crystal Water Belize.
Retrieved from Bowen & Bowen, Ltd and Companies: http://www.bowenbz.com/
3. Cardona and Cardona. (2009). Revised Master Development Plan for Amerbergris Caye.
Belmopan: The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute.
4. Casado Internet Group, Belize. (2015, November 1). Ambergris Caye, Belize. Retrieved
from Ambergris Caye: http://ambergriscaye.com/index.php
5. Central Intelligence Agency. (2015). Belize. Retrieved November 5, 2015, from The World
Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html
6. The San Pedro Sun. (2008, September 25). San Mateo Heavily Contaminated. Retrieved
from The San Pedro Sun: http://www.sanpedrosun.com/old/08-381.html
7. The San Pedro Sun. (2015, August 30). Environmental Issues arise from illegal squatting
in San Pedro. Retrieved from The San Pedro Sun:
http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2015/08/30/environmental-issues-arise-from-
illegal-squatting-san-pedro/
8. The San Pedro Sun. (2015, September 18). Public consultation on the use of coastal
areas leaves doubts. Retrieved from The San Pedro Sun:
(http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2015/09/18/public-consultation-on-the-use-
of-coastal-areas-leaves-doubts/)
9. The San Pedro Sun. (2015, September 12). Squatters respond to allegations made by
San Pedrito land owner. Retrieved from The San Pedro Sun:
http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2015/09/12/squatters-respond-to-allegations-
made-by-san-pedrito-land-owner/
10. The World Bank. (2010). Project Appraisal Document on a Proposed Loan in the Amount
of US$15 Million to Belize for a Municipal Development Project. Sustainable Development
Department.

32
Final Report
San Mateo Project
Florida State University
Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program
San Mateo, San Pedro, Belize

33
Summary of Project
San Mateo is a small community on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize. A community
composed primarily of immigrants and other marginalized populations, San Mateo has historically been
subjected to limited access to water, electricity, and economic opportunities for its residents. San Pedro, the
only true town located on Ambergris Caye, provides water and electricity to residents of San Pedro;
however, water is not potable, water pressure is often low, and electricity lines are above-ground and
hazardous. The houses in which residents live are highly variable in terms of size, construction type, sewage
removal system, and availability of resources. Despite overwhelming odds, most residents are very hopeful
for the future of their community and are taking action to make their home a better place to live.
The Disaster Incident Research Team (DIRT), consisting of faculty, staff, and student researchers
of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) Program at Florida State University,
recently completed field research in San Mateo, gathering information on demographics and resources
within the community. The team partnered with the Belize Red Cross, whose members provided vital
insight and knowledge about San Mateo and the greater island community. Three student volunteers from
Washington and Lee University in Virginia also joined the team to assist with the project. Without these
valuable partnerships, DIRT could not have been successful in our project goals.
The project was divided into two parts:
 Teams of EMHS staff and student researchers surveyed San Mateo community members
to gather data on the community’s vulnerabilities to disaster. Community members were
asked primarily about infrastructure, utilities, and bills and taxes paid to the local
government.
 Members of EMHS faculty and staff, comprising the UAS flight operations team, flew
several missions throughout San Mateo. Employing the use of small Unmanned Aerial
Systems (sUAS), the team took photos and recorded video of the community so as to
construct orthographic photos and gain a better understanding of the physical aspects of
San Mateo.
Project Participants

34
Compiled by Ryan Gallagher
EMHS Faculty, Staff, and Applied Emergency Management Studio Researchers
The Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) Program of Florida State University
faculty were assisted in this endeavor by six student researchers. These students applied to work for the
EMHS program and were carefully selected for their educational backgrounds. One of these was pursuing
her Ph.D., three were Masters Students, and the remaining two had plans to begin their Masters degrees in
the near future.
The FSU Applied Emergency Management Studio (AEMS) Project is a unique program of the FSU
EMHS. AEMS gives students in the EMHS program a unique opportunity to work in the field of emergency
management before they graduate from university. Selected students are hired as researchers in the EMHS
program for a semester, and work on a unique EM project – typically in a developing community. Student
researchers gain valuable work experience and knowledge of emergency management that they cannot learn
from textbooks, papers, or course materials.
The following student researchers participated in AEMS 2015:
Joe Crozier: received his Bachelor’s degree from FSU in Geography and Environmental Studies and was
completing his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning specializing in Land Use and Sustainable
Development.
Ryan Gallagher: received his Bachelor’s in Economics from FSU and was pursuing his Masters in
Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Embry-Riddle Worldwide.
Laura Hart: received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from FSU in May 2015, and will begin
her MPA (Master of Public Administration) in Fall 2015.
Abra Kinch: received her Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Culture, her Master’s degree in East
Asian Studies, and was completing her Doctorate in Public Administration and Policy from Florida State
University.
Roger Lemarque: was pursuing his Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and is starting to work at the
Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Rebecca Rogers: received her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Florida State University and
is finishing her Masters of Public Administration degree.

35
Partners
This project presented significant cultural and logistical challenges, each of which required the
assistance of strong partners in the region. The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program
of Florida State University partnered with the Belize Red Cross Society, the Belize National Emergency
Management Organization (NEMO), and the Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean
and Americas (FAVACA).
Belize Red Cross Society
Evidence of Red Cross activity in the country has been recorded since 1914, and a Branch of the
British Red Cross was founded in 1950. After Belize became an independent nation in 1981, the Belize Red
Cross Society Act established the Society on 18th August 1983. The following year it was recognized by
the International Committee of the Red Cross, and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies as a National Society with all the rights and responsibilities therein accorded.
As well as the 1983 Act of Parliament the Belize Red Cross’s legal basis includes a Constitution
which was revised and approved by the Central Committee in early 2006, and was submitted to the General
Assembly and approved on July 1, 2006.
The Belize Red Cross guided by the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Movement serves the people
of Belize, especially those most vulnerable, regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, race, color,
creed, gender, or nationality.
The Belize Red Cross has a Headquarters (HQ) in Belize City and 8 Branches throughout the 6
administrative Districts of the country. The highest level is the General Assembly which elects the Central
Committee, which in turn coordinates with management. The National Society Self-Assessment 2004 states
that there was a total of 1200 volunteers in the Society (900 of them women), and that 330 were also
supporting members. For more information visit http://www.caribbeanredcross.org/index.php/national-
societies/belize

36
Belize NEMO
NEMO in cooperation with the respective Emergency Management Committees, and all Public and
Private agencies, is established to preserve life and property throughout the country of Belize in the event
of an emergency, threatened or real, and to mitigate the impact on the country and its people. For more
information visit http://site.nemo.org.bz/
FAVACA
The Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas, Inc. is a private
not for profit organization formed in 1982 by Florida Governor (now former U.S. Senator) Bob Graham.
FAVACA’s Florida International Volunteer Corps is the only program of its kind in the country and enjoys
statutory authority under Section 288.0251 Florida Statutes. A state appropriation, voted annually since
1986, provides a funding base for an estimated 100 volunteer missions to Latin America and the Caribbean
each year.
FAVACA establishes sustainable partnerships between non-governmental organizations,
universities, government agencies and businesses in Florida and the Caribbean and Latin America. In
response to requests from partner organizations throughout the region, FAVACA has conducted more than
2,500 technical assistance and training volunteer missions reaching approximately 50,000 individuals in 30
countries over the past 25 years- living proof of Florida’s commitment to the well-being of the region.
These activities also help to mitigate threats to Florida’s agriculture, health, and the environment before
they reach critical proportions.
FAVACA’s extensive experience in Haiti provided invaluable resources for the project, including
travel and logistics, translation services, and cultural awareness. For more information,
visit http://www.favaca.org/

37
Community Profile:
Belize, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, & San Mateo
Compiled by Laura Hart
The Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) Program (located in Tallahassee,
FL) initiated and participated in a community survey project of the San Mateo Community in the town of
San Pedro on the island Ambergris Caye. This survey was in tandem with the San Pedro Branch of the
Belize Red Cross (SPBRC) and FAVACA (The Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean
and the Americas) during the summer of 2015. Team members through Florida State University’s Center
for Disaster Risk Prevention worked in June 2015 to complete a full utilities survey (electricity, water,
sewer, structural and social inquiries) delivered door-to-door, providing insight into the types, nature and
extent of services available to residents of San Mateo.
Belize is a country in Central America bordered by the Caribbean Sea to its east, Guatemala to its
west, and Mexico to its north. The capital, Belmopan, is located on the mainland (Central Intelligence
Agency, 2015). The country gained independence from Great Britain in 1981 and was not formally
recognized by its neighbor, Guatemala until 1992 (Central Intelligence Agency, 2015). The population is
about 350,000 persons, but others remain undocumented (Central Intelligence Agency, 2015). The climate
is tropical, with rainy and dry seasons. The largest natural hazards present in the country are floods and
hurricanes. The CIA Factbook for Belize reports that current environmental issues include “deforestation,
water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal”
(Central Intelligence Agency, 2015). The last designation is ultimately the influence for this research
project: a community survey tailored and specific to utility availability and usage in terms of electricity,
water, and sewer in San Mateo, a community on the Belizean island of Ambergris Caye.
The island of Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and is located just a fifteen-minute
airplane ride from Belize City and the accompanying mainland of Belize (Cardona & Cardona, 2009). The
island’s main source of industry is tourism. Popular activities within the tourism sector include an annual
lobster festival and snorkeling, as well as participating in tours of historical and archaeological sites. The
island possesses Mayan ruins, as well as caves and other archaeological and natural treasures.
Unfortunately, many culturally pivotal areas and monuments on the island lack proper protection and
cultivation, while others are difficult to reach or sustain. Undeveloped parts of the island are largely
mangrove forests, while the coastlines display beige sand. Ambergris Caye is located off of the Belize
Barrier Reef Reserve System, the second largest reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage
site (Belize barrier reef, 2013). Although the site has experienced the adverse effects of global warming,

38
the island itself is sustained and protected by the barrier reef system (Cardona & Cardona, 2009). The island
and the surrounding waters boast an impressive array of wildlife. The reef contains an astounding breadth
of fish, turtles, rays, sharks, crocodiles, and various other creatures. The mainland is also home to iguanas,
monkeys, squirrels, birds, snakes, lizards of all types, and other animals. Many residents of San Pedro and
San Mateo keep canine and feline pets, for both company and security.
As of 2008, the population of San Pedro was reported to be 11,600 persons (Cardona & Cardona,
2009). The island’s official language is English, however, many residents of San Pedro and San Mateo also
speak Spanish or a local Belizean variant of Creole, a mixture of Spanish, English, and African languages
(Cardona & Cardona, 2009; Central Intelligence Agency, 2015). The community of San Pedro is located
on the south side of Ambergris Caye and is the only town on the island (Cardona & Cardona, 2009). The
city is quite small but boasts impressive mercantile abilities for such a small island. The narrow streets
necessitate the use of golf carts for most transportation, as average cars and trucks would be cumbersome
and bulky in the streets of San Pedro, although a small number are now permitted for use.
San Mateo is an impoverished neighborhood next to the city of San Pedro on the island of
Ambergris Caye. San Mateo possesses roughly 350 private lots, with many lots possessing multiple
households, buildings, and structures. According to the Revised Master Development Plan for Ambergris
Caye compiled by Malikah Cardona and Kamilah Cardona in 2000, San Pedro continued to experience
problems in overcrowding- an issue still present in San Mateo today (Cardona & Cardona, 2009). The
population of the community is extremely diverse. Individuals and family units in the community come
from several different ancestral backgrounds. Most daytime residents of the community are women. The
community of San Mateo hosts a pronounced canine population, a number of which are extremely wary of
outsiders or perceived trespassers. Some residents of San Mateo also keep birds such as chickens and
turkeys for subsistence. San Mateo is a relatively new community, with only a few residents having lived
there for the past quarter of a century. The Belizean government allots a plot of land to each Belizean citizen
who elects to apply for one, which brought about the arrival of the San Mateo community. Some plots of
land are completely underwater, difficult or unable to be reached by road, or are inundated with trash and
refuse. Many residents assert that homes or other structures must be built quickly to assure ownership and
involvement in the land, or otherwise the Belizean government may reassign the lot to another citizen
candidate. Many lots within San Mateo are unable to receive water, electricity, sewer services, or a
combination of all three. As a result, both structural and social surveys were completed lot by lot in San
Mateo to ascertain which utilities are available at certain locations within the community.

39
Works Cited
Belize barrier reef. (2013). Retrieved July 29, 2015, from
https://www.travelbelize.org/destinations/belize-barrier-reef
Cardona, K., and Cardona, M. Produced for the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute. (2009,
December). Revised master development plan for Ambergris Caye.
Central Intelligence Agency. Central America and Caribbean: Belize. (2015, July 15). Retrieved July 28,
2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html

40
Process
Compiled by Roger Lemarque and Rebecca Rogers
Prior to leaving for Belize, Florida State University’s Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Program (EMHS), in collaboration with the Belize Red Cross (BRC) and the Florida Association
for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas (FAVACA), began communicating to establish
objectives to be accomplished in the trip to the San Mateo community, San Pedro, Belize. In addition to
establishing mission objectives, the three stakeholders prepared the flight information, the period of time
in which the researchers will arrive and depart Belize, and a common operating picture. The EMHS
Program, Belize Red Cross, and FAVACA determined the purpose of the mission to San Mateo was to
survey the utilities and living conditions of the residents within the San Mateo community.
After the mission objectives and the common operating picture were established, the EMHS
Program began searching for qualified students to become researchers for the San Mateo expedition.
Students from Florida State University were required to submit an application, which included a statement
of interest, resume, and transcript. After staff members from the EMHS staff reviewed the applications, a
handful of applicants were selected for an interview and were contacted. Applicants were interviewed in
late April. During the interview, applicants were asked questions that tested interest in the mission, work
ethic, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, team cooperation, and communication skills. These were the
skills deemed necessary for the researchers to be successful in San Mateo.
As of May 11th
, 2015, the EMHS Program at Florida State University officially hired the six
researchers. Once the researchers were selected and notified, the staff members of the EMHS Program
conducted weekly meetings to ensure the student researchers received the proper training and understanding
of the mission objectives and the common operating picture. During these meetings, the student researchers
were assigned different tasks that would aid in the successful operations in Belize. In addition to completing
tasks designed to aid in the successful operations, the student researchers were also tasked with submitting
a successful human subject testing Institutional Review Board application. The tasks the student researchers
and the EMHS Program completed prior to making landfall in San Mateo included: creation of a logistics
plan, which entailed determining what items were needed to ensure a successful operation and what items
were needed by the researchers to ensure their safety and comfort in the field; the creation of a survey tool
to be used in Belize, to include a social and a physical component; and compiling a list of contacts with
whom researchers would communicate in Belize from Belize Red Cross and FAVACA, a communications
guide, and a hazards guide.

41
In preparation for the Belize expedition, the EMHS staff and researchers performed three different
exercises throughout the month of May. These exercises were conducted to ensure that the researchers were
educated on the procedures and tools that would be used in Belize. The first exercise was to test the survey
tool, the second exercise was to test the methods in which the researchers would back up their data onto a
computer, and the third exercise tested the researchers on the standard operating procedures and guidelines
as well as the survey tool.
The first exercise allowed the researchers to test their survey tool. During this exercise, the
researchers were tasked with finding a house in the local area in Tallahassee and completing the physical
and social survey. The researchers utilized the standard operating procedures and guidelines that were
established at the weekly team meetings held by the EMHS staff. After this exercise, the researchers
conducted a “hot wash,” a forum to review what went well and what could be improved in the exercise.
The researchers determined that the survey tool contained vague language, lack of direction on the physical
survey, and was too lengthy. The researchers then edited the survey to reduce the length, provided further
instructions of the expectations on the physical survey, and made the language on the survey clear and
uniform. After the survey was edited, the researchers conducted a second exercise designed to familiarize
the researchers with the standard operating procedure for uploading photos taken in the field and backing
up data recorded in the field. In this exercise, the researchers were tasked with filling out the improved
survey tool and taking pictures of assigned objects. Upon successful completion of these tasks, researchers
were required to use the software provided by the EMHS Program to upload the photos taken during the
exercise onto a backup computer. The third exercise allowed the researchers to practice the established
standard operating procedures and guidelines. In this exercise the researchers went into a neighborhood
located in a residential area nearby and completed every aspect of the training. This allowed the researchers
to develop strategies to use in the field as well as use the tools that were used in San Mateo, Belize. After
this exercise was completed, another hot wash was done to discuss improvements to be made to the standard
operating procedures and guidelines and the survey too. The standard operating procedures, standard
operating guidelines, and the survey were edited to accommodate these improvements.
The senior staff of the EMHS Program booked flights to Belize after verifying that all researchers
had a valid passport. Once the flights were booked for Belize, an itinerary was produced containing
information on days and times the researchers would be working in San Pedro.
On the morning of June 14th, the EMHS staff and the student researchers met at the Tallahassee
airport to depart for the first flight to Miami. The next flight was to Belize City and then to the island of
San Pedro. Once the EMHS staff and the researchers arrived in Belize, they settled into the hotel and began
getting acclimated to the area.

42
The team followed the provided itinerary unless otherwise instructed. Every morning at 8:00 am,
the senior staff and teams met in the lobby of the Sunbreeze hotel in San Pedro for a morning briefing.
During this meeting, survey forms for the first part of the day were given to the researchers, researchers
stocked up on bottled water for the day, and applied sunscreen and bug spray. At the end of the briefing,
the researchers were able to ask questions to senior staff members from the EMHS Program, Belize Red
Cross, and FAVACA pertaining to the mission. After the morning briefing, the researchers and any other
members going into the field boarded the golf carts going to the San Mateo area. The researchers took four
golf carts through San Pedro and across the bridge into the town of San Mateo. The convenience store in
the middle of the town was the main rally point. As teams arrived at the rally point, they waited to receive
the daily missions from the director of the EMHS Program. Each team then took a golf cart or walked to
their respective locations to begin surveying for the day. Surveys began at approximately 8:45 am.
Upon arrival at a lot, if there was a structure present, the team would approach the structure to see
if anyone was home. If no one was home, a street survey would be done, leaving out the qualitative aspect
of the survey. If someone was home, one team member would do the qualitative survey and also ask
permission to take photos and measure the lot. The other team member would begin taking photos,
measuring the lot, measuring any structures on the lot, and filling out the survey form.
The first photo taken at any lot was of the front of the survey with the lot number in the upper right
hand corner. The next photos consisted of the structure, structure frame, water pipes/cistern, sewer,
electrical box/electrical lines, and the property itself (garbage, standing water, gravel). The teams utilized
the Exif Wizard phone application to locate the file numbers of each photos and place them next to their
associated part of the survey (water, sewer, electrical, etc.). The last photo taken was a black photo to
indicate that all the photos for that lot had been completed. Each lot had to be measured as well as any
structures present on the lot. All teams were equipped with both a laser finder and a large measuring tape.
All measurements had to be converted from feet to meters.
After a survey was complete, the team would radio the director, who acted as the “Map Master.”
The researchers then gave the lot number they had completed to the director. The director would radio a
confirmation and then mark each completed lot off the master map to keep track of where and how many
lots the researchers had completed. At around 11:30 am or 12:00 pm, all teams and staff would break for
lunch. The field researchers were given a 15-30 minute warning to finish up their task and then would rally
at the convenience store and take the golf carts to a place to eat lunch outside of San Mateo. After eating,
the researchers would gather around the director of the EMHS Program for an additional briefing and go
over what had already been completed. At this time the researchers then received their next missions for
the second part of the day.

43
Upon returning to San Mateo, teams would disperse to their new locations and begin completing
more surveys. At around 4:00 pm, all researchers were given a 15-30 minute warning from the team leader
to finish up the survey they were completing and then head back to the rally point. After everyone had
finished their respective surveys, the researchers took the golf carts back to the hotel. After unpacking the
carts, all teams and staff immediately went to the director’s room to upload photos, go over survey forms,
update the master map, and assess progress of the Belize expedition. Teams finished editing their surveys,
calculated the volume and area of their lots/structures, and began uploading their photos. Photos were to be
uploaded into the file with the corresponding lot number that was generated using Exif Wizard in the field.
The first photo of the front of the survey form and the last black photo signaled which photos were to go
into which file. This is the same process all teams followed for the duration of the mission.
The EMHS staff and student researchers returned from Belize on the evening of June 22nd
, 2015.
After returning from Belize, the researchers created a master survey tool to input data from all survey lots
in San Mateo. Each team took a portion of the surveys (approximately 40 surveys) to input into the master
document. The master survey document included all aspects of the survey including the qualitative survey
and all aspects pertaining to the lot. The teams and senior staff continued meeting weekly to work on
inputting the data into the master document. After all the surveys had been inputted, the teams were given
additional tasks. Team 1 color-coded the survey lot maps to show the total number of residents in a lot, the
percentage of garbage on each lot, and the primary language spoken at each residence. Team 2 filled in any
gaps in the master survey tool in regards to the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the survey. Team 3
completed a qualitative write up with graphs and charts of the social survey data; they also made the
language of the survey more uniform. The teams then finalized the write-up with the process, materials
used, expense report, and executive summary of all the research.

44
Expense Report
Scout Mission Expenses, March 2015
Staff Salaries
Salaries $2,665.00
Fringe $2,628.83
Subtotal $5,293.83
Travel Expenses
Flights $5,907.44
Hotel $1,098.72
Per Diem $506.00
Subtotal $7,512.16
Equipment
Golf Carts $291.41
Gas $22.99
Subtotal $314.40
Total Expenses $13,120.39

45
Primary Mission Expenses, June 2015
Staff Salaries
Salaries $29,648.50
Fringe & Overhead $16,595.93
Subtotal $46,244.43
Travel Expenses
Flights $13,091.99
Hotel $11,416.05
Per Diem $9,778.25
Parking $308.00
Luggage $1,651.51
Subtotal $36,245.80
Equipment
Golf Carts $1,390.16
Gas $12.93
Printing $20.00
Laser Meter $665.84
B&H Garmin $396.02
B&H Rino $1,214.97
Waders $123.11
Tape Measure $87.33
Clip Boards $7.10
Subtotal $3,917.46
Miscellaneous
Currency Conversion $23.36
FAVACA
Coordination
$40,000.00
Subtotal $40,023.36
Total Expenses $126,431.05
--Total Cost of Project---
$139,551.44

46
SURVEY TOOL
Name: Date: Lot Number:
Name: Group: File # of first photo
taken from street:
On this grid each square = 1 meter
For conversions 1 foot = 0.3048 meters

47
How many structures are on the plot? ________________
Source Area Volume
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
1. Structure Type (Indicate which type with check mark):
Source
Single
Family
Duplex Shed Animal Shelter/Barn Apartment Other
File photo #s
associated with lot
and category
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
Comments:
2. Frame/Construction Type (Indicate which type with check mark):
Source
Wood
Frame
Masonry Metal
Modular/
Mobile
Improvised
Number
of stories
Elevated?
YES or NO
Elevation
type:
cement,
wood, etc.
Other
File photo #s
associated with
lot and category
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
(The “improvised” designation indicates possibly rough materials used to assemble a dwelling including an uncovered domicile or more tent-like structures)
Comments:
3. Sewer:
Source
Waste
removal
system
present?
Y/N
Above-
ground
tank?
Y/N
Capacity/
Dimensions
Number
of toilets
on lot
Year
system
was
installed
Outhouse(s) on lot?
(YES/NO) Type
Description
of system
(chem toilet,
organic, etc)
Other
File photo #s
associated with lot
and category
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
Comments:

48
4. Water
Comments:
5. Electricity
Source
Is electricity
present?
YES or NO
Is electrical
box present?
YES OR NO
Is a solar
charger in
use?
YES or NO
Split Lines?
YES/NO;
Indicate
severity
Exposed wiring?
YES/NO
Other
File photo #s
associated with lot
and category
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
Comments:
6. Hazards/Structural Mitigation: *Please estimate total percentage of the lot that each section occupies*
Toxic waste?
Human or animal
waste?
Garbage Organic Waste? Ground Cover?
Other Type of
Waste?
File photo #s
associated
with lot
Type % Type % Type % Type % Type % Type %
Comments:
Source
Is
consumable
water
present?
YES or NO
Located on
mainline?
YES OR
NO
Shared from
mainline?
YES or NO
Is a cistern
present?
YES or NO
Capacity:
Please
indicate in
amount of
gallons
Spigot usage for
primary water
consumption?
YES or NO
Other
File photo #s
associated with lot
and category
Structure A
Structure B
Structure C
Structure D
Structure E
Gravel on lot?
Indicate %
Standing water?
Indicate %
If standing water, is a bridge
necessary?
Indicate sidewalk/walkway condition
Distance from coastline (circle
one)
File photo #s
associated with lot
and category
 On coast
 <0.5 miles
 >1 mile

49
NOTES: Utility perception questions
1 What is the primary language spoken in this household? o English
o Spanish
o Other ___________________
2 How many adults live here?
3 How many children live here?
4 The septic tank of this household is… o o o o
Very
reliable
Sometimes
reliable
Never Reliable Not sure
comments:
5 Electricity for this household is… o o o o
Always
available
Sometimes
available
Never
available
Not sure
comments:
6 Clean water is… o o o o
Always
available
Sometimes
available
Never
available
Not sure
comments:
7 The water is… o o o o
Very clean OK Contaminated Not sure
comments:
8 We treat our water. o o o o
(boiling or using chemicals, etc) Always Sometimes Never Not sure
comments (i.e. only for children):
9 Water pressure in this household is… o o o o
High or
excellent
Moderate Poor or low Not present
comments:
10 Bills and taxes paid on water are… o o o o o
Too high OK Too low Don’t pay Not sure
comments:
11 Bills and taxes paid on electricity are… o o o o o

50
Too high OK Too low Don’t pay Not sure
comments:
12 Living conditions are overall… o o o o o
Good Average Bad Not sure No answer
comments:
13 What resources do you share with neighbors?
comments (i.e. cistern, sewage system, etc.):
Additional comments concerning overall survey:
Other materials used in data collection process:
 (6) RINO 650/655t radio communication devices
 (300) Community maps – bird’s eye view, distributed to community members
 (25) Maps with lot numbers – used by survey teams
 Pens/Pencils
 (15) Clip boards
 (3) 3DRobotics IRIS+ - sUAS used by flight team

52
Crozier
Results
Compiled by Abra Kinch and Joe Crozier
Physical Results
Housing Structures on Lots
There were 451 structures on 306 lots that were surveyed. Of those, 27 (~6%) were multi-family,
274 (~61%) were single-family, 36 (~8%) were sheds, and 3 were churches. The remaining structures were
animal habitats, outhouses, or businesses. This section will discuss the housing structures on the lots,
focusing on the distinction between single-family and multi-family structures. Attention will also be paid
to sheds and churches, as these could be indicative to quality of life in the San Mateo community.
Figure 2. Single family residences
Lots that bear single-family residences were the most prevalent. Although initial suspicions would
have placed multi-family structures above single-family, the preceding image illustrates the contrary. There
is no evident pattern to the placement of the lots with single-family structures as compared to others.
However, a number of lots maintained multiple single family structures. This may suggest that a portion of
these lots contain informal disconnected duplexes or apartment buildings. However, for the purposes of this
study, any standalone structure with one family residing in it was considered a single-family residence,
regardless of the quantity of those structures.

53
Crozier
Of the 274 single-family structures, 267 (97%) were made primarily of wood, and 82 of those
included metal in the construction. Others were improvised, entirely metal, or used masonry in construction.
Most of these structures, 243 (89%), were one story, and the remaining were two story. Because of the
climate, low elevation, and frequency of storms, most of the homes are elevated. There are 250 elevated
single-family homes, and 233 of those were elevated with wood construction.
Figure 3. Duplex homes (2 units)
Figure 4. Apartment homes (3+ units)
Multi-family residences, including duplex homes or apartments (figure 2) and single structures
with multiple families residing (figure 3), were less common than anticipated. There are far fewer lots with

54
Crozier
multi-family structures than single family. This indicates that individuals are building their own homes,
upon securing a lot of land. Perhaps the Belizean government, when determining those that would be able
to build on the lots designates when and where multi-family structures can be placed. It may also come
from the structure owner. Furthermore, some of the multi-family residences were found on the most well-
established lots. Those lots that were among the first to be inhabited were predisposed to become shared
amongst several generations of a given family.
There were 27 total multi-family homes in the community. Of those, 100% used wood in
construction. While a few used metal in roofing or masonry in construction, wood was certainly the
preferred medium. A greater portion of multi-family homes were multi-storied. Again these structures
capped at two stories, but almost half were that high. Two storied multi-family homes were the least likely
to be elevated, with about 25% having no elevation. Of those that were elevated, all used wood.
Figure 5. Number of occupants per lot
Because most of the residences were single-family structures, a majority only housed 3-5
individuals. Those lots that had 0-2 were rare and were generally made up of a couple with no children.
Homes with 6-8 occupants were either multi-family structures or single-family structures with multiple
families residing. Less often, homes with 12 or more occupants were found. Very often, these were larger
lots with multiple structures varying in size and occupancy or intention.

55
Crozier
Figure 6. Vacant lots contained wither abandoned or no structures
There were many vacant lots in this area. These were lots that either contained no structure at all
or contained partially-built or abandoned structures. Predominantly, the lots were completely empty and
contained only mangroves, water, or other detritus. Despite the absence of a predictable trend of vacant lot
orientation, they elucidate the community’s origins and future growth trends. The center of San Mateo
accommodates the preponderance of the occupied lots, while vacant lots are in greater numbers along the
coast or where copious inland water has yet to be displaced. Vacant lots are common along the waterway
on the lower constraint of the foregoing image or along the water in the upper right.
The vacant lots found amongst the central component of the landscape have no discernible pattern
to either structure fill or location. There are 74 recorded vacant lots, or about a quarter of the community.
A few had dilapidated or abandoned structures, while most were completely empty.

56
Crozier
Figure 7. Lots with structures used as churches
There were three lots in San Mateo that furnished churches. One is housed in a centralized lot,
while the two others lie southwest and southeast of center. Each of the lots had more than the one structure,
illustrating that lot owners were using parts of their own lot for religious fellowship with their neighbors.
Upon considering the land constraints found in San Mateo, this land use manifests the importance of
theological prioritization to the residents.

57
Crozier
Figure 8. Lots with structures used as sheds
Many of the lots contained sheds, or improvised structures intended for storage. A profusion of the
residents tailor these sheds to accommodate the nature of their work, creating items to sell at markets or
preparing fruit or food that will be brought to market. The lots with sheds are sporadically placed throughout
the map, signifying that sheds are not necessarily indicative of a particular location, lot size, or lot quality.
Of the 35 sheds in the community, most were constructed with wood, though many others used a
combination of wood and metal construction. They averaged about 44.1 cubic feet in volume, though some
were substantially larger than others.
Electricity

58
Crozier
Figure 9. Lots with structures with electricity
Figure 10. Lots with structures without electricity.
Electricity was present to 236 (52%) structures in San Mateo, yet the sources and integrity varied.
The bulk of structures with power (figure 8) had lines originating on the main power line. These were
installed approximately five to six months prior to our visit, according to the residents. Some lots had
improvised power, whether split lines or a simple extension cord running from a neighbor’s house. Those
without power (figure 9) did not have power of any kind available in their home. While many of these lots
were found on main roads, residents reported that they were responsible for the creation of a “power pole”

59
Crozier
to house a meter and serve as a means to split off from the main line. This added cost was the cause for
many of the powerless homes to remain in their current state.
Figure 11. Lots where electricity was metered from a box on the property
Those with power from the main power lines were provided electrical boxes outside their homes
with meters. These were either placed on the structure, on the pole, or, somewhat commonly, on cement
slabs that stood along the road just outside the home. However, as stated, the residents were responsible for
housing this electrical meter. Most of the homes with power along the center of San Mateo had electrical
boxes, while most of the outer lots with power did not. This indicates that the main line runs through the
center of the community.
Of the 236 structures with power, only 146 had an electrical box present, 112 had split lines, and
103 had exposed wiring.

60
Crozier
Figure 12. Lots with solar power capabilities
Although Belize is the recipient of year-round direct sunlight, far fewer than expected structures
utilize solar power. A meager eight structures, located away from those with reliable electricity maintained
these panels. Many of those residents stated the solar panels were only used on occasion. Utilization of
solar-derived electricity may be a way for the Belize government to provide reliable electricity to those
residents who are not on any power line, or to discourage power sharing in the dangerous methods that have
already been used. The size and capabilities of the solar panels found in San Mateo varied immensely. The
majority of the few systems present had very low capabilities while a few, well-established, homes
maintained systems more extensive capacities.

61
Crozier
Water
Figure 13. Lots with water from the main water line
Figure 14. Lots without main line water access
Water for these residents was previously provided by the Government of Belize Office Water and
Sewer Authority (WASA), but has since been privatized through the Belize Water Services Ltd. This
occurred in 2001, but the residents of San Mateo continually stated that they were on the WASA water
lines. Nevertheless, a slight minority of lots fall on the main water lines, 176 structures (39%). Again, there
is no evident pattern to which fall on the line (figure 12), but when examining the image of lots without

62
Crozier
connections to the main water line (figure 13) certain rows of lots seem to be more susceptible. This may
indicate that those lots were planned after the lines were created, and no extensions were put in place before
structures were placed. Residents that were connected to main water did not drink the water, but did use it
for washing.
Only 64 structures reported that consumable water was present, though the top image indicates a
greater number. This would suggest a misunderstanding or miscommunication of the word “consumable”
meaning usable or potable. This differentiation could cause confusion even among the researchers. Sharing
water from the main line with a neighbor was also present with 116 structures (26%) receiving shared water.
There was some overlap in those structures that were on the main line and those that shared from the main
line, with 74 (42% of those on the main line) reporting this anomaly.
Figure 15. Lots where cisterns were present in any form or capacity
Cisterns were less popular than originally assumed, with only about a quarter or so of the lots
having one on property. There is no evident pattern to the distribution of lots with cisterns, though they do
seemingly coincide with lots that are not on the main water line. Some cisterns were used for drinking
water, but most were strictly for washing, just as the “WASA” water.
Of the 451 structures, only 84 had at least one cistern, but sizes varied between 100-1100 gallons.

63
Crozier
A vast majority, about 99%, did not drink anything other than bottled water because of water
contamination.
Waste Removal
Figure 16. Lots where waste removal systems are present
Figure 17. Lots without waste removal
Most lots with structures had some sort of waste removal present (figure 15). Most even had above
ground septic tanks made from cement blocks. These septic tanks would be used until they filled, then a

64
Crozier
new one would be built, leaving the older tank to empty over time. Inhabited lots with no waste removal
present (figure 16), tended to be on lots secluded from primary roads or access points, lots that may have
been an afterthought between two planned rows of lots.
Waste removal is present in 236 structures (52%). These vary in type from septic tank (162) or
outhouse (78). Even fewer have a hole in the ground or a bucket under the house. However, there are 210
structures with a combined 265 toilets in the community.
A San Mateo resident of 15 years reported that a majority of the cement septic tanks had open
bottoms, only filled with shells and rocks. This construction facilitates the waste to flow easily back into
the ground. She said there had been several attempts by the community residents and government alike to
formalize waste removal, but none had been successful. This universal trend amongst the septic tank
construction has led to the lush population of mangroves, Sargasso seaweed, and other greenery that thrive
in the nutrient-rich environment.
Residents
Figure 18. Languages spoken in the residence
San Mateo residents speak a variety of languages including English, Spanish, and Creole. While
most spoke Spanish in the home, most, because of the tourism-driven economy, speak English, and so speak

65
Crozier
both English and Spanish in the home. Additionally, the schools are taught in English so most of the school-
aged children also speak English.

66
Crozier
Social Survey Results
Upon consolidation of the data gathered through interviews of the residents of San Mateo, a series
of graphical representations of given responses pertaining to infrastructure were compiled. The majority of
the graphs depict potential answers limited to always, sometimes, or never, with very an alternative for
always in certain instances. The social aspect of the survey completed while in San Mateo was often the
most time-consuming aspect of the survey, yet, potentially, the most rewarding. The remainder of this
document shows simplified illustrations of the answers provided during these surveys.
The majority of interviewed residents (65%) found their septic systems to be very reliable. These
tanks were vastly comprised of above ground tanks of concrete block and mortar construction. Those that
elicited the “not sure” response were often renters or other users of shared resources. Many respondents
who replied with “never,” meaning their septic was entirely unreliable generally did not have a septic tank
or had one that was in disrepair.
10%
3%
22%
65%
COUNT OF RELIABILITY OF SEPTIC TANK
Never
Not sure
Sometimes
Very
68%
13%
18%
1%
COUNT OF AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRICITY
Always
Never
Sometimes
Very

67
Crozier
Despite much of the electricity stemming from a shared source, nearly 70% of the interviewed
residents claimed to have consistently available electricity. Twenty-five households stated that their
electricity was sometimes available, corresponding to the next largest sample at 18%. Many respondents
also commented that steady electricity had been provided within five months prior to this survey, and were
elated with the change in utility provision.
The vast majority of residents (72%) thought their water was “very” clean. One problem with this
question comes from the varying definitions of the word “clean.” Clean may mean suitable to wash or
potable, depending on context and background. Indeed, a misconception in the question was noted on
several surveys. The respondents commented that the water was very clean, but also responded that they
never drink it, and only purchase bottled water. This may imply a systemic problem with how this question
was presented or interpreted implying that “clean” in this case means suitable for washing clothes, dishes,
people, etc., but not for drinking. The next largest group (18%) answered “contaminated” implying that
either the water was not clean or was not potable.
18%
1%
9%
72%
COUNT OF CLEANLINESS OF WATER
Contaminated
Not sure
OK
Very
40%
32%
28%
COUNT OF AVAILABILITY OF CLEAN WATER
Always
Never
Sometimes

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Crozier
The slight majority of respondents stated that they have clean water available at all times. However,
regardless of their response to this question, nearly every person interviewed stated that their drinking water
was from bottled water purchased from Crystal Water Co. This wide variation in response may be indicative
of the same issues presented above. Those who buy their water always have clean (potable) water present.
Again, the concept of the word, “clean” cannot be determined in these cases.
Due to lack of access to clean water from the tap, the residents have found that treating the water
is the only alternative to purchasing it by the gallon. Many homes had cisterns on the property to collect
rainwater but even this water is recommended be treated prior to consumption by the local Red Cross.
Surveys indicated that water is treated with bleach, tablets, or boiling as the primary method.
Water pressure varied tremendously from household to household. The overall trend however, was
that those farther down the water line had lower and less consistent water pressure. No water pressure in
the morning hours was often reported, due to the inability of the current infrastructure to serve peak demand.
81%
16%
1%2%
COUNT OF "DO YOU TREAT YOUR WATER?"
Always
Never
Not sure
Sometimes
35%
33%
6%
26%
COUNT OF WATER PRESSURE IS...
High or excellent
Moderate
Not present
Poor or low

69
Crozier
This question was the most subjective of the interview. Residents were asked how they considered
their overall living conditions. The overwhelming response was that the conditions were good or at least
average, in their opinion. A combined 87% of respondents believe their living conditions above poor.
The residents were asked which, if any resources were shared with neighbors. The answers ranged
from all to none, and everything in between. That said, the bulk of the respondents stated that they shared
no resources with neighbors. However, the next largest block of responses were those that shared only
electricity with one or more neighbors.
48%
12%
38%
2%
COUNT OF LIVING CONDITIONS ARE
OVERALL...
Average
Bad
Good
Not sure
1%1%
29%
1%
7%
4%
43%
9%
5%
COUNT OF RESOURCES SHARED WITH
NEIGHBORS
All
Cable
Electricity
Electricity / Cable / Toilet
Electricity / Water
Electricity / Water / Sewer
None
Septic
Water

70
Crozier
Another subjective set of questions asked surrounded bills and taxes paid on utilities. This analysis
was conducted with the two answers together so that the analysis could look for trends in complimentary
responses. The majority of respondents (30%) thought that both bills were “OK,” and were amenable to
paying what they had been for both. The next highest group believed both bills were “too high.” There was
an evident correlation between response to bills and taxes collected on water and bills and taxes collected
on electricity with 45% of respondents believing both water and electricity were acceptable and 38%
believed they were too high. When looking at the responses individually versus combined, the same trend
is evident – where over 82% of respondents believe their bills and taxes on water and electricity to be OK
or too high.
5%
3%
4%
2%
1%
1%
1%
30%
14%
13%
25%
1%
COUNT OF BILLS AND TAXES ON WATER ARE...
Don't pay Don't pay
Don't pay OK
Don't pay Too high
Not sure Not sure
Not sure OK
Not sure Too high
OK Don't pay
OK OK
OK Too high
Too high OK
Too high Too high
Too low Too high

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Crozier
Acknowledgements
From everyone at the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at Florida State
University, we would like to thank all project partners who devoted so much time and energy to making
this our most successful studio projects to date. In particular, we would like to thank San Pedro Belize Red
Cross representative Shirlee Arnould, whose valuable insight of the community and affiliation with local
vendors provided for safe and comfortable completion of the project. Stateside, Executive Director of
Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas, Demian Pasquarelli, has been
a fantastic partner on several EMHS projects, and continues to amaze us with his ability to coordinate
cooperation with international organizations. We would also like to thank the three student volunteers from
Washington & Lee University, Corey Guen, George Park, and Josh White, without whom we could not
have completed our project in our time on Ambergris Caye. Finally, we must give thanks to Belize National
Emergency Management Organization representatives Winston Frank Panton and Jeromey Timrose
Augustin Cayatano, as well as Red Cross volunteer Laurie Norton. This joint effort coordinated by the
Belize Red Cross provided for an enhanced, streamlined process with which to complete our project goals.

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