Villagers are looking fearfully towards the sea today as the erosion at Monkey River Village threatens
the latest street of houses to succumb to erosion.

Whilst the Village Council try to gain official attention for the dire situation, and a long term solution to the problem, delays mean that at least seven properties are within feet of being inundated by the sea.

Says Erosion Committee Chairman Chris Harris, “We have a good idea of the root causes of the problem, thanks to a study carried out by Galen University in 2007. More scientific work does need to be done, but gaining the go ahead for this work is proving painfully slow. In the meantime, people stand to lose their houses. I am reminded of Nero fiddling whilst Rome burns. It is very frustrating for everybody, especially the families. Our only choice now is to go straight to the top, and we are at this moment seeking an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister.”

Adds Village Chairman Mario Muschamp, “The situation is now extremely urgent and we need to begin dredging right away if families are not to lose their homes and property within weeks. If these houses go, our school is next in line. And our burial ground is already under serious immediate threat.”

Monkey River Village is the oldest Creole community in Belize and important both historically and as a guardian of Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Paynes Creek National Park.

For more information contact Chris Harris on 501-674-3474.

The photo, right, shows the late Miss Eleanor Sandlin's house, taken 11th March 2009. The hammond tree has now fallen, towards the camera. The sea is now 8ft from the house, despite the placing of sandbags.