1st April 2009 - A meeting of Monkey River villagers on Tuesday March 31st welcomed the proposed botan barrier, which is hoped will provide temporary relief from the rapidly advancing erosion at the historic Creole village.

All those villagers present agreed to pitch in with sweat equity; this is estimated to have a value to the project of some $40,000. High School and older Primary students will be involved as part of their commitment to social service in the village, and the girls, ladies and elders, although not able to carry out the heavy work, will be helping by supplying refreshments, carrying out administration tasks and generally supporting the work crews.

Says Village Chairman Mario Muschamp, “We are very grateful to Minister Peter Eden Martinez for taking up our cause, and to all the agencies who have given their support. At last our voice is being heard.”

Adds Erosion Committee Chairman Chris Harris, “We now have a very important request to make – and it’s a bit of an unusual one. We need 4,000 used tyres for this project – size is not important. You can imagine that it will be a big job to collect these up. I’m sure lots of businesses and maybe individuals have used tyres cluttering up the place which we can use.”

“Tyres can be dropped at any Ministry of Works depot countrywide. Large quantities can be collected. Disposal of old tyres is an environmental issue, and we will be using them in a way which is actually an enhancement to the environment.”

“I would like to point out to those making plans for the Easter, that we do still have a fabulous recreational beach with safe swimming, it’s just in the wrong place!”

People who wish to donate tyres can contact Mr. Derick Calles, Ministry of Works Engineer liaising on the Monkey River Project, on 501 607 3064, 501 669 0104 or at derrick_calles@yahoo.com.


Tyres For Monkey River – The Hunt Goes On
14th April 2009- for immediate release

The nationwide drive for used tyres for the Monkey River Temporary Erosion Barrier was given a big boost today with a commitment from leading tyre supplier Caribbean Tyre.

The erosion barrier will prevent the further erosion of the foreshore at Monkey River and the potential loss of several homes in the immediate future, and is being financed by the Ministry of Works at a cost of approximately $135,000. Sweat equity valued at around $40,000 will be provided by the villagers of Monkey River.

Mr. Ramiro Custodia, Manager at Caribbean Tyre’s Belize City branch today agreed that all the used tyres which are collected each week in the course of business at each branch will be donated to the Monkey River project. Said Mr. Custodia, “We are very happy to be associated with this valuable project, and delighted that the many worn out tyres which we have to dispose of each week will be used in this environmentally useful way.”

Despite this great boost, the hunt still goes on for tyres of any size and in any condition. In all, 4,000 tyres are needed. Many individuals and businesses have unwanted used tyres laying around, looking untidy and getting in the way. Tyres are notoriously difficult to dispose of in a way which does not seriously impact the environment. But now, you can take your tyres to any Ministry of Works depot and leave them there for the Monkey River project.

Work is expected to begin on the barrier within the next few weeks.
For information contact Chris Harris at 501-674-3474 or chrisbelize@gmail.com