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| The TSTT crew
take a break to pose for the San Pedro Sun
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When a natural disaster such as
Hurricane Keith occurs, many unprepared and unsuspecting people suffer. Although
many Belizeans lost their belongings, their spirits are alive. What has
motivated some of these people is the aid from our neighboring and faraway
countries. Belize was blessed with the support it received when it came to food,
clothing and even financial assistance. Relief has come in different forms from
throughout the world. One specific crew, traveled from
Trinidad and Tobago to assist the local Belize Telecommunication workers restore
telephone service to the island. Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and
Tobago (TSTT) came to the island following a request for help made to them by
the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication
Organization (CANTO). TSTT quickly responded
to this call and dispatched a crew of 26 personnel to aid with the restoration.
The team, consisting of an engineer, supervisor, manager, and a line
installation and repair crew, arrived in San Pedro shortly after the disaster.
They found that the situation was more critical than the initial estimate of
work they were sent to do. Poles were down and wires and cables were strewn all
over the place. Although it seemed a very difficult task the TSTT crew working
along with BTL, achieved extensive plant rehabilitation.
In speaking with the San Pedro
Sun, Mr. Irwin Joefield of TSTT said that Ambergris Caye is a
very nice place and hopes to return some day. He mentioned that there are some
similarities between San Pedro and Trinidad when it comes to the weather but
that this island is more flat and sandy. Before their departure from Belize last
Saturday, the crew was given a farewell party where Mr. Carlos Perez, External
Plant Engineer for BTL in Belize City expressed his appreciation to them on
behalf of the crew from Belize City and San Pedro. Mr. Perez went on to say that
thanks to the ambitious crew it is estimated that 65% of the plant is up and
running. A few of the TSTT crew members also took the opportunity to say a few
words. They thanked the Belizean crew for their sincere welcome and said they
hope that this new friendship will continue. The people of
San Pedro join BTL in thanking the crew of TSTT for their contribution in
helping to restore communication lines to La Isla Bonita and for all their hard
work.
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