TWC in Belize loses dedicated members

The Belize Red Cross Together We Can (TWC) programme is recovering from the tragic loss of personnel.

Devon Flores died in a horrific road accident that also claimed the life of his mother, Isabel, and injured the right leg of younger brother, Francis.

The Flores’ were traveling on a public bus along Belize’s Western Highway. The bus broke down and a few passengers alighted even though there was a steady, light drizzle.

During the wait, a truck driver lost control on the slick road and slammed into those waiting outside the bus. Five passengers died and two injured.

Former TWC coordinator Cherene Valerio described Devon and Francis as dynamic peer educators of the programme. She said the tragedy was yet another challenge for TWC members as earlier this year the programme lost a stalwart member.

In early February, instructor trainer Devon Beaton succumbed to cancer. He had been diagnosed with the condition in December 2005.

“Devon was a musical talent and a community activist. He represented TWC at a UNFPA midterm review in Honduras, and at youth festivals. He was the writer and performer of our TWC radio talk show jingle,” said Valerio.

“He assisted in the facilitation of peer education trainings and worked diligently on developing a youth arm in his community, the Belmopan Youth Foundation. Through this youth arm he was able to provide additional opportunities for positive youth development through sports, music and part time jobs. His death was a great loss to his family, TWC and the Belmopan Community.”