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Hurricane Iris Information

Monday, December 24, 2001

Utilities.  Electricity has been restored to most homes and businesses.  Most resorts hotels and restaurants now have water service - by hook or crook (many have hooked up to the main line without waiting for a meter - those have been very slow in coming from the water board).  Water service to homes is hit and miss.  Homes closest to the water tower in Placencia Village and north have had water service for a couple of weeks.  Water is available in mains through most of the rest of the Village to the dock, but service has not been hooked up to homes.  (Like the hotels and resorts, many homeowners have been hooking up without waiting for a meter from the water board.)

Phones are another story.   Belize Telephone Limited (BTL) should have its license and monopoly yanked NOW for failure to provide phone service to Placencia.  Iris hit on October 8 - almost 3 months ago now, BUT, despite the fact that busineses here are desperately trying to recover, and NEED phones, here's the situation:

1.  Only 3 small areas on the Peninsula have any land-line service (where hubs were not destroyed by Iris).  Fixed cell phones were promised to businesses not within these areas, but have yet to materialize.

2.  BTL admits that it sold too many cell phones here and that its towers can't handle the volume of calls - meaning calls frequently don't go through (calls don't go through more frequently than they do go through).  Yet, cell phone costs remain extraordinarily high - almost $5 BZD a minute!!!!

3.  A BTL press release stated that it provided free email service to Placencia residents after Iris.  A bald-faced lie.

4.  No residential phone service is anticipated at least until July, 2002!

5.  Most local businesses lucky enough to be within the remaining land service areas are still waiting for land line installation.

BTL says the reasons for the delays are (i) its plan to install fiber-optic cable underground here, and (ii) its need to rebuild the BTL building in Placencia.  Sounds good, but that requires 9 months for a 12-mile long peninsula with fewer than 1500 residents (not households or businesses, just people)?  And no phones in the meantime? 

Does BTL realize that it is sounding the death knell for many small, Belizean owned businesses?  It probably does, but does it care?  BTL's profits last year were around $48 million for a country with a population of around 220,000 - Michael Ashcroft, the majority owner, received $8 million of that.  But, BTL has now apparently been told that its monopoly will not be renewed -- you figure it out.

(Oh, yeah - forgot to mention a recently announced phone and Internet service rate hike that has sparked countrywide protests - and an actual protest march in Belize City -- almost unheard of in Belize.)

Tuesday, November 28, 2001

Funeral.  The ashes of Miles Patrick, former Placencia resident and chef at Rum Point Inn, were scattered at Buttonwood Caye on Saturday, November 25, 2001.  Miles died suddenly on October 19, 2001 of coronary failure.

St. John's Anglican Church.  The old St. John's structure located in the school yard in Placencia Village has been condemned.

Water.  Water pipes in Placencia Village have been cleaned and sterilized, and it looks like water service will be a reality on Friday!

Additional Hurricane Iris Information

Thursday, November 22, 2001:   Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends in the U.S!

Hurricane Iris.  See the following pages for additional information:

Village Council Meeting. 

Garbage.   Regular garbage pickup has resumed post-Iris.  Property owners only have a short time left to request free debris removal.  Contact NEMO to schedule pickup for large items such as washers, refrigerators, furniture, etc.  Controlled burning of debris will be allowed with a permit obtained from NEMO. 

Utilities. Electric service upgraded as part of service restoration post-Iris (old lines were over 27 years old).  Water service may be restored sooner than originally anticipated.  4,500 feet of pipe needs to be replaced under Lagoon.  John Bell, engineer, found several problems with installation of old pipe.  Anchors were previously below ground and pipe above ground which would have been a problem with the larger boats that now are using the Lagoon.  Pipe and anchors will now be below surface of bottom of Placencia Lagoon.  Pipes also fit too tightly into old anchors, which caused pipe to twist during surge caused by Hurricane Iris.  Welding of pipe to be installed under Lagoon should be completed by Nov. 22 or 23.  When pipe is installed, boat traffic in Lagoon will be restricted, especially in area around the airstrip.  Pipes to businesses and homes are now being checked, and all pipes will be sterilized before water service is restored.  (Water Board is only responsible for installing pipe three feet into private property.)  As an upgrade to system, bypasses will be installed so that water doesn't have to be turned off when new service to individual properties is installed.   Information concerning a sewage system for entire Peninsula is now being gathered.

Village Planning.   The Placencia Village Council is now working on a Master Plan for the entire Village which will include building codes, sewage disposal, setbacks, police and fire protection, rights of way, right of Village Council to condemn properties, etc.  New 12-foot rights of way will run from road to sidewalk. 

Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Hurricane Iris.  See the following pages for additional information:

Roads.   Iris pretty much sounded the death knell for what little paving remained of what was a very poor paving job to begin with.  In other words, roads are back to normal on the Peninsula - potholes and all.  Not too muddy, though.  However, the Southern Highway work is moving right along, with relatively small sections remaining unpaved.

Weather.   Unseasonably cool, with frequent short showers.

Deaths.  Albert Gill is dead, an apparent suicide in Belize City.

Friday, October 19, 2001

Hurricane Iris.  Please see our Severe Weather Page for a full report as of today.  Pictures of Placencia Village are available on our Hurricane Iris Pictures Page.  Also see our Lodging Report for information on available lodging facilities.  Kevin Modera Guide Services/Destinations Belize will be fully operational as of November 1, 2001 for snorkeling and fishing trips.  We have no information on the condition of area Mayan ruins and Monkey River trips will not be available until further notice.

Monday, October 8, 2001

Hurricane Iris.  Placencia is under evacuation.  Weather here right now is overcast with a light breeze.  I'll be leaving in another couple of hours and still need to pack and get the house as secured as possible, so no more reports for at least a few days.  Please pray for us.

Mary

Thursday, October 4, 2001 

Air Travel.  The trip back to Placencia yesterday from St. Louis was relatively uneventful.  Checking in at Continental took about a half-hour.  Stateside airports now seem to have two security checkpoints now.   Before you get to the x-ray and metal detector area, you now have to present your ticket and a photo ID, and the two must match.  Laptops have to be taken out of their bags and placed in a plastic box before being scanned.  Getting through security in St. Louis took about 10 minutes.  The St. Louis airport seemed to have about 75% of normal traffic.  However, Houston Intercontinental seemed deserted in parts, but that could be because it's so much larger than the St. Louis international airport.   Passengers exiting customs in Belize now have to go outside and come back in through a single set of doors where a guy with a wand scans passengers (but luggage is not searched).  The porters can sometimes get arriving international passengers through the line without a scan, or get them to the front of the line. 

Departing international passengers must now check-in at the Belize International Airport at least 3 hours  (not two) ahead of time.  It also seems to be a good idea to make advance reservations with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air to be assured of a flight.

The plane to Belize had 66 passengers on it - about half full.  However, I talked to a flight attendant who told me that starting next week, planes to Belize were booked at about a 75% occupied seat rate.

Weather.  Cloudy, short burst of intense rain today.   At 6:45 p.m., the temperature is 80^o F, 80% humidity, light breeze, keeping things tolerable.

Cat Burglar.  We have a very crafty (and agile) cat burglar in the area targeting local residences (not tourists).  He (or she) takes only a few things, usually liquor or jewelry, is extremely quiet, and seems to prefer brandy over rum.

Road.  OK.  Not great, but okay.  Much of the asphalt used to pave the road from around Turtle Inn to the Placencia Village dock has broken through, so once again, driving is a pot-hole obstacle course.

Saturday, September 22, 2001

Tragedy.  I left Placencia on September 3 for a visit with family and friends in St. Louis.  So, I was in the States on September 11 and have helplessly watched the tragic and heart-rending events that began with the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center.  I was scheduled to return to Belize on September 25, but have delayed my trip back until October 3 - - not out of any fear of flying or other safety reasons - - it just seems right to spend more time with loved ones.

The entire world is embarking on a dangerous and uncertain journey that will affect almost everyone alive.  Things will change, not only in the U.S. and the Middle East but everywhere, including small, out-of-the way countries like Belize.

None of us know what changes are in store for us.  But, with faith, hope and love, we can work to make those changes blessed ones for all of humanity.

May God be with each one of you.

Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Tom Giblin Memorial Service.  A memorial service for Tom Giblin was held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at the St. John's Memorial Anglican Church in Placencia Village, where Tom attended services.  The Revered Jerry Jones led the service.  People from all walks of life on the Peninsula attended the Memorial Service to remember Tom, his kindness and generosity toward all of us, to mourn his death, but most importantly, to celebrate his life.

Personal remembrances of Tom were given by Kevin Flynn, Miss Sonija Leslie, Percy Neal and Candy Power.  Kevin kindly provided us with a copy of his remembrance:

"Tom's cousin, the Rev. John O'Neill said at his funeral service 'We are not here to forgive the people who killed our brother Tom. That is reserved for another time and place.'

We will all miss you, Tom.   But, you'll ever really be gone from us, because we'll remember you forever in our hearts.

Monday, August 20, 2001

"Hurricane" Chantal  Nothing extraordinary taking place in the Placencia area -- just lots of rain.  Tropic Air and Maya Island Air did stop flights out of Placencia between 10 and 11 a.m. this morning because of increasingly high winds in the Belize City area.  Atlantic Bank is also closed and moved its computer equipment   somewhere yesterday (we hope not to Belize City, but that's what we suspect).   We've had occasional difficulty in getting Internet access because of heavy usage related to the storm.  It's also difficult to call out of the country.   Electricity and water still going strong (thank goodness).

Lagoon Saloon.  It's official - Mike and Bonnie are now retired.  The new owners are in Placencia, but haven't yet announced when they will re-open.  We haven't met them yet, and don't know their names.

Tom Giblin.  A memorial service is planned for this Thursday (unless the weather interferes).  Following is Tom's obituary from his hometown newspaper in Bridgeport, CT:

GIBLIN Thomas F. Giblin, age 63, died suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, August 14, 2001, in Honduras, Central America. Born in Bridgeport, he attended Sacred Heart School, Lasalette Seminary and Bassick High School. Tom served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was a member of the Bridgeport Police Department for 20 years, retiring in 1988 with the rank of lieutenant. He did special work in the field of narcotics while assigned to the Tactical Squad, as well as working on the Police Marine Unit. He also served as commander of the Police Scuba Team. He achieved five awards for meritorious service. He was an instructor for Dive Rescue International. He was a life member of the National Association of Naval Veterans (Port 5), a member of the Retired and Disabled Police Association, a life member of the Patrolman`s Association of Connecticut, and the Police Union. After retiring, Tom followed his dream and headed for Belize on a 76-foot shrimp trawler, named the "Tinker" which was refitted by his brother, Jack, and himself. In Placencia, he established "Serenity" a beautiful resort in a tropical paradise, where he lived for more than 12 years. Tom had devoted the past 25 years of his life helping others recover from alcoholism. He introduced the 12-step program of recovery in Belize, Central America. Tom always had time to listen to a problem or help someone on the road to recovery. The number of lives and the countless families that were touched by his efforts are unknown but to One. His beautiful smile and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes will be sadly missed by all. Tom is survived by one son, Thomas Patrick Giblin and his wife, Deborah, of Fairfield; three daughters, Deborah Giblin Barber and her husband, Ron, Theresa Emily Giblin, Mary Ellen Giblin, and their mother, Nivea, all of Florida; six grandchildren, Emily, Jacqueline and Anna Giblin, all of Fairfield, and Ron, Riely and Remington Barber, all of Florida; two brothers, William Giblin and his wife, Peggy, of Fairfield, and Brian Giblin of Florida; two sisters, Mary Casey and her husband, Jim, of Bridgeport, and Nancy Hurley and her husband, Jack, of Monroe; a stepsister, Dorothy Mingolello of Bridgeport; one sister-in-law, Barbara Giblin of Bridgeport; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Jack Giblin of Bridgeport; and his parents, John Giblin and Emily Crehan Giblin of Bridgeport, originally from County Mayo and County Clare, Ireland. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Friends are invited to join his family DIRECTLY at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, on Thursday at 10 a.m. where a funeral Mass will be celebrated by his cousin, Father John O'Neill. His burial service will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bridgeport Police Benevolent Association or the General Service Organization of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Wednesday, August 15, 2001  Tom Giblin Update:

9:00 a.m.  Story Filed: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 1:01 AM EST (EFE via COMTEX) --

Copyright © 2001 Associated Press Information Services, all rights reserved.

6:30 a.m.  We understand that Tom's body has been recovered.  However, we have no additional information.   Late yesterday's AP Wire update:

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) -- Police said Tuesday they have detained five men in the kidnapping and possible murder of a Connecticut man. U.S. officials warned about dangers in Honduras. "We fear that the American has been killed by his kidnappers," police spokesman Rene Maradiaga said Tuesday. "We searched for his body, without finding it, in a river near his house."

Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 14, 2001

Tom Giblin, Serenity Resort:  AP Newswire - "TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - A retired American police officer was kidnapped and possibly killed in northern Honduras, a U.S. Embassy official said Monday.

``We are pleased that these arrests are being made so quickly in what would have been case number 14,'' he said. ``But the embassy has been putting a lot of pressure on Honduran authorities and that probably had a lot to do with it.''

Tuesday, August 7, 2001

Utilities.  In a meeting today with the Village Councils and other area representatives, BEL promised no more power outages of the lengthy duration we've been having lately.  BEL also promised to upgrade the Placencia's electric service, and to complete installation of service to new residential areas.  BEL reportedly received over 2,000 email complaints about the last service disruption.   The Placencia and Independence Village Council are purchasing a water generator, which BEL agreed to service to make sure we always have a water supply - - even IF we have a power outage.  We'll see.

Sunday, August 5, 2001

Cayes.  The Coastal Zone Management Agency (CZMA) held a public meeting in Placencia on Thursday, August 2, 2001, to discuss the Agency's new cayes development program.  CZMA recently completed a survey of the cayes in the Placencia area to catalog the conditions of the cayes, improvements and suitability for development.  CZMA plans to use this information to develop comprehensive guidelines for cayes development in Belize, on a caye by caye basis.  Guidelines will include recommended development density, recommended power and waste management systems, etc.   Local advisory committee will be formed to review guidelines and to monitor compliance with final guidelines.  Recommendations from Placencians attending Thursday's meeting included:  (1) making Ranguana Caye a part of the Placencia area cayes region; (2) including cayes within the Placencia Lagoon in the program; (3) designating Slasher, Little Morris and Booby Cayes as protected cayes.

Road and Weather.  The paved portion of the road up to Turtle Inn is in good shape, the unpaved portion of the road up to Maya Playa is OK, but the road in front of Maya Playa is almost impassable and the rest of the road through Maya Beach north of Maya Playa isn't much better.  Evening storms are the culprit.  Days remain fairly dry, warm and calm (except for the tropical wave that passed through last Sunday through Tuesday).

Utilities.  During the last month, we've lost them all periodically.  Lightening hit at least one of three generators in Independence, knocking out electricity for about 18 hours.  With the electricity went the water, since we had no power to pump water from the wells in Independence.  Electricity continued to fail periodically for several weeks until the generators were finally - usually for 3-4 hours at a time.  The Placencia and Independence Water Boards are now discussing the juoint purchase of a generator so that water can continue to be supplied even during power outages.  (Dark, we don't mind, but dark, dirty and thirty can get pretty gamy.)  Phones and Internet service also failed a couple of times in the last month.  (Probably just wanted to join in the fun.)  During the power outages, it was fairly common to hear people speculating that BEL was staging the power outages to prove that the Chalillo Dam was really necessary.

Resorts.  Rumor is that Luba Hati will close until a buyer is found for the resort.  Robert's Grove is actively selling its new condos ($185,000 USD for the lower units, $210,000 USD for the upper units).  Robert's Grove is also purportedly telling potential condo buyers that a marina will be built on its property fronting the Placencia Lagoon.  However, we've seen no environmental impact assessment.

Housing.  Another rumor is that Dave Rabren will be building a boatload of townhouses on the main road in the Village and that the Aronians plan to build condos on the Lagoon side of the road next to Robert's Grove.

Placencia Village Council.  The Council now has an office upstairs over the Fishermen's Coop, next to the post office.  All letters and documents for the Council should be delivered to this office.  Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon.  Phone and fax number is 06-23369.  Marissa Cabral is the new Council Office secretary.

Tourism Awards.  Belize will again recognize its premier tour guide, resort/hotel, tour operator and a host of other "bests" in the 2001 Tourist Awards.  If you have anyone you'd like to nominate, nominations can be submitted online through a link on the BTB homepage (http://www.travelbelize.org).   Don't worry when you get a message that the nominations needed to be submitted by March, 2001 - somebody just forgot to change the message when the awards were moved from April to August.  However, nominations do need to be in this week.

Thursday, July 5, 2001

New Source of News from Placencia.  The Placencia Breeze, our local monthly newspaper, is now on-line at http://www.placenciabreeze.com.   Let us know what you think!

Development.  Rumor is that MNM Hardware (headquartered in Independence and owned by the Zabaneh family) will soon be constructing a large hardware store in Placencia Village (on the Placencia Lagoon side of the main road).  The Nova Company, new owner of the Laguna Madre shrimp farm in the upper Placencia Lagoon area, has proposed a 60' wide sea water intake canal to cut the Peninsula above the cut proposed by the Plantation housing development.  Nova is also seeking approval to significantly expand shrimp farm operations at Laguna Madre. Another rumor is that two large marinas will be constructed in the Lagoon in the Placencia Village area.  Sounds like a lot of "stuff" for a shallow, slow-circulating estuary.

Thursday, June 28, 2001

Placencia LobsterFest 2001.  LobsterFest 2001, held on June 23 and 24 at the Placencia Village dock was great fun!  Estimated attendance on Saturday was about 500 people, with about 25 booths - a long way from the first LobsterFest just  4 years ago, with one booth, and attendance of about 30 people.  Earl Godfrey won the fishing tournament, and Chris Butler was first in the Cycle Classic.  Santino's Messengers were outstanding performers on Saturday night.  Lots of fun and games for kids, and lots of food and drink for everybody (the lobster fritters were awesome).   Brad Turton, co-owner of the Internet Cafe in Placencia Village, generously allowed us to publish his pictures of the Fest on our 2001 Events Page.

Weather.  Finally getting some rain from a tropical wave that blew into the Peninsula Tuesday night.  Temperatures have moderated some, too.

Road.  The road is paved from Placencia Grocery almost to the Placencia dock.  The rest of the road has been upgraded and is in pretty good condition, except right after a heavy rain (takes a couple of hours for the road to settle again after a heavy rain).

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Laura Smith, owner of Green Bottle Winery in Dangriga, passed away in her sleep last Friday.   Services will be Thursday at the Anglican Church in Dangriga.  Laura was a mainstay of life in Stann Creek, and a good friend to many people.  She will be greatly missed.

Monday, June 11, 2001

Weather.  It's HOT!!!  Generally calm during the day with the wind picking up about 6 p.m., dying back down about 7:30 p.m.  Little rain for the past 10 days or so.

Fishermen's Coop.  The new Board of Directors was elected June 1, 2001.  Board members are:  Leopold Gavin, Carlton Young, Sr., Earl Godfrey, Elton Eiley, Bruce Leslie, Leslie Faux and Sydney Lopez, Jr.

Road.  Road is in great shaped - not paved, of course, but in really good shape nonetheless.

Beach.  Winds from the south are blowing in jellyfish.  Some Portuguese Man O' Wars have been spotted on the beach in the early mornings, so check the water before swimming.

The Moorings.  Placencia will be base port for The Moorings charter yacht sailing vacations starting in mid-November of this year.  We don't know where the yachts will be based (the yachts are 35-45 foot catamarans).

Placencia Breeze.  The Placencia Breeze, Placencia's monthly newspaper, is now online at http://www.placenciabreeze.com.

Sunday, May 27, 2001

Weather/Roads.  Got our bayama Saturday morning and it had the expected effect on the roads - they were a sticky, gooey, slippery mess until they dried up Saturday afternoon.  Not too much damage to the road in terms of potholes or ruts, though.  Getting some dark, ominous clouds now and it's really hot.   Rum Point's annual Fiddler on the Reef is tonight, so we hope the weather holds up.

Cayes.  David Alvarez, the new owner of Ranguana Caye is planning on some changes to upgrade lodgings.  Rumor has it that changes will include private baths in each cabana (eliminating the existing kitchens) and a restuarant (or at least a central kitchen from which meals can be pre-ordered.  Tent camping also may be restricted at some point.

Internet Service.  We've heard that BTL is planning on finally installing a server for the Peninsula.  That's supposed to help our download times, but we're wondering if they have any plans to train personnel to keep it up and running.   IF they can keep the new server up and running, should help local communications, especially for businesses like the Internet Cafe in Placencia Village.

Resorts.  Turtle Inn plans to tear down the Dragonfly House (the cement igloo building at the northern end of the resort) and replace it with a wooden beach cabana.  Seems the Dragonfly almost drowns everytime it rains.

Wednesday, May 23, 2001

Weather.  Extremely calm tonight, very low tide, somewhat eerie.  Wind earlier today from the south.  The older people in the Village say we're in for a "bayama" (certainly not spelled correctly).   Apparently a bayama is a a very sudden, short and intense storm.   Guess we'll find out in the next day or so.

Road.  Road bed has been upgraded almost to the Placencia Village dock from just south of Seine Bight.  Right now it's in very, very good condition (we'll see what the bayama does to it). 

Resorts.  Rum Point Inn has a new manager (Ms. Boudreau) from New Orleans.  Paul has been named the interim manager of Serenity Resort.  Kitty Fox is in the States for medical tests (nothing serious, we're told).   Marti Cottrell, co-owner of Singing Sands, is also off to the States, but just for some R&R. 

Animals.  Mrs. Clover Lowell of Coral Gables, Florida has generously donated to the Placencia Humane Society  a good deal of pet care health care supplies and enough funds to spay or neuter approximately 35 area cats and dogs!  (Thanks Clover!)

Thursday, May 3, 2001

Skip White.  Skip White, the original owner of Turtle Inn, died Saturday night, April 28, 2001 of lung cancer in Chicago, Illinois.  Skip built, owned, and operated Turtle Inn until late last year when it was purchased by Francis Ford Coppola.  Skip had a big heart and a great sense of humor, and will be very much missed.  Our condolences to his family.

Easter/Water Update.  Well, we survived.  Actually, the Easter crowds weren't too rowdy this year and a number of people left because of the lack of water until late Thursday afternoon.  The water literally dribbled in most of the weekend, with almost no pressure except around 4 a.m. when few people take showers or wash clothes.  Hope the Water Board purchased a spare pump.

Weather.  Seems the weather is FINALLY calming down.   The whole week has been beautiful, with only mild winds and the fishing, snorkeling and diving have been great. 

Restaurants.  The Luba Hati restaurant is now on summer hours, with dinner served only on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Rasta Pasta is temporarily closed until it completes its move from Serenade Hotel in Placencia Village to a free-standing building on the sidewalk (the old Driftwood Cafe).   Jake's Purple Space Monkey Internet Cafe has switched to summer hours and opens at 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and re-opens at 5:00 p.m.

Gift Shops.  One World Gift Shop has changed its name to Beach Bazaar.  (Or is that "Bizarre"?)  A new gift shop has opened at Cozy Corners.

Markets.  Olga's Market is now air conditioned!   Wallen's Market started a delivery service with scheduled deliveries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Orders should be placed at least a day in advance.  The truck leaves Wallen's at 9:00 a.m.

Placencia Village Talent Show.  The Placencia Village Talent Show on Sunday, April 29 at the Community Center was a blast - and a sell out!  Performers included:   Albert Gill, Belize's Reggae Ambassador, Dillon Goss, the Placencia Houdini, Funky Fizzy and Tricky Pixie, the Placencia Wonder Dogs, Cheryl Rabren and the Silver Starlettes, Kulcha Shak Garifuna Drumming and Dancing, Patricia Celenza, interpretive dancing, Ted Berlin, classical guitar, and Pearl Eiley, Placencia's own Loretta Lynn.   Bianca (Blanche) Barkan did an outstanding job as producer and director.  The talent show was sponsored by the Placencia Humane Society.

Road.  Road work to pave the road between the Placencia Village Dock and the airstrip was supposed to have started right after Easter - - but hasn't yet.  No rain, road is really dusty. 

New Sailboat.  The Talisman is 52' Gulfstar ketch that is now available for day trips and overnight cruises.  Day trips (minimum 4 people) include open bar, full lunch, snacks, 3 restrooms, hot and cold water, stereo, water toys and shade seating - $90 USD per person plus 8% sales tax.  An 8-day/7 night cruise begins in Belize City and visits English Caye, Turneffe Atoll (Douglas Caye, Caye Bokel and Turneffe Island Lodge), Tobacco Caye (optional side trip to Dangriga), Long Coco Caye, Placencia Village, Monkey River and Seine Bight Village. 

Placencia Village Ordinances.  Rumor is that the ordinances are almost ready to be presented to the Village residents for approval.  (This ought to be interesting.)

Internet Service.  Internet service (including email) continues to deteriorate with increasingly slow speeds and faulty connections.  According to BTL, they have "more customers than they can handle right now," so they're giving Belize City most of the bandwidth and DON'T plan to purchase necessary new equipment so that us schmucks out in the districts don't have to pay for crappy service.   If the government is going to continue grant monopolies, maybe they should put something in place to ensure that the monopoly actually gives SERVICE in return for its obscene profits!  So, don't panic if emails to Placencia aren't answered immediately - we probably can't GET your email to answer it!

Saturday, April 14, 2001

Water.  Water service (of a sort) was restored Thursday night/Friday morning.  Not much pressure, though -- but still, we do have fresh water again.  Apparently, no one was paying attention to the pump and the sinking water table level (always happens this time of year at the end of the dry season).   The water fell below the pump level and the pump burned itself out.  Of course, no one in Belize had a replacement, so one had to be ordered and shipped from Miami.  The pump hadn't arrived by around noon on Thursday, so someone came up with the idea of diverting water from two other wells to service Placencia (using another pump).  It's working, but just barely. 

Electricity.  Most people expect the electricity to go out at some point this weekend given the huge drain on electricity that we'll have on Sunday (bands, live broadcasts, number of people in the Village, etc.).  The electricity always does go out at some point on Easter weekend, so why should this weekend be any different.

Good Friday.  Good Friday is the only day in Belize on which bars must be closed.  It's also often the most peaceful day of the year (and gives us some respite over the Easter Weekend holiday which starts on Maundy Thursday).   Yesterday evening was delightful, no noise, light wind, few lights as everyone seems to have gone to bed early.

Weather.  Wind is kicking up again, although not as badly as in the Belize City area where winds were around 30 knots yesterday.  Still hot and sunny, so the wind is welcome by everyone except divers, snorkelers and fishermen (which, when you think about it, is just about everybody on the Peninsula).

Plantation.  We understand that the Plantation salespeople are still telling prospective lot purchasers that the cut will be made through the Peninsula -- and a marina constructed.  However, the politicians are still telling local people that there will be no cut.  Anyone want to try for what's behind Door No. 3?

Wednesday, April 11, 2001

Heat and Water.  Well, it's HOT - - AND we've had no running water since about 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 10.  Apparently, the water pump in Independence broke (again).  Water is supposed to be back on today -- and we sure are hoping they're right.  With the Peninsula filling up for the Easter holidays and the heat, it could get fairly aromatic around here fairly quickly.

Weather.  HOT, HOT, HOT.  No rain other than a few very light sprinkles a couple of nights ago (not even enough to turn the dust on our van into mud).  But, the winds are dying down a bit, making for some great fishing weather.

Accommodations.  A couple of rooms left here and there for the Easter weekend holidays, but not many.  Big bashes planned for the beach.   Keep your women, children and animals indoors.

Seine Bight Village Council Elections.  The following were elected this past Sunday:

• Leonard Williams, Chairperson
• Norman Marin, Vice Chairperson
• Gerry Palacio, Secretary
• Buck Martinez, Assistant Secretary
• Ramirez Martinez, Treasurer
• Ruben Palacio, Assistant Treasurer
• Marcello Williams, Councillor

Monday, April 2, 2001

Placencia Village Council Elections.  Glen Eiley was elected Chairperson of the Placencia Village Council at Council elections held Sunday, April 1, 2001 at the recently renovated Placencia Village Community Center.  Newly elected council members are:  Harald Wallen (Wallen's Grocery), Graham Cabral (Wallen's Hardware), Karen Young (second term - Wallen's Grocery), Lydia Villanueva (second term - Lydia's Rooms), Percy Neal (second term, Percy's Taxi Service and BJ's Restaurant), Wendy Westby.

Council elections began at approximately 9:45 a.m. at the Community Center with nominations from Village residents.   Nominated for Council Chairperson were Glen Eiley, Fred Cabral, Janice Leslie and Harald Wallen (declined to accept nomination).  Nominated for Council Members were:   Lydia Villanueva, Harold Wallen, Ruthford Westby, Karen Young, Percy Neal, Graham Cabral, Bruce Leslie, George Westby, Brian Yearwood (declined to accept nomination), Garret Longsworth (declined to accept nomination), Kurt Godfrey, Wendy Westby and Adrian Vernon.  Polls closed Sunday night at 6:15 p.m.

Only citizens of Belize who have lived in the Village for one year immediately preceding the election are eligible for Village Council office.  Voters must be citizens or permanent residents of Belize who have resided in the Village for two months immediately prior to the election.

Weather.  Still unseasonably hot and muggy.   Still no rain.  Portions of northern Belize are facing brownouts due to insufficient amounts of water for electric generation at the Mojellen Dam.

Thursday, March 29, 2001

Whale Sharks.  Whale shark migration in the Gladden Spit area (the "Elbow") will be at its peak during April and May.  Prime times to see whale sharks in this area are 3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons (April 8, April 23, May 7 and May 23).  The first Belize whale shark guide training classes were held March 22-24, 2001 in Placencia.  The following guides are now certified whale shark guides:

Vance Cabral, Advance Diving Prince Gongora, Aquatic Adventures Eloy Cuevas, Eloy's Tour Guide Service Julie Berry, free-lance dive instructor Cardinal Andrews, Hamanasi Resort James Leslie, Natural Mystic Dive Shop Sean Faux, Nite Wind Guide Services Francisco Linarez, Rum Point Inn

Alfred Williams, Alfred Williams Guide Service Gareth Longsworth, Eco-Belize Guiding Luke DeSilva, Friends of Laughing Bird Caye Sydney Lopez, Jr., Kevin Modera Guide Services Dorianney Perez, Nautical Inn Elroy Tucker, Rum Point Inn Christopher Lewis, Sea Horse Dive Shop Louis Godfrey, Sea Horse Dive Shop

(See our Whale Shark page for more information on whale shark snorkeling and diving regulations.)

Road.  At a public meeting last Wednesday evening (March 21, 2001), new Area Representative Henry Canton (also Minister of Public Works) announced that the national government intends to pave the Placencia road from the Placencia Village dock to the airstrip sometime during the next year.  (Mr. Canton told the assembly that the cost to pave the road is $1.5 Million BZD per mile.)  The remainder of the unpaved road from north of Seine Bight to Riversdale will be improved (in a manner yet unspecified).  A $307,696 BZD contract was awarded to Albert Reimer, Valley Ranch Enterprise Ltd., Orange Walk to begin paving work.  The work is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Belize government.

Coast Guard.  The email version of The Reporter reported on Wednesday, March 28, 2001 that the British government is providing funding for a patrol boat and other related equipment to assist Belize is forming a new Belize Coast Guard.

Placencia Village Council Elections.  Elections will be held this Sunday, March 25, 2001 for the Placencia Village Council positions.  As yet, no announcement on who is running (guess we'll find out when we show up to vote).   Glenn Eiley is reportedly floating the idea of slate of Glenn,  Harald Wallen (of Wallen's Grocery), Graham Cabral (of Wallen's Hardware) and Bruce Leslie, flyfishing guide. 

Weather.   Unseasonably hot and dry for the last 2 weeks, resulting in a lot of dust from the (as yet) unpaved road. 

Medfly.  A fertile medfly was discovered in Placencia Village last week.  The Agriculture Department has set up a roadblock at Professional Building Supplies to prevent fruits and vegetables from being taken out of the Village.

Nature "Stuff."  Mangos have borne fruit, cashews are ripening, producing a beautiful sweet aroma.  Fiddlewoods are just starting to bloom.  Guavas are putting out new leaves.  Tarpon fishing should be good throughout April.  Dog and Mutton Snappers are spawning.

Saturday, March 3, 2001

Our apologies for the long hiatus - - January and February were incredibly busy, PLUS our computer completely crashed around the 15th of February.  Fred Evans, an incredibly gifted "techie" in Belize City at Business Machines and Solutions Ltd., was able to restore everything EXCEPT our local copy of our Website.   Just got it back up and running about 10 minutes ago.  We'll try to provide an overview of everything that's happened since the middle of January.  I'm sure we'll forget a few things, though, so our apologies if we leave out something significant.

Road.  The road is being graded on a regular basis, making driving much more pleasant.  Some talk of paving, causing concerns about increased traffic, parking, noise, air pollution, etc.  New lights have been installed on the road around the ballfield area in Placencia Village (and the ballfield has new lights to allow night-time games).

Weather.  Absolutely beautiful today -- high '80s, sunny and a light breeze.  February's weather was very odd - - more like March than February - - very windy and unsettled. 

Hotels, Resorts, Apartments. The Manatee Inn near the northern end of the Village is open for business as are the new "Easy Living" Apartments near the school and the southern end of the sidewalk.  The Easy Living apartments bring a bit of luxury to Placencia Village - - each apartment is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit with full kitchen, living room area, air conditioning, spacious tiled bath, cable television, phone and private verandahs.  

Restaurants.  Claudette Cabral has opened "Haul U As" snack shop on the road near the Sea Spray "feeder" sidewalk in Placencia Village.  Best burritos in town.  Pearl Cabral is again making the best conch fritters on the Peninsula at the "End of the Road" restaurant at the Placencia Village Dock.   Pickled Parrot and J-Byrds in Placencia Village are alternating nightly weekend entertainment, J-Byrds on Fridays and Sundays, Pickled Parrot on Saturdays.  Rum Point also hosts a "Latino Night" on Saturday evening featuring Latin music and food.

Airstrip.  The Placencia airstrip has some new developments -- a fence to define the airplane's space from the people space, new signs identifying the airport and welcoming visitors to Placencia, as well as a new baggage claim check policy.  (Yes, you read that right - - so don't lose those claim checks!).   Local officials are also attempting to obtain approval for emergency airstrip lighting so that medical emergencies can be airlifted out of the Placencia area.

Police.  The Peninsula now has two new "tourist police" officers who concentrate on tourism-oriented police matters such as enforcing tour guide and tour operator licensing laws and offering special assistance to tourists.

Politics.  Elections for new Village Council members in Seine Bight and Placencia Village will be held this month.  No info yet on contenders.  Rumor is that Glen Eiley will not stand again for Placencia Village Council membership.  Henry Canton, Minister of Public Works, is (or soon will be) the new Area Representative for Placencia.  Canton replaces Mike Espat, Area Representative for a portion of the Toledo District in which Placencia was inexplicably placed for the purpose of District representation.

Environment.  Environmental issues are getting a lot of attention in Placencia, as well as in the rest of the country.  Locally, Placencia and Seine Bight Village residents are outraged over the proposal by "The Plantation" developers to cut through the Peninsula to access the Plantation's proposed marina at the northern end of the Placencia Lagoon.  

A new group, "Friends of Placencia Lagoon," is becoming active in issues affecting the Placencia Lagoon (and ultimately, the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef).  These issues include:  proposed Plantation marina and causeway, proposed causeway from Independence Village, large-scale residential development, unauthorized cutting of mangroves, proliferating shrimp farms and lack of enforcement of environmental laws.  Friends of Placencia Lagoon is seeking funding to conduct a full baseline study of the Lagoon, originally slated to be conducted by the Government of Belize in 1996, but later abandoned.  The Belize Department of Environment estimates that a full baseline study will cost approximately $200,000 USD.  

Nationally, the proposed Chalillo Dam continues to brew controversy about the actual electric output of the proposed Dam, its efficiency as a source of electricity, ultimate cost to consumers, pollution, and destruction of significant ecological habitats for endangered species and Mayan archeological sites.  A New York Times article this week reports that a national government official "speculates" that the real reason behind the Dam is the lining of well-placed pockets.  We hear rumors that lake-front lots that would be created by the Dam have already been doled out to deserving supporters.

On another national front, the internationally renowned Belize Zoo is fighting a plan to put a landfill directly in front of the Zoo - - despite serious concerns about seepage into drinking water supplies, as well as the negative environmental impact on the Zoo itself.

Saturday, January 13, 2001

Earthquake.  Placencia experienced a minor earthquake this morning at about 11:30 a.m. No damage or injuries.

Weather.  We know you all have been cold -- but so were were during the first week or so of January.  Temps got all the way down into the low to mid-60s at night (just remember, it's all relative).  Weather today, however, is beautiful - - sunny with just a few scattered cumulus clouds to make the sky interesting, about 80 degrees F, light wind. 

Road Conditions.  The road is quite good on the southern end of the Peninsula - a grader just went through yesterday and smoothed out the potholes.

Population.  The Belize government has released its initial results on the 2000 census.  The first report deals only with total population numbers by gender, later reports will provide breakdowns on income levels, education, ethnic origin, etc.  For the Stann Creek District, population information is as follows: