June 2018 Placencia Breeze

A FREE monthly tourism and community newspaper by the Placencia BTIA serving the Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek, Belize since 1999.

Lobstafest Di Move Da Pint!

More Whale Sharks Expected to Visit Southern Waters This Summer

Tasked to seek an alternative location for the 2018 Placencia Lobsterfest, the Placencia Village Council is busy preparing the southern tip of the Peninsula for a true seaside party experience. See page 2.

Ralph Capeling of Splash Dive Center tells us how his team locate the gentle giants. See page 5.

Map shows approximate layout of the festival at the Placencia Point. Plans to build a permanent boardwalk at the publicly accessible part of the beach are underway. (Design: MICCIOLO PRODUCTIONS/PVC)

Close encounter with the Rhincodon typus captured by guest diver during a Splash adventure. (Photo: BOB KAYE)

Competitors in First Belize Coastline Kayak Challenge Paddle into Placencia Starting in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo, kayakers competed in the inaugural BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge, which worked its way up to northern Belize at Corozal Bay. Placencia wrapped up day one along the journey.

The race joins the La Ruta Maya River Challenge as the next big kayaking event in Belize. See more on page 29.

A coast guard officer keeps watch over kayakers as they depart the Point at dawn. (Photo: ALEXANDER SMITH/BTB)

The Placencia Breeze

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June 2018

Twenty Years Strong, Lobsterfest JUNE Relocating to the Placencia Point

INSIDE 2018 Splash Dive Center Shares Expert Methods for Finding Whale Sharks ... pg. 3 Obituary: Clarence "Dada" Lopez ... pg. 3 Reggae Taking Primetime at Lobsterfest ... pg. 5 From the Fire Hearth: Chocolate Fest Reveals Concerns for Local Chocolate Economy ... pg. 6 CRC to Welcome International Conservation Experts ... pg. 6 Seine Bight Reservoir to Transform into Museum ... pg. 7 Donations Driving More Coral Restoration Projects ... pg. 9 Filming to Begin for "Pirates of Placencia II: Revenge" ... pg. 10 Lobsterfest Scoop on T-shirts, Fishing Tournament and Raffle ... pg. 11

Placencia Peninsula MAP ... pages 16-17 Fishing and Diving for the Blue Reef Adventure ... pg. 19 Young Runners for Life Second Race Results In; Preparations Begin for Battle Cancer Run/ Walk ... pg. 21 Longtime Placencia Hotelier Transitioning to Farm Life ... pg. 25 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23 Rotary to Award Secondary and Tertiary Level Scholarships ... pg. 26 Trades for Life to Resume in January ... pg. 26 Festival Calendar ... pg. 27 PHS Updates ... pg. 27

Minimalism Wins in 2018 Lobsterfest Art Competition... pg. 14

Bikers Meet in the Middle and Fall in Love with Placencia ... pg. 29

Placencia BTIA Membership Listing ... pages 15 and 18

Coast Guard A Team Wins Kayak Race ... pg. 29

Thank you for picking up your FREE copy of THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (Placencia BTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, Maya Island Air, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula.

The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 1,500, as well as a large online web audience.

EDITOR IN CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: Jolie Pollard, pollard.jolie@gmail.com VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs muzamanzie@gmail.com ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Jenria Lozano, director@placencia.com Natasha Eiley, accounts@placencia.com PRINTER: Norman’s Printing, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize. Phone: 523- 4045 PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Jodie Yearwood Leslie, Chairperson Salvador Zabaneh Elysia Dial Arreini Palacio Morganr Wendy Lemus Gillian Zabaneh Shelly Pollard Christopher Rothing

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

Upon its 20 th milestone, organizers of the Placencia Lobsterfest are making an ambitious change this year, relocating the festival to the stretch of sandy beach at the “Point” (or “Pint” pronounced in Placencia’s native Kriol). The name is given to the pointed tip at what could arguably be described as the southernmost end of the Peninsula and one of Placencia Village’s most convenient swimming spots (especially during sargassum invasions) with its calm waters near the opening of the channel by the Placencia Municipal Pier.

The logistical change has proven to be a challenging undertaking for the Placencia Village Council (PVC) who estimate costs to set up in the area to be near BZ$60K. With the fest having grown into a major fundraising event that now boasts over 40 vendors, the PVC must install electrical and water outlets at the site and is even building a permanent boardwalk that will allow the transportation of equipment, as well as providing access to wheelchairs. Cost estimates of the boardwalk alone are near BZ$35K. According to PVC Chairwoman Ilsa Villanueva, Lobsterfest had to be moved from its previous location between Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar and Cozy Corner Restaurant and Hotel, as one of the owners of the private beach front property intends to start development soon, which left the PVC the task of seeking alternative sites. “We knew we had to be near the water to properly pay homage to our fishing heritage,” said Villanueva, who has been planning Lob-

sterfest logistics with the PVC for the past nine years.

“This is a tradition we cannot afford to let die – although we are uncertain how much longer we’ll have enough lobsters around to cause for celebration,” she added.

Carefully studying what was accessible at the Point in line with the clause in the Belize National Lands Act that allows public use of beach front 66 feet in from the high water mark, the PVC with the help of volunteers, have created a layout that will provide a true beach side experience to visitors.

Villanueva thanks Charles “Dickie” Bradley of the fire department who has been busy working on the boardwalk project, her fellow councilors for their guidance and other community members including Justin Linarez of Go Sea Tours, Stephen Mitchell of Cha Chi’s and local contractor Martin Galvez who shared their expertise to develop the planned layout.

“This is a big investment for us, and we’re hoping that the money we collect from vendor fees and bar sales will go back into covering these expenses,” Villanueva said. With the boardwalk and water and electrical outlets in place, the PVC is hoping to make the Point a venue available for other events in the future adding an additional means of income for the Village. (Currently the PVC is able to sustain its projects with money coming in from private donors, the annual Lobsterfest, liquor licensing fees and kiosk rentals at the Pier and along the football field.)

visitors should be excited to see three bars at this Lobsterfest including a frozen and blended drinks bar run

by Justin Linarez to beat the summer heat.

“We are thrilled for first-timers and longtime visitors to Placencia Lobsterfest to participate in this experience.

We need their support even if it’s just for a one-day visit during the weekend,” Villanueva said. “Lobsterfest functions as a significant booster for local tourism in the summer and brings in revenue to so many businesses. In conjunction with the Placencia BTIA, we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

The Placencia BTIA started Lobsterfest in 1998 close to the Point with just a few tables selling food under a tent in front of the harbor at the end of the Placencia Road. They later joined forces with the PVC and continued at the solid ground location before moving to the beach near Tipsy Tuna.

While that location that ran from in front of the pier towards the old gas station by Brenda's Caribbean Cooking was under consideration for this year's event, Villanueva said the PVC foresaw traffic congestion to pose a major hindrance to a proper execution of today's enormous Lobsterfest.

To volunteer at the PVC bars or secure a booth at the event, contact PVC Office Assistant Reyanna Majano at 523-3396. The deadline for booth registration falls on June 15, and the full threeday weekend cost per space In addition to an entirely for craft booths is set at $150 new layout, Villanueva said and $250 for food vendors.▪

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Splash Dive Center Shares Expert Methods for Finding Whale Sharks bait fish. Whale sharks also feed on bait fish and they do that on surface. When we see the birds, we head for the spot. Usually in this situation, the divers tend to Splash Dive Center uses stay at snorkel depths. Most two methods to find whale April 2018 sightings were shark: 1. Looking for the reported when we used this snapper and 2. Looking for method. the birds.

Whale shark diving is blue Looking for the Snapper: water diving with no visuWe use fish finders to loal reference – that means, cate the snapper as the you cannot see the reef or whale sharks come to feed the bottom. For that reaon the spawning aggregason, with diver and guest tion and position the divsafety paramount, Splash ers in the water above the only takes advanced or exsnapper. The divers make perienced divers who have an effort to stay with, but logged 30 or more dives, well above the snapper, and to lead whale shark tours. try to stay in a tight group Splash also requires all parso that the bubbles remain ticipating divers to have concentrated. The idea is done at least one dive tour that the whale shark will with us before we take them see the bubbles, think that to dive into the whale shark they are the spawn and will zone or to the famous Blue make their way directly to Hole wonder up north. the divers. As the bubbles rise to the surface, often the The dates for the next two whale sharks do too, which whale shark moon seasons allows the snorkelers to get are May 29 to June 10 and a close encounter. We have June 28 to July 12. ▪ had some situations where the whale sharks come from the side rather than from the Ralph Capeling of Splash deep, giving the snorkelers a Dive Center reports on show, but the divers who are whale shark sightings on looking downwards, none. ScubaBoard each year. His At other times, the whale posts for 2018 to date can sharks have come close to be seen on Scubaboard. the divers and then swim com at https://tinyurl.com/ back down into the abyss y9fq3zj9. without tasting the bubbles leaving the snorkelers with- His reports for 2017, which was a poor year for whale out a sighting. shark encounters can be Looking for the birds: found at Scubaboard.com When using this method, at https://tinyurl.com/ we watch for a flock of ycvhl2uz. His 2016 posts birds circling over the sea can be found at https://tibecause they are feeding on nyurl.com/yd7l8mxs

OBITUARY

Clarence "Dada" Lopez Nov. 20, 1924 - May 11, 2018

water; however, snorkelers have an excellent chance of seeing the whale sharks as they come to the surface to feed.

By RALPH CAPELING Owner Splash Dive Center ralph@splashbelize.com

Every year, divers and snorkelers from all over the globe travel to the Placencia Peninsula to book an adventure with one of our tour operators to go into the Caribbean Sea for a chance to witness the magnificent sighting of a whale shark.

The area near the Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where the gentle giants are expected to arrive on a scheduled basis (although they do not always seem to carefully check their calendars).

The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve located 22 miles (36 km) off the coast of Placencia in Southern Belize, is a spawning aggregation site for many different tropical fish species including cubera, mutton and dog snappers which produce tons of spawn. This spawning occurs around the full moon to the third quarter moon phases during the months of March to June. This incredible sight in itself is what attracts the whale sharks to Gladden Spit. These sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean growing up to lengths of 60 feet (18 meters). Divers and snorkelers visiting our area get a rare opportunity to swim along with the sublime creatures.

The wall at Gladden slopes down to 160 feet (50 meters) then drops off into the blue abyss. Diving is done in mid water at a depth no deeper than 80 feet (24 meters) in groups of no larger than 12 divers led by their dive masters. Special procedures are followed on this dive to ensure safety and to limit any harm that may be caused to the sharks. Snorkeling is done on the surface in open

Where in the World is the Breeze?

Placencian at heart Jennifer Crooks uses Buddy Holly's iconic spectacles to read The Placencia Breeze at the plane crash site memorial in Clear Lake, Iowa where Holly tragically died along with other American rock 'n' roll legends, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper, in 1959. (Photo: CHERYL HATHCOCK)

Co-Founder of Placencia Fishermen's Cooperative Passes at 94 Years Old

By OMAR SIERRA

C

larence William Lopez of Placencia Village passed away in the caring embrace of his family on the 11th of May, 2018.

"Dada" as he was affectionately known by his family and all denizens of Placencia, was a man who was blessed with life long enough to see his children bring forth 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He was born to Christopher and Agnes Lopez on Nov. 20, 1924 in Placencia Village, and let’s go back, way back. His first level of schooling was done in Dangriga Town then in Placencia where he eventually grew up as a young man. One of his first professions was being a carpenter. Dada was known for being a perfectionist in everything he did, so much so, that if he hung a door and it seemed a bit off level by half a millimeter he

would take down the entire door, fix it and reinstall it.

Eventually he found a life in fishing and made it his livelihood. It is said that when Dada came in from fishing he would take his time and scrub, wash and clean his boat from bow to stern until not even a grain of sand or fish scale could be found. Remember, he was a perfectionist. One of his favorite hobbies was playing the harmonica. He looked forward to playing it on special occasions especially during Christmas time when they would all have Christmas brams [Editor's Note: Brams are a longtime Creole tradition where revelers would go from house to house to feast and play Creole music during the Christmas holidays.]. Dada looked forward to times like these and would normally be spotted in a mischievous trio made up of himself, Mr. Villa and Bobo.

See OBITUARY on page 10

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The Placencia Breeze

June 2018

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Reggae Taking Primetime at Lobsterfest; Party DJs and Steel Drum to Add Extra Magic to Weekend Music Lineup

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

annual event. "We wah mash up Lobstafest! We wah tun it into Rastafest!" joked band member King Siege during a photo shoot at the Point with The Placencia Breeze Volunteer Photographer Marion Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs. "We are bringing righteousness to the fest," he added, as he got a little more serious.

It's no longer business as usual at this year's Placencia Lobsterfest. In addition to having an entirely different location for the 20th anniversary of the festival, a new band is headlining the weekend's music performances.

Band members, King Siege, Ras Barno, N’Jah, Nigel Petillo, Redda Dan and Dreama are no strangers to the local music industry. They have been playing for years with different bands across the country and internationally, and a few have even opened Responding to the always shows for famous reggae artinevitable request from fes- ists such as Jamaica's Beres tival goers for something Hammonds, Barington Levy, cutting edge in entertainment Turbulence and Luciano. − a challenge that doesn't come easy for southern Be- Covering the gamut of roots lize or the modestly funded and contemporary reggae Placencia Chapter of the and even a little dancehall, Belize Tourism Industry Lobsterfest audiences can Association (PBTIA) who expect to hear covers of their heads all entertainment and favorite reggae stars includmarketing efforts for the ing Bob Marley, Sizzla and event − PBTIA Executive Peter Tosh, as well as several Director Jenria Lozano said impressive Mile 41 originals. she decided to zero in on the buzz happening right here at While their musical prowhome. "Everyone had been ess and captivating stage talking about this reggae presence are quickly develband playing in the village at oping a loyal following in Cha Chi's, and so I went to Placencia, members of Mile see them one Saturday night 41 have been well known with my office colleagues, throughout Belize for their and we knew right there and persevering social activism. then that we had to get them out at the Point."

Band member Nigel Petillo is the president of BGYEA, According to Lozano, Mile a grassroots organization 41 seemed like the perfect he formed with other band fit for Lobsterfest. "This vil- members in 2010 with a vilage has always loved reggae sion to empower Belizeans music, yet we've always had with land access and ultipunta rock or soca at the mately, long-term food seforefront. You hear reggae curity. In fact, Mile 41 is the playing everywhere − at location along the George people's homes, parties, at Price Highway where BGthe restaurants and bars. YEA's Harmonyville agriWe thought this would be a cultural reserve is located. great way to honor a style of The group made headlines music that greatly influences after a long, drawn out strugthe culture and lifestyle in gle with the Government of this historically fishing com- Belize to secure 1,300 acres munity while responding to of land in the area. the request for something different."

Mile 41 continues to work on their vision at Harmonyville The 10 members of the while keeping prospective all-rasta reggae band say land owners informed on they are all too thrilled and social media. humbled to entertain at Placencia's most high-impact Need more than reggae? Fear

not. Lozano and the PBTIA team say they are excited to provide five Belizean disc jockey stars who will fill the Point with sounds from other musical genres that will be sure to keep the party going strong. "We've carefully planned this music lineup to ensure that there is something for everyone and especially, enough bashment tunes to make everyone want to dance," she said.

including Easter and New Visit Facebook.com/PlacenciaYear's Eve celebrations, as LobsterfestBelize for entertainwell as the wild Halloween ment updates and schedules. beach parties.

To top it off, PBTIA have also booked the Pantempters Steel Orchestra to round off the Caribbean sounds with a gentle touch for the threeday weekend.

Visitors to the Placencia Lobsterfest can also enjoy another Lobster Cookoff DJ Dalla, DJ Jago, DJ Boney- event, the Rotary Club of fide, DJ HG, DJ Swagg and Placencia rubber duckie race Fyah Staata Sounds have all and a bounce house for kids. created unforgettable parties Of course, there will be lobon the Placencia Peninsula ster aplenty for everyone. ▪

LOST BOAT TITLE Notice requirement for Port Authority: Boat title for unnamed 23-foot, low-bow, full-white with red-trimming boat carrying 60 HP 2 stroke outboard engine & belonging to man of Santa Cruz Village with Riversdale, Placencia Peninsula mailing address, has been lost.

The Placencia Breeze

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croc corner

From the

Fire Hearth Your expert guide to all things edible in Belize.

CRC to Welcome International Conservation Experts in Belize

2018 Chocolate Fest in Toledo Reveals Concerns for Local Chocolate Economy

By LYRA SPANG, PhD Owner, anthropologist and tour guide Taste Belize Tours tastebelize@gmail.com

O

ur intrepid editor here at the Breeze has asked me for a chocolate report from the Deep South aka Toledo.

Last month we celebrated the 11th Chocolate Festival of Belize. The festival took place May 18-20 in Toledo District, our southernmost district and the heart of the cacao cultivating industry.

Since 1984 the modern industry has taken off, especially when the Toledo Cacao Growers Association began working with Green and Blacks Chocolate in 1992, catapulting Belizean cacao beans into the international spotlight as the key ingredient in the world’s first certified organic, certified fair trade chocolate bar. Thanks to this ground breaking collaboration Belizean cacao beans have become famous worldwide for

June 2018

their high quality and fruit forward, complex flavor profile. Reflective of this transformation, the original Toledo Cacao Fest has morphed into the more cosmopolitan sounding Chocolate Festival of Belize.

events, including chocolate grinding competitions and Maya cultural performances. I was not able to attend this event, as I was recovering from a somewhat strenuous hike to Victoria Peak the week prior.

Typically, the festival begins with a Friday night Wine and Chocolate evening with many chocolate companies offering free samples and free wine with the purchase of an entrance ticket. This year, this event was moved to Saturday night, and Friday night began with a musical bashment at the Punta Gorda Civic Center instead.

On Saturday, Front Street in Punta Gorda town was closed to traffic as the famous Taste of Toledo street fair took place. (At the fair and at the Chocolate and Wine Night, I helped out our friends from San Felipe Village at the Ixcacao Maya Belizean Chocolate booth.) Locals and visitors enjoyed stalls showcasing cacao and chocolate products from edible treats to cosmetics. Of course, the street was lined with food vendors and the requisite cell phone and truck promo stands. Sunday the action moved to the beautiful Nim Li Punit Maya archaeological site for the last day of

Moving the Wine and Chocolate night to Saturday night was the biggest change for the Chocolate Festival this year; in theory, this should have made it easier for more people to attend, but it seemed to have had the opposite effect. There were simply not as many people as in earlier years, despite the presence of delicious chocolate samples, wine and a wonderful performance by the Panerrifix Steel Pan Orchestra. That said, it did please me to see some attendees visiting from as far north as Orange Walk.

In years past, all the main chocolate companies of Belize have been found at the Chocolate and Wine night offering up samples, but not this year. Conspicuously absent were almost all immigrants or foreigner-owned chocolatiers, as well as Belizean-owned Ajaw and Cheil Chocolate companies. Belize ChocoSee CACAO CONCERNS on page 20

By DR. MARISA TELLEZ Co-founder and Executive Director Crocodile Research Coalition marisa.tellez@crcbelize.org

The Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) traveled to Santa Fe, Argentina for the 25th Working Meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Species Survival Commission - Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG). The CSG consists of 600 experts from around the world and “is a worldwide network of biologists, wildlife managers, government officials, independent researchers, non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives, farmers, traders, tanners, fashion leaders, and private companies actively involved in the conservation of the world's 24 living species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharial in the wild. As one of more than 100 species specialist groups operating under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest consortium of conservation organi-

zations and agencies, the CSG works closely with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other international intergovernmental bodies to promote crocodilian conservation and legal trade that does not threaten the survival of these important reptiles.

The CSG network of experts advises governments and wildlife management agencies, evaluates the conservation needs of crocodilian populations, initiates research projects, conducts surveys of wild populations, provides technical information and training, initiates conservation programs, etc.”

CRC Research Coordinator Miriam Boucher presented her acoustic and behavior research of the American crocodile in Belize at the meeting, and CRC Research Associates Helen Sung and Sierra McLinn presented their work on hybridization between the Morelet’s and American crocodiles in Belize and the discovery of the crocodilian parasite life cycle, Sebekia mississippiensis. (This is the only TRUE parasite of crocodilians as it dissolves the lung tissue of their host, and Sierra discovered female parasites are See CROC CORNER on page 20

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Seine Bight Reservoir to Transform into Garifuna Cultural and History Museum: BZ$100K Fundraising Drive Continues Museum Sponsorship Levels: Donors who qualify for any of the categories below will be recognized on an affixed plaque in the museum. By donating, your family’s or organization’s name will be given a permanent place inside.

By SARITA LAMBEY GARCIA Chairperson, Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum Foundation (SBRMF) seinebightreservoirmuseum@gmail.com

Construction and fundraising efforts are going full steam ahead to build a local Garifuna cultural and history museum in Seine Bight Village on the Placencia Peninsula. This unique tourist attraction promises to bring increased promotional value to the community, a cultural learning experience for residents and Peninsula visitors, additional financial growth for businesses and improved economic opportunities for local people. The proposed museum will tell the story of Seine Bight’s rich culture and history through exhibits and displays organized around artifacts and information from oral histories, community-generated maps, and archival documents.

Architect's rendering of the proposed Garifuna cultural heritage and history museum in Seine Bight Village.

♦♦ Diamond Sponsor: BZ$5,000 and up ♦♦ Platinum Sponsor : BZ$1,000 to $4,999 ♦♦ Gold Sponsor : BZ$500 to $999 ♦♦ Silver Sponsor: BZ$201 to $499 ♦♦ Bronze Sponsor : BZ$100 to $200 Cash or checks can be deposited into the Seine Bight Reservoir to Museum Foundation’s account at Belize Bank (Belize Bank Account #160476010120001). Checks can be mailed to: P.O. Box 606 Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central America. The Treasurer of the Foundation, Mrs. Hermia Arzu of the Seine Bight Western Union office is also authorized to accept donations. For information on how to contribute, volunteer or get involved, please contact Sarita L. Garcia, Chair of the SBRMF, at (501)-602-5417 or by email at seinebightreservoirmuseum@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook.com/seinebightreservoirtomuseumfoundation/

raised over BZ$50,000 towards the financial goal of BZ$100,000 and has completed five phases of construction encompassing the groundwork of the museum space. Prospective donors can assist in this effort by giving a monetary donation or an in-kind contribution of materials or labor. The Foundation is counting on the public’s participation and support to accomplish what will be a significant mileThe Seine Bight Reservoir stone towards the revitalizato Museum Foundation is tion of Seine Bight Village appealing to the public to and a boost in tourism for the join the drive to transform Placencia Peninsula. the village water reservoir located along the Peninsu- The Seine Bight Reservoir la Main Road into a local to Museum Foundation Garifuna museum of culture (SBRMF) is a registered and history. The Founda- non-profit organization in tion with the support of its Belize (Certificate # 21986) many partners has already established in July 2014

by a group of Seine Bight natives to transform the historic village water reservoir in Seine Bight village into a local Garifuna cultural and historical museum. The community-based organization is composed of a steering committee coordinated by a seven-member executive committee and over 30 regional liaison officers residing across Belize, the U.S., and the West Indies.

The “Foundation,” as it is locally known, is partnering with members of the Seine Bight Village Council, the Seine Bight Branch of the National Garifuna Council, the Belize National Institute of Culture and History, Department of Museum and Houses of Culture and the Department of Anthropology at the University of South

Construction progressing on site at the historic Seine Bight water reservoir.

Sarita Lambey Garcia, Eric Koenig and members of the Foundation sell Garifuna food at roadside fundraiser for the proposed museum. Koenig has been working on graduate research relating to the project at the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida, a key SBRMF partner.

Florida to design, fund, develop, and maintain the proposed museum to promote the cultural, educational, and economic aspirations of the village, the Garifuna community, and the country of Belize. The SBRMF is tasked with overseeing all aspects of the museum space transformation including: fundraising, construction, research, collection of artifacts, materials, maps, and displays, organization of the museum and personnel, and the selection of an appropriate name.▪

Above Grounds Coffee House Supporting Small Independent Producers

Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffee

Main Road , Past Football (Soccer) Field South End of the Village

7am—4pm Monday to Saturday 7am—Noon Sunday Espresso / Brewed & Iced Coffees - Decaf - Goss Chocolate Drinks Iced Teas - Fresh Juices - Bagels - Breads by the Slice - High Speed Wi-Fi Skype Friendly Coffee by the Lb. Whole Bean or Ground to Order Phone 634 3212

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The Placencia Breeze

June 2018

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Donations Driving More Coral Restoration Projects • Conduct at least three community consultations with Seine Bight, Monkey River and Placencia Villages to identify community needs and citizen science programs.

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)

fohoutreach@gmail.com

Fragments of Hope (FoH), the Placencia based organization establishing coral restoration projects in Belize since 2013 has seen many successes. With over 23 in situ coral nurseries established and maintained in southern Belize, South Water Caye and Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, and over 77,000 nursery-grown corals out-planted at Laughing Bird Caye National Park alone, the continued efforts towards safeguarding the critically endangered Caribbean Acroporid corals deem promising, but they can’t do it alone.

Placencia Resort Group Named New Chrysurus Top-Level Sponsor: Through the generous donations from Hatchet and Wild Orchid/Moho Caye, FoH will be carrying out several activities this year leading up to 2019. A few of these activities include: • Increasing awareness via posters, coloring books and puzzles doubling the amount budgeted under their GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) grant.

• Providing a one-week summer session on Sandwatch activities for primary school students from Placencia and Seine Bight with added emphasis on mangrove ecology.

• Conduct lionfish roundups in partnership with the Placencia Tour Guide Association (PTGA) and the Southern Environmental Association at the upcoming Placencia Lobsterfest and the 2019 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival.

• Celebrating International Year of the Reef and Independence Day this September.

sharing, and hands on experience outplanting corals at the Silk Caye Marine Reserve (via MAR Fund) and South Water Caye Marine Reserve (via the World Bank Adaptation Fund and MCCAP).

• Continue reef replenisment activities and more.

In less than a month, members of FoH visited Jamaica, Donors who contribute over directly assisting the OraBZ$10,000 qualify for a cabessa and Sandals team “Chrysurus” membership with their coral outplanting. named after the yellow tail The collaborative efforts bedamsel fish (Mycrospatho- tween regional colleagues in don chysurus) featured in Jamaica and Belize has been our logo. This designation educational and rewarding. provides several benefits in- FoH is in full support to cluding an annual field expe- increase region exchanges dition to our restoration sites, and thrilled with in country an invitation to our annual cooperation between groups coral mixer and mentions in in Jamaica working towards The Placencia Breeze news- the same goal: More Corals paper. Consequently, we are = More Fish. FoH is planpleased to announce Hatchet ning another exchange this & Wild Orchid/Moho Caye year with Mexican reef as our new Chrysurus do- restoration practitioners, via nor. They are guaranteed a grant from the MAR Fund. perpetual membership and promotion of their business Private Donations Support in FoH publicity tools.

Lionfish Eradication: Important to FoH is promotGrant Facilitates Regional ing marine conservation edExchange Program with ucation and reef restoration Jamaica: in local communities like With a mission to replen- Placencia. With thousands ish critically endangered of successfully outplanted coral species in degraded fragmented corals and inreef areas, increase capacity creased fish populations, building and knowledge ex- things are looking up. Still, change, FoH was thrilled to with the invasive lionfish on have received funding from the loose, the health of our GEF SGP that propelled a marine ecosystem can be recent regional exchange jeopardized. program with coral restoration practitioners from Thankfully, with recent Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctu- private donations, FoH is ary, members of the Sandals pleased to sponsor towards Boscobel Fish Sanctuary in lionfish eradication at PlaJamaica, and the FoH team. cencia’s 2018 Lobsterfest.

The brief exchange allowed Together with the PTGA and visits to Laughing Bird Caye Hatchet Caye, the planned National Park, information Lionfish Roundup will have

The Hatchet Caye Resort and Wild Orchid/Moho Caye group has been named a Chrysurus member for their donation of over BZ$10,000 towards the coral restoration work and advocacy efforts carried out by Fragments of Hope.

Save the Date!

FoH ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING Where: Placencia Community Center When: Thursday, June 14, 2018 @ 6 p.m.

The meeting will comprise of several topics such as: Regional exchange, Hatchet Caye donation, New FoH member, Lionfish roundup, Sandwatch (school program) summer session, Reef themed parade (September celebrations), Corals, Promotional materials, Seaweed and crab farming.

Equally important are your opinions, requests and ideas. So, spread the word, bring a friend and let's talk science.

Light refreshments will be provided. See you there!

one main goal: to eradicate as much lionfish within a given time period while simultaneously participating in adventure dives. So, on Friday, June 22, the hunt is on! Let's see how many of these critters our five teams will remove from our waters.

Join us at the pier or visit our FoH, Hatchet Caye and PTGA booths to experience the thrill!

FoH’s mission is primarily

funded by grants and donations and would be impractical without such support from a caring community.

If you or your business are interested in donating to FoH and becoming more involved with the work they do, please visit our website at fragmentsofhope.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

FoH is also registered in the United States as a non-profit 501c3 organization. ▪

French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum) swim around staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis). The patch is a tiny part of the more than 77,000 nursery grown outplanted corals at Laughingbird Caye National Park (LBCNP) that illustrates FoH's motto “More Corals=More Fish”. FoH has been collecting fish diversity and abundance data on replenished sites at LBCNP since 2014 and expects to publish on these results in 2019.

Monique Vernon is a new member of the FoH team. A native of Placencia Village, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize (2016). She

carries extensive experience with youth and schools and worked with FoH in 2017 implementing the Sandwatch program. FoH is dedicated to employing local coastal community members.

The Placencia Breeze

Page 10

June 2018

Filming to Begin for "Pirates of Placencia II: Revenge"

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

British transplant and super grandpa, Peter Arthur, is preparing to shoot another pirate film with his creative friends starting this month − but this one will be a comedy for the grown ups.

The first small-budget short pirate movie, "Pirates of Placencia," which had premiered at Paradise Resort last year, was a special gift to Peter's five-year-old grandson, Harrison, living in England. "He's convinced that I'm a real-life pirate living in the Caribbean, so I thought this could be fun," Peter said.

Running just nine minutes and 30 seconds, the short kid-friendly film, was shot on the most beautiful of Placencia days in the Bakadeer area of Placencia by Merl's Cafe and Yoli's Bar, as well as at the Point for some treasure hunting gone wrong.

Complete with boat travels, planking, rum drinking, sand burials and a fierce sword fighting scene cast with tough female pirates, it's no wonder that Peter says his grandson has watched the movie up to five times in just a day. Peter, who wrote and starred in the film, even ended the movie with the two lead pirate enemies becoming friends.

cencia creatives for the adult sequel.

Directing and co-producing again is Marty Brander, a retired Hollywood filmmaker whose repertoire includes working on over 65 films, a number of TV shows and countless commercials, as well as a couple award-winning and nominated films.

The director, whose career started as an eight-year-old actress in the Breen Code shaking film, "One Potato, Two Potato," says she enjoys working with such upbeat and happy people without the Hollywood pressures. Her husband, Tom, along Kim Weidemeyer, Beverly Brooks in makeup and Placencia Players Theatre co-founder Theo Harness who played the flamboyant "Flotsam" in Peter's first film, will join in again on the fun.

"Pirates of Placencia II: Revenge" will be featuring even more scenes from Placencia Village including the new "Captain Pete's" dockside bar at Paradise Hotel that owner Alan Stamm branded as such to help Peter for special scenes in the upcoming movie. Peter says he hopes to get as many people involved in casting as possible. You can find Peter in his real life pirate mode at "Captain Pete's" and other select Placencia watering holes and reach him on FB messenger.▪

Stream"Pirates of Placencia" on Youtube for free: https://www.

Peter has managed to gather yet youtube.com/watch?v=ZzIuOanother impressive group of Pla- QRTML4

OBITUARY: Clarence "Dada" Lopez Nov. 20, 1924 - May 11, 2018 He was the child of one of the first Garbutts who inhabited Placencia Village. Dada was also one of the In his 20s, when most would argue founding members of the Placencia that he was the most handsome Fishermen’s Cooperative. He was Placencia man around, he met the the eldest male in the village and a love of his life, Cordelia Cabral. The well respected Placencian. two were married on Nov. 28, 1948 and eventually brought forth five Dada, you were a stalwart and a children: Fenton, Sydney, Cynthia, man amongst men. And, you will be missed immensely.▪ Errol and Monica.

Continued from page 3

Peter Arthur as "Captain Pete" takes on Captain Tracy played by Tracy Extrom Atkinson for her treasure shortly after a sword fighting scene in Pirates of Placencia. The plot continues in the planned sequel. (PHOTOS: KATHY ANGLIN-WADE)

Friends of Peter Arthur stepped in for a full cast of pirates in his first movie.

Page 11

Take a Chance in the Lobsterfest Raffle!

Over 100 prizes donated!

Tasty food, fun music and all around positive vibes await many at the Placencia Lobsterfest, but you can start in on the fun ahead of time by buying a ticket or a few books even, in the famous Placencia Lobsterfest Raffle. The long-time fundraiser for the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association boasts prizes as extravagant as a stay at a luxury resort and as delightful as a gift certificate for gelato or dinner at one of Placencia's many satisfying restaurants. Visit the Placencia Tourism Center to enter the raffle drawing or contact 523-4045 or e-mail info@placencia.com to arrange your purchase! Drawing takes place on the Sunday of Lobsterfest, June 24.

1. Barefoot Services: oneday golf cart rental 2. DTourz: Cockscomb day -trip for 2 (four prizes) 3. Mariposa Beach Suites & Rest: $50 Gift Cert.

4. Goss Chocolate: Box of Goss Chocolate (two prizes) 5. Lola's Art: 9 x 12 original canvas painting 6. Coconut Cottage: $50 cash 7. Wendy's Creole Restaurant: $100 gift cert.

8. Pickled Parrot- $25 Gift Cert.

9. Paradise Resort: 2 night stay 10. Treasure Box- 1 customized gold filled name Necklace 11. Taste Belize- Ixcacao Chocolate and Nim Li Punit Tour for 2 12. Miss Debs Food Truck$25 Gift cert. (four prizes) 13. The Shak Beach Café: $50 gift cert. (2 prizes) 14. Placencia Villas & Golf Cart Rentals: 2 night stay in studio apartment for 2 15. Dawn’s Grill: Lobster Dinner for 2 16. Sunny Side Tours - 1 day snorkel for 2 17. Friends near the PierBreakfast for 2 (valued at $50) 18. Placencia Eagle Ray Tours - 1 day snorkel for 1 at Laughing Bird Caye 19. Placencia Flower Shop - 1 floral arrangement (valued at $100) 20. Easy Living Apartments- 1 night say for 2 21. Everyday Supermarket - 1 Standing Lasko Fan 22. Tutti Frutti- $25 Gift Certificate (four prizes) 23. Belize King of the HowlersMonkey River Tour for 2 24. Secret Garden Day Spa & Massage- 1 Foot Massage 25. Dolce Cabana2 night waterfront stay for 2 26. Omar’s Creole Grub Lobster Dinner for 2 27. Ale's Beach Treasures$100 Gift Certificate 28. Deja's Closet$ 10 0 Gift Certificate 29. The Burger Joint- $50 Gift Certificate 30. Strike a Pose Boutique$75 Gift Certificate (2 prizes) 31. Nook (San Pedro): $100 Gift Certificate 32. Mojos- $100 Gift Cert.

33. PUR Boutique Cabanas (San Pedro) - 2 night stay 34. Placencia office Supply$50 cash prize 35. Mango's- Dinner for 2 along with 2 appetizers & 2 drinks.

36. Tree of life Massage Studio- 1- 60 min Swedish massage 37. Sail Fish Resort - $50 Gift Certificate 38. Rum Fish Y Vino- $150 Gift Certificate 39. Nautical Adventures All inclusive half day sail for 2 40. Unique handmade Jewelry- $100 Gift Certificate 41. Bliss Boutique and Wellness Center: Painted Welcome sign 42. Seaside Gift Shop: $50 Gift Cert.

43. Belize Handicraft Gift Shop: $50 Gift Certificate 44. Wallens Hardware: $50 Gift Certificate (2 prizes) 45. Placencia Awesome Water Sports: Half day SUP (valued @ $75) (second prize of $60 value.)

46. Landeros Gift Shop: 18x24 Painting 47. Rick's Café: Pizzas 48. Barefoot Beach Bar: $75 Bar Tab (2 prizes) 49. Tropic Air: Round trip ticket for two from Placencia to Belize City Municipal 50. Sun Breeze Hotel (San Pedro): 2 Night Stay For 2 51. Above Ground Cof fee House: $50 Gift Cert. (2 prizes) 52. Bayshore LTD: 2 nights stay for 2 persons (all inclusive) with complementary Chocolate and wine also bikes, kayaks, paddleboards.

53. Brewed Awakenings: $25 Gift Certificate 54. Deja Moo: $30 Gift Cert.

55. Cahal Pech Village Resort - 1 Night stay for 2 56. Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventure - Zipline Tour and Lunch for two (Valued $342.50bze.)

57. Barebones Tours: Monkey River Tour for 2 58. Hatchet Caye Resort: 2 Night Stay 59. Turtle Inn: 2 Night Stay for 2 in Garden View Cottage (including daily continental

breakfast & a bottle of house wine.)

60. Serenity Massage Studio- 30 Minutes Neck, Back and Shoulder Massage 61. The Ramada Princess Belize City- Weekend stay for 2 62. The Placencia Casino $10 US Slots Free Credit (50 prizes total!)

With multiple donations from some businesses, that's a total of 127 prizes! Tickets sell for BZ$2 each; book of 11 sell for BZ$20 each.

All cash prizes and gift certificates are listed in BZD. ▪

Over BZ$8K in Cash Prizes and Free Fuel Attracting Participants in 2018 Lobsterfest Fishing Tournament

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

Construction, Muy'Ono Hospitality Management and Hatchet Caye.

Thanks to Westby's efforts, Want to round up enough all participants will be sportteams for a fishing tourna- ing high quality quick dry ment in Belize these days? tournament t-shirts instead With fuel prices soaring, of the usual cotton, courtesy (Premium gasoline prices per of a generous Itz'ana donagallon stand at BZ$11.67; tion. Contact Nadia Westby regular, BZ$11.35 and die- at 610-6949 for more info. sel, BZ$10.63.) offer some eager fishermen free fuel and The Lobsterfest Fishing enticing cash prizes to top it Tournament started in 1999 on the second anniversary of off, and you're good to go! the festival to honor the vilPlacencia Village Councilor lage's celebrated fishing heriNadia Westby has been busy tage and is now organized by seeking sponsors for the the Placencia Village Countwo-day tournament to start cil. To further attract visitors on the Friday of Lobsterfest. to the Peninsula during the She successfully secured months of June to October, a commitment from Thun- the Placencia Chapter of derbird Marina to donate the Belize Tourism Industry 10 gallons of fuel for each Association also hosts a participating boat and a total fishing tournament during of BZ$8,650 in cash prizes the September holidays with (as of press time). Prize former board member Steve sponsors include: Itz'ana Christensen at the helm of Resort and Residences, R&B sponsorship seeking. ▪

Don't Forget Your Placencia Lobsterfest T-shirt!

Sales of the official Placencia Lobsterfest t-shirt support the work of the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA).

T-shirts feature logos of donors who have contributed towards entertainment costs and the printing of the t-shirts.

Contact the Placencia BTIA at 523-4045 or e-mail info@placencia.com with any t-shirt questions!

Major Event Sponsors: Belize Tourism Board Belikin Harvest Caye Chabil Mar Villas Placencia Village Council T-shirt Sleeve Sponsors: MnM Hardware Remax 1st Choice Other T-shirt Sponsors: Tipsy Tuna Turtle Inn De’Tatch Captain Jak’s Barefoot Bar El Garobo Lost Reef Resort Hatchet Caye Caribbean Beach Cabanas Maya Beach Hotel Splash Dive Center

This year's t-shirt features a festive touch to Grayson Sierra's winning painting. Shop ahead for your tanks and Ts in both male and female styles at the Placencia Tourism Center or visit the Placencia BTIA's booth at the Festival to choose your favorite color! T-shirts start at BZ$35.

Lake View Animal Clinic Sea Horse Dive Shop Barebones Tours King Lewey’s Resort Placencia Eagle Ray Tours

Belize Ocean Club Belize Underwater Blue Horizon Sixteen Degrees Ranguana Caye ▪

Page 12

The Placencia Breeze

June 2018

Page 13

The Placencia Breeze

Page 14

June 2018

Minimalism Wins in 2018 Lobsterfest Art Competition Placencia fishing guide, family restaurateur and artist Grayson Sierra has taken another winner’s cash prize

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief of BZ$250 in the The Placencia Breeze annual Placencia pollard.jolie@gmail.com Lobsterfest t-shirt art competition.

This is the 26-year-old’s second solo win. He’s shared the glory two times before for collaborative pieces he submitted with his brother Omar, who lost to his younger sibling this year.

art simple in 2018 envisioning what would be best for a t-shirt layout. The art is simple indeed featuring one lone Caribbean spiny lobster against a splash of turquoise blue.

Placencia graphic design artist, Natasha Eiley, is preparing the artwork for promotions and the final t-shirt layout. The contest is organized by the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) who benefits from t-shirt sales as part of their fundraising endeavors. A total of five pieces were submitted for public judging. The Placencia BTIA thanks Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot for providing a space Grayson said he decided to keep his to showcase the entries to voters.▪

Grayson Sierra's winning underwater lobster painting will be featured on the official Placencia Lobsterfest t-shirt.

Grayson's older brother, Omar Sierra, chose to submit a painting of a lobster partying at the Point. Grayson said he was surprised to outdo his sibling.

A total of five entries were submitted for public voting this year. (Left to right) David Lindo's digital creation of a fisherman spearing a lobster was a close contender; Brian Vernon's inebriated and hammock lounging lobsters provided comic relief, and Marcus August's painting was a favorite for some with its vibrant colors.

Page 15 PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 2018 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Don’t see your listing? It is time to renew your membership or become a new member!

Join the largest BTIA Chapter in Belize! Contact Placencia BTIA Executive Director Jenria Lozano at 523-4045 or at director@placencia.com

ACCOMMODATIONS A Belizean Nirvana belizeanirvana@gmail.com; 523-3331 or 625-3301 Evan Hall

Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com; 503-3143 or 630-7811 Jacki Tipton

Aqua Oasis dreawoody@gmail.com 623-3286

Casa Sunsandsea info@casasunsandsea.com 972-215-7413-866-459-8235 Brian and Brenda Montgomery www.casasunandsea.com

Aurora Beach abtrudeau@comcast.net 978-580-9455 or 650-8984 Ann & Tom Trudeau Arches /The gin7373@aol.com 479-841-7970; Mark Risk Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows barnacle@barnaclebillsbelize.com 602-7768; Bill & Adriane Taylor Bayshore Limited www.bayshore.bz 604-8910 or 600-1040 Jenny Wildman Belize Ocean Club info@belizeoceanclub.com 671-4500 Thibault Gehin www.belizeoceanclub.com Blue Crab Beach House linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Cap’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey & Susan Fowler Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com 523-3561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy

Ceiba Beach Resort & Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 651-6649; Thomas S. Hudson www.ceibabeachresort.com Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Chris Rothing Champagne Island Resort info@champagneislandbz.com 615-9979 Jacqueline Lozano www.champagneislandbz.com Coconut Cottage kwplacencia@yahoo.com; 523-3234 or 626-8425; Kay Westby Coral Cove Inn coralcoveinnbelize@gmail.com 600-9847 Gordon Keith Allen

Itz'ana Resort & Residence kim@itzanabelize.com 610-3456; Kim Viner Laru Beya Resort* timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3473; Timoteo Mes Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry Snowden Lost Reef Resort* llr@lostreefresort.com 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net 523-3117 or 627-7970 Lydia Villanueva Maine Stay /The belizekaren@gmail.com; 523-3507; Karen Travers Mariposa Beach Suites* reservations@mariposabelizebeach.com; 523-4474 or 610-4473 Bruce & Sharon Maddison Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro* info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee

Sea Glass Inn* brad_schofield@yahoo.com 523-3098 Brad & Christine Schofield

Casa Del Sol rubenvasquez27@gmail.com 628-8514; Ruben Vasquez Casa Laguna Vista windwardproperties@att.net 361-765-8277 David Wallace

Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers

Pearl Beach House vb53@centurytel.net 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Betsy Valian; Stefano Ragagnin

Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com; 629-2700 or 660-8526 Mariuccia Levoni

Hibiscus Beach Properties 615-3287; Cindy Weller cindy@hibiscusbeachbelize.com www.hibiscusbeachbelize.com

Placencia Beach House placenciabeachhouse@gmail.com 664-9264 or 632-0545 Lou Nicolait and Joslin Merwin

Casa Palma casapalma@outlook.com 628-7922 Perfecto Choc

Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069 Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll

Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Valerie Hopson

Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail.com; 523-3291 Yvette Guild HEALTH & WELLNESS

Serenade Hotel info@serenadeplacencia.com 523-3113

Tree of Life Massage Studio smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408 Kristine Small

Singing Sands Inn* info@singingsands.com; 533-3022 or 520-8022; Maya Kramer

Naia Resort & Spa hr@naiaresortandspa.com 523-4600; Stewart Krohn

Paradise Vacation Hotel*/** info@belize123.com 523-3179 or 523-3256 Alan & Deloris Stamm

CONSULTANTS

Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 503-3736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn

Green Parrot Beach House & Restaurant* greenparrot@mail.com; 533-8188 David Allardice & Leo Ramirez

Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen

Doran's Services takunchances@yahoo.com 670-4130 Doran Yount

Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com 523-3777 John & Marian Chan

Miramar Apartments info@miramarbelize.com; 523-3658; Ilsa Villanueva www.miramarbelize.com

Ocean’s Edge Beach Houses info@oceansedge-belize.com 514-606-5582 Michael Brauel & Francine Martel

CONSTRUCTION & REPAIRS

Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com 620-8718 or 600-0375 Siripohn Thakham

Finca Villa valchiac@yahoo.com 663-7777 Valeriano Chiac

Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler

Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood

Seaspray Hotel jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com 523-3148 Jodie Yearwood

Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com 604-6214 Nicole Harvalik

Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286 Jim & Cindy Weller

Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099 Midge & Aaron Dallas

Sailfish Resort info@sailfishbelize.com 651-9885 Mike Gargan

Southern Shores Resort deb@southernshoresresort.com 615-4182 Miller’s Landing* Deborah Tinsley millersplacencia@yahoo.com southernshoresresort.com 523-3010 or 523-3011 Gary & Ann Miller Suites at Three Iguanas

Placencia Villas & Golf Cart Rentals info@placenciavillas.com 615-6404 or 615-6434 Stephen Jacoby www.placenciavillas.com

Caribbean Beach Cabanas info@caribbeanbeachcabanas. com 622-4142 David & Laura Diffendal

Robert’s Grove Beach Resort */** info@robertsgrove.com; 523-3565 or 523-4367

AUTO RENTALS

Annelise Hagan 633-6599 annelisehagan@hotmail.com

NON-PROFITS Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, president Rotary Club of Placencia 622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department 626-0667 Kathy Anglin

Sunset Pointe Condos REAL ESTATE AGENTS ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; Amik Kil Ha Office Manager, Francisco achild17@gmail.com 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 Turtle Inn */** Amanda Harris frontdesk@turtleinn.com; friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com 523-3244; Martin Krediet Tradewinds Hotel trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122 Janice Leslie Vacasa Belize Ltd. (formally Swan Villas) info@swanvillasbelize.org 621-1393 Rodolfo Saenz De Ugante

Belize Sotheby's International Realty info@belizesir.com 523-3309 Kirsin Fisher Boris Mannsfeld & Associates info@RealEstatePlacencia.com; 523-3309 Boris Mannsfeld

White House in Placencia/ The info@whitehouseplacencia.com 1-732-829-4042 Kirsten & Per Kristensen

CPC Real Estate Solution info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young

White Sand Villa eagleray33@gmail.com; 661-9516 or 602-9315; Tricia Hernandez

Re/Max 1st Choice david@1stchoicebelize.com 631-9622 or 523-3666 David Kafka

Wooden Mongoose Resort woodenmongoose@gmail.com 807-708-5869 Jim Bailey & Ellen Yeast www.woodenmongoose.com

Please note that some members in our Accommodations listing offer additional services:

*Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals

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The Placencia Breeze

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June 2018

The Placencia Breeze RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT

Above Grounds Coffee keithgmorrison@gmail.com 634-3212 Keith Morrison Barefoot Bar barefootbarbz@gmail.com 523-3515 Cassie & Brice Dial Brewed Awakenings brewedawakeningsbelize@gmail. com 635-5312 Ryan & Natalie Dixon Buba Wuba Smoke Shack & Grill finagler53@msn.com 650-9243 Robert Coppock ChaChi's stvmitch@gmail.com 523-3322; Stephen Mitchell Citrus Sensations citrussensations@yahoo.com 604-5609 Donicio Sam & Glenn Burks De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood

Tranquilo Restaurant & Bar Over the Water avi@marvin.co.il (Israel#) +972-508-810-891 Avi Rotem Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor tizy.lory@virgilio.it 620-9916; Tiziana Del Col Wendy's Creole Restaurant 523-3335 Wendy Lemus

AB2 Architects andrea@ab2architects.com 523-8113 or 610-0488 Andrea Bacher www.ab2architects.com GSR Energy Holdings, Ltd. gleneiley@yahoo.com 630-2843 Glenford Eiley Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@gmail.com 523-3563 or 669-4675 Marion & Ed Carr Placencia Mini Storage celeste1001@live.com 665-0800 Paul & Celeste Smith

Dolce Vita/ La ladolcevitaplacencia.com@hotmail.com SCHOOLS 678-1089 or 523-3115 Simone De Angelis (PIA) Peninsula International Academy Friends Near the Pier peninsulaacademy.org robbcarson.king@gmail.com 601-3523 667-4805 Selena Lucas Robb Carson Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes4@gmail.com 601-4434 or 629-3145 Manuel Simpson JC's Corner annmarie6362@gmail.com 602-0871 AnnMarie Mena Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3476 Timoteo Mes Mango’s Restaurant info@mangosbelize.com 610-2494 or 651-6649 chunapolonio@yahoo.com tom@ceibabeachresort.com Pickled Parrot adrianalynn37@gmail.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham Rumfish y Vino rumfish@btl.net 523-3293 or 666-6934 Pamela & John Solomon The Shak Beach Cafe magsshak@hotmail.com 622-1686 or 523-3252 Magda Morales

NSAA Bath and Body nsaa.bathbody@gmail.com 663-4276 Omitade Adediran One World Gift Shop oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 620-9975 or 523-3103 Claudia Hardegger Pyramid House Wine & Etc. info@pyramidhousewine.com 636-5745 Fred Hoffman, III TOURS

SERVICES

St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic School Principal Ms. Loris Moreira Vice Principal Monique Guzman 665-3853 or 632-9124 St. John's Memorial Anglican School stjohnsmemorial@gmail.com 610-5502 Lovelia "Lovey" Rowland SHOPPING Added Touch /The addedtouchhotelsupplies@gmail. com 223-1461 or 615-0054 Robin McCutcheon Goss Chocolate linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Lola’s Art Gallery lolasartgallery@yahoo.com 523-3342/601-1913 Mermaid Charms jenari_13@yahoo.com 604-1906 or 503-3206 Jeanna Casey

MnM Hardware Placencia duncker@btl.net 523-3517 or 523-3537 Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar Dora Duncker tipsytuna@outlook.com 523-3089 Salva & Gillian Zabaneh

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

SHOPPING

Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood Barebones Tours craig@barebonestours.com 677-9303 Craig Pearlman Blue Reef Adventures polly@bluereefadventures.com 626-1429 Polly Alford Daytripper Catamaran daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117 Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott Destinations Belize mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718 Mary Toy Hardcore Fishing Charters ewestby@hfc-belize.com 634-7612 Erwin Westby Placencia Eagle Ray Tours eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Ms. Valerie Hopson Sunny Side Tours sunnysidebelize@yahoo.com 610-1040 Warren Garbutt Taste Belize tastebelize@gmail.com; 664-8699 Lyra Spang

The Belize Tourism Industry was formed in 1985 to bring together tourism and tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing industry in Belize. BTIA intended and continues to develop as the accepted and recognized voice of the tourism industry in Belize and provides an important link between public and private sectors. The Placencia BTIA holds the largest membership in Belize.

Allen, Ken & Elizabeth kenallen72@comcast.net 629-5331 Beeman, Dan dbeeman@gmail.com 818-983-5700

Mertens, Wini Palacio, Arreini Morgan arreinipal@seabelize.org 670-2924 Pelayo, Aretha A. arethapelayo@gmail.com 622-7557

Christensen, Steve gringo@btl.net 610-1399

Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net 523-4306

Cohen, Howard & Karen howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695

Van Deurzen, John vandeurzen.bz@gmail.com; 662-0020

Coston, Debbie debcoston@yahoo.com; 624-6483

Westby, Brandon brandonwestby@tropicair.com 631-3553

Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004

Wildman, Tanya tanyagster@gmail.com 608-1360

Hess, Christina 523-3344

Wohl, Bill (formerly Slip Stop) slipstop.ca@gmail.com 601-5548

Markham, Patricia Angie McCullock, Maretha maretha.mccullock@gmail.com 615-1300 or 523-3555

Why Join the Placencia BTIA? Here's what we offer!

• A page on the Placencia.com website with complete details of your business, a link to your website and as many pictures as you like.

• A spot on the centerfold map of The Placencia Breeze.

• Your contact information listed under the appropriate business category in the Membership Directory of The Placencia Breeze.

• A feaure story in The Placencia Breeze about your business.

• A discounted listing in the annual Destination Belize magazine.

• Your brochures and literature displayed in the Placencia Tourism Center.

• Referrals to your business given to visitors by the staff of the Placencia Tourism Center.

• BTIA member discounts at participating member businesses.

• Local assistance with renewals of hotel licenses, tour guide licenses, tour operator licenses, sport fishing licenses, etc.

• Discounted pricing on advertising in The Placencia Breeze.

• Email announcements and news from Placencia BTIA. • Opportunity to have your announcements distributed to all Placencia Chapter members.

• Listing on the national BTIA website.

• Consistent and relevant advocacy on behalf of Placencia tourism stakeholders.

HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees $200.00

Medium 11-50 employees $500.00

Large 51+ employees $1,500.00

HANNUAL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS $100.00

Extra Membership Cards $25.00

Like our Facebook pages and never miss a beat! www.facebook.com/PlacenciaTourismCenterBelize www.facebook.com/PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival www.facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze www.facebook.com/PlacenciaLobsterfestBelize www.facebook.com/placenciafishingtournament www.facebook.com/placenciamistletoeball

Page 19

Fishing and Diving for the Blue Reef Adventure Feeling done with the rat race and wanting to follow her passions instead, she made a drastic life change and traveled for over a year during which time she spent three months in the South Pacific working as a Dive Instructor in Fiji.

By SHAYLENE TODD Contributing Feature Writer The Placencia Breeze shaylenetodd@gmail.com

A

s with most Placencia days lately, it was the perfect time for a boat trip with serene, calm waters and a bright, summer sunlight.

I had been picked up by Blue Reef Adventures in the very early morning and boarded the deep sea fishing and diving experts’ 38-foot Luhr, which boasted twin outboard engines, two 20foot outriggers and eight trolling rods. One of the newest tour operators to join the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association were taking me on an epic hunt for marlin and tuna, but of course as it tends to go around here, a lot more magic was awaiting me.

We were captained by Roland Alford, an expert Belizean fisherman and joined by his wife and first mate, Polly Alford, who is also co-owner and Dive Master at Blue Reef Adventures. Originally from the technology sector in London, Polly discovered her love of diving in Roatan, Honduras in the late 1990s.

Naturally, she eventually made her way to Belize, the home of the largest living Barrier Reef in the world, where in 2003 she founded and headquartered ReefCI, a non-profit conservation foundation. Upon arriving, Roland came highly recommended as her boat captain, but he quickly became her “right hand man” … and more. As Polly so eloquently told me, after five years of working together, “our passion for the ocean became our passion for each other”.

The couple were married on the stunning beaches of Hunting Caye in Belize’s Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve in 2010. Together, they founded Blue Reef Adventures based in Placencia Village and began hosting day and week-charters for a unique all-in-one diving and fishing experience. They’re now joined on their charters

by Roland’s two sons, Byron and Anderson. The boys have been fishing all their lives and are just as quick and precise in their trade as their father.

Happy tunes sang from the boat speakers. I enjoyed classics such as Tina Turner ’s “Simply the best,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” and Hot Chocolate’s “You sexy thing” along with the

(Left to Right) Sharing a mutual love for the sea, happy couple, Roland and Polly Alford run Blue Reef Adventures. Together, they offer private charters to guests for an all-in-one fishing and diving experience. Ralph Golberg, a first-time visitor to Belize from Salt Lake City, Utah, reels in a catch using one of the eight rods perched aboard the fully outfitted Mad Marlin. Roland's sons, Byron and Anderson, who are as good as fishing as their father, join in on the adventure. (PHOTOS: SHAYLENE TODD)

typical Belizean caye trip fare of breakfast burrito and fresh fruit to start the day and a stewed chicken lunch accompanied by yellow rice and coleslaw for when the second wave of hunger hit.

The ice cold Belikins and Fantas flowed freely.

I learned that watching for birds settling on the surface of the sea is a telltale sign of tuna underneath, as we trolled within the general use zone of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve where just the day prior, they’d spotted a whale shark and a sperm whale!

Suddenly, and what would be the first of many times, there was a whirring sound and random shouts of “FISH ON!” Everyone moved at once. The Blue Reef team instructed me to sit in the chair at the back and start reeling in the line while each of them efficiently reeled in everything else. The neon green high visibility line made it easy to track my progress, and it wasn’t long before

they’d gaffed a rather large barracuda hooked to my line, and I felt like a fishing pro.

There was a grand moment for my victory pic and then immediate shouts of “Lines back in!”... and so the day progressed!

are outfitted for diving. We were three divers onboard with one goal in mind: spearing some Lionfish! The deceptively beautiful menaces to our reef are the only fish you can legally spear while wearing a tank here in Belize, and you’re encouraged One of the unique things to kill as many as possible! about Blue Reef Adventures Non-indigenous to the area is that they are equally as and without any known natequipped to give you a great See BLUE REEF ADVENTURE on fishing experience as they page 28.

Polly Alford strikes and collects a lionfish during a dive. As a passionate advocate for reef conservation, Polly published a lionfish cookbook to build more awareness on the need to eliminate the exotic and menacing fish from the Atlantic. (PHOTO: SHAYLENE TODD)

The Placencia Breeze

Page 20

Cacao Concerns

ean-owned cacao farms in Maya communities and the disappearance of the cacao farmers’ cooperative in Continued from page 6 Belize does not bode well for the use of cacao farming and small scale late Company, Moho River Chocovalue added processing to economlate, Goss Chocolate and even Cotically empower small rural ton Tree Chocolate, whose communities across south"It would do new investors well to remember that one of factory is located in downthe reasons that Belizean cacao beans and chocolate ern Belize. Without orgatown Punta Gorda, did not products are so famous is because of the incredibly participate in the Chocolate high quality and complex flavor of our beans. This flavor nized farmer representation and Wine night. All but Cot- comes about thanks to careful, organic, cultivation of at the table, the risk is high ton Tree were also missing at our precious cacao trees." – Dr. Lyra Spang commenting that the owners of small the Punta Gorda Front Street on the increased commercialization in Belize cacao farming. Belizean cacao farms will be marginalized as larger fair. Also not present was the local and foreign interests American-owned cacao broincreasingly dominate and ker, Maya Mountain Cacao, control the Belizean cawho in years past always cao and chocolate indushad a stall at these events. tries. Some Belizean acA delicious exception to this tors are attempting to forge unusual pattern for the evetheir own paths by allying ning; however, was Copal themselves with the new Tree Lodge (formerly Bel private sector investors, Campo) whose staff offered but it remains to be seen chocolates filled with their whether all these investors own house-distilled rum, as are deeply committed to well as vegetarian and pulled stimulating and growing chicken tacos. the Belizean economy and At the same time as these The cacao industry has provided a boost to Toledo, the economically poorest Belizean cacao farmers. I in Belize. Concerns rise as more foreigner-owned companies are buying companies who typically district land in Toledo to harvest, and Maya farmers see less ownership opportunities. remain convinced that to participate in the event chose keep our industry sustainto stay away this year, some new arAmbergris Caye. This group was able and viable we need a strong rivals from Toledo were happy to be also absent from the Chocolate core of organically cultivated, Bepart of the festivities. The famous lizean-owned small and medium Festival of Belize.

Eladio Pop of San Pedro Columbia farms that supply cacao to a growThis shift away from small and ing body of Belizean-owned chocoVillage offered up chocolate sammedium growers, Belizean-owned late and cacao products businesses. ples from his Agouti Cacao Farm, farms, and in some cases, organ- In this way, the majority of the profand so did new small-scale chocoic and fair trade production, may it from our delicious cacao stays in late makers from San Miguel and have profound implications for the the hands of small Belizean busiMiddlesex Villages. It was positive future of Belizean cacao. The old- nesses, where it will do the most to to see more chocolate companies est chocolate companies in Belize, stimulate our national economy. In starting up here in the south, an area Goss Chocolate located right here the words of one Belizean chocothat has been the heart of Belize’s on the Placencia Peninsula and Ix- late maker, “our goal as an industry cacao and chocolate industry since cacao Chocolate, Belize’s oldest should not be to export cacao beans, the days of the Maya city states Belizean Maya-owned chocolati- but instead to grow our chocolate over a thousand years ago. er, remain committed to sourcing and cacao products industry to the The changes in who participated at and using organically cultivated point that all of our fine flavor, high this year’s chocolate festival reflect cacao beans, but since the collapse quality beans are turned in high valchanges in the industry on a whole. of TCGA and the lack of a Beliz- ue products right here in Belize.”

Looking at Belize’s chocolate and ean Organic Standards certifying In a world where over 75% of the cacao growing industries today, body to replace the foreign certi- planet’s cacao beans are exported there is a shift from small Belizean fiers that TCGA employed, Beliz- from the tropical producing counMaya-owned and operated farms ean cacao farmers currently have tries to first world countries for working collaboratively through the few options for obtaining official processing, this is a radical, even Toledo Cacao Growers Association organic certification, even if they revolutionary, goal, and one well (TCGA – a Fair Trade and Organic continue to cultivate using organic worth pursuing. To that end, let us certified famers cooperative) to new methods. It would do new inves- all support businesses that are comlarger scale, often foreign-owned tors well to remember that one of mitted to this goal. We need busior controlled, private sector interthe reasons that Belizean cacao nesses that promote in-country, ests – many of whom have little or beans and chocolate products are small-scale-value-added processing no interest in organic or fair trade so famous is because of the in- of our delicious cacao that are eipractices. Since last year the Tolecredibly high quality and complex ther Belizean owned or at least keep do Cacao Growers Association has flavor of our beans. This flavor their bank accounts here and re-incollapsed and while rumors circucomes about thanks to careful, or- vest their profits in Belize and that late that it will be re-formed, its old ganic, cultivation of our precious want to see Belize’s southernmost glory days seem to be a thing of the cacao trees. Using commercial districts, economically the poorest past. Maya Mountain Cacao, who fertilizers and copper sulfate fun- in the country, thrive thanks to our replaced the farmers’ cooperative as gicides instead of holistic shade- world class cacao. ▪ the main purchaser and exporter of based farming systems reduces Belizean cacao, has had its own imthe quality of our famous beans. If Editor’s Note: This was an opinion port and export issues that preventour quality drops, our market will piece by Dr. Lyra Spang. She is the ed it from operating at full capacity be affected as Belizean beans are owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, for a few months. Copal Tree Lodge famous for flavor not for quantity a unique cultural & culinary tour company offering award winning cultivates over 400 acres of its own of production. chocolate tours. She writes about cacao using organic methods and Similarly, it is my opinion that food whenever she can. Reach her sells its beans directly to the Amerithe buying up of formerly Beliz- at tastebelize@gmail.com. can-owned Vosges Chocolate. New foreign-controlled interests such as Mahogany Chocolate have purchased cacao lands in Toledo and have brought in foreign chefs and chocolate makers directly tied to large scale tourism investments on

June 2018

croc corner Continued from page 6

Seventy crocodilian experts from around the world meet in Argentina at a Steering Committee session in May. CRC representatives were in attendance and will be hosting fellow croc conservationists in Belize next year.

the TRUE parasite. Males mate and then leave the host!) As at previous CSG meetings, opportunties open for networking and fostering new collaborations amongst expert scientists and conservationists, as well as providing the opportunity for young scientists to take a large jump in their career.

As such, the CRC is proud to announce the hosting of a CSG Regional Meeting in June 2019 based at The Reserve. This meeting will bring together about 200 regional and international experts, and the CRC looks forward to providing our University of Belize and Next Gen Croc students a chance to meet some of the world’s conservation and crocodilian experts, as well as motivation to young Belizean scientists to further their career in conservation and science.

Additionally, the CRC would like to showcase the beauty and culture of Belize to our international colleagues, particularly the Placencia Peninsula. Many colleagues will spend time in Placencia before or after the meeting. If your business is interested in promoting your services at the event, please contact CRC Program Coordinator Grecia Mendez at program.coordinator@crcbelize.org.

And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and more information on the wonderful world of crocs!▪ Dr. Marisa Tellez, the Executive Director and Founder of the CRC, has been a member of the CSG since 2013 and is the Vice-Regional Chair of Latin America, with a specific focus in the Central America and Caribbean region. She has been working diligently the last couple of years to foster a network and revive crocodilian conservation, research, and management of crocodilians and their habitat within the region.

Page 21

Young Runners for Life Second Race Results In; Training Begins for June Battle Cancer Walk/Run

Top Three Female Finishers in 2.5K

Top Three Female Finishers in 5K May

Rank

Name

Age

Time

Rank

Name & Gender

Age

Time

2

LATISHA RAMIREZ

9-11

14:32.8

2

ISABEL GARCIA

15-18

36:10.2

May Young Runners for Life Series 1 3

TYRA ARANDA

KIA AWARDO

9-11

9-11

2018 Young Runners for Life Series

13:40.2

1

16:40.3

3

Top Three Male Finishers in 2.5K

SHYANA AUGUSTINE RAFAINE CALIZ

12-14 34:21.1 15-18

38:21.5

Top Three Male Finishers in 5K May

their volunteer coaches arrive. Need- May Young Runners for Life Series 2018 Young Runners for Life Series less to say, they are getting more Rank Name Rank Name & Gender Age Time Age Time serious and have been working very 1 12-14 21:27.7 1 JAHEIM MENA ALBERT LEMUS 9-11 10:49.6 hard, especially with the annual Bat- 2 2 VALRICK VALERIO 15-18 25:48.1 SHAWN GONZALES 9-11 12:35.3 3 KENRICK SWASO 12-14 25:55.9 tle Cancer 5-Mile Run/Walk event, a 3 DAYLEN LOPEZ 9-11 13:25.2 fundraiser organized by the Blissful Sage Foundation, drawing near. We A total of 33 young runners completed the race. Contact Wanda for complete list. start our morning with warm ups followed by Fartlek (circuits) trainBy WANDA STAKUTIS ing. This is a slow jog followed by Seine Bight Running Club & a sprint – a routine that is repeated Young Runners for Life three times without stopping. After Press Volunteer gregvwandas@gmail.com that, if the field is dry, we complete timed sprints, some sprint races and On Saturday, May 12 we had our a relay practice. With record keeper second of four races for the Young Cheryl Watt around, the runners can Runners for Life series, which saw see from week to week how their (Above) Runners take off at the start of the race the participation of 33 runners. times improve. in Seine Bight Village. (Right) Coach Greg ValiThese races are open to all youth ton strikes a pose with "volunteer extraordinaire" between ages nine to 18. Points All the youths who participate in Darcy Ucles. accumulate for each runner based on the Battle Cancer 5-Mile Run/Walk where s/he places and makes them from Seine Bight are sponsored this eligible to receive grand prizes at an year, and there have been so many official award ceremony coming this people who have stepped up to sponDecember. At the end of the second sor more than one. Linda Dodge, a race, ribbons were distributed to former co-worker of mine from BJ’s first, second and third place winners Wholesale Club in the United States is sponsoring eight students. Thanks in each category of the event. to everyone who have supported Thanks to our many volunteers, the Seine Bight runners for the event race was set up with water stations year after year. I am amazed at the (Left) Tridean Martinez, 10, making her way and official time keepers just like incredible generosity of people here towards eight place in the 2.5K race. (Above) Coaches Greg Valiton and Kirwin Ramirez sportthe big marathons. Each runner also on the Peninsula and from far away. ing newly donated club shirts. sported a race bib. The 9-11 year olds We are already signing up our young ran a 2.5K and the older kids, a 5K. runners for the End of the World Full Volunteers included: Kathy Anglin, and Half Marathon coming up in Mary Kay Bader, Kirwin Ramirez, December. The goal is for them to Patricia Ramirez, Julia Uren, Darcy raise as much of their entry fees as Ucles, Tiphany Gongora, Lynn Ann possible (BZ$10 for Swan Villa 10K Snellman, Linda Cazin, Megan Rod- registration fee, BZ$15 for the pasta den, Raquel Battle, Joshlin Merwin, dinner and BZ$80 for the marathon).

Gregory M. Valiton, Pamela Murray, Look out for our fund raisers!

Cheryl Watt, Megan Leslie and the We try to get each runner for the Placencia Police Department.

December marathon as new as posThe Young Runners for Life would sible shoes because this is a serious also like to recognize Rodolfo Sáenz and long race, and proper footwear de Ugarte of Swan Villas and Vacasa is extremely important. This effort Rentals for his support from afar, is getting easier. Laura Sen, anothand Alan Stamm of Paradise Resort er former co-worker of mine and for donating two watermelons. Our former president of BJ's donated gratitude extends to Julia Uren who a good sum of money to purchase donated ideals (fruit pops) to each shoes. In trying to find the best runner – a welcome treat at the finish way to buy shoes in the USA, yet line as it was a very hot morning! another work associate of mine, and Our third race will be held in August a runner, Kevin Jones who happens or September, and the final race is to work at PUMA was able to get slated for October. As always, with us a 60% discount on brand new the race on the Placencia Peninsula running shoes, so we were able to purchase top grade running shoes Road, volunteers will be needed.

The continued support of the Penin- for 30 runners! Working with Belize Concierge shipping we will have the sula is appreciated. shoes here by July.

The attendance at the running club has been increasing every week with the total number of participants averaging between 27 and 32 every Saturday. Most mornings the young runners show up before 6 a.m. when

Many thanks to Linda Dodge, Kevin Jones and Laura Sen, old friends who are now new friends of Seine Bight.

And as always, heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports us.▪

Page 22

The Placencia Breeze

June 2018

Placencia Peninsula Guide ACCOMMODATIONS Placencia Villas and Golf Carts: Daily, weekly and monthly rentals.

Eleven comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments in the heart of Placencia Village (next to the "Rumfish" Restaurant), close to restaurants, shopping, banks as well as the beach. Cable TV, free wife, fully equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, fully screened porch, hammocks. Contact owner Steve Jacoby 615-6404 or Jaime Jacoby 615-6434. Email info@ placenciavillas.com Major credit cards accepted. Rates from 129 BZD incl.

Taxes.

Paradise Resort: Has most of the amenities & all the luxury of a large hotel. We are located on the ocean front. 12 A/C rooms. On site full service restaurant & bar, spa by the sea, all eco tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, North of Airstrip roof top Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, dive shop, gift shop, kayak and golf cart rental.

Maya & Tropic Air agent. Email: info@belize123.com or give us a call at Laru Beya Resort: Paradise has an address... Luxurious beachfront 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com accommodation with a top-rated restaurant on site. All bedrooms Ranguana Lodge: Five private ocean view cabins located right on the beach have A/C, ceiling fans, fridges, coffee & tea making facilities. Suites (1 in the heart of Placencia Village: We have 3 private air-conditioned beach to 3 bedrooms) have fully fitted kitchens. Ocean-facing infinity pool. cabins each w/ 2 Double beds, fans, large refrigerator, coffee makers, private Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Free use of Hobi-cat, sea kayaks and bath w/ hot/cold shower, private balcony w/ a hammock. We also have two bicycles. Miniature golf course located on the landscaped grounds. other cabins with full kitchens, 2 double beds, fans, private bath with hot & Daily tours, snorkeling & diving trips and other excursions arranged. cold shower & tub, private balcony with a hammock. Beach Palapas, beach www.larubeya.com - info@larubeya.com - 523-3473 chairs. Tropic Air agent, Gift shop. Phone/fax at 011-501-523-3112, E-mail: Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of Belize! 9 Cabanas w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock.

523-3122 - trdewndpla@btl.net

CHEERS

SERVICES Placencia Office Supply: Business Service – Printing – Faxing – Copies.

Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com

Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11 am to midnight. Located on the beach. Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, Live Music Wed, Fri & Sat at 5 pm & Sun at 1 pm. Happy Hour 5 -6 pm. portraits, web & brochure images. 523-3563 or 603-5143 Largest drink menu around. Creative lunch & dinner specials. Known for muzamanzie@yahoo.com Stiff Drinks ~ Tasty Food ~ Good Times! 523-3515. Follow us on Facebook!

J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm.

Pool Table and Free Darts. 523-3412 SailFish Resort: Swim-up bar and pool open to public Wed-Sun @ 12 noon. 18+ only. Must wear appropriate swimwear. Daily drink specials.

Resort setting waterfront on lagoon at Sunset Point. BZ$5 daily pool fee. www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885.

SHOPPING

Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! 523-3544, www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL Yellow Pages, Facebook. Winner World Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean.

Wallen’s Market: Hardware and houseware as well as wines, liquors, & select wholesale items. 503-3316 Office: 523-3128. Pharmacy: 523-3346. wallensmarket@yahoo.com. Located just south of BTL office. Serving the penisula for over 30 years!

Page 23

DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed on Wed) 7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385 The Shak Beach Café: Placencia's original smoothie spot with fresh fruit smoothies. Try our famous seaweed shake, natural juices, veggie burgers, salads, wraps, hummus, falafel. We serve breakfast all day. Located on the beach at the foot of the main dock. Open 7 to 6. Closed on Tuesday. Call us at 523-3252.

Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor on the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. 523-3335 - wendylemus02@hotmail.com

North of Airstrip Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar: International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Experience delicious meals, fabulous cocktails and fantastic service combined with spectacular ocean views. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am.

Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. For reservations call 523-3476.

TOUR PROVIDERS

REAL ESTATE

Splash Dive Center: Selected Tour Operator of the Year by the Belize Tourism Board. Fully equipped scuba retail store and 5 Star PADI Dive Center. Our 5 dive boats visit several dive and snorkel destinations daily.

We teach scuba diving from beginner to pro level. Our air conditioned vans and licensed guides will take you to Maya sites, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, ziplining, cave or river tubing, or the Monkey River jungle. Call 523-3080/3058 or e-mail Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com. See www. splashbelize.com for more info.

Trip N Travel: Inland Jungle Tours – Monkey River Magic. 660-7189 lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Belize Sotheby’s International Realty: Our firm is a full service real estate Supply. company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals, as well as property management. The country of Belize has many great opportunities and offers a very beautiful landscape both on the islands and on the mainland.

Belize also offers many investment benefits. Our team of Belize experts will be happy to assist you in enhancing your Belize experience. 523-3309 info@ belizesir.com Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: Our loyalty to our client’s best interest has established us as the top real set firm in the region. Our expert team is ready and excited to guide you step–by–step in finding the perfect property or securing a successful sale or investment. If you or your customers are seeking exceptional service, proven experience, professionalism, and the know-how and determination to get things done then look no further. Even though we specialize on the Placencia peninsula, we have a reliable network of real estate firms and developers throughout Belize with whom we can collaborate to provide you with real estate options across this beautiful country. Give us a call at Ph.523-3063 or Email:Info@RealEstatePlacencia. com.

CPC Real Estate Solutions: Your trusted real estate broker in Belize. We have over 20 years experience helping clients with their real estate transactions and take pride in assisting you with your property purchase. Please drop into our office for a free map of Belize, and no obligation answers to all your real estate questions. We’re located in the heart of the village, across from the Atlantic Bank. 672-9000 or belizeproperty.com RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize: RE/MAX the worldwide leader in real-estate is here so look no further. RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize is here to help educate you on the market. Whether you are buying or selling no one knows more and has a better reputation than us. Call the office at 523-3666 or email at info@1stchoicebelize.com The Placencia Peninsula Guide features paid listings. Contact our office at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com for pricing information.

Page 24

The Placencia Breeze

June 2018

Page 25

Longtime Placencia Hotelier Transitioning to Farm Life

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

J

acki Tipton is selling her property in Placencia Village. It’s a newsworthy move as the well-known fiery and outspoken red head has been nurturing her beloved hotel at the spot since she opened her first room 20 years ago in 1998. Jacki says she is proud of what she has created, but now she plans to open a new chapter in Belize with farm life.

Jacki was born in Bethesda, Maryland in the United States, but eventually gained Cali status after some time living in Northern California where she worked as a clothing and fabrics designer.

Rooms at Casa Placencia have been attracting travelers on a budget and prospective home owners on the Peninsula for years.

(PHOTO: BEN KIM/ ESOTERIC PHOTOGRAPHY)

Jacki Tipton opened Casa Placencia in 1998. The U.S. native said the decision to sell did not come easily. (PHOTO: BEN KIM/ESOTERIC PHOTOGRAPHY)

It was in the 1980s when she made her first visit to Belize after a friend had purchased property in the Mountain Pine Ridge of the Cayo district, that she felt the calling. “I always knew I would live here, something about the sweet smelling air, soft sea breezes, genuine

and friendly people of all cultures and the gracious, laid-back lifestyle so appealed to me,” Jacki recalled.

“I considered the challenges of moving to Placencia with no road. Back then we took a boat into the village from See CASA PLACENCIA UP FOR SALE on page 29.

A stroll through the yard at Casa Placencia reveals Jacki's love for gardening and hints at her passion for farming. (PHOTO: BEN KIM/ ESOTERIC PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Placencia Breeze

Page 26

June 2018

Rotary to Award Secondary and Tertiary Level Scholarships varies year to year, child to child, and the government also contributes a portion towards the freshman and sophomore years.

By JENNIFER DALY Rotary Club of Placencia Press Volunteer dalyjennifer709@gmail.com

The members of the Rotary Club of Placencia have been preparing for back to school time! One of the club’s most important undertaking is the Rotary Scholarship Program that assists students with a high school education.

In Belize, primary school ends at Standard 6 (the eighth grade equivalent of elementary school, for our U.S. readers), with most students finishing at about 13 years old. Unlike most government and church-run primary schools in Belize that are either fully covered or mostly subsidized by the government, secondary education in Belize comes with a relatively great financial cost. This can discourage many students, especially those living in rural Belize -- and many whose parents have survived without a high school education working manual labor in the agricultural, fishing and tourism industries -- from attending.

The Rotary Club steps in with funding qualified students from the Peninsula with the complete four years of high school. This translates to approximately BZ$750 (US$375) per student per year. The amount

into the program as some of our scholars graduate from high school and move on to the tertiary level. We received 25 excellent applications, and our Scholarship In order to maintain a Ro- Committee will review each tary Club Scholarship, the application and make their student must maintain a 75% decisions soon. grade point average, demonstrate a continued financial The Rotary Scholarship need and have good standing committee is comprised of in their school and communi- Diana Fell, Linda Cazin, ty. The Club finances what- both of whom are co-chairs, ever portion remains unpaid David Payne and Margaret along with registration fees, Smyth. These fine folks orientation fees, social fees, monitor everything the stutextbooks and even the req- dent may need such as tutoruisite physical education ing, helping to source books, class uniform. collecting report cards, and offer any advice that may be The Rotary scholar can needed. Sandi Johnson, Gail choose from enrolling in Smith and Judy Lutz also two secondary education helped to mentor students institutions in our area -- this year. Twice a year the Independence High School committee meets with all or Georgetown Technical the participants, and this is High School. Both of these a mandatory part of their schools are located off the commitment to the program.

Peninsula as there is none At these gatherings, an inhere. Students are bussed vitation is also extended to back and forth by the gov- the parents, so everyone can ernment, which means long help to build camaraderie days for the children, as and have fun! this bus ride alone can be upwards of 90 minutes. [Ed- In addition to maintaining itor's Note: Private pre-K excellent grades and good to eighth-grade primary behaviour, the pupils must school, Peninsula Interna- complete 20 hours of comtional Academy, is currently munity service. This can be seeking grants to establish a accumulated in many ways. private high school in Pla- This past year, the kids volcencia Village. See our May unteered for The End of the issue article by Aaron Krohn World Marathon, the Seniors for more information.]

Christmas Food Baskets Program and our Beach The Rotary Scholarship Pro- Olympics. They can also gram began in 2010 and this help in other ways such as school year, we assisted 30 helping an elderly neighbour scholars ranging from ages or participate in beach and 14 to 16, representing both community clean ups.

Seine Bight and Placencia Villages. This year we are After our students complete inducting eight new students Fourth Form (senior year of

Trades 4 Life to Resume in January 2019

By JENNIFER DALY

This January, The Rotary Club of Placencia joined a new venture called Trades 4 Life. This is a post secondary, trade school program that covers specialties in plumbing, air conditioning/ refrigeration, mechanics, computers, welding, plumbing and electrical. Rotary covers all the costs associated with each course along with registration fees. Trades 4 Life has been active in

Belize for a few years, and Rotary's first year participating has been a huge success.

We will send another group of students to complete the program in January and may even arrange another session before the year is out. January's six graduates represented Seine Bight, Red Bank, Bella Vista and Independence Villages.

faculty is located in Belmopan, and the students spend an intensive six weeks away studying 12 hours a day, five days a week. All of their meals, lodging and transportation costs are covered. At the moment this program is restricted to males only because separate facilities must be built to house the females.

Trades for Life is working on accepting females by At this time applications for next year. Please contact Trades 4 Life are limited to Bill Dejardin to submit your men ages 18 and up. The application. ▪

Rotary Club of Placencia High School Scholarship students accompany longtime Rotarian Harold Wallen during a delivery of Christmas baskets to Peninsula seniors.

high school), they can apply for a Higher Education Scholarship from the Placencia Rotary Club. Higher education includes junior college, (Sixth Form) and university, offering majors such as business, liberal arts, vocational, tourism or science. Any student from the Peninsula or within the vicinity that has completed high school can apply for a Higher Education Scholarship, and they do not have to be a previously funded Rotary scholar. This past school year we sent scholars to Independence Junior College, Ecumenical Junior College, St. John’s Junior College and the University of Belize.

school. CXC exams are the equivalent of SAT exams in the United States and Canada. The tuition for higher education can be upwards to a couple thousand Belize dollars per year depending upon the school. In addition to the tuition, there are other fees such as registration and book fees. Unlike the High School Scholarship Program, students applying for a Higher Education Scholarship must do so each year; whereas, only one application is needed to secure the four years of the high school scholarship while meeting maintenance requirements.

The higher education scholars also manage their courses independently.

Our tertiary level scholarship is funded differently than our high school program. The government funds a portion, as long as the student has passed their Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams, including math and English while maintaining a 75% grade point average in

If you would like to sponsor a child through our scholarship program, please contact Diana Fell or Linda Cazin. You can find them on Facebook or through our Facebook page, Placencia Rotary. Please ask to join our page so you can follow along with all of our activities. ▪

Did you know that the Rotary Club of Placencia is 13 years old?

We celebrated with cake, a celebration and friends of Rotary!

The Placencia Rotary Club is always busy! We meet every Tuesday under the Pickled Parrot’s thatched roof at 12:30 pm. We are always looking for new members so drop by any Tuesday and say hello.

Page 27

From Feral to Family

PHS Furball Raises Over BZ$2K

Helen Oliver shares the true story of three feral cats who found their loving, furever homes.

By Helen Oliver Contributing Writer

By PATRICIA CELENZA Placencia Humane Society, Press Volunteer placlibr@btl.net

Dictionary definition of “feral”– not domesticated or cultivated: WILD. A feral cat was dumpster diving in the Placencia Residences on the northern end of the Peninsula.

Katie Chrysler took pity on it and began feeding it. This was a very pregnant female. One day Katie noticed the cat had lost her swollen belly, so she began a search for the kittens, asking around the community. Katie eventually got a call from the folks at the Gecko House vacation rental.

She learned that the mama cat and her two kittens were nestled under a bush there.

Prepared to rescue them, Katie went with crates and boxes in hand, but they had disappeared!

The mama had carried each of them up three flights of stairs to a safe deck above.

Helen Oliver cradles two formerly feral cats, Mesha and Meiko, at her house and their new home.

the PHS clinic for spay and shots and that's how a loving permanent home for the mama was found.

My husband, Nervy, and I adopted the kittens – two females. Their names are Mesha and Meiko.

They were still wild when we brought them home and our dog, Theodore, also a rescue, and nine years old now, was not impressed.

He had never seen a cat before!

When I could catch them, I realized that they loved being cuddled. They are happy indoor and outdoor cats. They even brought us a mouse ... in to the house!

Katie and her neighbor JoAnn Burley rescued the kittens and along with their mama. JoAnn cared for the mama and kitties They enjoy watching me shower until they were eight weeks old. too! We are so happy we brought these two lovable kittens into our Katie brought the mama cat into home.” ▪

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! THIS MONTH'S PHS VET CLINIC: June 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Doctor Orlando Baptist attends to all your pet's needs in the pretty in purple PHS building on the Lagoon, opposite Los Porticos. Call 604-8676 to schedule spays/neuters/all surgeries. BZ and U.S. dollars and checks gratefully accepted for payment of your pet's vet bill.

Stay current with everything PHS! Like us on facebook.com/PlacenciaHumaneSociety or visit our website at www.placenciahumanesociety.org, where you can communicate with us and financially support your favorite animal welfare group via PayPal.

4 LANES

Real Ten Pin Bowling Air-conditioning & Free WIFI

Open 2pm - until Open Every Day On the Main Road Maya Beach

Awesome Pizza Nachos, Burgers & More Dine In or Take Out Call to order 601-4434 Fun Covered Party Deck Full Bar & Family Fun BOOK YOUR PARTY HERE!

629-3145

Once again, our community businesses and individuals rallied 'round our group with prizes and auction items, to raise BZ$2,466.55 to support the work of the Placencia Humane Society. (Yes. We wondered where that 55 cents came from, too!). Thank you to these generous donors for making the annual Furball a success: Merlene's Cafe Dawn's Grill Captain Jacks

Karl the Barber Aphrodite Cafe DTourz Ming's Grocery Jacque Briskey The Shak Beach Cafe Brewed Awakenings Katie Chrysler Seaside Gift Shop Wallen's Hardware Belizean Handicraft Shop La Dolce Vita Debra Stuart and Tim Brown

Barefoot Beach Bar In addition, huge thanks to our volunteers who put it all together: David Kafka, Carey Chabera Kafka, Serena Kafka, Kitty Mitchell Burgh, Melanie L Wilcher, Darcy Uclez, Fred and Vivien Even and Dane and Kellie Covolik Shuman who celebrated their first wedding anniversary at our Furball!▪

Friends enjoy a night taking chances on raffle prizes and auction wins at the PHS annual Furball held at Barefoot Beach Bar.

Festival Calendar & National Public & Bank Holidays February 2019: Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival: TBA Lobster Season Closes: Feb. 15 March 2019: Flaming Heart Ball Fire Department Fundraiser Maya Day: TBA La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge (Cayo): TBA National Heroes and Benefactors Holiday: March 12 April 2019: Holy Thursday: April 18 Good Friday: April 19 Holy Saturday: April 20

April 2019: Easter Sunday: April 21 May: 2019 Labour Day: May 1 Sovereign's/ Commonwealth Day Holiday: May 24 June 2018: Battle Cancer Walk: June 22 Placencia Lobsterfest: June 22, 23 & 24 Rotary Duck Race at Lobsterfest: June 23 Conch Season Closes: June 30 (dependent on quota)

September 2018: Placencia Yamaha Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Sept 8 & 9 St. George’s Caye Day Holiday: Sept 10 Flag Raising Ceremony and Party: Sept 9 Belize Independence Day Holiday: Sept 21 Placencia Carnival Parade: Sept 21 October 2018 Conch Season Opens: Oct. 1 Pan-American Day Holiday: Oct 15 Belize Birding Festival: Oct 25-28 November 2018 Garifuna Settlement Day Holiday: Nov 19 December 2018 End of the World Marathon: Dec 9 Mistletoe Ball: Dec 15 Placencia Christmas Boat Parade: TBA Christmas Eve Christmas Parade: TBA Christmas Day Holiday: Dec 25 Boxing Day Holiday: Dec 26

The Placencia Breeze

Page 28

June 2018

Blue Reef Adventure Casa Placencia

We saw two eels, a queen triggerfish, a large school of blue tangs, and the fascinatural predators, Lionfish feed ing scrawled filefish. We also on juvenile reef fish and re- saw those corals our Belize produce at an alarming rate waters are famous for, such laying 50,000 eggs every as purple fans, green funnels three days that will reach and large brains – all that maturity within a year and could easily blend into a Dr. live for 30 years! They are Seuss story scene. currently one of the biggest threats to the Belizean reef. At the end of our second dive, we were joined on our After a thorough briefing safety stop by a very interfrom Polly, it struck me as ested nurse shark. Docile but we descended to a depth of determined, it kept butting 60 feet that the three divers up against the zookeeper onboard were female and and nearly surfaced with that we were all going hunt- us after our three minutes ing! (Go Girls!) Polly carried at 20 feet. Interestingly, it the ZooKeeper (a large con- very obviously had a taste tainer with a one way valve), for Lionfish. As soon as and we were each armed we surfaced, I asked Polly with three-pronged spears her thoughts on this. She that would strike through explained that, while it was our prey. The Lionfish hide originally thought that crearound and under coral, so ating predators was a good you have to train your eyes idea, it was soon realized to spot them, despite how that because of the Lionfish’s sprawled and enchanting defenses, this taste can mostly be acquired for already they are underwater. dead prey. Now we know They are outfitted with ex- that by leaving already dead tremely venemous spines Lionfish for sharks and eels that can still sting you after you’re then minimizing the they die, so each time we had vertical markets that consersuccessfully captured one, vation companies are trying we exchanged our spear with to build demand for such as Polly’s who expertly put our sashimi, fillet and skins for prey inside the container. We jewelry. speared eight on the first dive and nine on the second for a Polly has become a lionfish total of 17 in the day. expert of sorts throughout her diving career and has Though intent on our goal even created a cookbook full to satisfy our murderous of recipes using the delicate instincts, the dives were not fillet that is truly delicious without other welcome dis- and versatile. In May she attractions. We marveled at the tended the Lionfish Removal sight of a loggerhead turtle and Awareness Day Festival resting on the sea bottom (LRAD) in Pensacola, Florwith a remora on its back. ida where she promoted her Continued from page 6

cookbook and worked to excite people about eating the fish.

We returned back to the marina around 5 p.m. just as the sky was starting to change with the pinkish hue of sunset. A little sunburnt, salty and feeling like a victor of sorts, with all my conquests aboard. I’d done my part to save the reef all the while enjoying myself immensely. From week-long island stays that include daily fishing and diving excursions, to charted day experiences like the one I had, I encourage everyone to discover their own Blue Reef Adventure!▪ For more info on Blue Reef Adventures and Polly Alford's Lionfish cookbook, visit: http://bluereefadventures.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Cook-Lionfish-Polly-Alford/ dp/1457559544

Shaylene Todd works as Sales Manager for Itz'ana Resort & Residences in Placencia. She can often be seen running the road or enjoying a beach day with friends here in Placencia.

Up for Sale

Continued from page 25

er is needed. “I LOVE my ‘job.’”

Independence across the Placencia Lagoon, and there were little or no services.”

The pros outweighed the cons for Jacki and looking back, she said it’s been an adventure that she has enjoyed tremendously.

The landscaping at Casa Placencia has a tendency to surprise visitors. “Almost everyone ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as they enter our gates, appreciating our lush, tropical gardens with flowers blooming everywhere,” Jacki said.

She has ripe bananas, coconuts and mangoes ready to pick in her yard and is enamored with the colorful mosaic walkways she’s taken the time to put together.

These walkways lead to her yoga and relaxation deck and an above-ground pool with distant sunset views of the Placencia lagoon.

Jacki has been no stranger to property management.

It’s in her blood. She comes from a lineage of strong North American women with both her great-grandmother and grandmother serving as landlords in the Washington, D.C. area and Florida.

“I grew up around it,” she asserted.

Casa Placencia Ecotique Resort began as Jacki’s home in 1997 when she first designed and began developing and landscaping her spacious lot with beauty, comfort and ecological living in mind.

Jacki says she has enjoyed running her hotel. Over the years it has afforded her the opportunity to learn about different countries and cultures, as well as share her love for the people and “basically everything” about her beloved adopted country of Belize. While Casa Placencia is up for sale, she and her two helpers continue to work as a team. “I mainly work in the gardens and at my farm.

I bake for and welcome guests, handle bookings and accounting and do whatev-

Her garden rooms have been attracting travelers on a mid-level budget for years.

Casa Placencia has also been a favorite for those taking the time to consider making a life in Placencia or need a place to stay while their homes are under construction.

The decision to sell was not an easy one for Jacki. “This is my baby, which I personally designed and built over many years, but I will visit Placencia often with my fresh fruits, veggies and flowers for sale,” said Jacki whose farm, Ageable Acres, is only 35 minutes away from the Peninsula. “Look for me in my horse drawn buggy coming down the road,” she joked.▪

A fully furnished apartment sits atop Jacki's garden rooms on the second floor at Casa Placencia. (BEN KIM/ESOTERIC PHOTOGRAPHY)

Page 29

Bikers Meet in the Middle and Fall in Love with Placencia rock band, "Surpassing Silence" at 8 p.m. into the late hours of the night. More rock followed on Saturday with an energetic performance by "Abraxas."

By JOLIE POLLARD Editor in Chief The Placencia Breeze pollard.jolie@gmail.com

On Friday, May 3, over 200 bikers roared into the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar for the fifth anniversary of the Black Pearl Motorcycle Club (MC) "Meet in the Middle Rally." Bikers travelled from as far as Canada for the event of camaraderie.

Others came from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and from various corners of Belize. This was Black Pearl MC’s first “Meet in the Middle Rally” in Placencia Village and according to the Club, it most definitely won’t be their last.

The bikers quickly made themselves at home under the beach front deck canopy at the Tipsy Tuna, and curious Placencians and visitors were happy to join in on the fun. Blues and classic rock band of Placencia, “The Unemployables,” played from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by visiting

“Placencia is so beautiful. I like the vibe, the people, the weather … the girls,” said Norman Santiago of Nicaragua with a hearty laugh. He had a bump in his journey to Placencia and had to finish the trip on a plane. Fjord Botten was lucky to make it all the way from Alberta, Canada along with his friend Sue during the course of 11 days without much of a hitch.

“There were some long days riding through Mexico, but it was really good,” Botten said. “I’ve been following the promotions for this rally for the past four years, and this is the first time I finally made the arrangements to make it.”

planning another “Meet in the Middle Rally” in Placencia at the Tipsy Tuna. “We just love everything about this place,” he said.

It took a lot for the bikers to make the trip. Many talked about the sacrifices they made with work, their families and personal resources to meet with fellow bikers and celebrate the Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! culture with their North and Central American brothers and sisters.

Tipsy Tuna thanks their staff, Big Beck’s BBQ, Dulce Fabro, Merl’s Cafe, Tiffanie Westby, Em’s Fast Food, Placencia BTIA, Laura Godfrey, Denise’s Originals, Lloydia Westby, Jeanna Casey, L&R Liquors, Elite Security, Placencia Village Council and Bowen & Bowen for helping to make the Founding member of Black event a fun success.

Pearl MC, Bill Dominguez, said he thought Placencia Black Pearl MC was born in would be a convenient place Belize in 2010 as the first exfor all the bikers to meet clusive distributor of Harley considering the availability Davidson motorcycles and of accommodations, restau- birthed the country's new rants and just the general biker culture. Co-founder beach attractions in the area. Bill Dominguez, originally “This is awesome. We are from Panama, met his Belizhere by the sea. We are ean wife while running the experiencing culture and outlet in Belize for 13 years. warmth,” he said. So awe- Today they live in Chitre, some, in fact, Dominguez Panama with Belize still in already has his sights set on their heart ▪

Bill Dominguez (center) and his Black Pearl comrades say they are looking forward to "Meet in the Middle" in Placencia again. (PHOTOS: JOLIE POLLARD)

John Martinez from Houston, Texas revs up his bike at the Tipsy Tuna.

Coast Guard A Team Wins Kayak Race Motorcycles from North and Central America line the Tipsy Tuna sidewalk.

Below: Fjord Botten poses with Karl the stuffed toy who joined him on an 11-day journey to Placencia Village from Alberta, Canada along with his friend, Sue.

By JOLIE POLLARD

The Coast Guard A Team who won day one of the inaugural BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge, which wrapped up at the Point in Placencia Village, also came up on top at the end of the five-day race. Punta Gorda natives, James Alford, Godfrey Alford, Mark Alford and Daniel Gregorio successfully completed the kayak challenge, which began in Punta Gorda and ended in Corozal covering 218 miles of Belize's coast line. The entire race took the young men a total of 39 hours, 59 minutes and 14 seconds. The first seven hours and two minutes were spent paddling through calm waters from PG to Placencia with a teammate switch up in Monkey River. ▪ Above: A Team pulls into the Point 48 minutes ahead of second place winners. Left: The coast guards pose with BTB and Love FM officials who organized the big event.

(PHOTOS: ALEXANDER SMITH/BTB)

Page 30

The Placencia Breeze

Transportation Information De Express Boat - 626-8835 - Tickets available at Barefoot Beach Bar

& Placencia Tourism Center Office • Departs Friday’s: From Placencia Municipal Pier - 9:00 a.m.

Arrives Big Creek 10 a.m. Departs - 11:00 a.m. Arrives Puerto Cortez, Honduras, 2 p.m. at Laguna.

• Returns Monday’s: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras 11:30 a.m. Arrives Big Creek 12 noon. Departs - 1:30 p.m.

Arrives Placencia 2:45 p.m.

June 2018

Community Contacts & Info Placencia Tourism Center +(501) 523-4045 Emergencies

Hokey Pokey Boat - 667-1821 or 665-7242 • Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: Everday: 6:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays) • Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: Everday: 6:30am, 7:30 a.m., 8a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30pm, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (except on Sundays)

• Police: 503-3142 • Fire: 503-3222 • Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 • Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326 or Dr. Kevin Guerra: 615-1571 • Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328 • Independence Medical Center: 523-2167 • Dr. Alexis Caballero: 622-7648

Ritchie’s Bus - 631-7751 or 523-3806 Regular Bus: • Placencia → Dangriga (10 BZD): Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m., 12:45 p.m and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:30 p.m.

• Dangriga → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; 4:30p.m and 6:15 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

Express Bus, Monday - Saturday: • Placencia → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City (20 BZD): Monday - Friday: 6:15 a.m. and *2:30 p.m. (*not express) • Belize City → Belmopan → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 3:30 p.m.

Placencia Peninsula Services

James Bus Line: Regular Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda

• Placencia Village Council: 523-3396 • Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 • Placencia Sanitation: 523-3273 • Placencia Post Office: 503-3104 • Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 • Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554 • U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Bill Taylor, 602-7768 • Placencia NAR-ANON: 664-8699 • Placencia AA: 620-2848

Placencia Humane Society Contact Emergency Numbers • PHS: 604-8676

6.15 am

7.30 am

9.15 am

10.45 am

12.45 pm

7.15 am

8.30 am

10.15 am

11.45 am

1.45 pm

8.15 am

9.30 am

11.15 pm

12.45 pm

2.45 pm

9.15 am

10.30 am

12.15 pm

1.45 pm

3.45 pm

10.15 am

11.30 am

1.15 pm

2.45 pm

4.45 pm

12.15 pm

1.30 pm

3.15 pm

4.45 pm

6.45 pm

1.45 pm

3.00 pm

4.45 pm

6.00 pm

7.45 pm

• Animal Medical Centre (Belize City) 223-3781, 223-0251

3.15 pm

4.00 pm

6.15 pm

7.45 pm

9.45 pm

• Doctor Lopez: 670-5363

• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 3.50 am

6.00 am

7.30 am

9.15 am

10.30 am

4.50 am

7.00 am

8.30 am

10.15 am

11.30 am

5.50 am

8.00 am

9.30 am

11.15 am

12.30 pm

7.50 am

10.00 am

11.30 am

1.15 pm

2.30 pm

9.50 am

12.00 pm

1.30 pm

3.15 pm

4.30 pm

11.50 pm

2.00 pm

3.30 pm

5.15 pm

6.30 pm

1.50 pm

4.00 pm

5.00 pm

6.45 pm

8.00 pm

2.50 pm

5.00 pm

5.45 pm

7.15 pm

8.30 pm

3.50 pm **

5.45 pm **

7.00 pm **

8.30 pm **

9.30 pm **

Express Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda 5.15 am

6.30 am

7.45 am

9.00 am

10.30 am

3.45 pm*

5.00 pm*

6.15 pm*

7.30 pm*

9.00 pm*

• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 6.00 am*

7.30 am*

8.30 am*

9.45 am*

10.45 am*

** (except Saturday) * (except Sunday)

BEBB BUS LINE (Stops at Hopkins): • Dangriga → Placencia: Leave 5:30 a.m. | Arrive 7:00 a.m.

Leave 8:30 a.m. | Arrive 10:00 a.m.

• Placencia → Dangriga: Leave 10:30 a.m. | Arrive 12:00 noon → Connect to 12:30 p.m.

James to Belize City Leave 5:30 p.m. | Arrive 7:00 p.m. → Connect to 7:30 p.m.

James to Belize City ADO: • Leaves from Belize City at 7:30 p.m. to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico.

• Tickets must be purchased at bus terminal in Belize City.

• Doctor Orlando Baptist: 620-1099 • Doctor Mia Canton: 671-1356 (office), 610-1356 (cell),

stanncreekanimalhospital@gmail.com

• Hopkins Humane Society (Joseph): 667-5432 • Doctor Floyd Bennett: 605-5822

Information on Placencia Peninsula Churches • Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula: Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men’s and Women’s Bible Study 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie 523-3362 • Ministries of the Son of God Church, Seine Bight Village: Wednesday Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net • Placencia Fellowship: All are welcome…Come as you are! Biblebased learning, worshiping and following Christ. We meet Sundays at 10:30am. Call 667-4805 or visit “Placencia Church” on Facebook for this week’s location.

• Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:30 a.m. Seine Bight Village. Lay Ministers Catholic (lay) - Elaine Castillo 6235004 or Florita Palacio 635-6612 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pastor Moore 523-3333 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Spanish Service: Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays at 7:00pm • Seventh Day Adventist: Services Fridays at 6pm; Saturdays 9am Lay ministers. U. Torres 503-2270 • St. John’s Memorial: Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church: Sunday services at 8:30 a.m.

Placencia Peninsula Happenings MONDAY TUESDAY

Pickled Parrot

ART BAR: Every 3rd Monday at 3PM. Come empty handed and walk away with a piece of art! 636-7068

SailFish Resort

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Tipsy Tuna

Martini Monday! We have martini specials all day! Live low key music with Karl & Gram, 6-10 p.m. Pizza Night!

Turtle Inn

Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner 523-3244

Rotary Club of Placencia

Meeting at 12:30pm 622-7103 at Pickled Parrot

SailFish Resort

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Barefoot Bar

TRAVELLERS TUESDAY – Select Travellers Rum Just $3 from 5 to Close!!! 523-3515

Tipsy Tuna

Mojito Tuesday! We have mojito specials all day!

Barefoot Bar

FUN & FUNKY Jam Session Starts 5pm! Visiting musicians welcome! 523-3515

Mariposa Restaurant

Free Yahtzee dice game starts 3 pm 523-4474

WEDNESDAY Rotary Club of Placencia

THURSDAY

senior programm at the Placencia Comunity Centre 1 - 3:30 pm

Tipsy Tuna

Wings Wednesday! We have $1 Wings all day! Garifuna Drumming 7-9 p.m!

SailFish Resort

NO POOL FEE 18 & OLDER, open noon – sundown.

Barefoot Bar

DIRTY THURSDAY! 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tell a dirty joke and get the shot of the day for free! 523-3515

Pickled Parrot

TRIVIA THURSDAY! 6 p.m. Prizes and free jello shots! 636-7068

Sailfish Resort

T-SHIRTS 25% OFF 18 & OLDER, open noon – sundown.

Turtle Inn

Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner 523-3244

Cha Chi's

Live music with Julie Davis; Acoustic, Folk 6-9 pm 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

Tipsy Thursday! Sushi Specials all day! Karaoke with Karl & dancing DJ Swagg, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m!

Jaguar Lanes

WINGS NIGHT - OPEN EVERYDAY 2P.M. - UNTIL

Yoli’s Bar

The LOST REEFERS - Live acoustic music - 4 pm 662-4885

Barefoot Bar

FRIDAY

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Live Caribbean Music w/ Bad Boy Rudy at 5 pm! $1 Local Bitters ALL DAY LONG! "They good fi dih bak!" 523-3515

Turtle Inn

Silent Movie Night featuring Buster Keaton 523-3244

Rotary Club of Placencia

BINGO 6 pm at the Flying Pig

Mango's

Live Music 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Cha Chi's

LIVE MUSIC Blues, Classic Rock, Reggae 7-10pm

Tipsy Tuna

Margarita Madness! We have margarita specials all day! Free Zumba Dance Party 7-9 p.m. or Live Rock Music with The Unemployables 5-9 p.m!

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club Bringing in Belize’s Hottest DJ’s!!! Open 10 pm til 3 am!!! 523-3515 SailFish Resort Barefoot Bar

SATURDAY

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m. Cash + Bar Tab Prizes. 523-3515 Live Rock + Alternative + Reggae music, 5-9 p.m 523-3515

Sailfish Resort Belize

Daily drink specials, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Pickled Parrot

LIVE MUSIC! 6 p.m. by SLOMOJO - 636-3089

Cha Chi's

LIVE MUSIC; 7-10pm. June 9, Sweet Pain Band; June 16, Nello Player; June 23, C-Wills and Paranda Blues

Tipsy Tuna

Seaside Saturday! We have daiquiri specials all day! Live music and/or DJ Swagg!

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club Bringing in Belize’s Hottest DJ’s!!! Open 10 pm til 3 am!!! 523-3515

SUNDAY

Barefoot Bar

Daytime Beach Party & BBQ w/ Live Caribbean Music w/ Tropical Vibes from 1 to 6 pm! 523-3515

Sailfish Resort Belize

Bloody Mary Special, open noon – sundown. 18 years and older.

Turtle Inn

2 for 1 Pizza 523-3244

Cha Chi's

LIVE JAZZ with Richard Pitts and friends; 6-9 pm; 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

$200, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50. Specials on L&R Rums & Hyper Vodka.

Belize Ocean Club

Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks!

J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar

Karaoke 8 p.m. to midnight. 503-3351

Laru Beya Restaurant and Bar Turtle Inn

EVERYDAY

L&R Liquors 6x6 Beach Volleyball Tournament! $20 Registration Fee by noon. 1st place

Tipsy Tuna Mango's Barefoot Bar SailFish Resort

International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. 523-3476 Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. ½ off Local Beer and Rum Happy Hours 5-7pm! $1 Wings, $2 OFF Coladas & Daiquiris, $3 Local Rum, $4 Local Beer & $4.50 Guinness. Ph: 523-3089 Happy Hour 2:00pm to 5:00pm Stiff Drinks - Tasty Food - Good Times! Come chill with us on the beach! Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. $2 OFF Local Rum Drinks including Coladas and Daiquiris. 523-3515 POOL BAR Open to the Public at noon. 18 years and older.

The Placencia Breeze

June 2018