Established 1999.
M
Awareness M
h
ealt
lH enta
Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek, Belize
onth
A FREE Placencia BTIA Publication
Art by Sarah Aly
Placencia Football Club Leading Banana League Kylon Eiley to Present First Single "Sailin'" in Music Video Promoting Placencia Village (pg. 29)
Team calls for more fan and sponsorship support as they conquer the games in Independence. Read more on page six.
Back row, left to right: Jason Herrera, Capt. Luis Torres, Keith Rosco, Luis Carillo, Byron Ferrel, Ashton Torres, Zerik Cabral, Keiran Eiley, Kyle Leslie; mid. row, left to right: Marco Wade, Keon Leslie, Alexander Salam, Matthew Valdez, Devin Guzman, Kendis Hernandez & Terin Major; front row, left to right: Arlen Leslie, Jr. and Kevin Salazar.
St. John's Holds First Gala
Placencia-born musician Kylon Eiley plays his ukulele aboard Capt. Hank Rhamdas' catamaran during a break on the set of his upcoming video. Eiley and a production crew he brought down from Mexico where he studies dentistry, collaborated with local professionals on the project. (PHOTO: JOLIE POLLARD)
Eworth Garbutt and Charlotte Philips joined many Placencia denizens at the primary school's inaugural Moonlight Gala hosted on the Godfrey beach property on April 28. The fundraising event received wide praise.
Page 2
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 3
INSIDE
From One Vehicle to a Fleet: How One Couple Powered Forward Through the Auto Rental and Tour Business ... pg. 5 Placencia Football Makes a Comeback ... pg. 6 From the Fire Hearth: Chocolate + Cashew + Mango + Lobster = Belize Food Festivals ... pg. 7 Sixth Placencia Sailing Club Regatta Announcement ... pg. 7 Crocodiles: From Ancient Veneration to Modern-Day Vilification ... pg. 9 SEA Partners with Local Area Fishermen to Educate Students on Sustainable Fishing Practices ... pg. 10 Tire Swings, Wheelchair Ramp, Eye Testing, Blood Drive and Sports Lights Among Rotary's April Projects ... pg. 11 Award-Winning Placencia Boutique Hotel Expands to Tres Cocos, Ambergris Caye ... pg. 14 Placencia Peninsula MAP ... pgs. 16-17
MAY 2018 Placencia BTIA Membership Listing .. pgs. 15 and 18 Find the Placencia Sweet Life in Chef Simone de Angelis' Fine Italian Food ... pg. 19 PIA Students Dazzle Visitors on Earth Day ... pg. 20 PIA Celebrates Five-Year Milestone: A Look at the Private School's Past, Present and Future ... pg. 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23 Opinion: Animal Abuse is No Joke ... pg. 27 Festival Calendar ... pg. 27 Life in Belize of Former Singing Sands Owner Remembered ... pg. 28 Peninsula Music Beat: Cover Story: Kylon Eiley's Sailin' Music Video ... pg. 29 Community Contacts & Info ... pg. 31 Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 32
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
Peninsula Activities Underway for Mental Health Awareness Month Additionally, if you would like assistance with getting "Mentally Fit" before May, please check out the Good Minded Center -- now offering free help getting your mind where you want it to be -- in the small wooden building across the parking By LYRA SPANG, PhD lot from Wendy’s RestauOwner, anthropologist rant for help. Look for up& tour guide dates and details on all May Taste Belize Tours Mental Health Awareness tastebelize@gmail.com activities and on Facebook by visiting the Placencia In Belize we are reluctant to What’s Happening Page or speak about mental health, stopping in at the Good but there is nothing to fear! Minded Center. Just like physical health, our minds need care and atten- The May Mental Health tion to stay healthy, positive Challenge activities are beand productive. Be part of ing organized by Mental the Good Mind Movement, Health Global Service Founmark your calendar with dation Founder Diane Robathese free activities and join teau of The Good Minded the Mental Wellness Chal- Center (Contact Ms. Robalenge! Events start on Sat- teau at 621-9912 or robaurday, May 5 with a Good teau5@gmail.com for more Mind Fair on the Placencia information.); Dora DunckVillage basketball court er of MnM Hardware; Lyra Spang of Taste Belize Tours; from noon until 5 p.m.. Poly Clinic Administrator Bring your family for an af- Eugenie Gabourel, David ternoon of fun and learning. Kafka of ReMax, DarDo some drawing at the art lene Nunez of Kulcha Shak therapy table; try out mind- Beach Garden; Clinical fulness breathing and medi- Psychologist Deshane Gutitation with a guide, and even errez; Mr. and Mrs. Neal; enjoy a relaxing mini-mas- Mental Health Nurse Practisage! Center stage will be a tioner Marcie Martinez and series of short plays by the Miss Anna Marie Muslar of well-known Placencia Play- Serenade Guesthouse. ▪ ers Theatre Group showing us how to peacefully and positively deal with stress, anger, confrontation and conflict on the street, at work and at home. The Good Mind Fair is only the beginning of activities for the month of May. Workshops on stress and anger management and peaceful conflict resolution will be held inside the Placencia Village Community Center on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to noon and inside the Seine Bight Village Community Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday May 26. There will also be a Walk and Talk event where participants will walk from the Placencia Pier to the Placencia Village water tower and back on the evening of May 11 and a Mother's Day Tea Talk on Sunday, May 13 at the Placencia Community Center.
GET MENTALLY FIT! MAY CALENDAR Good Mind Fair Where: Placencia Village Basketball Court When: Saturday, May 5 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Anger Management & Peaceful Conflict Resolution Workshops Seine Bight Village: Where: Seine Bight Community Center When: Saturday, May 26 Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Placencia Village: Where: Placencia Community Center When: Saturday, May 12 Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mother's Day Tea Talk Where: Placencia Community Center When: Sunday, May 13 Time: TBA Our May 2018 flag recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month was designed by 25-year-old interdisciplinary scientist Sarah Aly of Placencia Village. Originally from The Netherlands, Aly currently volunteers for the Placencia Fishermen's Cooperative and The Nature Conservancy.
Page 4
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 5
From One Vehicle to Fleet: How One Couple Powered Forward Through the Auto Rental and Tour Business
By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
B
arefoot Services is one of the largest auto services company in southern Belize. Today the company has six full-time employees (and works with several freelance tour guides), operates at two locations and offers rental, charter and transfer services as well as land, marine, culinary and culture tours. With dedication to high standards, owners Megs and Ian Yearwood took the company from its humble beginnings as a one-vehicle rental to being a competitive business in the tourism industry in just 14 years. Megs, 35 and Ian, 41 are both Belizeans,
and Megs of Independence Village located just across the lagoon from the Placencia Peninsula, were both working at the Nautical Inn in Seine Bight Village in 2004 as newlyweds when they recognized a need Ian and Megs Yearwood started for car renttheir company as young newly- als in the area. weds with one Izuzu Trooper. Guests wishing to explore the Peninsusomething that beckons acknowledgment la and other attractions in an industry where in southern Belize felt investors moving in trapped and restricted from developed coun- by the high-priced lotries tend to be seen as cal cab fare. “The rehaving the greater fi- quests for information nancial advantage with on a car rental kept setting up businesses, coming in to the front but their story tran- desk,” Megs recalled. scends that heated "lo- Neither Megs nor Ian cal versus foreigner" owned a vehicle of narrative and instead their own, but their shows that business in- entrepreneurial spirit genuity along with the called them to take acuniversally attainable tion. Before long they professional assets of bought a 1991 Isuzu hard work, network- Trooper that served ing and a commitment as both their personal to providing quality vehicle and as a rental service can help steer to guests at the small anyone to success. Seine Bight hotel. Ian of Dangriga Town Nautical Inn managers
LOST:
Vessel Registration Certificate was lost for vessel named "As You Wish” Owner at the time: Robert’s Grove Beach Resort Please contact 523-3565
at the time, William Kent and Molly Leggio allowed the couple to operate the service at their hotel without any qualms. “She accepted our first credit card payment,” Megs said fondly. Additionally, Megs credits a close friend Lisa Jordan who was a retired doctor living in Maya Beach and former Bella Maya (now, Belize Ocean Club) manager, Paul Wilcox for assisting her with getting her first website up and going. “Our business started out of kindness,” Megs said. By 2007 with continued growth, Megs and Ian secured their first office for their new company, “Barefoot Rentals” providing visitors with golf carts and motor vehicles. The rough Belize roads sometimes ridden with pot holes at certain locations or laced with too many sneaky speed bumps pose many challenges; however, Ian’s expert mechanic skills have been a key asset to their success. “Ian knows everything about a car. If we had to take our vehicles somewhere else to be serviced, our company wouldn’t survive,” Megs said. While Ian, who Megs describes as a "Jack of all trades" mostly handles the mechanical side of the business while jumping into tour guiding mode at times, Megs helps to push through with accounting, marketing and customer service diligence in the office while co-parenting her two young daughters, Yaneri, 11 and Iyanla, three, at home with her husband. Now, “Barefoot Services” has added scooters and dirt bikes to their transportation fleet and the company delivers auto
Barefoot Services operate in Placencia Village at their office locations near the airstrip and the basketball court where they rent dirt bikes, motor vehicles and golf carts. They also provide comfortable charters between Placencia and the international airport in their shuttles. (BAREFOOTSERVICES.COM)
rentals to the international airport and major towns and cities in western and southern Belize. In addition to transportation rentals, Barefoot Services also provides convenient charter and transfer services that make it much easier today for visitors to travel comfortably on the roads between Placencia (and other southern Belize locations) and the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville.
southern Belize. “Ian is a rider. He is the extreme adventurer,” Megs explains noting her husband’s idea for getting that one started, as well as the big contrast between them as a couple and business owners. “It’s the only one of its kind in our area.”
Other tours include popular destinations for other operators such as trips to Monkey River, the ancient Maya temples of Tikal in Guatemala and The couple has also Xunantunich in Cayo, added tours to their the inland Blue Hole, services including a Bocawina Nationunique four-hour guid- al Park (and the new ed dirt bike experience Maya Sky Canopy) for along the off roads See MEGS & IAN on within picturesque page 20
Page 6
Placencia Football Makes a Comeback
By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
The football field in Placencia Village may have been a little quiet lately, but that doesn’t mean our men are resting. In fact, 25 Peninsula footballers have been furiously advancing their way into this year’s Independence Banana League, which consists of 12 teams representing South Stann Creek including our very own Placencia Football Club (FC). All games are held inside the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village and thanks to a few local boat captains, some fans have been making the trips across the Placencia Lagoon along with the footballers who believe a lot more support should be coming forward from fellow Placencians.
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
cash prize for the winning champions of the Independence Banana League, and the players – all unpaid sportsmen – have their eyes on the prize. They haven’t lost a single game this season having won three and drawing three. The team of 25 include representatives of both Placencia and Seine Bight villages with one native of Dangriga Town joining in on the fun. Both notable veterans and rookies play in the Club with ages ranging from 17 to 37.
Herrera says he feels confident that their team will keep moving forward into the league, which should be heading into championships sometime in July or August. The 26-year-old is hoping that their team can reawaken the passion for football that once invigorated Placencia village life. He’s also hoping that a championship win could move their team into an inter-district competition where winners of respective non-semi-pro leagues from around the country will battle each other on the field. “We really want this Jason Herrera has been leading competition to be a platform for the sponsorship efforts as the team young players coming up who are manager along with Capt. Torres. making the transition to play at more professional levels along with semiThe Placencia FC has been particpros like the Placencia Assassins, for Placencia FC Team Captain Luis "Baaka" Torres of Placencia Village has repreipating in the Independence league example,” Herera said. sented Belize internationally as part of the national team, "Jaguars." He has also for many years, but according to played with Placencia's semi-pro team, the "Placencia Assasins." player and team manager Jason With the Placencia Assassins out Herrera, the Club is finally taking of season right now, football fans a more professional and structured craving entertainment can take com- following, the Placencia FC is also Charles “Dickie” Westby of the Plaapproach with the games. Along fort in knowing the Placencia FC is seeking financial support to assist cencia Fire Department. “Dickie’s with his teammate and captain Luis taking care of business. “We really with fuel for boat transportation, always at our games,” Herrera noted. Torres, the two young Placencia could use more fans at our games. league related fees and replenish- The men also extend their gratitude tour operating entrepreneurs, HerWe’re working hard and doing well, ments. Herrera said plans are un- to boat captains who assist the teams rera, owner of Truly Wild Belize but imagine what that support could derway to print official team t-shirts, with transportation charging only for and Torres, owner of Tiki Bze, have do for the guys? We all want to see which will recognize the Club’s fuel; namely, Warren Garbutt, Ivan been putting forth some revitalizing more people come on the boats and sponsors with logos displayed on the “Kramp” Leslie, Kenroy Eiley and energy into the league simply for join us at the games in Indepen- back. Sponsorship has already come Keon “Gas” Leslie, a veteran foot“the love of football.” forward from Sirenian Bay’s Brian baller who also plays in the Club. dence,” Hererra said. Montgomery, Captain Jak’s Erin and Visit Placencia Football Club on Of course, there's also a BZ$10,000 In addition to an increase in fan Lucky Ivy, Truly Wild Belize and Facebook for updates. ▪
Page 7
6th Placencia Youth Regatta Saturday & Sunday, May 19-20, 2018
From the
Optimist & Laser class boats. Seven races. Two days. Starts Saturday at 11: 30 a.m. next to Tipsy Tuna!
Fire Hearth Your expert guide to all things edible in Belize.
Chocolate + Cashew + Mango + Lobster = Belizean Food Festivals crown the Cashew Queen. Saturday and Sunday the fair will include cashew wine drinking, horse back riding and of course, greasy pole climbing competitions! Join the celebration of rural Creole culture at this festival and don’t forget to bring By LYRA SPANG, PhD your binoculars and do some Owner, anthropologist bird watching at Crooked and tour guide Tree’s famous wildlife reTaste Belize Tours serve while you are there. tastebelize@gmail.com Of course, there will be plenty of cashew products ark your calen- and classic Belizean dishes dars everybody! available for sale. May and June are action packed with food fes- We then move to the deep tivals celebrating some of south for one of my favor-th our most prized delicacies. ite annual events, the 11 Let’s review our itinerary Chocolate Festival of Belize! This year the festival for the next two months: takes place May 18-20. AcWe begin at the beginning, tivities are based in the Towhich this year is the Ca- ledo district, the heart of the shew Festival held on the cacao cultivating industry. weekend of May 12 and 13 For chocolate festival veterin Crooked Tree Village, a ans, be aware that the schedcommunity located north ule has changed for this of Belize City on the Phil- year. Kicking things off on ip S.W. Goldson (former- Friday night May 18 will be ly "Northern") Highway. a new event, a bashment at Crooked Tree is famous for the Punta Gorda Civic Cenits cashew seed production ter from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and processing, as well as featuring the X-Band who the brewing of cashew wine will also perform during the and making of cashew pre- day at the Saturday street serves. Friday evening at 7 fair. Saturday Front Street p.m. festivities will begin in Punta Gorda town will with a beauty pageant to be closed to traffic as the
M
famous chocolate street fair takes place. Belize is known for producing some of the most delicious cacao beans in the world. Fine chocolate makers across the planet are flocking to our little jewel hoping to get their hands on some cacao. In the last 14 years a number of small chocolate companies have opened in Belize. Meet all of them Saturday night at the extremely popular Chocolate and Wine night, where all the chocolate companies in Belize will be present with samples galore! This affair will take place at Garbutts Marina starting at 7 p.m. It is a ticketed event and sells out fast, so make sure to buy yours soon at the Placencia Tourism Center. Sunday the action will move to Nim Li Punit Maya archaeological site for the last day of events, including chocolate grinding competitions and Maya cultural performances at this beautiful site.
Join us as we watch young sailors representing sailing clubs from across Belize take on the winds and compete for medals in our beautiful Placencia waters in this annual event! Related Activities: Placencia Sailing Club Fundraiser Date: Saturday, May 19 Time: Starting at 5 p.m. Location: Barefoot Bar Sailing enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a night of fun with live music, dancing, and fun drink specials! OCEANA Belize "Hands Across the Sand" Date: Saturday, May 19 Time: Noon Location: Beach next to Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar Celebrate a moratorium on offshore drilling and tell the world Belize said, "NO!" Contact Belize@oceana.org for more information.
June 2 and 3, head up the road to Hopkins Village for Mangu (Mango in Garifuna) Festival. Starting at 6 a.m. on June 2 avid fishSee FOOD FESTIVALS on page 27
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
Page 8
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 9
croc corner
Crocodiles: From Ancient Veneration to Modern-Day Vilification
& By MIRIAM BOUCHER By DR. MARISA TELLEZ Research Coordinator Co-founder and Executive Director Crocodile Research Coalition Crocodile Research Coalition research.coordinator@crcbelize.org marisa.tellez@crcbelize.org
A
round the world crocodiles are esteemed as apex predators and formidable hunters, which has led to the sensationalization of these animals to be dangerous and feared, leading to the association that crocodiles = death. However, in various ancient cultures crocodiles were anything but a symbol of death, but a symbol of life itself. Since the time of the Olmec to the post-classic period of the Maya, crocodiles were revered by the ancient civilizations that once occupied Belize. Celebrated in all aspects of Maya culture (such as in art and folklore), crocodiles were heavily respected in regards to their connection to creation and life, particularly since it was believed the human realm rested on the back of a giant crocodile in a primordial lagoon. This image further symbolizes crocodiles’ connection to creation and regeneration as the depiction of a crocodile laying in a lagoon deeply connects crocodiles to the element of water, which is heavily associated with fertility and life in Maya culture. In periods of drought or dryness, crocodiles create wallows (shallow dug out pools) and channels that connect water bodies, creating aquatic refuges for a variety of different animals. Through this natural behavior (aka, eco-landscaping), crocodiles preserve life in the environments they inhabit. Crocodiles connection to water also included their symbolism as heralds of the rain and agriculture, as the Maya would time the planting of crops in connection with crocodile nesting and the start of the rainy season. Given the connections of crocodiles to the creation and preservation of life, it is not surprising that the Maya designated Imix (the crocodile symbol) as the first symbol of the Mayan
Calendar…and new beginnings. Although there are many biological and physiological characteristics unique to crocodiles relative to other animals (such as having a four-chambered heart that can convert into three chambers), crocodiles were unique to the Maya in that they connected the three realms of the Maya world: the heavens, earth, and the underworld. As semi-aquatic predators of Earth, crocodiles were respected for their role in the ecosystem. The Maya did not see crocodiles as competitors for fish, but symbols of good fishing spots and healthy environments. The relationship between crocodiles and the rains reflects their connection to the Maya celestial plane. The rains were believed to be sent by the gods, particularly Itzam Na, an important creator god invested in agriculture and revered by the Yucatan Maya (Itzam Na is characterized as a god comprised of traits of several animals including the crocodile, and often depicted with a torrent of water flowing from its jaws). These characteristics of Itzam Na (rain, creation, agriculture) parallel the sacred beliefs of crocodiles by the Maya, thus their symbolism as representatives of the heavens. On the opposite plane, the underworld is also closely tied to crocodiles through their connection to water and caves. Immersion in water is often connected to death, and caves are considered to be entrance points to the underworld, and as a point of transition between day and night. Crocodiles and their ability to switch between submersion and the surface, and their ability to live in and around caves, connected them to this realm, and identified them as unique beings See CROC CORNER on page 10.
Imix, the crocodile which symbolizes creation and new beginnings, is the first of 20 symbols in the Maya day calendar. (WIKIPEDIA).
CRC worker holds croc hatchling. Crocodiles in Belize lay their eggs in the dry season, so that the young crocs hatch at the beginning of the rainy season. Ancient Maya civilizations used the nesting and hatching of crocodiles to time the planting of crops, revering them as the “heralds of the rains”. (CRC)
“It would seem that now is a time to take a page out of the ancient Maya book and recognize crocodiles as important players in our ecosystems, as both creators and preservers of life, and as strong symbols of history and culture in Belize.”
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
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 10
croc corner Continued from page 9
that connected the human realm to that of the underworld. Additionally crocodiles are crepuscular animals meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk hours where day transitions to night, further strengthening their ties to the Belize archaeological site Lamanai sits under cultural mythology of a clear sky in Orange Walk. Lamanai means “submerged crocodile” in Maya. (WIKIPEDIA) the underworld. Perhaps one of the most interesting details about crocodiles, and their relation to ancient culture is that their perception and symbolism is consistent half a world away. The Maya revered crocodiles as symbols of fertility, as gods, and as links to the underworld. Across the globe in Egypt, the Egyptian crocodile god Sobek was representative of the same concepts. Some Egyptian sects believed Sobek to be the creator of the world and that he had risen from primeval waters. He is the god of the Nile River that brings fertility to the land through cycles of dryness and flooding. Sobek was also valued for his connection to the underworld and that he could protect the justified dead in the netherworld. Although a world apart, with no communication or connection, these two formidable ancient cultures both worshipped and respected crocodiles for the same reasons. It is in this way that we can learn much from both crocodiles and ancient cultures. Once revered and respected, crocodiles have become vilified and persecuted in current societies for their perception as mindless killers. We are fortunate in Belize to have American croco-
diles and Morelet’s crocodiles, both species renown worldwide for their timid and shy behavior, and rarely a threat to people unless harassed, fed, or provoked. It would seem that now is a time to take a page out of the ancient Maya book and recognize crocodiles as important players in our ecosystems, as both creators and preservers of life, and as strong symbols of history and culture in Belize. With appropriate awareness and croc-wise behavior we can coexist with these amazing national and historic symbols, which are an important part of Belize’s past and present. ▪
SEA Partners with Local Area Fishermen to Educate Students on Sustainable Fishing Practices hand-lining, long-lining, and towing. Additionally, our responsible local fisherman shed their insight on the unsustainable practice of gill netting with the students and also enlightened them on the Belize Fisheries Regulations. By HELEN GORDON Volunteer Coordinator Southern Environmental Association gordonhelen31@gmail.com
It’s said that if you “give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, he eats for a lifetime”. Many Belizeans may never know the wisdom behind those words, whether interpreted literally or figuratively. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to ensure that our youth are bestowed with the knowledge to live in a sustainable manner no matter the occupation.In keeping with this, the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) has adopted a "Fisherman Experience Sharing Program," whereby the organization
Approximately 300 students have been engaged as a part of this important educational program. SEA hopes to reach out to many more this year, so we can continue our efforts to conserve our fishing populations in a time when many theories are suggesting that our seas will be depleted of its marine life resources within the next 50 years if bad practices continue.. SEA is grateful for the assistance rendered by local fishermen, John Thomas of Dangriga, Daniel Edwards of Independence Village and Kurt Godfrey of Placencia Village. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all the schools that have opened their doors to us! ▪
Dr. Marisa Tellez is the co-founder and executive director of the CRC, and holds a PhD and master's in biology. She has been working with crocodilians in Belize and in the Central American region for 10 years. Besides her love of wildlife, she also enjoys teaching the Afro-Brazilian martial art capoeira in the community of Seine Bight. Miriam Boucher has been working with the CRC since its conception two years ago as both a research associate and now, Research Coordinator. She holds a master's in wildlife management and has pursued research on crocodile acoustic calls and behavior. She has a passion for all wildlife and conservation and enjoys exploring Belize's uniques ecosystems and enjoying all of Belize's unique wildlife.
Fishermen John Thomas of Dangriga Town (above) and Daniel Edwards of Independence Village (below), shares hands-on knowledge with upper division students at Solid Rock Christian Academy (above) and Church of Christ Primary School (below). (Photograph: SEA)
has been working closely with local fishermen to teach students about the benefits and challenges about the trade of a fisherman. Majority of the students were familiar with the common fishing methods such as
Page 11
Tire Swings,Wheelchair Ramp, Eye Testing , Blood Drive and Sports Lights Among Rotary's April Projects
By JENNIFER DALY Rotary Club of Placencia Press Volunteer bipsron@gmail.com
The hot weather of the Belize dry season has hit the Rotary Club of Placencia, but we keep cool under the Pickled Parrot’s thatch roof every Tuesday at our 12:30 p.m. open meetings. We are always looking for new members, so please feel free to stop by and hear what we do.
bers. Now, we can entertain more elders from Placencia and Seine Bight Villages. The ramp was built to proper disability specifications and allows unassisted accessibility for everyone. This also saves some of our Rotary Club members from back injuries! Our Seniors Program continues every Wednesday at the Placencia Community Centre, and the program has been consistently growing. Our elders enjoy visiting guests who share their unique talents and treats. St. Patrick’s Day was all about finding the lucky pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and Easter brought Easter bunny baskets and of course Easter Eggs! There was even an imaginary trip trip to Rome complete with real samples of fresh Italian bread and pasta, as well as the viewing of a film about Italy. If you have an idea or would like to contribute in any way to our seniors program, please contact Judy Lutz or Bill Dejardin. You can find them on Facebook through the Placencia Rotary page. Please ask to join the page, so you can follow along with all of our activities.
In April the Club took on five projects: building a wheelchair ramp at the Placencia Community Center, conducting preliminary sight exams in Independence High School, facilitating a blood drive and adding lights at the Placencia Village sports complex, as well as some fun at St. Alphonsus Primary School in Seine Bight with the revitalization of their tire swings. Our preliminary sight testing at Independence High The Club decided to build School located in the village the wheelchair ramp for the across the Placencia Lagoon, Placencia Community Cen- saw over 300 potential patre after we identified a great tients, and I was able to need to better accommodate spread my experience and our Seniors Program mem- passion about eye health.
Boys attending St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School in Seine Bight Village enjoy new tire swings constructed on their school grounds. (PHOTO: CHARLIE BURROW)
This will be followed up with a visit from the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) sometime in May. BCVI will be bringing licensed optometrists who will provide further assistance for students in need. Further demonstrating our commitment to the health of our community, we held our quarterly blood donor clinic on April 21. There have been a few unfortunate accidents on the Peninsula over the past few months, which greatly increased the need for blood. One accident alone wiped out our entire bank. Blood Donor Clinics are held approximately every three months, so if you are fit to give, please consider becoming a regular donor. I will use a quote from Canadian Blood Services, “Blood, it’s in you to give.”
Newly constructed wheelchair ramp leads to second entrance at the Placencia Community Center. (PHOTO: RON FELL)
Responding to a desperate plea from Placencia Village youth for lights at the basketball court and football field, Placencia Rotary delivered. Passion for sports is alive and well here, and the lights are surely appreciated. Also, look for the new and secure tire swings at St. Alphonsus in Seine Bight. Our members had a blast putting those up. If you have a project or idea, you can contact our project manager, Rob Cook through Facebook messenger. ▪
Independence High School student takes preliminary eye testing exam. (PHOTO: JENNIFER DALY)
Page 12
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 13
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 14
Award-Winning Placencia Boutique Hotel Expands to Tres Cocos, Ambergris Caye
PUR Boutique Cabanas sit in the trendy new neighborhood of Tres Cocos of North Ambergris Caye, home to popular eating and entertainment spots Truck Stop and Croc's. Placencia's Caribbean Beach Cabanas will join PUR in packaged deal.
Hotel owners, Laura and David Diffendal of Ohio, USA have experienced wild success in Placencia Village with By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief Caribbean Beach pollard.jolie@gmail.com Cabanas (CBC). Since they discovered the property in 2014, the boutique hotel has gained international recognition after being featured on the popular American HGTV show, “Beach Bargain Hunt” and winning the coveted Belize Tourism Board award for Boutique Hotel of the Year in 2017 following continuous improvements. Keeping up momentum, the couple has now tapped into the number one tourism destination in Belize – Ambergris Caye. Typically seen as a lion of a competitor in the business, with the help from the Diffendals, the island up north might just finally have the bridge the Peninsula needs to connect the popular destinations. Named after Laura’s popular blog that has been documenting Placencia life for some time, PUR (pronounced “pure”) offers a different vibe and feel from CBC which is strictly lodging, says Laura. “A lazy, tranquil beach day is for Placencia,” she says, but at PUR, visitors will be greeted with a lively pool bar, taco bar and restaurant as they enter, but also find tranquil spots a few steps away. The different atmospheres for both places is part of the attraction that the Diffendals will offer in a 10% discounted package to visitors, something similar to the Coppola’s Blacaneaux and Turtle Inn deal that bridges the Mountain Pine Ridge of the Cayo district with Placencia Village.
The high energy feel at PUR is the challenging yet fun opportunity for the hoteliers to take their award-winning service to the next level. “There is no telling how many people will come in at any moment, as it is open to the public,” Laura says. While many Placencians know San Pedro as perhaps too “busy, loud and crazy” for their taste, PUR just happens to be in a location that is considered chill for the island and that Laura believes is chill enough for Placencians curious about her new venture located north of the island bridge. “It has a feel very much like Maya Beach. Tranquil at night, a lot of space between each establishment, plenty of nature – the sounds of birds wake you up in the morning. You can go and get crazy in town on a golf cart or bike and then return to a peaceful night. The water, sand, vibe and adventures are different on the island and worth a visit from time to time for a change of scenery!” With a top notch management team, namely the acclaimed duo Carlos and Sue Vasquez at CBC, the Diffendals have developed a loyal following from their guests with many contacting them about the new property or referring their friends. According to Laura, this trust has allowed them the ability to educate guests on the attractions of both Ambergris Caye and southern Belize. "We assist with helping them understand the quick and easy transportation options to see more of the country. Both places get a remarkable number of repeat visitors, and we want to give people an easy and comfortable way to visit other parts of Belize. We feel honored to be able to be a bridge that may get visitors to experience more of Belize, and we try very hard to market both places to our guests." ▪
PUR boasts a rustic 1920s Caribbean vibe and in addition to pool and lodging, PUR also comes with a publicly accessible restaurant and taco bar making it a more high energy destination than its more tranquil counterpart in Placencia. (Photograph: PUR) Learn more about PUR. Visit: www.purboutiquecabanas.com,
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
Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry Snowden
Sailfish Resort info@sailfishbelize.com 651-9885 Mike Gargan
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
Lost Reef Resort* llr@lostreefresort.com 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore
Sea Glass Inn* brad_schofield@yahoo.com 523-3098 Brad & Christine Schofield
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
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 Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com 604-6214 Nicole Harvalik Finca Villa valchiac@yahoo.com 663-7777 Valeriano Chiac
Capp’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey Fowles
Green Parrot Beach House & Restaurant* greenparrot@mail.com; 533-8188 David Allardice & Leo Ramirez
Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com 523-3561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy
Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286 Jim & Cindy Weller
Caribbean Beach Cabanas info@caribbeanbeachcabanas. com 622-4142 David & Laura Diffendal
Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler
Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099 Midge & Aaron Dallas
Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen
Casa Del Sol rubenvasquez27@gmail.com 628-8514; Ruben Vasquez
Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers
Casa Laguna Vista windwardproperties@att.net 361-765-8277 David Wallace
Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069 Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll
Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com; 629-2700 or 660-8526 Mariuccia Levoni
Itz'ana Resort & Residence kim@itzanabelize.com 610-3456 Kim Viner
Casa Palma casapalma@outlook.com 628-7922 Perfecto Choc
Laru Beya Resort* timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3473 Timoteo Mes
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
Seaspray Hotel jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com 523-3148 Jodie Yearwood Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com 523-3777 John & Marian Chan Serenade Hotel info@serenadeplacencia.com 523-3113 Singing Sands Inn* info@singingsands.com; 533-3022 or 520-8022; Maya Kramer
AUTO RENTALS Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood CONSTRUCTION & REPAIRS Doran's Services takunchances@yahoo.com 670-4130 Doran Yount CONSULTANTS Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail.com; 523-3291 Yvette Guild HEALTH & WELLNESS Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com 620-8718 or 600-0375 Siripohn Thakham Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 503-3736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn Tree of Life Massage Studio smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408 Kristine Small
Miller’s Landing* millersplacencia@yahoo.com 523-3010 or 523-3011 Gary & Ann Miller
Southern Shores Resort deb@southernshoresresort.com 615-4182 Deborah Tinsley southernshoresresort.com
Miramar Apartments info@miramarbelize.com; 523-3658 or 620-3237 Ilsa Villanueva
Suites at Three Iguanas Annelise Hagan 633-6599 annelisehagan@hotmail.com
Naia Resort & Spa hr@naiaresortandspa.com 523-4600 Stewart Krohn
Sunset Pointe Condos Peninsula Volunteer Fire ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; Department Office Manager, Francisco 626-0667 Kathy Anglin Turtle Inn */** frontdesk@turtleinn.com; REAL ESTATE AGENTS 523-3244; Martin Krediet Amik Kil Ha achild17@gmail.com Tradewinds Hotel 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 trdewndpla@btl.net; Amanda Harris 523-3122 friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com Janice Leslie
Placencia Villas & Golf Cart Rentals info@placenciavillas.com 615-6404 or 615-6434 Stephen Jacoby www.placenciavillas.com Ocean’s Edge Beach Houses info@oceansedge-belize.com 514-606-5582 Michael Brauel & Francine Martel Paradise Vacation Hotel*/** info@belize123.com 523-3179 or 523-3256 Alan & Deloris Stamm Pearl Beach House vb53@centurytel.net 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Betsy Valian; Stefano Ragagnin Placencia Beach House placenciabeachhouse@gmail.com 664-9264 or 632-0545 Lou Nicolait and Joslin Merwin Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Valerie Hopson Robert’s Grove Beach Resort */** info@robertsgrove.com; 523-3565 or 523-4367
NON-PROFITS Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, president Rotary Club of Placencia 622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president
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
White House in Placencia/ The info@whitehouseplacencia.com 1-732-829-4042 Kirsten & Per Kristensen
Boris Mannsfeld & Associates info@RealEstatePlacencia.com; 523-3309 Boris Mannsfeld
White Sand Villa eagleray33@gmail.com; 661-9516 or 602-9315; Tricia Hernandez
CPC Real Estate Solution info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young
Wooden Mongoose Resort woodenmongoose@gmail.com 807-708-5869 Jim Bailey & Ellen Yeast www.woodenmongoose.com
Re/Max 1st Choice david@1stchoicebelize.com 631-9622 or 523-3666 David Kafka
Please note that some members in our Accommodations listing offer additional services:
*Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals
Want to provide more description to your listing? Advertise in our Placencia Peninsula Guide on pages 20-21. Contact our office for pricing.
Page 16
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 17
Page 18
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018 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 Sin & Glenn Burks De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood
NSAA Bath and Body Tranquilo Restaurant & Bar nsaa.bathbody@gmail.com 663-4276 Over the Water Omitade Adediran avi@marvin.co.il (Israel#) +972-508-810-891 One World Gift Shop Avi Rotem oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 620-9975 or 523-3103 Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor Claudia Hardegger tizy.lory@virgilio.it 620-9916 Pyramid House Wine & Etc. Tiziana Del Col info@pyramidhousewine.com 636-5745 Wendy's Creole Restaurant Fred Hoffman, III 523-3335 Wendy Lemus TOURS SERVICES
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@hotSCHOOLS mail.com 678-1089 or 523-3115 (PIA) Peninsula International Simone De Angelis Academy peninsulaacademy.org Friends Near the Pier 601-3523 robbcarson.king@gmail.com Selena Lucas 667-4805 Robb Carson St. Alphonsus Roman 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 info@mangosbelize.com 533-8102 or 668-4461 Nadia Westby 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
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
Find the Placencia Sweet Life in Chef Simone de Angelis' Fine Italian Food
By SHAYLENE TODD Contributing Reporter shaylenetodd@gmail.com
M
any of us who live in Placencia believe we’ve found our little slice of paradise in the world. Whether we were born and raised in the village or stumbled accidentally across it in our travels, we all seem to agree that it is a unique place to call home. Hand-crafted mozzarella from Chef Simone's kitchen adorn fresh One of the many elements caprese salads at La Dolce Vita. (LA DOLCE VITA) of its charm is how “small Chef Simone dishes out up to 60 plates of his popular tiramisu a town” it is. This is the kind Born and raised in Rome, It- where Simone introduced La week. Diners can enjoy with a cup of hot cappuccino. (LA DOLCE VITA) of place where the post office aly, Simone originally came Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant tags you on Facebook to to the Placencia Peninsula in in 2004. pick up your package, and 1997. As what happens with With a menu comyou can hear the prised of “things he local equivalent of the popular "I’m here because I like to be here; not loves to eat” and a focus on what he was “Cheers” TV sitbecause I’m making money. There’s more taught from his family com greeting of “Norm!” as you freedom when you live in the Caribbean. back in Italy, Simone walk into many You don’t have to worry about as much, has been determined of the Peninsula and everybody knows each other. The sweet to keep his food aueateries and wa- life is good food, good wine and good thentic right from the start. He imports the tering holes. friends. That’s La Dolce Vita." majority of his in- Chef Simone de Angelis gredients from the It could be surmotherland on a regmised that the so many of us, his intended ular basis. That means the vibe brings one a sense of three-month stay turned into additional responsibility as a belonging, and that is exactly a year and that has turned into restaurateur of paying duties the feeling that Simone de a lifetime. He met and mar- and complying with Belize Angelis, owner and operator ried his beautiful Honduran Agricultural Health Authorof La Dolce Vita at Los Porti- wife Anna in 1998 and took cos Villas, still inspires after on various construction jobs Right, a sizzling plate of Gnoc14 years; a feeling of home, to make ends meet. It was at chi alla Roberta – homemade but a home where the most one of his construction sites, potato dumplings with shrimp in delicious smells of Italian specifically the space above an orange gorgonzola sauce – is served. (LA DOLCE VITA) cuisine waft across tables in the former Wallen’s grocery tropical paradise. store that he helped to build See LA DOLCE VITA on page 26.
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Page 20
Megs and Ian Continued from page 19
Ian Yearwood drives one of his golf carts past the airstrip into Placencia Village. (TRIPADVISOR).
ziplining and waterfall rappelling, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve, the mystic cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal and special locations for cave tubing and horseback riding. Megs and Ian also arrange snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing trips in the Placencia area, excursions to Ranguana Caye; culinary and culture tours and even a Placencia Village tour. Visitors can find Megs at their bright orange customer service office located across the Placencia Village basketball court and Ian at their me-
chanic station near the airstrip. “We feel young at heart,” says Megs after answering a few phone calls in her office and assisting a walk-in couple inquiring about golf carts right after returning from her lunch break. “You have to want to be doing this. It forces you to be better. You must have a vision.” For other Belizeans who seek their level of success, she stresses the importance of customer service and steering away from mediocrity. “Don’t think because you are a “local” people should support you,” she says. “People should support you because you give quality service.” ▪ Keep up with Barefoot Services by following their online blog that provides helpful tips on exploring Belize. www.barefootservicesbelize.com Jolie Pollard of Belize City began visiting Placencia since she was a little baby to visit her restaurateuring grandparents. She moved to the village after graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's in journalism through a Jesuit scholarship program at Spring Hill College on the U.S. Gulf Coast and working in private higher education fundraising for four years at her alma mater. She served as editor from 2011 to 2015 while working for the Placencia BTIA and resumed the newspaper post in March 2018. She enjoys continuous learning, traveling, good food and shadowing creatives.
PIA Students Dazzle Visitors on Earth Day Peninsula International Academy (PIA) celebrated their third annual By TRACY ION Earth Day SUTHERLAND public event PIA Principal tracys@peninsu- on Friday, April 27. laacademy.net Pre-school students kicked off the day Isabella Viner and classmates perform “How Ananasi Made singing a variety of songs fol- Everyday Earth Day."(Photo by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS) lowed by a few skits. First, Bestudent-run Lionfish Grill and fresh ginner and Infant 1 and 2 classes fruit juices, barbecue, snow cones performed the Anansi play they and popcorn stands. PIA students wrote as a class then Standards also showcased their crafts and an 1-4 students performed their airplane booth they created. Visiplay examining the critical issue tors enjoyed fantastic informational of ocean plastic pollution, which booths from the Southern Environincluded a presenation of data mental Association, the Crocodile collected from their four beach Research Center, Raptor Center, cleanups. Standards 5-6 then Oceana, Human Services and PIA's closed out with their presentation new Parent Action Council. Many on Design Thinking and looking- new vendors joined this year and an at-out-of-the-box thinking to excellent fair-like atmosphere was solve the plastic issue in the local enjoyed by all. Energizing musical community. entertainment was provided by Marlyn Vansen and Kirwin Ramirez. Students then joined their fam- PIA thanks all who came out to enjoy ilies and other visitors and sup- the school's Earth Day celebrations porters from the Peninsula com- and who supported the raffle, which munity in enjoying the many raised funds for PIA's scholarship Earth-Day themed booths, games program. Thirty percent of PIA stuand vendors. These included the dents pay no tuition or fees. ▪
Page 21
Peninsula International Academy Celebrates Five-Year Milestone: A Look at the Private School's Past , Present and Future
By AARON KROHN Parent Action Council Chairman Peninsula International Academy akrohn@peninsulaacademy.net
T
he Peninsula International Academy (PIA) is on the verge of completing its fifth year of educating young minds here on the Peninsula. While the school prepares to celebrate this milestone, it is worthwhile to reflect on what has happened in that time, what’s happening now, and also take a look at what the future holds. PIA Founder Selena Lucas started the school at her home with the education of her own children in mind. From the early days of meetings at the former De Barcelona Restaurant, the school went from being an idea to a reality and in three years time, relocated from Lucas' home in order to better serve the growing student body.
through facing and overcoming chal- PIA physical education teacher and local musician Kirwin Ramirez of Seine Bight Village pulls his students into a jam session. lenges that meaningful growth and (PHOTO: BEN KIM/ESOTERIC VISION PHOTOGRAPHY) change can occur. One such change has been the establishment of the Parent Action Council, or PAC for short. PAC is a group composed of parents who want to be actively involved in shaping school policy and help PIA in its mission of creating a positive environment for their children to learn and grow. PAC members contribute time, resources and brain power to assist school leaders with finding solutions to the day-to-day challenges that face the school and also assist with the streamlining of the overall running of the operation; however, one of the primary functions of PAC is to act as a conduit for transmitting parents’ ideas, concerns and general feedback to the school leadership team. Currently PAC is comprised of 14 parents, including the school’s principal, Tracy Sutherland. In addition to the formation of PAC, PIA is now in the process of formalizing an executive board, comprised of two PAC members and several other members of the wider Belizean community, including Former Ministry of Education Literacy Director Dr. Rosalind Bradley, Belize Tourism Board tour guiding course instructor and curriculum developer, Dave Vernon, and Belize City-based Kremandala journalist, Carolyn "Yaya" Marin Coleman. The Executive Board provides
Last year the property adjacent to the school was acquired, and a new classroom was added. As many parents know, the path forward has sometimes been a bumpy and even at times a frustrating one, but it is See PIA MILESTONE on page 25.
Page 22
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 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: Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Placencia's most complete resort. Beachfront Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com accommodations with 3 restaurants: Seaside, Habanero & Sweet Mama's, SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 conference center, gift shop, spa, full Service PADI dive center, golf cart Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + rentals, Marina, gas and butane station. Complimentary use of windsurfers, hobie cats, bikes and wifi. www.robertsgrove.com, info@robertsgrove.com tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 For more information call us at 523-3565. 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 Placencia Office Supply: Business Service – Printing – Faxing – Copies. Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com
SERVICES
CHEERS
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
SPA & MASSAGE
Sea Spa at Robert’s Grove: Our Sea Spa, manned by professional therapistseach with their own unique style-offers several massage types, facials, body De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood wraps, body scrubs, sunburn specials and of course, manis & pedis for and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed... on Wed)7am until 10pm barefoot perfect feet. For more information call 523-3565. 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
South of Airstrip
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 Habanero Mexican Restaurant & Bar at Robert’s Grove - Opening on September 14th: Lagoon side Fiesta time! Casual and fun Habanero serves up Mexican food w/ a Belizean flair. Open Wed-Sun from 12 noon - 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565! 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. Seaside Restaurant at Robert’s Grove: Romantic Fine Dining with a world class menu and wine cellar. One of Belize’s most consistent restaurants quoted Fodor’s 2010 edition. The Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565!
REAL ESTATE
TOUR PROVIDERS 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.
Belize Sotheby’s International Realty: Our firm is a full service real estate 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@ Trip N Travel: Inland Jungle Tours – Monkey River Magic. 660-7189 belizesir.com lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: Our loyalty to our client’s best interest has Supply. 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 Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Located on the Placencia Peninsula, know-how and determination to get things done then look no further. Even Robert's Grove is a romantic, off-the-beaten-path location on the southern though we specialize on the Placencia peninsula, we have a reliable network coast of Belize. It is an intímate location, ideal for your beach wedding, of real estate firms and developers throughout Belize with whom we can whether it's just the two of you or if you are bringing family and friends. collaborate to provide you with real estate options across this beautiful Contact our wedding planner at info@robertsgrove.com or call us at country. Give us a call at Ph.523-3063 or Email:Info@RealEstatePlacencia. 523-3565. com.
WEDDING PLANNING
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 ☼ May 2018
Page 25
PIA Milestone Continued from page 21
oversight and guidance in the long term to the school.
PIA students at work inside the classroom. PIA currently accommodates children at the pre-kindergarten level through standard six. Grant seeking efforts are underway to establish a high school, which would be the first on the Peninsula. (BEN KIM/ESOTERIC VISION PHOTOGRAPHY)
PIA Parent Action Council Members Jalima Gold jgold@peninsulaacademy.net Ilse Van Keer ikeer@peninsulaacademy.net Salvador Zabaneh szabaneh@peninsulaacademy.net Tonya Wakefield twakefield@peninsulaacademy.net Julia Uren juren@peninsulaacademy.net Dalila Vanzie dvanzie@peninsulaacademy.net Cassie Dial cdial@peninsulaacademy.net
Jodie Bowen jbowen@peninsulaacademy.net Michael Beggs mbeggs@peninsulaacademy.net Dustin Bowen dbowen@peninsulaacademy.net Gillian Zabaneh (Secretary) gzabaneh@peninsulaacademy.net Frik DeMeyere (Treasurer) fdemeyere@peninsulaacademy.net Aaron Krohn (Chairman) akrohn@peninsulaacademy.net Tracy Sutherland (Principal) tracys@peninsulaacademy.net
Looking forward, the school seeks to build on its strengths, address areas of concern, and expand innovative programs; for example, PIA is now affiliated with Big Picture Learning -- a network of schools that commit to student engagement through personalized programs, real life learning and building positive relationships. Selena Lucas is now focusing her attention on securing grants to improve the school’s existing programs and to possibly fund the building of a high school. Day-to-day operations of the school are the responsibility of PIA’s teaching team and support staff, with Sutherland leading as principal. The PAC is currently focussed on finding ways to simultaneously improve the quality of education at PIA while looking for ways to make the school more accessible to all by making it more affordable. As things stand, 30% of the student body are children whose tuition is paid for by the school; in the future PIA seeks to find sponsorship in the community for more scholar-
ship students. Our focus continues to be on active learning, and community outreach through our Standard five and six independent projects and internships. PIA have mentors throughout the community who include fishermen and people working at local dive shops, restaurants, and with non-governmental organizations such as the Southern Environmental Association and the Crocodile Research Center. Lastly, PIA Teacher Loretta Logan is pursuing a second master’s degree via a scholarship she was awarded by the Ministry of Education. The degree in early childhood education she is seeking will enable her to train other teachers and will thus not only benefit PIA, but teachers in the southern region of Belize in general. The last five years have seen a lot of change and growth in the area; PIA is keeping pace with that change and strives to continually raise the bar of education available to the children of the Placencia Peninsula. Feel free to contact Tracy Sutherland for more information about enrollment, fees and the school’s student-centered learning philosophy. ▪ In addition to serving as chairman of the PIA Parent Action Council, Aaron Krohn, originally from Belize City, is a certified yoga instructor leading classes at Naia Resort and Spa and also plays classical guitar.
Page 26
La Dolce Vita
Continued from page 19
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
Zonin Prosecco with everything from fruit to red meat. “Drink what you like,” he tells me, “not what you’re supposed to.” There. I had my answer. With that he pulls out a 2009 Amarone that travelled back with him from Italy and that he’s been waiting nine years to open. Its label is worn and peeled in places as proof. He says it’ll be perfectly aged in another year and just in time to crack open for a 15-year anniversary celebration of opening the restaurant, which recently moved north from its original location above the old Chef Simone and his wife Ana prepare his "primo" fish for cooking. (DAVID WHITEHEAD) Wallen’s grocery store across the football field to Los Porticos Villas.
ity requirements, but to Simone it’s all worth it in his books. From his pasta to his cold meats – Prosciutto di Parma, Salami Milano and Guanciale (the cheek bacon, which he then smokes himself on site) and his cheeses – 24-month aged Parmaseana Reggiano and Gorgonzola – he refuses to cut any corners. He’ll be the first to tell you, there’s “no American eyes in his kitchen,” which he explains as no microwave, nothing pre-cooked and no cream in the carbonara! In addition to importing the right ingredients, Simone says it’s equally important to him to create And what would an Italian meal be ingredients from scratch. With his without a big finish? La Dolce Vita wife and children carries a wide alongside him in selection of all his spotless kitchen your classic and his prized set digestifs such of knives that go as Grappa, back and forth from Sambuca and home to restaurant Limoncello. If daily, this is a man it’s an espresso who takes pride in or cappuccino serving a quality that strikes home cooked meal - Chef Simone de Angelis on y o u r f a n c y, – from his family wine pairing with his food. expect Simto yours. one himself to
“Drink what you like ... not what you’re supposed to.”
Every dinner starts with bread that’s baked daily and is served with the same extra virgin olive oil he uses in his cooking. The gnocchi is hand rolled, the bolognese is crafted with fresh tomatoes and simmered with care and even the salad dressing can’t be bought. He uses cheese curd, water, vinegar, salt and a set temperature every Sunday to make his own mozzarella, which La Dolce Vita uses in abundance throughout the week. You’ll only find the flaky, sweet, mild flavor of hog snapper and black grouper on his menu as those are the fillets he describes as “primo”. A second grade sommelier, Simone also prides himself on his Italian wine collection which you’ll be encouraged to pair with your meal. “Wine is a part of our life,” he tells me over the table we’re sharing. “We start to drink wine when our grandparents put a little in our water glass when we are three or four years old. That’s how you become wine addicted.” He goes on to say that wine is a complement to your meal – not something to get drunk on. I ask him what he most often recommends, but rather than giving me a direct answer, he tells me that at a young age he used to drink more white and then he matured into enjoying full bodied, bold reds and now, these days, he drinks his
come out of the kitchen and make it First opened above the former Wallen's grocery story across from the basketball for you, as no one touches the coffee court in Placencia Village, La Dolce Vita is now located inside Los Porticos Villas machine but him. They serve be- situated just south of the Placencia Village airstrip. (DAVID WHITEHEAD) tween 40 and 60 servings of tiramisu for dessert every week, made with real mascarpone, of course. Insisting that I try a piece along with my cappuccino, I ask if there’s a local that comes to mind who is particularly fond of his tiramisu. “Everyone!” he replies with a grin. “What about your other dishes?” I ask, “Is there a local favorite?” And this is the part that makes me smile. He responds that everyone has their own favourite and that his menu is all about comfort food. Displaying an impressive customer loyalty, he goes on to mention a few local characters and their preferred dishes: “Cassie (co-owning sister of the Barefoot Bar) likes the lime chicken with gnocchi on the side. Salva (Tipsy Tina Seaside and Sports Bar co-owner) orders the tenderized pork with pasta and a salad. Glenn Eiley (former Placencia Village Council Chairman) gets the pasta with meat sauce. Ellen (Maya Beach Bistor co-owner) gets the fish fillet and her husband, John, gets the Broccoli E Salsiccia. Kimberley Viner (of Itz’ana Resort) gets the Crustino Prosciutto Mozzarella and her father always gets the Antipasto Misto and the Gorgonzola Gnocchi.” He even added folks from outside the Pen-
Diners enjoy the Italian restaurant's fine dining atmosphere during dinner. (DAVID WHITEHEAD)
insula such as Belize City business mogul Mike Bou Nahra, the owner of Mirab furniture store, whose pasta with sauce packaged separately, is delivered to him on the plane. The list goes on!
to be here; not because I’m making money. There’s more freedom when you live in the Caribbean. You don’t have to worry about as much, and everybody knows each other. The sweet life is good food, good wine and good friends. That’s La Dolce As a regular myself and a lover of Vita.” the Spaghetti Amatriciana, I couldn’t help but think how lovely it is that La Dolce Vita opens throughout people know exactly what they’re the week, Sundays through Saturgoing to order before going and that days, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call their local restaurateur is ready to 678-1089.▪ make it for them with quality, pride Shaylene Todd is the sales manager for and care. That’s all part of what Sim- Itz'ana Resort & Residences located on the one refers to as “the Sweet Life” and Placencia Peninsula. She can often be seen why he gave his restaurant that name running the road or enjoying a beach day in Italian. “I’m here because I like with friends in Placencia Village.
OPINION
Animal Abuse is No Joke
By SERENA KAFKA Contributing Writer info@placenciahumanesociety.org
S
ince my youth, it was ingrained in me to treat humans – and animals – with the same care and respect that I would like to be treated. Now, many people might not agree with the fact that animals should have the same regard for life as a human should, but alas, my father is one of those people who would rather sit in the company of his many furry friends than perhaps with socialites at a cocktail party.
When you think of neglecting and
Food Festivals Continued from page 7
abusing, maybe what comes to mind is no food and physical abuse. That’s not the case. Being chained up to a short leash and no food or water is something that can cause serious harm and injury to a dog. Proper food and clean water is a necessity for animals to survive – much like humans.
ers will participate in Floyd Arana’s dory fishing contest. Then at 11 a.m.the fair itself kicks off with live music and beach-side booths full of arts, crafts, and of course, delicious mango concoctions of all types, from mango smoothies and ice cream to mango cake, chutney and the classic snack of sliced mango topped with spicy chile pepper and salt. Stay into the night on the 2nd for live musical performances.
For many decades it has been recognized that domestic violence, child abuse, and cruelty to animals may have shared origins. When you see children abusing animals it could be a serious warning sign that those youths are susceptible to abusing people when they’re older.
Of course, after that we don’t have to go anywhere as Placencia’s very own Lobster Fest takes place June 22nd, 23rd and 24th! This year the Placencia Village Council in collaboration with the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association will be relocating event to its
Far too long has that connection been ignored, so I beg of you – instead of idly sitting by and letting these things happen let’s make serious steps to educate our peers and children the proper way to care for animals. Let us keep fighting for those who don’t have voices and In doing research for this post, I was stop the cycle of animal abuse! ▪ shocked to come across of some of the things that I did. I was very happy to see that Belize is taking important strides to break the awful cycle of animal cruelty. They’re enforcing laws and putting into place fines that hold people accountable. It is against the law to NEGLECT and ABUSE animals in Belize. Still, I think it is imperative to train and teach our children and even adults that it’s no laughing matter to abuse animals. They’re helpless creatures, who have done nothing wrong to deserve any of the pain that people put them through. They have feelings just like we do; they can’t fight back.
Page 27
An emaciated dog eats during a PHS rescue effort. (PLACENCIA HUMANE SOCIETY)
original location at the harbor since the beach property between Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar and Cozy Corner will no longer be accessible for use. Regardless of this change, vendors will still be selling delicious lobster in every form from grilled to baked in a pie. Live music will liven up the scene day and night. If you want to maximize your lobster exposure, you can also check out San Pedro (June 15-24, a week of activities and celebration) and Caye Caulker (June 30-July 2) lobster festivals. For more details on any of these festivals simply type the name into your favorite search engine or in Facebook, as all of them have Facebook pages or websites with details. Lyra Spang is the owner and guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural and culinary tour company offering award winning chocolate tours. She writes about food whenever she can. Reach her at tastebelize@gmail.com.
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 Easter Sunday: April 21
May: 2018 Labour Day: May 1 Parrothead Beach Bash: May 17-20 Sovereign's Day Holiday: May 21 Good Mind Fair: May 25 (See page 10 for story.) 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 ☼ May 2018
Page 28
Life in Belize of Former Singing Sands Inn Owner Remembered He was always up for adventure and encouraged anyone who would listen, to “take care of number one and have fun.” That became a sort of motto. − Marti Cottrell remembering Eldon Ebel, deceased, April 8, 2018 at 78 years old.
By MARTI COTTRELL Contributing Writer marticottrell56@hotmail.com
E
ldon Ebel, a beloved member of the Maya Beach community on the Placencia Peninsula, was born in Ohio on June 11, 1939 and left this journey on April 8, 2018. Eldon’s first visit to Belize was in 1997 when he came along on a trip led by his good friend, Linda Green. This trip combined two of his dreams – to see and to learn about the flora of Belize and meet renowned Belize Maya herbal medicine protégé Rosita Arvigo and to look at the possibilities of buying a resort property. The following year, he visited the Placencia Peninsula again where he and a group from International Living magazine were hosted by Serenity Hotel (currently under renovation) and its owner at the time, Tom Giblin. After learning that the Singing Sands Inn was up for sale, Eldon visited the owners, Sally and Bruce, and liked what he saw. He returned to his Cleveland antique shop, and he and his partner were determined to work hard and earn enough to purchase the Inn.
don became the co-owner of Singing Sands Inn along with myself. That adventure would continue until the fall of 2008. Eldon loved creating the landscape on the grounds of this lovely space. This was his “happy place.” Travel guides written at the time made note of the myriad of lovely gardens at The Singing Sands Inn. He scoured the Belize countryside, to bring home orchids and many other varieties of plants. Together with the seemingly endless supply of gifts from the sea such as driftwood, stones and recovered ropes and nets, his creations evolved. Often we would see Eldon far down the beach, guiding a log or piece of wood that was twice his size through the waters and back to the This became a reality in resort. Amazingly, he would November 1998 when El- find a way to leverage those
huge logs up onto the beach! His bottle collections were numerous and took shape as bottle trees and decorations in the restaurant and on the grounds. Bird lovers were delighted with Eldon’s bird watching area, a high perch atop the main lobby building, which was accessed by a spiral stairway that Eldon designed and built along with Pedro Pop. He loved to walk the beach, as was his habit early every morning, usually with one or two wellloved dogs. It was on these walks that he was motivated to start a beach cleanup. He made a small public park, along an
uninhabited stretch of Maya Beach, using driftwood logs for benches and an old washed up wire spool for a table. Eldon encouraged people to continue to keep the beach clean by placing a trash receptacle there in his one-man park. Around this time, regular beach cleanups began and was shared among the neighboring resorts and residents. Eldon didn’t always wait for calm waters to take off in his kayak. Even with the waves breaking, he loved to paddle in the Placencia lagoon and out to False Caye from the beach. On one of these trips, his dog jumped into the water and made the one-mile trip, following Eldon all the way to False Caye and back! One of Eldon’s proudest moments was when he joined a group climbing up Victoria Peak – Belize’s second highest mountain top. He would say he surpassed much younger men on that climb, and he was in fact the second oldest man to climb Victoria, not really minding that he was sore for two weeks after! He was always up for adventure and encouraged anyone who
would listen, to “take care of number one and have fun.” That became a sort of motto. I never knew Eldon to be afraid. After his time as steward of Singing Sands, Eldon traveled a lot, visiting many places on his bucket list including Alaska, Brazil, Cuba, Rome, Amsterdam, Thailand and other places; however, he accomplished more in his time in Belize than many do in a lifetime. Eldon continued to create garden landscapes, turning his own home in Maya Beach into a sanctuary, where his welcome sign proclaimed, “Nature’s Treasures.” In 2012, Eldon began a relationship with Dannielle DiMeglio, a friend since first grade from his hometown in Ohio. For six wonderful years, they enjoyed fun, love and travel together. Eldon is survived by a son and two daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many friends. Above all, Eldon will be remembered as a man who used every bit of his allotment of energy on this planet, enjoying his life to the ultimate fullness. I am honored to have known Eldon Ebel. ▪
Eldon Ebel kayaks in the Placencia Lagoon. The former co-owner of Singing Sands Inn in Maya Beach spent his time in Belize enjoying nature. (Facebook.com/eldon.ebel)
Page 29
The Peninsula MUSIC BEAT
Cover page story: Sailin' Music Video Earlier this year 23-year-old Kylon Eiley debuted his catchy single "Sailin'" online. It wasn't long before the young PlacenBy JOLIE POLLARD cian was offered Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com to take his music to another level when his connections in Mexico where he studies dentistry, led him to an offer to create a video for the feel-good love song. "I requested that it should be done in my hometown. I knew that in Placencia I could receive the support I needed to make it an incredible video!" said Eiley, "and besides, I am a proud Placencian, and more importantly, proud of my country!" Eiley said the project, which showcased several locations in Placencia Village, was a much greater challenge than he had anticipated. "I literally had to give sweat and tears to make it all possible. There was a great struggle to get everything together, but it would have been an even greater challenge had I done it elsewhere." Thanks to family, friends and other generous Placencia supporters, Eiley said there will be much love and happiness to be found in this one single video. "Despite all the struggle and stress, I know that it will all be worth it after knowing how many smiles will be made after it is seen on screen! I'm hoping to make Placencians even more proud of where they live! It is truly a paradise," he said. The “Sailin’” music video is expected to be released sometime this summer. The video was directed by Luis Antonio of Mexico alongside Director of Photography Mau Metri with the assistance of Zugey Antonio and starred Moadib Xaud and model,
Left: Kylon Eiley performing on set in one of several coastal Placencia backdrops shot in "Sailin." Right: George "Judge" Eiley, Kylon's father and member of "The Persuaders" band plays the drums in a scene shot at ChaChi's. (PHOTOS: SARAH ALY)
Andrea Nkoa Bekada. “We realized that Placencia isn’t just beautiful because of its beaches and colorful ambiance, but its wonderful, friendly and supporting community,” Zugey said. “I won't finish if I count each time we got help and support from the people in the community and Kylon's family.” The crew from Mexico worked closely with Placencia-based videographer Skip Weaver who made his expertise and equipment available.“We learned so much from him. It was so humbling watching him help us unconditionally and with the best disposition to follow our lead,” Zugey said. They also recognized Stephen Mitchell of ChaChi’s for lending equipment and allowing the crew to utilize his venue for the shoot, Strike a Pose Boutique for costume design and Mrs. Betty Jean Neal for accommodation. Other businesses who assisted Kylon and his crew included Leomar Leslie of Diverse Aerials, Hank Rhamdas of Blue Water Sailing, Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar, Barefoot Bar, Yoli's Bar, Go Sea Tours and Captain Jak's Rentals. Listen to "Sailin," on Soundcloud, Apple Music and Youtube.▪
Page 30
The Placencia Breeze ☼ May 2018
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. 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) 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. James Bus Line: Regular Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda
Community Contacts & Info Placencia Tourism Center +(501) 523-4045 Emergencies • • • • • • •
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
Placencia Peninsula Services • • • • • • • • •
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 WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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
Rotary Club of Placencia
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
Page 31
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 Jazz, Paranda, Reggae 7-10pm.
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 ☼ May 2018
