The Placencia Breeze Feburary 2019

The Placencia Breeze FREE

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

FEBRUARY 2019

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Enjoy two days of music, food, drinks, live entertainment and art! Event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. along the Placencia Sidewalk.

INSIDE: Boat Captain's Video of Swimming Jaguar in Placencia Lagoon Goes Viral!

Celebrate a Full Valentine's Day of Adventures in Placencia!

Placencia Bids Farewell to Fyah Gyal Vocational School Teacher Wins Sidewalk Art Fest Logo Competition Photo by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS/ Placencia BTIA Sidewalk Art Festival, 2018

Experience live steel pan music with the Pannerifix Band and drumming with Emmeth Young and the Talla Walla alongside DJ Boneyfide!

Don't miss live Maya chocolate making demonstration with Ixcacao, a ride on Old Master' Mechanical Bull and fun games for kids!

Shop from artists visiting from all over Belize and beyond!

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The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

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WEH DI GOAAN?! ~Listing open to Placencia BTIA members.~ Contact accounts@placencia.com

EVERYDAY Barefoot Bar: 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. $1 Local Bittas. P. 523-3515 Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: Happy Hour 3-5 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. $5 pizza slices, $4 Belikin beers and $5 domestic rum drinks!! P. 523-3305.

Laru Beya: International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 p.m. Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. P. 523-3476.

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FEBRUARY 2019 PENINSULA HAPPENINGS GUIDE

LIVE MUSIC ● HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS ● DANCE ● KARAOKE ● GAMES � MORE FRIDAYS

MONDAYS

Barefoot Bar: Live Caribbean Music w/ Bad Boy Rudy at 5 p.m.!

BZ$1 Local Bitters all day long! "They good fi dih bak!" P. 523-3515

PICKLED PARROT: ART BAR: Every third Monday at 3 p.m. Come empty handed and walk away with a piece of art! P. 636-7068

Cha Chi's: P. 523-3305. Live DJ Lineup (no cover) and Ladies Night on Fridays! $5 Smirnoff, $5 Panty Rippah and $5 Screw Driva!

Feb. 1: Caribbean Vibes, DJ Swagg at 8 p.m.

Feb. 8: Bob Marley Festival with Mile 41, 7 p.m.; $10 cover charge.

Feb. 15: "Lovers Ball" w/ Gilharry 7 at 8 p.m.

Feb. 22: Back to the Future with DJ Boneyfide (disco/funk).

BAREFOOT BAR: Sangria & Salsa Night starts at Happy Hour, 5 p.m. $6 Sangria, $12 Margarita & $8 Tequila shots. All tostadas, salbutes & garnaches, 4 for the price of 3! $15 Chicken & Beef Nachos. $2 off all dips. P. 523-3515.

TIPSY TUNA: Martini Monday! $2 off martinis all day! Live low-key music with Karl & Gram at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar, 6-10 p.m. It's also Pizza Night! P. 523-3089

MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Live Music 6-9pm and Happy Hour 3-5pm P. 668-4461 or 651-6649

TURTLE INN: Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner. p. 523-3244

Rotary Club of Placencia: Bingo @ 6 p.m. at the Flying Pig.

MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Jet Ski Rentals and Happy Hour 3-5pm P. 668-4461 or 651-6649

Tipsy Tuna: Margarita Madness! $2 off all margarita specials all day!

Live Belizean/Caribbean music at our Seaside Bar with Laru Beya Boys, 5-10 p.m. DJ Swagg follows 'til midnight then moves into the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m. P. 523-3089

MAYA BEACH BISTRO: 3 to 5 p.m. Happy Hour specials on select appetizers and $4 swill and $8 fill. P. 627-4718 RUMFISH Y VINO: Happy Hour drink specials, 4 to 6 p.m. P. 5233293

Turtle Inn: Live Music at Beach Bar. 5-7 p.m. P. 523-3244.

TUESDAYS

Tipsy Tuna: Happy Hours, 5-7 p.m.! $1 Wings; $2 off Coladas & Daiquiris; $3 Local Rum, $4 Belikin & $4.50 Guinness! P. 523-3089

BAREFOOT BAR: TRAVELLERS TUESDAY – Select Travellers Rum Just $3 from 5 to close! P. 523-3515

Turtle Inn: Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. ½ off Local Beer and Rum.

ROTARY CLUB OF PLACENCIA: Meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Pickled Parrot. P. 622-7103

SUNDAYS Barefoot Bar: Daytime Beach BBQ! Live Caribbean Music w/ Tropical Vibes from 1 to 6 pm.! P. 523-3515 Belize Ocean Club: Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks!

Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Closes at midnight Feb. 3: Superbowl Party on skydeck!

Feb. 10,17 & 24: Live Jazz. 6 p.m.

J-Dee's: Karaoke at 8 p.m. to midnight. P. 503-3351 MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Rotisserie Chicken special and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 SailFish Resort: Bloody Mary Special, open noon to sundown. 18+ Tipsy Tuna: DJ Swagg playing an assortment of music on the beach at the Tispy Tuna Seaside Bar during the day. P. 523-3089.

Turtle Inn: Two-for-One Pizza.

P. 523-3244.

TIPSY TUNA: Mojito Tuesday!

We have mojito specials all day!

P. 523-3089

WEDNESDAYS BAREFOOT BAR: Fun & Funky Jam Session from 5 to 9 p.m.! Visiting Musicians Welcome! P. 523-3515.

GOSS CHOCOLATE: Open Wholesale Office Day! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. P. 523-3544 LOLA'S ART: BBQ Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! 10% off on all art done by Lola! (Free delivery for Seine Bight, BZ$3 for delivery to Placencia and Maya Beach. Try our unique ice cold juices.

MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Rotisserie Chicken special and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 MARIPOSA RESTAURANT: Free Yahtzee dice game starts 3 p.m.

P. 523-4474.

ROTARY CLUB OF PLACENCIA: senior Programme at the Placencia Community Centre. 1 - 3:30 p.m.

SAILFISH RESORT: No pool fee on Wednesdays! Open to public, 18 and older. Pool Bar. Drink Specials. Noon – sundown.

TIPSY TUNA: Wings Wednesday! $1 Wings all day! Garifuna Drumming at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar, 7-9 p.m.; P. 523-3089 Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Karaoke from 9 p.m. - midnight. Free chips & salsa.15% off margarita and tequila drinks Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m. 50% off local mixed rum drinks

THURSDAYS Barefoot Bar: Reggae DJ night @ 8 p.m. All reggae, all night. 523-3515 Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Closes at 12 a.m.

Feb. 7: Pen Cayetano Art Show on the Skydeck! 6-10 p.m. Art. Music. Wine.

Feb. 21: Herbert Bail, USA. Americana Folk w/ChaChi on percussion at 7 pm Jaguar Lanes: Wings Night! Open every day from 2 p.m.. - until.

Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Garifuna Drumming 6 - 7p.m. on the beach side in front of Brisa Oceano Resort & 7-9 p.m. upstairs in Yucatan Restaurant.

Free Frozen rum punch shots & free chips and salsa. Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m. and 50% off local mixed rum drinks.

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

SailFish Resort: 25% off T-shirts!

18 and older. Open noon – sundown.

Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Saturday Night Live Music Lineup: Feb. 2: Live Music!

Feb. 9: The Mighty Persuaders, 7 pm Feb. 16: TBC The Experimental Trio (Cayo) feat. Aldo Pineda, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23: Steev English & International Blues, 7 p.m.

Tipsy Tuna: Tipsy Thursday! Karaoke night with Karl at our Seaside Bar from 8 p.m. to midnight! DJ Swagg in the Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m!

MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Corn Hole and Polish Horse Shoes and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649

Turtle Inn: Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner. P. 523-3244

Pickled Parrot: Live Music at 6 p.m. by The Usual Suspects! P. 636-3089

MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Pizza special, $26 and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 Pickled Parrot: Trivia Thursday!

Starts at 6 p.m. Prizes and free jello shots! P. 636-7068

Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Live Music w/ Latin, Reggae & Rock Vibes from 6-9 p.m.! Comp. jalapeno popcorn and corn quesadilla sliders; Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m.! 50% off local mixed rum drinks!!!

Tipsy Tuna: Live band and/or DJ, 7 p.m. to midnight at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar; DJ Swagg in the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m.! P. 523-3089

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The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

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INSIDE Weh di goaan? Placencia Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 3 Lobster Season Closes ... pg. 5 Where in the World is the Breeze? … pg. 5 Boat Captain's Video of Swimming Jaguar Goes Viral! … pg. 7 From the Fire Hearth: Celebrate a Full Day of Valentine's Adventures … pg. 9 Rotary Sponsors Four Students Enrolled in Trades 4 Life Program … pg 10

February 2019 Placencia BTIA Membership Directory ... pgs. 15 & 18 Placencia Peninsula Map ... pgs. 16-17 Vocational School Teacher and Longtime Art Fest Fan Wins Logo Competition … pg. 19 Twelve Trainees Complete FoH Coral Outplanting Course … pg. 20 Croc Corner: Belize Crocodile Makes History as First in Caribbean and Central America for Deployment with Satellite Transmitter!… pg. 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs.

22-23 Farewell, Fyah Gyal! ... pgs. 24-25

Mark Your Calendar! Rotary to Hold Auction Fundraiser on March 2 … pg. 10

CRC Review of 2018 … pg. 26

PHS Pet Tales: Bugle Caye Dogs … pg. 13

Sidewalk Art Fest Registration Form: … pg. 28

PHS Raises Over BZ$1,000 at Rockin' Around the X-Mas Tree Event ... pg. 13

NEW! COUPON PAGE! ... pg. 29

Sidewalk Art Fest Map … pg. 27

Community Contacts & Info … pg. 31

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Friendly Reminder: Belize Lobster Season Closes Feb. 15 It's that time of year for the Caribbean spiny lobsters to go on their honeymoon!

With lobster season closing nationwide on Friday, Feb. 15, Thursday, Feb. 14 will be your very last opportunity to enjoy Belize's prized crustacean. As our Breeze food expert, Lyra Spang, suggests in her latest "From the Fire Hearth" column on page nine, tie in a lobster dinner with your Valentine's Day plans on Thursday, Feb. 14 for a final goodbye to your gastronomic love.

After the Fisheries' mandated closure, the lobster season reopens on June 15 on the heels of the annual Placencia Lobsterfest. In the meantime, seafood lovers can continue to enjoy fresh caught fish, conch, crab (and octopus if you're lucky), as well as locally farm-raised shrimp.

The season reopens on June 15, and you'll be able to partake in the official three-day celebrations at the 21st annual Placencia Lobsterfest, which begins on Friday, June, 21. ▪

Where in the World is the Placencia Breeze?

Where in the world are you reading The Placencia Breeze?! Send a photo to pollard.jolie@gmail.com!

Also follow us for updates at facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze or on Instagram @ThePlacenciaBreeze.

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 PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs muzamanzie@gmail.com ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Shanice Westby, 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

AMHERST, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Thanks to Jay Adriaenssens for sending us his selfie with our January 2019 issue in the snow! DJ Boney said to tell you he feels the chill from here! We're so glad you enjoyed the warmth of Placencia during your two-week stay!

COUPON PAGE!

New in the Breeze!

Turn to page 29 for great deals on the Placencia Peninsula!

Just cut out the coupon from our printed copy of the Breeze and redeem at participating businesses!

Want to place a coupon in our March 2019 issue?

Contact the Placencia BTIA Office at accounts@placencia.com or call 523-4045.

Coupon placement per month: BZ$200 Send in your coupon print ready or ask our team to design it for you.

Design fee: BZ$40. (Dimensions: 2.5 inches W and 3.75 inches H. Front of coupon is in color and back of coupon is in black and white.) Twenty spots allocated for coupons on page 29. Contact us now to secure your placement!

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The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

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Boat Captain's Video of Jaguar Swimming in Placencia Lagoon Goes Viral!

By JOLIE POLLARD pollard.jolie@gmail.com

D

arryl Lozano's video capturing a magnificent jaguar swimming towards the mangroves in the Placencia Lagoon has gone viral on social media with collective views of multiple postings already peaking to a 100 thousand as of press time!

To no one's surprise, the independent boat captain and tour guide calls the encounter the most extraordinary in all his experience cruising over the waters of southern Belize.

To put this into perspective, the 39-year-old native of Independence Village, located just a 15-boat ride across the Placencia Lagoon, has been steering boats since he was seven years old and has seen several jaguars in the area. Just one sighting in the wild is an extremely remarkable experience for anyone, which makes Lozano a very fortunate man and undoubtedly, the envy of many a wildlife enthusiast.

All of his previous sightings, however, were of jaguars on land. Lozano had never seen a jaguar in the water until that Jan. 18 th Friday morning at 6:45 a.m. when he was taking his boat, "Wetfeelings" over to Placencia for rental to Seahorse Dive Shop.

"I saw an animal swimming from a distance of about 500 feet away. I thought it was a dog, but as I got a little closer, the head and the

Lozano's video has been uploaded by multiple posters, most giving no credit to the Independence Village boat captain and guide, which led many to speculate on who was the lucky person to witness the special moment. (Photo still from video captured by: DARRYL LOZANO)

Lozano was alone on his boat when he captured the jaguar swimming across the Placencia Lagoon shortly after sunrise.

(Photo still from video captured by: DARRYL LOZANO)

ripples were much too big for a dog, so I quickly grabbed my phone [...]," Lozano recounted.

feet long from head to tail,” said Lozano, who is certain it’s the largest jaguar he’s ever seen.

Coming up to 50 feet away from the silhouette of a creature bobbing in the brackish waters and back dropped by the early morning sunlight, Lozano soon realized he was looking at a swimming jaguar and stopped his boat while continuing to record a most exciting 25 seconds of the swim. The incredible clip includes a vivid close up of the jaguar's striking print pattern from its head down to its tail and hind legs and even captures the jaguar’s quick look-around before retreating to the mangroves with its powerful strokes.

“This one was at least seven

The husband and father of three who was alone on his boat that fateful morning, says he’s happy to know his video, which he posted on Facebook the same day at 12:12 p.m., has become so popular and is making its fast rounds on social media and WhatsApp. Even the Guatemalan news media shared the recording. Lozano makes no fuss of the lack of credit many posters and sharers have neglected to give him.

“This makes me feel good, not only for me, but also for See SWIMMING JAGUAR CAUGHT ON VIDEO on page 14.

The last glimpse of the jaguar in Lozano's video shows the large cat retreating into the mangroves. According to biodiversity researcher, Dr. Marisa Lozano of the Crocodile Research Coalition, the Placencia Peninsula is still at a point in time where long-term sustainable development that protects the habitats of wildlife sharing the Peninsula and its adjacent Placencia Lagoon with residents and visitors, can ensure more magnificent sightings like this in the future.

(Photo still from video captured by: DARRYL LOZANO)

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The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

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m o r F e r i F e h t : h t r a e H

Celebrate a Full Day of Valentine's Adventures!

t guide ize. r e p x e el Your ble in B i d e s g in to all th

♥ ♥♥

By LYRA SPANG Owner, anthropologist & tour guide, Taste Belize

tastebelize@gmail.com

W

hat could be more romantic than Valentine’s Day in paradise? And how do we go about making this Thursday, Feb. 14 even more special? Yes … We all know about the classic special dinner out, and we will get to that, but remember, Valentine’s Day begins at sunrise!

The Right Morning Start:

Whether you are your own Valentine’s date or you have someone else by your side, start the day right with a Belizean seaweed shake (reputed to give the love muscles all the energy they need) at The Shak Beach Cafe or Brewed Awakenings.

Or, you may want to enjoy a cup of perfectly brewed coffee at Above Grounds Coffee Shop paired with a cinnamon glazed doughnut or a slice of their delicious banana bread for that sweet touch. And if you prefer to take in a hearty Belizean breakfast with a glorious beach view and a

Try combining espresso with your seaweed milkshake for one hell of a Valentine's Day jump start. (Courtesy of BREWED AWAKENINGS)

Aspen and Ernie visiting from Los Angeles take a moment for relaxation and romance at Moho Caye. (Photo by: JOLIE POLLARD)

side of fried jacks, a seat inside the D’Tatch restaurant or Cozy Corner is just the thing!

Chocolate Aphrodisiacs

And what better way to spend the day itself than exploring beautiful Belize? Consider a trip to Ixcacao Maya Belizean Chocolate, where every day is Valentine’s Day! Here we learn all about the origins of chocolate, arguably one of the world’s most romantic treats, and get to make our own from the tree to the bar, all the while indulging in Maya style hot chocolate and loads of delicious aphrodisiac samples!

Amp up the chocolate-for-Valentine's experience with a bean to bar educational session. (Courtesy of TASTE BELIZE) See A PLACENCIA VALENTINE'S DAY on page 11

Valentine's may end with a sumptuous lobster dinner at one of the Placencia Peninsula's many restaurants boasting the perfect view or atmosphere or even with a late night of drinks, tasty grub and dancing, but the day for self love or shared love can start early with a cup of coffee or seaweed shake and progress with delightful bites of delicious foods and chocolate. Add a private island tour, a lagoon sunset or a Peninsula beach stroll to the mix, and you're bound to fall in love! Well, at least with Placencia. Happy Valentine's!

♥

The Placencia Breeze

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February 2019

Rotary Sponsors Four Students Enrolled in Trades 4 Life Program

By JEFF WHITE Press Officer Rotary Club of Placencia jjeffwhite@gmail.com

The Rotary Club of Placencia is very pleased to sponsor four students in the Trades 4 Life program.

At Trades 4 Life, it is believed that providing young men Trade, Life, and Leadership skills assist them in becoming highly employable tradesmen capable of offering leadership in work, business, and family.

Students can acquire trade skills to work for an employer or learn how to start their own business.

Thanks to the generous support of Chip and Jennifer Lovett and Dan and Kim Edwards through the annual End of the World Marathon, we are able to provide financial support to deserving young men.

This year, we have students taking Computer Technology, Welding and Machinery and Air Conditioning.

The End of the World Marathon held every Decemeber also supports high school scholarships for students in the Peninsula area and some tertiary scholarships.â–Ş

Congratulations to Trades 4 Life Rotary Club of Placencia scholars!

Mark Tzub (San Roman Village) - computers Alex Gomez (Cowpen Village) - welding Paulino Pop (San Roman Village) - air conditioning Ceasar Ortiz (Bella Vista Village) - air conditioning These scholarships were made possible through funds raised at the annual End of the World full and half Marathon event, which benefits high schoolers and tertiary level students. Interested in registering for next year's race? Visit runbelize.org. Marathon takes place on the Placencia Peninsula on Dec. 8.

(Photo by JEFF WHITE.)

Mark Your Calendar!

Rotary Club of Placencia to Hold Auction Fundraiser on March 2!

By JEFF WHITE

Tuesdays: Weekly club meeting at the Pickled Parrot starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: Weekly seniors' get together for arts, crafts and Bingo!

The Rotary Club of Placencia will be holding our annual fundraising auction March 2, 2019 at the Tipsy Tuna. This fun and highly anticipated event usually held near the Placencia BTIA's Sidewalk Art Festival is always a big hit with lots of great items up for grabs including wonderful art, gift certificates and vacations!

The money generated from this event helps the Rotary Club with many of the activities throughout the year. If you are interested in donating something to this event, please contact Rob Cook at rcook2804@ gmail.com.â–Ş

Upcoming Rotary Club Activities:

Friday: Bingo with a chance to win BZ$500 at The Flying Pig. BZ$20 gets you 10 games!

Feb. 2, 2019 sees the first of our quarterly Blood Drives.

Please keep your eyes open for future Blood Drives and give the gift of life.

Placencia's auctions never fail to impress. Don't miss a chance to bid on impressive local art work, gift certificates, vacation packages and more. Details to be announced.

(Photo by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS/SEA auction/2015)

For details on the upcoming auction including start time and location please visit the Placencia Rotary FB page.

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A Placencia Valentine's Day Continued from page 9

Island Escape:

Prefer an island getaway? Book a private tour with one of Placencia’s expert sea captains. Imagine spending this Valentine’s Day downing grilled lobster and rum punch while lounging in a hammock with your loved one after snorkeling along our world famous reefs! You may even want to consider an overnight cabin stay at Ranguana Caye or a day snorkeling and hammocking at Moho Caye or lunch and kayaking at Ray Caye Island Resort.

Bakadeer Tranquility:

And how about that extra-happy, Happy Hour? Yoli’s Bar in the lesser known and tranquil Bakadeer area of Placencia Village is perfect for the boating crowd. Hear all the latest from sailors anchored in the harbor while enjoying a cold one at this thatch roof bar on the water.

You can always venture out to one of the picnic tables on the dock for a little alone time too, and if you want a dock all to yourself, check out Captain Pete’s next door, which will be closed, as they only open from Fridays to Sundays. Don’t forget to stop in at Merl’s Café on shore for one of her popular pastries such as a slice of scrumptious lemon meringue pie or carrot cake.

Belikins for two? Visit the Bakadeer area in the vicinity of Yoli's Bar and Paradise Vacation Hotel for dirty sailor talk and even a little alone time on the bar docks.

Add hammock lounging while spying on your bae to your island getaway to-do list.

(Photo by: JOLIE POLLARD)

and Bar. This unique spot that has a funky art installation atmosphere where you can try expertly crafted cocktails prepared with rum that is micro-distilled right here on Placencia Peninsula by well-known local character Frankie Gagliano and his crew. (Editor’s Note: Read more about Afrodite in our feature article

by Shaylene Todd in our January 2019 issue.)

Extend Cocktail Hour to the Road Front:

Continue into the evening with more special cocktails using house crafted fruit infusions at ChaChi’s! (Go for the passionfruit.) The pizzeria that is lit up with bright pink and blue lights along the Placencia Road is rapidly becoming a favorite destination to catch Belize’s finest local acts too, but you’ll just have to wait 24 hours to dance the night away to the famous Gilharry 7 Band scheduled to perform Caribbean favorites on their upper deck on Friday, Feb. 15.

If a Jimmy Buffet hangout is more of your vibe, you'll want to venture a short walk over to The Pickled Parrot.

Just a short walk south of ChaChi’s is the Little Wine Bar, a perfect spot

(Courtesy of Yoli's Bar)

Make the Cocktail BeachSidewalk Circuit at Tipsy Tuna, Barefoot and Afrodite:

Barefoot Beach Bar and Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar need no introduction as two of Placencia Village’s most popular drinking spots where locals and visitors rub shoulders on a beautiful beach front. Indulge in your frozen cocktail fantasies here and just a few footsteps away from Tipsy, there is the new Afrodite Caffe

Go solo or take your date for a treat to a charcuterie platter paired with the vino of your choice at The Little Wine Bar. (Photo by: KEVIN W. QUISCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY)

See A PLACENCIA VALENTINE'S DAY on page12

The Placencia Breeze

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February 2019

A Placencia Valentine's Day Continued from page 11

to get cozy. Start your evening with wines by the bottle or glass and try tasty charcuterie platters to share with friends, lovers or enjoy all by yourself!

Want to try my personal favorite happy hour location? Just head a little further south to the beach by the Placencia Municipal Pier with a bottle of your choosing and seek out dolphins feeding in the harbor, as you watch the sun setting over the Maya Mountains and playing rainbow games with the clouds above.

Consider making it a Valentine's Day weekend. Don't miss a night of dancing at Belize Ocean Club, Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar, Barefoot Beach Bar or at Cha Chi's.

(Photo by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS/The Placencia Mistletoe Ball, Belize Ocean Club, 2015)

and a meal in their beautiful dining room on the second floor. Laru Beya Resort also offers a beautiful beach location for a romantic stroll before dinner at their Quarter Deck Restaurant. And at the Belize Ocean

Lyra's personal happy hour location? The Point. Catch a killer sunset − and maybe a few frolicking dolphins too − from the Placencia Peninsula Pier or across the water at the reopened Tranquilo Sunset Lounge. (Photo by: JOELLE GODFREY)

along the lagoon side. For more seafront locations that offer an intimate dining experience (even if it means grabbing a table in a corner or the back of the room), also consider the Green Parrot Beach House, Singing Sands Inn and Mango’s in Maya Beach, Lost Reef Resort in Riversdale and Paradise Vacation Resort in Placencia.

And for a More Casual Valentine's Dinner ...

For a more laid back vibe, bring your own drinks to the new upstairs balcony at Omar’s Creole Grub in the heart of Placencia Village, where you can people watch with your sweetie. Enjoy world class Belizean style seafood at Omar’s and also at Dawn’s Grill, where you can order a craft cocktail like the tasty tamarind whiskey sour to accompany your meal. I once spent a very pleasant Valentine’s Day at Rick’s Café on the sidewalk with a glass of red wine and personal thin crust pizza. Wendy’s Restaurant on the main road will also be offering an array of seafood and meat dishes, and the new Yucatan Taco Stand next to Rumfish is a must-stop for the best deals in town on frozen drinks!

If you love lobster as much as you love your love, make sure to order some, as the lobster fishing season

Club and Robert’s Grove Resort, you The Romantic Dinner Spots: can choose to dine on the beach or Now the biggest question of all: Where to dine? Maya Beach Bistro puts on a special Valentine’s Day feast every year with a multi-course menu including wine pairings. Make sure to reserve your table for this spectacular meal, as seats always sell out in advance. Rumfish y Vino, La Dolce Vita, Turtle Inn Resort, Mariposa Beach Suites and Secret Garden restaurants in Placencia Village usually offer Valentine’s Day specials as well. For a new dining experience in a beautiful location north of the village, consider dinner at 1981 Restaurant, located on the grounds of Naia Resort and Spa. One of the newer resorts on the Peninsula boasting one of the most serene locations to Arrive early for a walk along their complement its famed Spa, is Naia near Maya Beach. Enjoy a special dinner at 1981 afserene beach front before cocktails ter a stroll through their impeccably manicured property. (Photo courtesy of Naia Resort and Spa)

People watch and enjoy your last lobster dinner in the new balcony seating area of Omar's. (Photo courtesy of Omar's Creole Grub)

closes the day after Valentine’s Day! As for a casual dessert experience, savor world class gelato available in a range of tropical and classic flavours at Tutti Frutti. Share a cone with your soul mate or enjoy having one all to yourself!

Late Night Bar Hopping and Munchies: If Valentine’s Day drinking is on your schedule, and it’s a late night snack that you need, remember that Barefoot and Tipsy Tuna kitchens stay open until 11 p.m.. Smoked fish dip and smoked chicken nachos are my top favorites at Barefoot where you can enjoy reggae night on Valentine’s, while Tipsy, which will be rocking out some karaoke, is justifiably famous for its wings served with a variety of tasty dipping sauces.

Both bars offer full entrees as well if you need a big meal at a late hour.

Placencia is well known for great food, and you won’t go wrong to dine at any restaurant, big or small, in the village. Consider this month’s column as a short intro to some of the dining options available on our beautiful Placencia Peninsula.▪ Lyra Spang is owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural & culinary tour company. She researches & writes about food whenever she can. tastebelize. com/ tastebelize@ gmail.com.

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Page 13

PHS Pet Tales:

Bugle Caye Dogs

donuts, and ice cream.

We trust Fred (pictured in the boat). We really like the guy! We hear his boat’s engine from a long way off, and golly, do we ever get i, my name is Cashew and excited! We can’t wait to see Fred! with me here is my buddy, In people speak, guess you might say we have built a relationship.Fred Mango. rigged a feeding station to hang When you hear about the “Bugle from ropes, so the ants don’t eat our food.

Caye dogs,” well, that’s us.

H

I am smaller than Mango, but I am the more social of the two. He said it’s OK with him if I share our story. I am also the newbie on the caye, got here just a few months ago.

Mango has been here a whole lot longer.

Neither one of us remembers how we got here or why or when. Or maybe we have chosen not to remember.

But we are very good companions to each other.

Yesterday Fred introduced us to some of his friends from the Placencia Humane Society (PHS). We got to meet vice chair Melanie Wilcher and board member Bridget Kramer Well, life had been pretty rough for who took lots of photos of us. And us. Being alone, the two of us, on a small caye in the middle of the Caribbean Sea had its challenges. There was no food. We were starving until Fred Arbona and Ruth Marie showed

By PATRICIA CELENZA up one day in their boat.

we met Jan Leaman, too, a retired vet technician from the United States and a devoted PHS volunteer.

They were happy with me, because I was so easy to vaccinate and worm.

We are just very grateful to Fred and I am friendlier Ruth and PHS for taking care of us. and quicker to They make us feel very loved. trust, Bridget said. Thanks, We love them, too.▪ Bridget, I heard that! My buddy All Pets Welcomed on Mango was skittish, and ran away at Saturday, Feb. 15 for the sight of a leash. But these PHS PHS' MONTHLY VET folks were pretty clever, because CLINIC! they snuck some serious meds into Mango’s burrito.

I overheard them discussing our future. Mango has adapted to this caye life, and is fearful, still, of strangers.

It would be really difficult for him to adjust to another life with an own-

PHS Raises Over BZ$1,000 at Rockin' Around the X-Mas Tree Event

Mango knew Fred before I arrived.

Mango says he was so scared, that he would run into the woods whenever Fred and Ruth docked their boat.

But Fred and Ruth did not give up on him. What a difference a little kindness made.

Fred comes out three times a week, visiting with us, feeding us, and treating us sometimes to burritos,

Press Officer Placencia Humane Society placibr@btl.net

On Dec. 1, 2018 at Laru Beya Resort, PHS raised BZ$1,745 at this new fundraiser to support diverse animal welfare programs that include the Seine Bight Outreach Program, Rescue, Foster, and Adoption Program, Feral Cat Program, our monthly public clinic and financial subsidies for needy pet owners.

er. He and I have grown to be good buddies.

For now, that is the way it is.

Folks created and donated fine crafted Christmas themed items, and original artwork too, for a silent auction. Thanks to everyone who participated and shared lots of pre-Christmas cheer!

If you missed this fun event, but are eager to learn more about PHS, volunteer your time or talents, or make a donation, please like Placencia Humane Society on FB, or check out our website. ▪ (Editor's Note: This story was slated to run in our January 2019 issue. Our apologies to PHS.)

Dr. Edwardo Tesecum will provide all veterinarian services, including cat vaccines, dog vaccines, and rabies shots.

Location: PHS building along the Placencia Lagoon, opposite Los Porticos Contact: Call 604-8676 to schedule the required appointments for neuters/ spays/surgeries.

Time: Noon to 2 p.m. (Doc provides shots, exams, and other non surgical treatments.)

The vet does charge for his services. PHS gratefully accepts BZ and U.S. dollars and checks.

The Placencia Breeze

Page 14

February 2019

Swimming Jaguar Caught on Video! balance between the forces of man and nature says that she is available to provide advice to any developer Placencia and the Lagoon,” he said. who wants suggestions on how to “When we have tourists visiting, build sustainably, and anyone who is they know they could expect any- interested in overcoming their fears thing to happen.” of these grand native predators that are vital creatures in Belize’s ecosysIt’s this most treasured and attrac- tem and culture. tive aspect of southern Belize that Placencia Lagoon biodiversity re- Tellez and her CRC team have been searcher, Dr. Marisa Tellez says is tracking wildlife in the area through still within our control to preserve biodiversity surveys for the past three despite all the recent developments years, an activity that she intends to related to the tourism industry and in- continue over the next 20. During creased interest in living in this area. this time, she has recorded the The co-founder presence of two and executive of the majestic director of the cats within the Crocodile Re"If you're hoping to vicinity of Plasearch Coalition cencia Lagoon: see a jaguar yourself (CRC) believes one on the propone day [...] then you that people on erty of Belize shouldn't cut all the the Placencia Aquaculture Peninsula and mangroves and trees Limited that its surrounding or partake in harmful has reserved a areas can conlarge portion of dredging [...] Placencia tinue to co-exits property for has the opportunity to ist with jaguars, the protection be a leading role crocodiles, of wildlife, and birds, agoumodel around the TexMar in Intis, armadildependence, anworld. It's important to los, manatees, other aquaculrise above the shortbirds and all ture facility that term mindset when the other wildcollaborates life – including developing this area." with the CRC in fish – that call their crocodile CRC Co-Founder and Executive Director Dr. Marisa Tellez this area home and biodiversiif we develop ty conservation sustainably. efforts.

Continued from page 7

“If you’re going to build, don’t clear all the land. Leave some of the vegetation behind so these creatures don’t lose their habitats,” Tellez said. “How would you like coming home one day and your home is bulldozed down?” According to Tellez, if you’re hoping to see a jaguar yourself one day, spot a Red Lore Parrot amongst the other beautiful birds, or order fresh fish at the restaurants, then you shouldn’t cut all the mangroves and trees or partake in harmful dredging that releases heavy metals into the aquatic environment.

While jaguars are guaranteed protection within the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve that is accessible just 18.7 miles northwest of the Placencia Peninsula off the Southern Highway, Tellez reminds us that jaguars, just like other cats, are territorial creatures. She says they will prowl the lands of Belize to mark their spaces, and for some jaguars, that means dispersing in unprotected areas outside the famous sanctuary that is managed by the Belize Audubon Society.

“Placencia has the opportunity to be a leading role model around the world. It’s important to rise above the short-term mindset when developing this area. Why? Because short-term gain IS short term. We must think long term; long term sustainability and management will ensure the economic security of the community in this area, both in tourism and natural resources,” she stated. Additionally, the advocate for

As for Darryl Lozano whose video continues to make its way across screens around the world, he said that prior to encountering the swimming jaguar, seeing a 10-foot-long tiger shark that almost tricked him into going into the water because of its initial resemblance to a gentle whale shark, had held the top rank for the most memorable experience in his boating career. We’re just going to have to take his word on that one.▪

See the video on our Facebook page! @ThePlacenciaBreeze (Photo still from video captured by: DARRYL LOZANO)

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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 Shanice Westby at 523-4045 or at director@placencia.com

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

Ceiba Beach Resort & Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 651-6649; Thomas S. Hudson www.ceibabeachresort.com

Aqua Oasis dreawoody@gmail.com 623-3286

Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Chris Rothing

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 bayshore.bz 604-8910 or 600-1040 Jenny Wildman Belize Ocean Club info@belizeoceanclub.com 671-4500; Thibault Gehin belizeoceanclub.com Blue Crab Beach House linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Cap’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey & Susan Fowler Captain Jak’s: info@captainjaks.com 523-3448 or 628-6447 Caribbean Beach Cabanas info@caribbeanbeachcabanas. com; 622-4142 David & Laura Diffendal Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099 Midge & Aaron Dallas Casa Del Sol rubenvasquez27@gmail.com 628-8514; Ruben Vasquez Casa Laguna Vista windwardproperties@att.net 361-765-8277; David Wallace Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com; 629-2700 or 660-8526 Mariuccia Levoni Casa Palma casapalma@outlook.com 628-7922; Perfecto Choc Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com; 503-3143 or 630-7811 Jacki Tipton

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

Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net; 523-3117 or 627-7970; Lydia Villanueva Maine Stay /The belizekaren@gmail.com; 523-3507; Karen Travers Mariposa Beach Suites* reservations@mariposabelizebeach.com; 523-4474 or 610-4473 Bruce & Sharon Maddison Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro* info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee

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

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

Singing Sands Inn* Miller’s Landing* info@singingsands.com; millersplacencia@yahoo.com 533-3022 or 520-8022; 523-3010 or 523-3011 Maya Kramer Gary & Ann Miller Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas Miramar Apartments info@sirenianbay.com info@miramarbelize.com; www.sirenianbay.com 523-3658; Ilsa Villanueva 614-3230 www.miramarbelize.com Brian and Brenda Montgomery

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

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

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

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

Coral Cove Inn coralcoveinnbelize@gmail.com 600-9847; Gordon Keith Allen

Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers Hibiscus Beach Properties 615-3287; Cindy Weller cindy@hibiscusbeachbelize.com hibiscusbeachbelize.com Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069 Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Itz'ana Resort & Residence kim@itzanabelize.com 610-3456; Kim Viner Laru Beya Resort* timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3473; Timoteo Mes Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry Snowden Lost Reef Resort* llr@lostreefresort.com 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore

Ocean’s Edge Beach Houses info@oceansedge-belize.com 514-606-5582 Michael Brauel & Francine Martel Paradise Plantation jerryspiritclub@yahoo.com 633-1162; Jerry Herrera paradise.plantation-villa.com 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

Southern Shores Resort deb@southernshoresresort.com 615-4182 Deborah Tinsley southernshoresresort.com Suites at Three Iguanas Annelise Hagan 633-6599 annelisehagan@hotmail.com

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 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS End of World Marathon 622-1656; chip@runbelize.org Danny Edwards runbelize.org

Sunset Pointe Condos ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department Office Manager, Francisco 626-0667 Turtle Inn */** Kathy Anglin frontdesk@turtleinn.com; 523-3244; Martin Krediet Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 Tradewinds Hotel David Kafka, president trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie Rotary Club of Placencia Vacasa Belize Ltd. (formally Swan Villas) info@swanvillasbelize.org 621-1393 Rodolfo Saenz De Ugante

622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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

Amik Kil Ha Villas at Cocoplum Rental/The achild17@gmail.com booking@thevillasatcocoplum- 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 Amanda Harris rental.com thevillasatcocoplumrental.com friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com 607-7970; Herbert Kollman Belize Sotheby's White House in Placencia/ The International Realty info@whitehouseplacencia.com info@belizesir.com 523-3309 1-732-829-4042 Kristin Fisher Kirsten & Per Kristensen

Ranguana Lodge ranguana@btl.net; 523-3112 ranguanabelize.com Joy Leslie

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

Boris Mannsfeld & Associates info@RealEstatePlacencia.com; 523-3309 Boris Mannsfeld

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

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

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

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

Rotonda/The candegier@gmail.com 601-8021; Carmen Stowe

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

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

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

**Tour Operator

***Property Rentals

Page 16

The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

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Page 17

February 2019

The Placencia Breeze

Page 18 RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT Above Grounds Coffee keithgmorrison@gmail.com 634-3212 Keith Morrison

Over the Water avi@marvin.co.il (Israel#) +972-508-810-891 Avi Rotem

Barefoot Bar barefootbarbz@gmail.com 523-3515 Cassie & Brice Dial

Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor tizy.lory@virgilio.it 620-9916; Tiziana Del Col

Brewed Awakenings brewedawakeningsbelize@gmail. com 635-5312 Ryan & Natalie Dixon Buba Wuba Smoke Shack & Grill finagler53@msn.com 650-9243 Robert Coppock ChaChi's chachipizza@gmail.com 523-3305 De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood Dolce Vita/ La ladolcevitaplacencia.com@hotmail.com 678-1089 or 523-3115 Simone De Angelis Friends Near the Pier robbcarson.king@gmail.com 667-4805 Robb Carson Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes4@gmail.com 601-4434 or 629-3145 Manuel Simpson JC's Corner annmarie6362@gmail.com 602-0871 AnnMarie Mena Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3476 Timoteo Mes Mango’s Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 668-4461 or 651-6649 Thomas Hudson 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

Wendy's Creole Restaurant 523-3335 Wendy Lemus

AB2 Architects andrea@ab2architects.com 523-8113 or 610-0488 Andrea Bacher www.ab2architects.com GSR Energy Holdings, Ltd. gleneiley@yahoo.com 630-2843 Glenford Eiley

One World Gift Shop oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 620-9975 or 523-3103 Claudia Hardegger Pyramid House Wine & Etc. info@pyramidhousewine.com 636-5745 Fred Hoffman, III

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

Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@gmail.com 523-3563 or 669-4675 Marion & Ed Carr

Daytripper Catamaran daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117; Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott

Placencia Mini Storage celeste1001@live.com 665-0800 Paul & Celeste Smith

Destinations Belize mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718 Mary Toy

SCHOOLS (PIA) Peninsula International Academy peninsulaacademy.org 601-3523 Selena Lucas St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic School Principal Ms. Loris Moreira Vice Principal Monique Guzman 665-3853 or 632-9124 St. John's Memorial Anglican School stjohnsmemorial@gmail.com 610-5502 Lovelia "Lovey" Rowland SHOPPING

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 Splash Dive Center divebelizewithsplash@gmail.com 523-3080 Patty Ramirez Sunny Side Tours sunnysidebelize@yahoo.com 610-1040 Warren Garbutt

Added Touch /The addedtouchhotelsupplies@gmail. com Taste Belize 223-1461 or 615-0054 tastebelize@gmail.com; Robin McCutcheon 664-8699 Lyra Spang Goss Chocolate linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com The Belize Tourism Industry 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson was formed in 1985 to bring Lola’s Art Gallery lolasartgallerybelize@gmail.com 523-3342/601-1913

Mermaid Charms jenari_13@yahoo.com Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar 604-1906 or 503-3206 tipsytuna@outlook.com Jeanna Casey 523-3089 Salva & Gillian Zabaneh MnM Hardware Placencia duncker@btl.net 523-3517 or 523-3537 Dora Duncker Tranquilo Restaurant & Bar

NSAA Bath and Body nsaa.bathbody@gmail.com 663-4276 Omitade Adediran

TOURS SERVICES

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

SHOPPING

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

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

Beeman, Dan dbeeman@gmail.com 818-983-5700

Mertens, Wini Palacio, Arreini Morgan arreinipal@seabelize.org 670-2924

Christensen, Steve gringo@btl.net; 610-1399 Cohen, Howard & Karen howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695 Coston, Debbie debcoston@yahoo.com; 624-6483 Edwards, Dan & Kim thislldo.dan@gmail.com 622-1656 Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004 Hess, Christina; 523-3344 Markham, Patricia Angie

Pelayo, Aretha A. arethapelayo@gmail.com 622-7557 Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net; 523-4306 Van Deurzen, John vandeurzen.bz@gmail.com; 662-0020 Westby, Brandon brandonwestby@tropicair.com 631-3553 Wildman, Tanya tanyagster@gmail.com 608-1360 Wohl, Bill (formerly Slip Stop) slipstop.ca@gmail.com 601-5548

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

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Vocational School Teacher and Longtime Sidewalk Art Fest Fan Wins Logo Competition

By JOLIE POLLARD pollard.jolie@gmail.com

Not a professional artist by any measure, Godwin Torres decided to take his teaching supplies and jump in to this year’s Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival logo design contest. The tourism, hospitality and culinary arts teacher at Georgetown Technical High School said his drawing took him four hours to complete. “I could have it done it digitally, which would be prettier and easier, but I wanted to present an actual handmade piece,” Torres said.

Put up to a vote against two digital creations on Facebook, the masses clicking the like button on the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival page

declared that they too preferred a hand crafted design.

After a digital tweak by Natasha Eiley of the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the logo now sits prominently in a circle surrounded by a big splash of bright colors (See front page). As they do each year, the Placencia BTIA will be selling t-shirts featuring the final design inside their office at the Placencia Tourism Center and at their official Placencia BTIA booth at the event. Funds raised assist the festival organizers with See SIDEWALK ART FEST LOGO WINNER on page 24 Godwin Torres' pencil crayon drawing incorporated conch shell, painting and wood sculpting elements in his winning design.

The Placencia Breeze

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February 2019

Twelve Trainees Complete FoH Coral Outplanting Course

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)

fohoutreach@gmail.com Through funding from MCCAP and WWF, Fragments of Hope held its 5th Coral Reef Replenishment Methods Training in Placencia Village on Jan. 14th-18th, 2019 and now has 12 more coral practitioners ready for coral outplanting! The free course opened with a general public meeting/overview with special focus on the Belizean style of micro-fragmenting and ended with three in-water sessions with hands-on micro- fragmenting and outplanting directly on the reef in cement at Moho Caye, making ropes for the tables, learning how to measure staghorn Total Linear Extension (TLE) and learning how to outplant ropes with nails at Laughing Bird Caye National Park.

Participants for the training included stakeholders from the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, Belize Fisheries Department, Southern Environ-

Trainees participating in the fifth Coral Reef Replenishment Methods program hold certificates of completion along with Fragments of Hope training assistants, participating boat captains and invited scientists. (Photo courtesy of Fragments of Hope)

mental Association, Gladden Spit and aquaculture expert), Dr. Mark Butler and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, the and PhD candidate, Jason Spadero (lobster Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve and and crab expert) this year!â–Ş Laughing Bird Caye National Park.

Many thanks to all our excellent participants: our experienced FoH training assistants, skilled boat captains and invited scientists Dr. David Vaughan (micro-fragmenting guru

Fragments of Hope publicly acknowledges donors and partners in 2018 per the following membership categories:

ACROPORA

DIADEMA

CHRYSURUS

Providing volunteer or in-kind contribution <BZ$2,000 to the work of the organization qualifies an individual or entity. Membership is yearly.

Financial contributions of BZ$4,000.00 BZ$10,000.00. Membership is yearly.

Financial contribution of over BZ$10,000.00.

Membership is perpetual.

Website Donors: D Stewart, Holly Sletteland, Anthony Birdsey, Shelby Bush, Jack Edelstein, Edward Kuhrt, Dale Ross, Kirsten Kristensen, Tamar Schamhart, Megan Reitz, Damien Beri, Charlie Burrow, Edward Kuhrt, Melissa Freedman, Bill Campbell, Jack Edelstein and Mary Knowles.

Local Donors: Belize Ocean Club, Miramar Apartments, Tom McTaggart, Seahorse Dive Shop, Placencia Village Council, Publics Supermarket Seine Bight, Trade Winds Hotel, Seine Bight Village Council, Ajay Williams, Jonathan Dubon, Devonne Leslie, Carlos Murillo, Maricella Shal, Brandon Chinchilla, Linda Brown, Maya Trotz, Dale Newkirk, Anton Leslie, Sarah Weaver, Smithsonian: Carrie Bow Caye Field Station , Turneffe Atoll Sustainabilty Association and Jalima Gold.

Local Donor: The Moorings Belize

Fragments of Hope is a community based organization located on the Placencia Peninsula. Our focus is the restoration of coral reef and mangrove habitats and advocacy for the sustainable management of associated coastal ecosystems.

Website Donor: Gilbert Rotstein and Scott Youngs Local Donors: Ray Caye and Wild Orchid/Moho Caye

Restoration efforts in Belize are conducted by trained fishers and tour guides, and we work closely with regulatory agencies, including the Belize Fisheries Department.

We are also registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization (Fragments of Hope CORP) in the United States and hence, U.S. donations via our website are tax deductible in the USA. For more information, visit our website at fragmentsofhope.org.

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croc corner

Belize Crocodile Makes History as First in Caribbean and Central America for Deployment with Satellite Transmitter!

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

J

an. 19, 2019, will forever be marked in the history books for crocodile conservation and management in Belize and in the region! The Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), in collaboration with the Belize Forest Department, the KEEP, and the Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment (TIDE) has deployed the first ever satellite transmitter on an American crocodile in Belize, and to our current knowledge the first satellite tracker attached to an American crocodile within the Central American and Caribbean region!

This historic moment marks an epic step forward in monitoring this species in the wild in Belize for future conservation and management plans, in addition to mitigating human-crocodile conflict. The adult male known as TK421 (testing all the Star Wars fans out there!), came under CRC’s rehabilitation program, and his time of release lined up perfectly in the initiation of the CRC’s countrywide American crocodile population survey with a donated satellite tracker. We look forward to sharing fun updates on TK421 with our supporters and followers, so stay tuned!

If you are interested in sponsoring another transmitter for CRC’s crocodile research and management, or if you would like to make a donation to cover TK421’s monthly satellite transmission data ($40BZ/ month), contact the CRC for more information! Monthly sponsors will get a full report on TK421’s daily life and other good crocin’ fun surprises from the CRC!▪

The American crocodile in Belize, with a name inspired by the Star Wars series, is the first in the region to be deployed into the wild with a satellite transmitter.

CRC News continues on page 26.

SUPPORT CROCODILE RESEARCH BY SPONSORING A TRANSMITTER! If you are interested in sponsoring another transmitter for CRC’s crocodile

research and management, or if you would like to make a donation to cover TK421’s monthly satellite transmission data ($40BZ/ month), contact the CRC for more information! Monthly sponsors will get a full report on TK421’s daily life and other good crocin’ fun surprises from the CRC!

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Page 22

February 2019

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, 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 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com

SHOPPING

Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! 523-3544, Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL Yellow Pages, Facebook. Winner World Belize! 9 Cabanas w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean. coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock.

Placencia Pharmacy: Prescriptions, OTC meds & vitamins as well as 523-3122 - trdewndpla@btl.net cosmetics & pet meds. Located just north of Atlantic Bank. Open Mon-Sat 8 am- 6 pm. Closed on Sundays & Public & Bank Holidays. P. 523-3346

CHEERS

Wallen’s Market: Hardware and houseware as well as wines, liquors, & select wholesale items. Located just south of BTL office. Serving the peninsula for Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11 am to midnight. Located on the beach. over 30 years! P. 503-3316; Office: 523-3128. wallensmarket@yahoo.com.

Live Music Wed, Fri & Sat at 5 pm & Sun at 1 pm. Happy Hour 5 -6 pm.

Largest drink menu around. Creative lunch & dinner specials. Known for 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.

DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed on Wed) 7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385 The Pickled Parrot: American Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and ICE COLD BEER under an open-air thatched roof! Daily BZ$10 specials. Open M, W,TH,F,S with live music every Saturday. Call: 636-7068.

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 Placencia Office Supply: Business Service – Printing – Faxing – Copies. at 523-3252.

Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, on the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for portraits, web & brochure images. 523-3563 or 603-5143 breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. 523-3335 - wendylemus02@hotmail.com muzamanzie@yahoo.com

SERVICES

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Festival/Event Calendar & National Public & Bank Holidays January 2019: New Year's Day, Jan. 1 The Garifuna Collective live at ChaChi's, Jan. 12 February 2019: Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival: Feb. 9-10 Lobster Season Closes: Feb. 15

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

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

TOUR PROVIDERS Trip N Travel: Inland Jungle Tours – Monkey River Magic. 660-7189 lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Supply.

The Placencia Peninsula Guide features paid listings. Contact the Placencia BTIA office at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com for pricing information.

March 2019: Flaming Heart Ball Fire Department Fundraiser: TBA Maya Day: 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

June 2019: Battle Cancer Walk TBA Placencia Lobsterfest: June 21-22-23 Rotary Duck Race at Lobsterfest Conch Season Closes (date dependent on quota requirements)

October 2019 Conch Season Opens: Oct. 1 Pan-American Day Holiday: Oct 14 BTIA Belize Birding Festival: Oct. 25-28 November 2019 GarifunaSettlement Day Holiday: Nov. 19

December 2019 End of the World September 2019: Marathon: Dec. 8 St. George’s Caye Mistletoe Ball: TBA Day Holiday: Sept.

Placencia Christmas 10 Boat Parade: TBA Flag Raising Christmas Street Ceremony and Parade: TBA Party: Sept. 20 Christmas Day Holiday: Belize Independence Dec. 25 Day Holiday and Boxing Day Holiday: Carnival: Sept. 21 Dec. 26 Placencia Yamaha New Year's Eve Beach Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Parties at Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot: Dec. 31 TBA

May: 2019 Labour Day: May 1 Sovereign's/ Commonwealth Day Holiday: May 24

Run while supporting high school scholarships for area students!

Dec. 8, 2019.

Visit runbelize.org

Page 24

Placencia Bids Farewell to

Fyah Gyal

in Appropriate Fashion!

By SHAYLENE TODD Contributing Writer The Placencia Breeze

shaylenetodd@gmail.com

W

e’re on the Point. The torch is lit. Twenty-four glittering contestants line the boardwalk, each taking their turn to hold the flame high against the candy blue sky and pass it to the next contender. I’m last in line, and I drop to one knee with the flame, lighting the poi in front of me. A familiar beat blasts through the speakers, and the flaming poi starts spinning in time with her blonde pigtails. Fire burning overhead and through her legs, I know many are worried she may light her hair on fire again. Or maybe they want her to, yeah, the sea is pretty close. Fyah Gal! She waves her poi and sets the Olympic Torch ablaze. Her hair and polyester shorts are safe! The flame reflects off a hot pink disco rug and the crowd cheers!

The games have begun.

be joining her boyfriend Greg in Tasmania, an island state of Australia. These Beach Olympics are an elaborate farewell, reminiscent of the ones she first hosted in 2009 and the type of gathering that fits her spirit.

People of all ages, nationalities and athletic deficiencies gather together to compete. Add beer bongs, bittaz shots, and, in her signature fashion, copious amounts of glitter to team bodies and the fun brings itself.

There is only one rule on the list of rules: “One Whiny Comment = One Shot.” I find that rule very representative of how Stephanie lives her life; her contagious positive spirit reminds us to stop complaining and celebrate the beauty in our community and glittery fun around you.

A biomechanical engineer by trade and straight out of corporate America, Stephanie first came to Placencia for a friend’s wedding in 2005.

Knowing she wanted to move here, she set out on an around-the-world trip in 2007 only slightly afraid that she’d find “a better place.” Lucky for us, after having visited 40 countries from India to Indonesia and her making her way through Europe, Africa and South America, she feels Belize has it all. Rich in history, lush in its natural beauty, Stephanie found her home quickly among the English speaking community and has since Stephanie Wandke, Placencia’s resi- become as integral to the Placencia dent fire dancer and my best friend, community as the Barefoot Beach hailed as Fyah Gal all over Belize, Bar. has decided to bid a fond “see you See LAYTA FYAH GYAL on page 25 later” to us after 10 years. She will

The Placencia Breeze

February 2019

Stephanie says that when she arrives overseas, and people ask her where she’s from, she’ll say, 'Belize.'

"This is where I chose to live, and this is the flag I wave as I travel. This is the place that has shaped me and where I grew up.”

Her legacy of glitter, positivity and love of everything fun is now in our hands, and we’ll try and do her proud … until her epic Welcome Home party, of course.

Remember. Fyah Gal Says: 1.

Say No to Plastic.

2.

Don’t Pet the Turtles!

3.

Be Excellent to Each Other ♥♥♥

Sidewalk Art Fest Fest Logo Winner Continued from page 19

planning more annual events, operating the tourism center, publishing this newspaper and much more to promote grassroots tourism on the Peninsula. (See festival map on page 27.)

“I know I have a bit of creativity in me, and I wanted to test it out there,” Torres said. “Since I was a child I have been drawing and placing my pieces where people

can see them, just so I can see their reactions.”

The 32 year old, who has been teaching at Georgetown for the past 11 years, says that many teachers will buy expensive materials to decorate their classrooms or pay people, but in his case, he’s always created his own.

“And I enjoy my students’ reactions because I’ll draw cartoon characters that are so old, they are lost! … But it catches their attention.”

Torres grew up in Orange Walk Town, but currently resides in Independence Village. As the son of Placencia fisherman, boat captain and tour guide, Benji Eiley, Torres has always maintained a strong relationship with Placencia and looks forward to attending the Sidewalk Art Festival each year. “I enjoy seeing things from a different perspective. What may be trash for some is art – fascinating art for others,” he said.

Two years ago while studying cu-

linary arts in Austria, Torres said he visited a few places in central Europe where he found himself making comparisons between European and Belizean art. “I can tell anyone that Belizeans are very creative people.”

The fact that Placencia sets a weekend aside to “celebrate, highlight and promote art, is just pure awesomeness!” Torres said. Congratulate this new artist among the pros and dilettantes on the Feb. 9-10 weekend. ▪

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Layta, Fyah Gyal! pink Mohawk - after setting her hair on fire in the early days, Stephanie says that Placencia allowed her to Using her passion for science and grow into the person she was meant her love of community, she whole to be. heartedly threw herself into being a Friend of Rotary and active with She loves that here you can meet the former youth center. Intent on people from everywhere, and she becoming one with her surroundings, has made a point of visiting many Stephanie has never shied away from of her new friends in their home things that would qualify her as a countries. With her huge smile and true Placencian. She orders stew arms spread wide open, her sheer chicken for breakfast, attempts to presence reminds us to turn and talk Continued from page 24

Stephanie dressed in costume at a Barefoot Bar Halloween Party.

to the person next to us.

In her words, “Placencia opens up the world. You can sit around a table with people from so many different countries, whether they were born here, are living on a boat, or visiting for two days. It’s so special.

Everyone has a story.” And indeed, when she saw two tourists who were walking on the beach, she invited them to join the Beach Olympics, and they now share a gold medal story!

She believes the charm of Placencia is in the every day happenings. It’s a place where everybody knows your name, that shoes are never mandatory and that every grocery trip is a scavenger hunt. Her favorite day of the year is the End of the World Marathon.

Before takeoff, Wandke partakes in one final Original Beach Olympics where she rose victorious with the As a six-time winner of Trippin' Trees (Geoff, Shay and a tourist named Mar- the “Best Water Station nie). She founded the event, which later evolved into Award,” on the Maya Beach a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Placencia.

Bistro team, she loves that it’s a global sport with an respond in kriol and relishes being international roster. “The marathon barefoot. She taught herself to fire brings people from a dozen countries dance, just like she taught herself around the world to an event that how to build websites, allowing her truly showcases our strengths,” she to work digitally and pursue her trav- tells me, “creativity and community els. Six feet tall and known to sport a spirit. It’s a unique chance to be a

Fyah Gyal performs at Barefoot Beach Bar. Stephanie Wandke, originally from the USA, earned her nickname in Placencia where she called home for 10 years.

part of our village, experience our hospitality and see our crazy side.”

In the spirit of looking forward (though it’s hard for me to do knowing she will be so far), Stephanie says that when she arrives overseas and people ask her where she’s from, she’ll say Belize. “This is where I chose to live and this is the flag I

The longtime scuba diver holds the Belize Flag in the Red Sea in Egypt.

wave as I travel. This is the place that has shaped me and where I grew up.”

Her legacy of glitter, positivity and love of everything fun is now in our hands and we’ll try and do her proud until her epic Welcome Home party.▪

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Page 26

February 2019

croc corner Part 2

Back to the Crocin’ Future: CRC Review of 2018

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

O

n January 26, the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) celebrated our three-year anniversary! Although the organization is still young, I have been conducting research in Belize and in the region for over 10 years and have set up a pace of non-stop research, management, and education. This past year saw various success and growth amongst the CRC… so where do we even start? First we say THANK YOU to the community of the Placencia Lagoon. CRC very much recognizes that the success of our research, education and wildlife rehabilitation program reflects the support (whether it is cheers, art supplies for our

outreach events, monetary or providing fish for our rehab crocs) we receive from the community.

So again, thank you Placencia for sinking your teeth into crocodile conservation with the CRC! This past year CRC made a big leap in becoming permitted by the Belize Forest Department to create a rehabilitation program for injured or ill crocodiles. The center also helps to negatively reinforce crocodiles that may have been recently habituated by indirect or direct feeding (REMEMBER: feeding crocs creates an animal that has lost its fear in humans and that can contribute to increase human-crocodile conflict. Keep your family, friends, and pets safe and DON’T FEED THE CROCS!).

Furthering our dedication to the wildlife of the Placencia Lagoon

and southern Belize, we solidified a partnership with the Placencia Humane Society (PHS) by establishing the CRC Wildlife Triage Clinic. Thanks to a donation of BZ$16,000, the CRC is now prepared to provide wildlife first aid and stabilize injured wildlife prior to transportation to a veterinary facility or appropriate rehabilitation center.

In regards to research, CRC finished the countrywide Morelet’s crocodile population survey. The last thorough survey was conducted in 1995. In summary, we found that certain croc populations have rebounded from past exploitation;

whereas, other populations have decreased. As for the Placencia Lagoon, compared to 20 years ago the population of Morelet’s croc has increased. However, it seems the Morelet’s crocs in the area are hybridizing with the American crocs in the area (and yes, hybrid crocs are fertile!). We are currently examining tissue samples for genetic analyses to assess the rate of hybridization, and if there are any significant external factors affecting the rate of hybridization.

Additionally, with the data that we have collected from this survey, we See CRC 2018 Review on page 27

2018 Licensed Tour Guides of the Placencia &Monkey River Tour Guide Associations A message from the Belize Tour Guide Association: Did you know that it is illegal to guide a tour in Belize without a license? Licensed tour guides undergo a comprehensive training program, pass a swim test and are certified in CPR and first aid.

Ask to see your guide's license!

Adran Kus Ainsworth Leslie Sr. Akeem Tejada Alexander Chun Alexander Garbutt Alfred Williams Allan Arnold Allan Villanueva Alrin Muschamp Amir Neal Andre Williams Andres Fletes Andria Villanueva Angel Bonilla Arthur Westby Avelardo Cuevas Avelino Franco Basilio Ical Ben Bol Benjamin Young Bernard Leslie Jr. Bernard Leslie Sr. Bernard Valerio Blake Leslie Brian Coy Bryan Petillo Charles Longworth Clarence Rowland Claude Vernon

Dale Godfrey Dalila Sanchez Dan Santos Daniel Cabral Darmin Shivers Darnell Leslie Darrel Westby Darryl Lozano David Ortiz Derwin Garbutt Deshawndre Henderson Diego Coc Dion Muschamp Doren Leslie Sr. Doyle Gardiner Dwayne Young Earl Godfrey Ebenezer Gordon Edlin Leslie Edwin Carr Eldon Sanchez Elesario Shal Eliezer Munoz Elroy Burgess Elroy Tucker Elton Reyes Emelio Diaz Emilliano Bo Eric Foreman

Ernesto Bol Eusebio Bonell Sr. Evaristo Muschamp Ever Ramirez Eyanick Pop Fabian Vellos Faygon Villanueva Fedrito Villanueva Florencio Shal Floria Sanchaz Francisco Alvarado Francisco Linarez Francisco Tush Fredi Arias Genaro Chiac Gilbert Garbutt Grayson Sierra Harold Neal Henry Hamilton Hilario Tuch Hubert Neal Hubert Young Ian Cuevas Ian Vernon Iris Ramirez Ivan Leslie Jr. Ivan Leslie Sr. Jamie Leslie Jason Herrera Jason Westby Jason Williams Javier Martinez Jermaine Cain Jes Bech Jonathan Gabourel Jordan Griffith Julian Cabral Julio Garcia Keiran Eiley Kendis Hernandez

Kenroy Eiley Keon Leslie Khimar Spence Kirk Mayen Kylon Garbutt Lauro Trapp Lennox Palacio Leonardo Castro Leopold Ernest Garcia Leopold Leslie Leslie Faux Lincoln Garbutt Lincoln Garbutt Jr. Linda Garcia Lloydia Westby Luis Gabriel Lyra Spang Marco Supaul Mariko Wallen Marisha Betancourt Mark Buller Martin Cabral Marvin Escobar Matthew Leslie Maxwell Canelo Melissa Cabral Melvin Arevalo Mervin Leslie Jr. Mervin Leslie Sr. Miguel Herrera Miguel Ortiz Natasha Gibson Nazario Cal Nestor Teul Nick Pollard Norman Leslie Jr. Octario Ack Oliver Salam Orie Burgess Orlando Flores

Orlin Ipina Osacar Gutierrez Oscar Boo Pablo Mendoza Percival Gordon Peter Dacoff Polly Alford Prince Gongora Rafael Villanueva Randolph Faux Randolph Villanueva Renato Cal Rene Leslie Sr. Rhawn Godfrey Rolando Espat Sandy Asencio Shannae Garcia Shawn Young Sidney Lopez Stephen Lopez Stephen Young Tadeo Chun Terry Garbutt Thorman Turner Vaughan Leslie Vaughan Leslie Vicente Pau Vinicio Tuario Walter Aldana Walter Garbutt Warren Garbutt Wayne Castellanos Wellington Garbutt Willie Caal willington Garbutt Winsley Cuevas Ylman Linares Zane Garbutt Zane Westby Zeferino Mes

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Page 27

JOIN THE FESTIVAL! VENDOR SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Complete the registration form on page 28!

Like our Facebook page for updates on the Fest! @PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival Want to book rooms? See our accommodations listing on page 15!

The Placencia Breeze

Page 28

February 2019

2019 Placencia BTIA 19th Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival Artist and Vendor Registration Event: Saturday, February 9th & Sunday February 10th, 2019

Please return registration forms to director@placencia.com & accounts@placencia.com or deliver to the Placencia Tourism Center Business Name: Contact Name: Phone: Email: Product Description:

Artist Booth Rental Options 10x10 tent

Sat

Sun

Total Due Total Paid Date Paid

@ $150 for 2 days

10 x 20 tent @ 200 for 2 days 20 x 20 tent @ $300 for 2 days 10x10 area, no tent @ $75 for 2 days

Food Vendor Booth Rental Sat

Sun

Amt Due Total Paid Date Paid

# of 10x10 spots @ $150 for 2 days

NGO PRICES Sat

Sun

Amt Due

Total Paid

Date Paid

Local NGO $50 for 2 days Out District NGO $100 for 2 days

Total Due Please make checks payable to: Placencia Tourism Center Direct Deposit to: Atlantic Bank Acct #100091222

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The Placencia Breeze

Page 30

February 2019

CRC 2018 Review Continued from page 11

will now work with government in establishing the FIRST management and conservation program for the species, which can assist key stakeholders further in mitigating human-crocodile conflict and furthering coexistence.

The CRC is not JUST about crocs or wildlife. I always remind people conservation is NOT about wildlife, it’s about people.

The success of any conservation program parallels the involvement and support of the local communities (and that support can turn into sustainable economic opportunities for local communities). From the start the CRC has been dedicated to promoting coexistence with crocodiles. We are not trying to make everyone croc lovers.

Part of our mission is to squash the false beliefs and misguided information about these animals that stems (lately) from mis-informed media and over exaggeration from social media. As I

teach my three-year old daughter, there is no need to FEAR animals, but there is a need to respect them.

Our goal this past year was to conduct educational outreach in at least three localities in each district in Belize, and we did it!

Moreover, we established "Next Gen Croc" in Seine Bight/Placencia. This is a mentorship program, and the experience has been different for each of the five participating students given their career path.

Our goal with this program is to provide the mentorship and tutoring experience necessary to give the student an edge in their career path, in addition to providing excursions to locations that they otherwise may not experience via research (such as a trip to The Belize Zoo to participate in a veterinary workshop!).

It’s been exciting fostering the next generation of environmental leaders in Belize, and we look forward to seeing the future pathologist, veterinarian, biology teacher, forest department officer and wildlife rehabber grow into their career!

If you are interested in learning more about CRC’s past year, check out our blog: A Load of Croc. Also visit our website: crocodileresearchcoalition.org . As we look into the future we concentrate on on furthering outreach in Stann Creek, initiating the countrywide American crocodile population survey and welcoming some of the experts in wildlife and habitat conservation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature

(IUCN) for a conference we are hosting in June. Be on the look out for exciting updates as year three is already looking like a crocin’ good time!

The CRC is a Belize non-profit with a sister 501(c)3 company Collective ConSERVation in the United States. For more information on financial donation, please contact Dr. Marisa Tellez at marisa.tellez@ crcbelize.org.▪

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Transportation Information D' Express Boat - Capt. Grevil, 624-6509- Pay aboard. Departs Placencia Fridays from MnM's Service Station at 9 a.m. Arrives in Big Creek at10 a.m. then departs Big Creek at 11 a.m. Arrives in Puerto Cortez, Honduras at 2 p.m. at Laguna.

• Returns to Placencia on Mondays: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras at 11:30 a.m. Arrives in Big Creek at noon. Departs Big Creek at 1:30 p.m. Arrives in Placencia at 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 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

3.15 pm

4.00 pm

6.15 pm

7.45 pm

9.45 pm

• 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.

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 • 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 • Animal Medical Centre (Belize City) 223-3781, 223-0251 • Doctor Lopez: 670-5363

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.

The Placencia Breeze

February 2019