Sidewalk Art Fest a Plans for Easter Activities Underway Triumphant Success! Hundreds of visitors flocked to the 15th annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival to hunt for the perfect authentic Belizean gifts and souvenirs. The weekend event held on February 10 and 11 along the popular Placencia sidewalk, received equal praise from both shoppers and vendors. “It just gets better every year,” said popular young Belizean entrepreneur Continued on page 19
Wearing the official 2018 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival t-shirt, Kelvin Baizar autographs his painting displayed on one of the 12 new Belikin Beer limited local art collection bottles, which was launched at Naia Resort and Spa on the eve of the weekend event.
Placencia Office Supply and Trip 'n' Travel Owner Laura Godfrey showcase her illustrations. After a lifelong private affair with art, Godfrey came out of the closet at her successful Art Fest debut.
There will be a bit of a shakeup this year to the typical Placencia Easter experience, but rest assured, the Village’s signature attractions of edgy and raunchy, spring-breaker type entertainment, as well as family-friendly fun await the crowds of visitors from within Belize and beyond.
Popular Easter hangouts, Barefoot Beach Bar, Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar have joined fellow beach restaurant and bar Cozy Corner with keeping the vibes chill for the holiday weekend. While Bare-
foot and Tipsy have opted out of live stage entertainment this year, visitors can expect a fun DJ lineup and top notch food and cocktail service. Just a stone throw’s away down the beach, however, independent Placencia event planner Selvin “Sello” Mendez in collaboration with Bowen & Bowen, Ltd. will be hosting the live interactive theatre that the debaucherous Easter-goer loves and the more conservative tends to avoid. Expect dancing contests, bikini continued on page 3.
Mek We Go to Placencia! In just the second segment of its first episode, Belize’s newest and only digital travel show “Mek We Go” (Let’s Go) made its way down to Placencia Village and its outlying Laughing Bird Caye National Park. In the segment sponsored by the Southern Environmental Asso- Mary "Ras Mar" Tucker of Placencia Village shares some of her barbecue
Continued on page 14.
chicken with Chef Sean Kuylen and Geraldine Sosa at Laughing Bird Caye on Belize's new and first-ever digital travel show, "Mek We Go."
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The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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Inside March 2018
Pg 5 ... Placencia Superwoman to Speak at UN Headquarters Pg 6 ... Sunken Vessel Removed from Placencia Harbour Pg 7 ... From the Fire Hearth: Bitter is Better! Pg 9 ... Croc Corner Pg 10 ... Vacationing Architect Sketches Placencia Moments Pg 11 ... Jimmy Buffet's Parrotheads Party for a Purpose in Placencia Pg 14 ... Mek We Go to Placencia! (contind.) Pg 15 & 18 ... Placencia BTIA Membership Directory Pg 16-17... Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 ... Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! (contd.) Pg 20 ... Rotary Ups the Ante in February Pg 21 ... Through the Eyes of a Sea Ranger Pg 21 ... Ban the Bag!
Pg 22 & 23 ... Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 25 ... Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! (contd.) Pg 26 ... Breeze Teen Spotlight: How I Carved My Path as a Young Peninsula Athlete Pg 26 ... Young Runners for Life Club Holds First Race for 2018 Pg 27 ... St. Alphonsus Cleans Up Pg. 27 ... Annual Calendar of Events Pg. 28 ... Belize Water Services Trench Main Street for Upgrade Pg. 28 ... Jimmy Buffet's Parrotheads Party for a Purpose in Placencia (contd.) Pg 29 ... Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! (contd.) Pg 30 ... Community Contacts & Info. Pg 31 ... Placencia Peninsula Happenings
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
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Placencia Graphic Design Artist Incorporates Love for Bright Colors in March Easter Flag By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Thirty-year-old Natasha Eiley of Placencia Village says she enjoys creative freedom and finds inspiration for her work from within. “I think in my own way, and I don’t like to follow steps,” she said. Her instruction for designing the March Breeze flag on our front page was simply, “Easter,” and in two days she delivered the vibrant and fanciful Photoshop creation displayed across our front page.
degree in the arts from Independence Junior College located just across the lagoon. She became acquainted with the role of the Placencia Tourism Center and its functions, including the publication of The Placencia Breeze newspaper, during her internship under the leadership of former Placencia BTIA Executive Director and now current board member, Elysia "Ellie" Dial. However, it wasn’t until several years later after making pottery and traveling across state lines in the USA with popular ceramic artist Amber Poole and giving birth to her first child in Placencia, that she was introduced to graphic design at Placencia Office Supply.
Eiley works full-time for the Under the tutelage of Placencia Chapter of the Belize the stationery shop ownTourism Industry Association er Laura Godfrey, Eiley (BTIA) at the Placencia Tourlearned the Adobe Photoism Center juggling accounting shop basics, but quickly and other administrative work began to build expertise on with design projects includher own with self-motivating social media ads for BTIA ed research and practice. events, preparing layouts and designing company logos for Placencia native, Natasha Today her colorful digiEiley, is a self-taught digital tal artwork is often seen festival t-shirts, event fliers, artist. (N. Eiley) around Placencia Village member and donor stewardship on event fliers and was most recently displayed materials and so much more. For those in the creative world, the time across the official 2018 Placencia Sidewalk Art consumption and stress brought on Festival t-shirt. Want to give Natasha Eiley’s freeby these tasks especially when com- rein creative process and passion for bright colmitted to other work obligations are ors a try with your design project? Contact her at easily relatable, but Eiley does find tasha_m_eiley@hotmail.com or 634-3810. n great satisfaction building upon her Stay tuned for our April issue featuring the graphic design talents. incredible talent of Kashana Tonozzi! Eiley, who was born on the Placencia Peninsula, holds an an associate
Want to design our May flag? Let's chat! Send an email to pollard.jolie@gmail.com.
Plans for Easter Activities Underway By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Continued from front page
of the agenda. Depending on the whims of legal authorities, some restaurants holding liquor licenses may also need to close that evening for dinner, so shop ahead for food too.
and "Mr. Physique" competitions and more Got kids? Take them to the annual Easter games. Belikin will also be setting up a bar Egg Hunt on Thursday next to Tipsy Tuna. on site with special deals and promotions. Longtime organizers Tracey West-Eiley and Kathy Anglin-Wade plan the perfect Don’t miss out on other entertainment family activity for your little ones. In adgems in the village. Social venues such dition to the egg hunt -- be sure to bring as our recently featured Cha Chi’s on the baskets -- children will also be able to parMain Street will have an impressive lineup ticipate in a hat decorating contest and win of Belizean artists performing during the great prizes. Additionally, visit the PeninEaster weekend including Belize calyp- sula Art Camp page on Facebook to see if so king, Lord Rhaburn, on Friday, March you can register your child for The Pen30, conscious roots artist, Nello Player on insula Art Company’s two-week, Monday Saturday, March 31 and roots reggae artist, to Friday hands-on, craft tutorial program Ras Indio on Sunday, April 1. The live mu- where “laughter is king” and “imagination sic venue and pizzeria also has the World runs wild.” Culture Band lined up for March 10 and the sensational Mile 41 reggae band booked As for the annual Notta-regatta, you’ll find the scoop at Yoli’s Bar. Sailors and hopeful for March 17. crew members can visit the famous BakaKeep in mind religion does infiltrate state deer dockside bar for more information on affairs in Belize (as well as in our neighbor- how to set sail and hop aboard the festive ing Central American countries), so booze Easter Placencia Harbour parade. n drinkers will want to stock up on alcohol want your Easter stories and photos! Tell us about your experience before the mandatory store and bar clo- We on the Placencia Peninsula and send your best, high quality shots to the sures on Good Friday if day drinking is part editor at pollard.jolie@gmail.com.
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Placencia "Superwoman" to Speak at UN Headquarters By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Placencia native Mariko Wallen continues to create waves at an accelerated pace in a career that only started five years ago. The 40-year-old single mother of three says she had no idea that when signing up in 2013 for a Placencia Tour Guide course, which was facilitated through a grant received by the internationally recognized coral restoration project, Fragments of Hope (FoH), that she would eventually become an international ambassador for Belize’s ecologically significant resources. Wallen not only topped that tour guide course, but she scored the highest mark known in the history of the nationally instituted Belize Tourism Board program. Her prodigious prowess for memorizing data coupled with a passionate Placen-
cia-shaped childhood curiosity for the natural wonders of Belize, quickly made her a highly valuable asset in the community as both a local tour guide and an environmental preservationist. “Mariko knows the name of every little fish in our waters,” said Fragments of Hope Director and Founder Lisa Carne. “Her talents are above and beyond the normal.” Wallen has been working diligently alongside Carne and other scientists and volunteers conducting marine specie surveys and planting corals at the organization’s true coral reef restoration project at Laughing Bird Caye National Park where over a hectare of corals have already been replenished on the shallow reefs. In 2017, the two women made local headlines after traveling to Germany to accept the “Momentum for Change Award” on behalf of FoH. The award is given annually
Mariko Wallen will be traveling to the UN Headquarters in New York in March to share her personal experience working on coral replenishment activities and sustainable livelihoods in the Placencia area. (MAYA TROTZ)
by the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Secretariat in recognition of “innovative and transformative solutions that address both
"
I want to let people know that by working to protect our ecosystem that I am contributing to tourism; I am helping to create jobs for tour guides and so many other people. I am working with the hope that every single Belizean will be able to see a healthy reef and benefit from it. -
Mariko Wallen
climate change and wider economic, social and environmental challenges.” Carne recalled attendees at the award ceremony being moved by Wallen’s enthusiasm for her work. “I feel like I’m Superwoman in a way, like I’m doing wonders,” Wallen said in a video presentation at the event. “People really loved that,” Carne said. Placencia’s Superwoman is now heading to a bigger platform as a female ambassador for FoH and Belize. Wallen was selected from a pool of many nominations from around the world to attend the upcoming 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women to take place at the UN Headquarters in New York this month. On March 19 Wallen will be sharing her personal experience working on coral replenishment activities and sustainable livelihoods at an event focusing on “Rural Women Leading Climate Resilience” orga-
"
nized by FoH and the United Nations Development Programme Gender Team. Wallen said she was awestrucked with news of the nomination and humbled by the reaction from others to the announcement. “It took me a while to get online to see the post, and I became so emotional after reading everyone’s comments. I didn’t realize that I had made such an impact and how much I have inspired people. I cried all morning!” Wallen said she looks forward to using the opportunity to enlighten the international community on the natural treasures of Belize and motivate other women to be more engaged in their respective communities. “I want to let people know that by working to protect our ecosystem that I am contributing to tourism; I am helping to create jobs for tour guides and so many other people. I am working with the hope that every single Belizean will be able to see a healthy reef and benefit from it,” she said. n
The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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Sunken Vessel Removed from Placencia Harbour
By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Dozens of spectators gathered at the Placencia Village harbour to witness the laborious removal of a sunken boat on Feb. 13. The vessel, which was used as a tug boat during the construction of the Placencia Municipal Pier, was abandoned at the site after breaking down. Harbour fishermen, boat captains and friends who frequent the area said the boat had been an eyesore and were happy to see it gone. According to one Placencia woman (who wished to remain unidentified), the small crowd roared and clapped after the boat was finally lifted out from the water. "It slipped off at one point. They had a water pump and everything. It was an all day-affair," she said. "Definitely not an easy feat," she added. The removal was conducted by the Department of Environment and applauded by the Placencia Village Council in a Facebook post sharing a video of the event. "Finally the boat is being removed," the post stated. The boat had been rusting away in the water for an estimated five years. The concrete Placencia Municipal Pier was built through the government's Sustainable
It took the Department of Environment a full day with heavy machinery and an expert team to remove the rusty and algae-covered vessel, which aided the construction of the Placencia Municipal Pier that was completed in 2013. (JEFF S.)
Tourism Program and replaced an old wooden dock that had been destroyed by Hurricane Iris in 2001. n
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From the Fire Hearth Your expert guide to all things edible in Belize
Bitter is Better! By Lyra Spang, PhD Owner, anthropologist, tour guide, Taste Belize Tours tastebelize@gmail.com
I
n January we showcased habanero and bird pepper, the sacred national chilies of Belize. February, land of the Valentine, was time to indulge in sweets. But in this land of flavor contrasts, we also have room for bitter flavours. The most famous of those is a beverage called bitters or bittas. Belizean bittas is made by soaking a wide range of roots, barks and dried leaves from the jungle in an alcohol base. The most popular alcohol is anise liquor which adds a licorice flavor to the blend, but a mixture of rum and anise or straight rum is also used depending on personal preference. There are dozens of bitters makers across Belize, supplying a national demand for health-promoting tonics. Bittas is supposed to cleanse the body (blood, liver, kidneys and urinary tract) and boost one's immune system. Like seaweed (which I wrote about for last year’s March edition), it’s also
supposed to be good for the back, aka helpful for sexual stamina and performance. Maybe that’s why they call it liquid Viagra at Barefoot bar, where you can buy it by the shot and for just BZ$1 on Thursdays! Bittas is typically taken medicinally one shot a day, but is also drunken recreationally. There are several different blends, but aside from a generic immune and energy booster, two popular types are “male” and “female” versions, each one containing herbs meant to specifically address male and female reproductive health. The average shot of non-gender specific bittas will contain plants such as billyweb bark, china root, gangweyo, yellow whisk, cedar bark, jackass bitters, palo de hombre and/or contribo. These roots, barks and leaves are harvested, dried, chopped into small pieces and then a bottle is filled with a blend of the ingredients and topped with the preferred alcohol. The bit-
On Saturday, March 10 the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department presents the 11th annual Flaming HeartBall at the Tipsy Tuna in Placencia Village! Enjoy great food, live music, plenty dancing, raffle prizes and a cash bar! Tickets: BZ$35, single; BZ$60 couples & BZ$10 for children under 10 years old. Proceeds support daily operations for the local fire department and the purchasing of new fire equipment. For more info contact Kathy Anglin at 626-0667 or peninsulafirechief@gmail.com ter flavor makes bitters the jagermeister of Belize, popular as an energy boosting shot at the start of a night on the town, or a medicinal tot before starting your day. Aside from being sold by the shot at the bars, it is also sold by the bottle at most grocery stores and even some gift shops in the village. You can even make your own bottle with us on a special tour that starts in the jungle with Taste Belize. Drinking bitters is not the only way to get your bitter on in Belize. In the Maya communities of southern Belize, a number of bitter vegetables are harvested from the rain forest and milpa fields at certain times of the year. One is Pacaya, the embryonic flower bud of the small palm tree Chamaedorea tepejilote. The seasonal flower bud is sautéed with tomatoes and onion and eaten with hot corn tortillas, scrambled with eggs, or put in soups. This cannot be found in Placencia, but if you take a trip to one of our
Jacob "Dooby" Malcolm takes a moment from his bottle of bittas to read The Placencia Breeze. (JOLIE POLLARD)
mainland Maya villages this time of year you may find it there or for sale in the Punta Gorda town market. n Lyra Spang is owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural and culinary tour company. She researches & writes about food whenever she can. Visit tastebelize.com for more information or e-mail tastebelize@gmail.com.
Above Grounds Coffee House Supporting Small Independent Producers
Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffee
Main Road , Past Football (Soccer) Field South End of the Village
7am—4pm Monday to Saturday 7am—Noon Sunday Espresso / Brewed & Iced Coffees - Decaf - Goss Chocolate Drinks Iced Teas - Fresh Juices - Bagels - Breads by the Slice - High Speed Wi-Fi Skype Friendly Coffee by the Lb. Whole Bean or Ground to Order Phone 634 3212
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The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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croc corner By Grecia Mendez Program Coordinator, Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) program.coordinator@crc.org
C
onservation is not just about wildlife; it’s about communities. Education is a powerful tool in building the bridge of co-existence between nature and people and during the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival, the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), The Belize Zoo and the Belize Raptor Center teamed up to educate passersby of Belize’s magnificent predators. It was all about the power of knowledge in this corner, highlighting that proper knowledge of the environment around us always ensures a greater protection to our most beloved species. The Belize Zoo enlightened us all on the morphological characteristics of this country´s most emblematic species, particularly with their skull guessing game. Children, young and old, loved guessing what skull belonged to which species here in Belize. Some kids came up with the most bizarre answers - imagination is indeed an amazing playground! In addition, the Belize Raptor Center had a great set up where people could come up close and personal with raptors and learn why these predators are important for our ecosystem. They also squashed any false beliefs about them (such as “Barn Owls bring about death to one’s family.” Not true! Absolute myth!). The CRC Crocodile Corner was always approached with amusement and respect for this enigmatic species. Many kids around the village had already heard of the CRC and their curiosity was already awakened as they approached the booth. The diet guessing game is always a hit with kids! The child must place his or her hand into a croco-
dile’s “stomach,” full of “parasites” and dissolved “prey items” (a.k.a. take out chow mein), and feel for the carcass. This is a fun (and gross) way kids were able to learn about the diet of crocs here in Belize. And as gross as it is, they always come back for more! Top predators are fundamental in the well-being of an ecosystem for various reasons; such as, maintaining or keeping prey populations in check. If certain prey populations are not maintained and over populate the eco-system, this can cause other wildlife populations to go extinct! It’s a negative domino effect! Crocs keep the herbivore population in check; hence, maximizing the plant diversity in the environment. They also feed on animals that cause diseases to humans such as rats, and lastly, they stabilize the climate around us. They exert such control over their environment that without them the entire ecosystem would collapse by causing a phenomenon called an ecological cascade effect. We need more crocodiles in the Placencia Lagoon to ensure the survival of other fish populations, including commercial species, and not only that, but to ensure the survival of this species, so that our kids can feel proud and learn to coexist with this magnificent predator, as well as other predators in Belize. n Grecia Méndez is new to the world of the crocodile and to its conservation. She joined the CRC team at the beginning of the year and is enthusiastic about the idea of working towards the conservation of such an important and mesmerizing species. She holds a bachelor's in biology and has carried out studies on manatees. Grecia loves to work with vulnerable species and would love to see a world where humans work together to save and protect the very thing that keeps us alive, the natural environment.
Children visiting the CRC booth at the 2018 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival play a game to guess the preferred prey for crocodiles. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)
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 March 2018
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Vacationing Architect Sketches Placencia Moments
By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
It only takes seconds for Bulgarian-Macedonian architect, Zhane Dimitrovska to sketch a scene in her Moleskine. The vacationing free-spirit captured several striking moments during her 28-day February vacation in Placencia Village from her home in Toronto, Canada.
Above: Looking behind the Pickled Parrot Bar. "People were so friendly there." -- Zhane
I asked Zhane to share some of my favorites, and I hope you like them too! n
Left: Brenda prepares lunch inside her kitchen located along the shore of the Placencia Village harbour. "The food at Brenda's was amazing." -- Zhane Left: A crowd gathers inside the Barefoot Beach Bar to socialize, drink, eat and dance.
Right: A bird's eye view capture the old Wallen's building across from Clive's vegetable market.
Japs and Pow chat together around the beach table in front of Barefoot Bar. "Ah! You were the lady drawing me," Japs said when I introduced him to Zhane on the beach one afternoon.
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Jimmy Buffet's Parrotheads Party for a Purpose in Placencia By Maxine "Max" White Member, Placencia Parrotheads ytmax2@gmail.com
Parrothead Beach Bash Belize! Where:
Belize Ocean Club
When:
The ParrotHeads have arrived in Placencia! Newly nested in Belize, this worldfamous club has already made an impact on the Placencia Peninsula and is now planning a grand music fundraising event in May 2018.
Placencia chapter and by April 2017, the club was sanctioned by the international governing body of ParrotHeads. Today membership stands at an impressive 87 of which 65 live in Placencia during the maSo, who are these Parrot- jority of the year. Heads? Collectively, we are an international group The main charity efof clubs interested in the fort for 2017 was to tropical lifestyle that Amer- provide for Haven ican musician, philanthro- House domestic vipist and diversified investor olence shelter for Jimmy Buffet personifies. women and children Listening to Tropical Rock in Belize City. A treor Trop-Rock music (oth- mendous collection er musicians who play and of clothes, shoes, Formed in April 2017 in Placencia among friends and fans of the Jimmy write music similar to Jim- sheets, towels, chil- Buffet lifestyle, the Parrothead Club of Belize has been steadfastly my Buffet) and socializing dren’s items, house- supporting charitable causes in Placencia and elsewhere in Belize. while engaging in charitable hold goods, as well as and educational activities in some cash were collected In just the past month the northern end of the Plaa community are the key to throughout the following Placencia ParrotHeads have cencia Peninsula in Maya this group. (Seriously!) In months. Vegetable market sponsored three police of- Beach. We plan for this to other words, we’re known and delivery extraordinaire, ficers to train in First Aid be a true international music as a party group that is over- Clive Sutherland of Placen- Response and planned a event that will attract other served with margaritas, but cia Village, was incredibly welcome party and tour civic-minded party people sipping those margaritas helpful in taking the items for fellow Parrotheads who who are interested in enjoywhile committed to helping to Belize City in his truck. were traveling aboard a Par- ing the offering of the Plaand supporting the commu- Three truck deliveries ar- rotHead-themed cruise. We cencia Peninsula. Proposed nities in which we live and rived at Haven House in De- assisted Rotary with their entertainment will combine vacation. cember on the same day that bar during the Placencia local Belizean talent, such three women and their chil- Sidewalk Art Festival and as Garifuna drummers, with Last year, the quintessen- dren had checked in. Later raised funds for the Placen- musicians from the USA. tial Jimmy Buffet story donations were contributed cia Humane Society. Texan musician Kelly Mcline character and my hus- towards the Placencia VilGuire who has played for band, John “Whitey” White lage football field lighting, While we are proud of our years in San Pedro is and mused among friends, the Placencia Police Youth contributions in such a short well known for his trop“How about a Parrothead Cadets, the Rotary Club of time, our biggest impact is rock song, “Boat in Belize,” Club in Placencia?” Before Placencia Summer Olym- yet to come. From May 17- will be making his debut on long, Linda Sue Whitehead, pics, the End of the World 20 this year we are hosting the Peninsula at the event. Ryan Atkinson, Tracy At- Marathon and the Placencia the first Parrothead Beach McGuire will join “Tres Bash Belize at the Belize kinson, Bob Leahman and Players Theatre. Amigos”, which includes Ocean Club located at the more, quickly formed the Sunny Jim White of Florida
May 17-20, 2018 Thurs-Fri-Sat
Guest Tropical Rock Musicians:
Kelly McGuire of Texas along with the "Tres Amigos"; Bill Cockrell and John Beck of Florida & more! Cause: Stann Creek Primary Education Discounted room rates available! BZ$ 20 per hotel booking goes towards cause! $BZ 20 daily rate for Belizean citizens. SPONSORS WELCOME! Book your stay now! parrotheadbeachbashbelize.com
and Mark Mulligan of San Carlos, Mexico. Trop-rock duo, Bill Cockrell and John Beck of Florida are also scheduled to perform. Proceeds from this event will support education in the Stann Creek district to specifically help families with primary school aged children who have difficulty purchasing school uniforms and other schooling essentials. As with all fundraising events on the Placencia Peninsula, our upcoming ParrotHead event would not be possible without the generous support of tourism industry stakeholders. The Belize Ocean Club (BOC) is sponsoring our venue, continued on page 28
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The Placencia Breeze March 2018
Mek We Go to Placencia! By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Continued from front page
hosts, popular Belize culinary media personality Chef Sean Kuylen and the svelte and bikini clad Geraldine Sosa, enjoy a snorkeling adventure at the island after departing from the Splash Dive Shop’s main office on the Placencia Lagoon. In the show Sosa and Kuylen chat with Mary “Ras Mar” Tucker of Placencia’s Mary’s Kitchen about her catered island barbeque lunch for the crew, dance with Seine
Bight’s Lirahuyu Seinbedi Garifuna drummers and take time to interview Splash Dive Shop co-owner Patricia “Patty” Ramirez-Capelling about her work in local tourism. According to “Mek We Go” producers, the show’s goal is to promote local tourism to Belizeans and international viewers with the desire to experience Belize like a local and introduce viewers to the leaders and players moving and shaping the industry. Each episode consists of three segments and airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. on Facebook LIVE. Visit www.belizemekwego.com or follow the show on Facebook and Instagram @belizemekwego. n
Young Seine Bight men of the Lirahuyu Seinbedi Garifuna group teach Mek We Go hosts Geraldine Sosa and Chef Sean Kuylen drumming -- and Punta dancing -- at Laughing Bird Caye. Below: Kuylen and Sosa interview Patricia "Patty" Ramirez along the Placencia Lagoon at Splash Dive Center.
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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 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.
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The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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The Placencia Breeze March 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
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Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Continued from front page
Khadija “Kaj” Assales. February 2018 marked the 30-year-old jewelry artist’s seventh consecutive year participating in the event. “I especially enjoyed seeing the new artists showcasing their creations. There is some really great work coming out from all corners of Belize including our very own village.” One emerging Placencia artist who impressed Assales and many others at the 2018 festival was Laura Godfrey who has been living in Placencia Village for 23 years. While most know Godfrey as the woman who owns the local stationery and print shop, Placencia Office Supply and tour company, Trip ‘n’ Travel, she surprised festival goers with her art debut. “It was an interesting experience. So many people didn’t know I drew and painted. I had never really put myself out there before.”
culture and people and were featured at the event as prints on note cards, calendars and t-shirts. “I’m even painting on furniture now,” she added. Godfrey’s art was recently exhibited at the Museum of Belize, and she is looking forward to experience continued success at the next art festival. Both Godfrey and Assales were among 40 vendors promoting Belize-inspired art at the event organized by the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). Shoppers were able to choose from among colorful paintings, jewelry and crafts created with precious local seeds, shells and stones, Maya woven fabrics and jipijapa baskets, artisan soaps and organic cosmetics and a wide selection of masterfully sculpted wood, conch shell and slate carvings. Seventy-seven-year-old Pat Tapia and her friends from Ontario, Canada booked this year’s vacation to Placencia with the festival on their bucket list. “My son was here two years ago and said, “Mom, you have to go the art festival. You will love it,” Tapia recounted. “Some of the paintings were just out of this world, and I bought a beautiful beaded anklet from a Maya woman for my granddaughter living in New Zealand.” Tapia added that she enjoyed having a long chat and lunch with the woman who sold her the bracelet.
Godfrey, a lifelong illustrator having started painting at four-years-old and eventually graduated from the renowned art department of North Texas State University, had never painted commercially before 2017. “My work has always been personal. I’ve always created art for my family, friends and children.” Her meticulous illustrations, using mixed media, capture the beauty of Belize’s nature, Continued on page 25.
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Above: Shoppers browse a selection of bowls, animals and abstract art carved from locally sourced wood including the rare and prized multi-colored zericote. Left: Massage therapist, yoga teacher and skincare entreprenuer Indira Andrewin of Punta Gorda Town in Toledo massages a tourist at her stall where she also sold her popular "CocoLove" organic cosmetics.
Above: Customer finalizes purchase at stall selling jewelry crafted with tree nuts sourced from the Belize rainforest. Left: Veteran Sidewalk Art Fest jewelry vendor Khadija Assales of "Kaj Expressions" promotes her new fresh coconut water business at her stall. Below: Air conditioning repair businessman Doran Yount of Placencia joined by Lyra Spang of Taste Belize culinary tours, poses with Kevin Moralez, the creator of his newly purchased jaguar painting.
The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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Rotary Ups the Ante in February By Jennifer Daly Press Officer Volunteer Rotary Club of Placencia dalyjennifer709@icloud.com
Wow! February was fast and furious, and The Rotary Club of Placencia was busy as ever! Volunteers tended our fundraising bar along
with members of the newly formed Parrothead Club of Belize at the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival and hosted a fierce Human
Foosball competition the following weekend along with the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar. With sunny and blue skies and the beers flowing, we had a blast. There is a vested interest in Human Foosball in Placencia Village, and we have even received calls from groups elsewhere in Belize wanting to play. It was great to see all the teams
Human Foosball Champions Team Gallo prepare for a winning strike in a fierce match. The game, which initially began as part of the Rotary Club of Placenica's annual Beach Olympics, was held as its own event in February. (JENNIFER DALY)
Rotary Club of Placencia members pour cold Belikins at the Club's fundraising bar at the 2018 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)
having a “foosball!” Coming out on top was “Team Gallo” who won the first place cash prize of BZ$200. Second place was “Bumping Uglies” who took home BZ$150. Even the kids got a team together and kicked some serious butt! In addition to these special events, Placencia Rotary remains committed to our established programs. At one of our weekly Senior’s Programs held on Wednesdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m, we held a special Valentine’s Day lunch at the Placencia Community Centre decorated with red and love for senior citizens representing both Seine Bight and Placencia Villages.
go nights. The Flying Pig bar located just a few minutes north of the Placencia airstrip welcomes us every Friday night for two hours of excitement. Lots of regulars and tourists make this an always entertaining evening, and we want to thank everyone who come out to play, as they all help to make the seniors’ program a successful venture.
Our February activities came to a grand finale on February 24 with our annual auction at the Tipsy Tuna. This is Placencia Rotary’s biggest fundraiser of the year and every year prizes get better and better. It was an exciting night for everyone and our Auctioneer Bill Butcher never disappoints. More details to follow on the auction in the April issue of The Placencia Breeze! ▪
Since its inception last year, this gathering has grown into a consistent meeting that has formed lasting friendships. We have guests who bring their crafting talents, others who bring yummy cakes hot out the oven and sometimes even tourists who show up just to hang out and chat with the seniors. We are able to fund the seniors’ program with our earnings from weekly Bin-
Peninsula seniors enjoy a craft session during a special Senior Program Valentine's Day Luncheon at the Placencia Community Center. (JENNIFER DALY)
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Through the Eyes of a SEA Ranger By Wilbert Castillo Southern Environmental Association Ranger info@sea.org
I
t’s not working if you love what you do! Being a Research Ranger is one of the most rewarding job experiences imaginable. Several months often go by, filled with excitement, adventure, knowledge and definitely lots of challenges. Fostering a sincere love for nature doesn’t necessarily have to be taught from a young age; it might be inspired by a couple words, a video or even a picture. When a love for the ocean exists, being a research ranger feels more like a hobby than an actual job. The true enjoyment though, comes from diving. Yes. You get to put in some one-on-one time with your fish buddies, but it’s like a whole other world one could never imagine.
Ban the Bag! A Letter to the Editor By Monique Vernon vernonmonique@yahoo.com
A
SEA Ranger Wilbert Castillo rescues a frigate bird on Little Water Caye. The bird suffered a broken wing and had been tangled in a fishing net with a hook that had caught the bird by its beak. (SERAPIO CHUN/SEA Enforcement Ranger)
One of my duties is data collection. This entails detailed observation of fish, coral, conch and lobster species and studying how they react to the changes within their environment such as temperature fluctuation, sedimentation levels and even human presence.
Castillo collects data for SEA.
The overall picture of being a research ranger is also understanding the marine life from an ecological point of view. The coral reef environment is one big network: the coral provides a home for the zooxanthellae, which in turn provides food for the coral polyps. In numbers corals create reefs, which provide a home for fish and other marine invertebrates. The reef provides us with much needed ecosystem goods and services such as oxygen generation and coastline protection. It also provides recreational activities for tourism, food and lots more! It is ultimately our responsibility to love and protect the very core of our livelihoods. By removing or damaging one thing from this fragile and sensitive ecological cycle we risk losing more than what was originally intended for us to have. I don’t believe that I’m ready to lose what has become such an essential part of my life. How about you? ▪
s a long lived Placencian and a concerned citizen, I write to express my deepest worry on the use of plastic bags within our communities.
12: Sustainable consumption and production; and SDG 14: Life below water), but they also in some way have, a health, economic, social and ecosystem benefit.
With great consideration for our pride and joy - a 300 km-long Barrier Reef, a country whose economy is highly dependent on tourism and one whose decision to end oil activity in all of its waters has gained great praises in every corner, I see no reason to not also extend this prohibition on single-use items such as plastic bags.
We need to ban plastic bags! Let’s introduce paper bags and practice taking our own non-plastic bags and containers when shopping . Vendors can charge extra per bag across the counter, and/ or refuse to provide plastic bags to customers entirely and demand eco-friendly solutions!
Plastic bags are one of the most ubiquitous consumer items designed to use for minutes, yet persist in our marine environment indefinitely! Since the birth of this “throw away” mindset in the 1950s, plastic pollution has become an overwhelming threat to marine and human life, owing 80 percent of its litter to land based sources! Many wildlife have found themselves entangled, ingesting and competing with marine debris resulting in suffocation, habitat destruction, deaths and a foodweb of plastics. Many countries such as Mexico, the USA, Canada, Kenya, Rwanda, Tunisia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Australia (and more) have all taken steps to reduce their country’s use of plastic bags and other related items in efforts to decrease its threats. Not only do these actions support the United Nations' two Sustainable Development Goals (SDG
Let’s raise awareness by creating campaigns, offering incentives to eco-friendly customers, demanding that the government impose fines on irresponsible disposals and promote a circular economy! Belize has so much potential; it is young, thriving, and blessed with wildlife on land and sea! Let Belize be that country that stands head high for its environment! Let our Belizean sea be plastic free! ▪ Monique Vernon holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from the University of Belize. She has recently launched a fund raising campaign to visit the Philippines to participate with other like-minded youths to create an action plan that will tackle a problem associated with her chosen Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water project. Her intention upon returning to Placencia is to commit herself to her community by increasing awareness and focusing on enhancing the well-being of Belize’s ecosystem one step at a time.
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The Placencia Breeze March 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 the public daily @ 12 noon. Cold drinks, cool tunes and fun in the sun. Daily drink specials. Resort setting waterfront on the Lagoon at Sunset Pointe. $5 BZ 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!
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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.
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The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Continued from page 19.
This intimate connection between artist and shopper continues to be one of the highest selling points for the event, which winds along an impressive stretch of the narrow village beach landmark that sits between the vendors displaying their crafts under their respective tents. “I love how professionally organized it was,” said 68-year-old Marilyn Holland, a member of the Ontario troupe. “The layout provides easy access to everything, and the vendors were very approachable,” she said. Terri Beashamp, 73, said her favorite find was a pair of woven jipijapa earrings. “They are so original and unique,” she said. “You must carefully search for pieces that truly reflect their value.”
The three Canadian friends joined many others who enjoyed the live music playing throughout the weekend. This year’s entertainment at the festival included captivating and soulful performances by the Creole Talla Walla Band popular for their Afro rhythmic drumming and the Panerifixx steel drum band who Continued on page 29.
Silvana Garcia of Unique Handmade Jewelry in Placencia Village arranges her display of macrame bracelets melded with precious stones and beads at her stall. Garcia creates the wearable art along with her partner Kent Francis. Below: Coca-Cola banners line the busy sidewalk near the festival entrance. Bowen & Bowen, Ltd., the exclusive beverage distributor and manufacturer of Belikin Beer, sponsored the large tents set up in the entertainment and food court area.
Placencia fisherman Lennox "Chingy" Leslie holds his granddaughter under a vendor stall. The event brings many local families together during the weekend. Below: Longtime Placencia server and bartender Julia Westby promotes Belikin's Limited Edition. Of the 12 featured local artists, three are based in Placencia Village -- Ernest Garcia, Anton Leslie and Greta Leslie.
The Placencia Breeze March 2018
Page 26
Breeze Teen Spotlight:
How I Carved My Path as a Young Peninsula Athlete
Young Runners for Life Club Holds First Race for 2018 By Wanda Stakutis Breeze Contributor, Young Runners for Life Club
By Jaheim Caballero Student, Independence High School
M
y name is Jaheim Rasheed Caballero, and I was born on Jan. 3, 2001. I have five brothers and two sisters. I love to socialize with people, especially with kids younger than me. I grew up playing football with my team “Warriors of Christ” under our coach Kirwin Ramirez. He trained us to be respectful and to love God and what we do. I graduated from primary school at the age of 13, and I am currently attending Independence High School. I plan to further my education at the University of Belize in Belmopan City then I plan on becoming one of Belize’s greatest marine biologists. This is something I dreamt about since I was a little boy. I choose this because I love to swim and dive, or it’s just say, love the ocean and all its species that live in it. In the year 2014 I entered my first fun race [Ed. Note: The Fun Race is part of the End of the World Marathon events for children], and came in first. In 2015 I ran the annual End of the World half marathon for the first time, and I was excited to come in second place for my age-under-20 group. I was so shocked because I didn’t expect
to do so good for my first time and that race is not as easy as some people think. It takes time and constant exercise. You have to be strong to finish that race. In 2016 I entered the race again, but dropped down a little placing third, but that was because I wasn’t working out hard enough. In that same year I entered the high school track and field where I ran the 100-meter and the 200-meter races. I came first for both at the regional stage. A week later I went on to challenge the other schools from the western and northern parts of Belize, and there I placed second for the 100-meter and first for the 200-meter. In 2017 I ran 1,500 meters for the high school track and field and came in first place. That was a big achievement for me because I wasn’t supposed to run that race, but I believe this shows that nothing is impossible with the help and strength of God. That same year I was part of the first group from Independence High School to win the national “Battle of the Drums” competition. My word of advice for children younger than me is to respect your parents and pay attention in class. n
The first of four Young Runners for Life Club races planned for 2018 was held on Feb. 10. Volunteers and children started gathering on the field in Seine Bight Village at six in the morning. By 7 a.m. everyone was registered and promptly at 7:30 a.m., the older kids took off on their five-kilometer run. Shortly afterwards, those in the nine to 11-year-old age group started their 2.5-kilometer run. Since the race is run on the road, volunteers help at frequent intervals to ensure the kids' safety, and adult runners run alongside them while cycling volunteers follow. Water and fruit stations were set up at both turnaround points and at the finish line.
Winners of the Feb. 10 Runners for Life Club Race are: Female category, ages nine to 11: First place, Tyra Aranda; Second place, Timani Ramos, and third place, Latisha Ramirez.
Male category, ages nine to 11: First place, Jaheim Mena; Over 30 students ran in the second place, Albert Lemus; race, and ribbons were hand- and third place, Shawn Goned out for the top three places zalez. in each category. These races Female category, ages 12 to mimic the big adult races, so 14: First place, Terraine Authe young runners get used to gustine; second place, Shyathe competition. Each student na Augustine and third place, runs with a numbered bib and Amunique Ramirez. is required to pay a nominal entry fee. Thanks to Rudolfo Male category, ages 12 to14: and Montse Saenz de Ugarte First place, Davis Joseph; secof Swan Villa, the same timing ond place, Kenrick Swaso and that is used for the marathon is third place, Jermott Williams. used for this race. The entry fee proceeds are going to be used Many thanks to all the volunteers who came out to make for field improvements. this happen including the The races are open to all stu- folks from Projects Abroad. dents ages nine to 18. The next Thanks to the students of St. race will be held mid May. Alphonsus R.C. School and Runners will accumulate points Marisa Tellez of the Crocodile that will be tallied at the end of Research Coalition (CRC) for the year after all four races are the field clean up the day becompleted. Grand prizes will fore the event! Last, but not be awarded. least, congratulations to all the participating runners! n
Winners of the Feb. 10 Runners for Life Club Race, female category, ages nine to 11: first place, Tyra Aranda; second place, Timani Ramos, and third place, Latisha Ramirez.
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Event Calendar and *National Bank Holidays February 2019 Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival: TBA Street Art Festival: TBA Closing of Lobster Season: Feb 15
March La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge : March 9-12 * National Heroes and Benefactors Holiday: March 12 *Good Friday: 30 *Holy Saturday: 31
April *Easter Monday: 2
May *Labour Day: May 1 *Sovereign's Day Holiday: May 21
St. Alphonsus Cleans Up
June
By Lorris Moreira
Battle Cancer Walk: June 22 Placencia Lobsterfest: June 22, 23 & 24 Rotary Duck Race at Lobsterfest: June 23
September Celebration Month Placencia Yamaha Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Sept 8&9 *St. George’s Caye Day: Sept 10 Flag Raising Ceremony and Party: Sept 9 *Belize Independence Day: Sept 21 Placencia Carnival Parade: Sept 21
October *Pan-American Day: Oct 15 Belize Birding Festival: Oct 25-28
November *Garifuna Settlement Day: Nov 19
December End of the World Marathon: Dec 9 Mistletoe Ball: Dec 15 Placencia Christmas Boat Parade: Dec 22 Christmas Eve Christmas Parade: Water Tower to Placencia Municipal Pier - Dec 24 *Christmas Day: Dec 25 *Boxing Day: Dec 26
Principal, St. Alphonsus R.C. Primary School
Clean up initiatives are speeding along at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School in Seine Bight Village. In January, Al and Anita Loewen donated four trash containers to the school and Fragments of Hope donated two recycle containers. St. Alphonsus student prepares soil for tree planting as part of the school's beautification efforts. (LORIS MOREIRA)
While the school has been working hard to keep the yard clean, on weekends, night creatures kept tipping over the bins scattering trash all over the school grounds. Thankfully, to address this problem, the Department of Environment (DOE), who has selected St. Alphonsus to be a part of their outreach program, sponsored a concrete enclosure for the donated
bins that can be locked at night. Furthermore, the DOE plans on visiting the school to conduct pep talks with the children about proper garbage proper garbage disposal and recycling. In addition to having a much cleaner yard at the school several almond trees have been planted to go along with the coconuts and moringa trees. n
The Placencia Breeze March 2018
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Belize Water Services Trench Main Street for Upgrade By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor
cal Service Manager Sanjay Keshwani assured the Placencia community that the government-majority-owned water and sewerage utility endeavors to complete the project with minimum inconvenience and promises to “restore all areas trenched as close as possible to their original condition" and should be completed sometime in late July this year.
Lately the main street in Placencia Village may be reminiscent of George Miller’s “Mad Max” movie franchise for those unfamilar with the old red dirt road days of the village. The large clouds of dust and heavy machinery have created an unpleasant disturbance for pedestrians and drivers, but it’s all for the good of the water supply, says the Belize Water Placencia BWS Office Services (BWS) Limited. Manager Marissa Godfrey The upgrades to the main believes, however, that the water pipeline that supplies project may be completwater to the area from the ed sooner, as work crews BWS main office near the continue to work fast and village water tower to the efficiently. According to south end of the Peninsula Godfrey, residents along started late January 2018. the Placencia Main Street In a press release published should experience imon Jan. 18, BWS Techni- proved water pressure at the completion of the project.
As these improvements to the main water pipe line speed along in Placencia Village, it remains unclear when the utility company plans to begin the construction phase of its Integrated Water and Sanitation Program for the Placencia Peninsula, which continues to utilize septic tanks. The BZ$20 million project funded by the International Development Bank (IDB) and the CReW grant to construct waste water collection and treatment systems, was initially scheduled to begin in May 2014 shortly after BWS took control of the locally run Placencia Water Board. n Belize Water Services Limited technicians trench the Placencia Main Street to upgrade the main water line running from the water tower to the south end of the Peninsula. (JOLIE POLLARD)
Jimmy Buffet's Parrotheads Party for a Purpose in Placencia Continued from page 11 as well as our participating musicians including accommodation costs and a large portion of their performance fees. The BOC is also providing discounted rates on accommodation to visitors and will contribute BZ$20 per room booked for the event. Other generous sponsors are Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro (contributing cash, as well as giving discounts on accommoda-
tion), the Tipsy Tuna and 1st fered to Belizean citizens. Choice Remax Agent Mar- Enjoy live music from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday sha Peterson. and from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. We still need more spon- on Friday and Saturday. sors! If you would like to be a part of this special event, Anyone interested in partying with a purpose can sign please reach out to us. up on the official ParrotTickets for these three days Heads Belize website www. of trop-rock fun at the beach parrotheadsinbelize.com or and poolside of the Belize come to the next social and Ocean Club can be pur- see what partying with a chased on our event web purpose is truly about. site www.parrotheadbeachbashbelize.com. A special You can also find us on daily rate of BZ$20 is of- Facebook!n
Tipsy Tuna welcomes the newly formed Parrhoteads Belize at one of the club's social events. The popular beach bar and restaurant joins the growing group of sponsors for the upcoming Parrothead Beach Bash to be held at the Belize Ocean Club in May.
Parrothead Linda Sue Whitehead sports the club's new t-shirt featuring the Belize chapter's logo.
Parrotheads party for a purpose at a Belize Ocean Club social.
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Sidewalk Art Fest a Triumphant Success! By JOLIE POLLARD Breeze Editor in Chief pollard.jolie@gmail.com
Continued from front page
delighted visitors with their eclectic renditions of both classic and popular tunes. The event’s official disc jockey, DJ Boneyfide of Placencia, also kept positive vibes flowing throughout the weekend with his signature party selections. “This was a fabulous event,” said Placencia BTIA Chair-
person Jodie Yearwood. Even “It was well organized by our Placencia Tourism Center staff; we had many visitors; our vendors were happy and there was just a great variety of art out there.” Yearwood added that this year’s event was one of the best and hopes that it keeps on growing. “I’d love to see more vendors and visitors." Yearwood says she also hopes to expand on the entertainment lineup, which included just two acts this year. n
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The Talla Walla Band of Gales Point Village promotes the"Drums Not Guns" peace movement, which was born in Belize City, during a drumming performance. The Creole group that performs a different kind of afro-inspired sound from the more familiar Garifuna drumming on the Peninsula, has been headlining the festival annually since their debut in 2012. That year was the festival's most ambitious entertainment lineup featuring 18 performing acts booked from various parts of Belize. Due to budget and resource limitations entertainment has since wittled, but the growth in participation of talented visual artists and Placencia's popularity continue to attract a steady increase of visitors to the event.
Festival-goer shows off hand-painted straw hat.
Local musician (Unemployables), Mark Finnegan and fiancee Lynn Webster ofAlly's Guesthouse in Placencia Village take time to have fun with cold Belikins along the sidewalk. Below: Young Maya girls visiting from outlying villages showcase their jipijapa baskets and beaded necklaces and bracelets.
Valerie Penner of Camalote Village in the Cayo district paints an underwater scene onsite under her tent. Festival organizers in collaboration with the Placencia Village Council provide tents and spots along the sidewalk to vendors for a fee that supports the execution of the weekend event.
Juan Cho of the Maya-family owned Ixcacao chocolate company in San Felipe Village, Toledo demonstrates chocolate making from bean to bar to an audience under the Belikin tent. Belize continues to gain recognition for its world-class, organic, high-quality cacao that is sustainably grown in the southern region of the country. Left: Man awaits his order at the Miss Deb's. The popular food truck from Cayo makes its way to Placencia Village for most festivals offering a variety of burgers, sandwiches and fries.
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The Placencia Breeze March 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. • 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.
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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
[Lord Rhaburn on March 30!] LIVE MUSIC 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
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 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 Tipsy Tuna
[3/10, World Culture Band; 3/17, Mile 41; 3/31, Nello Player] LIVE MUSIC Jazz, Paranda, Reggae 7-10pm 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
[Ras Indio on April 1] LIVE MUSIC Jazz 6-9pm 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 March 2018