The Placencia Breeze A
FREE monthly tourism and community newspaper by the Placencia BTIA serving the Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek, Belize since 1999.
MARCH 2019
issuu.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze
See Scarlet Macaws in March! page 19
Placencia Sidewalk Comes to Life at Art Fest page 5
Mini Golf to Join Peninsula Outdoor Attractions page 7
Young Runners for Life Kick Off 2019 Races! page 12
Scarlet Macaw Photo by CHRISTO SWANEPOEL Alex Sanker Painting Photo by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS Mini-Golf Photo by SARAH ALY
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The Placencia Breeze
March 2019
issuu.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze
WEH DI GOAAN?! ~Listing open to Placencia BTIA members.~ Contact accounts@placencia.com
EVERYDAY Barefoot Bar: Stiff Drinks Tasty Food - Good Times! Come chill with us on the beach! Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. $2 OFF Local Rum Drinks including Coladas and Daiquiris. $1 Local Bittas. P. 523-3515 Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: Happy Hour 3-5 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. $5 pizza slices, $4 Belikin beers and $5 domestic rum drinks!! P. 523-3305. Laru Beya: International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 p.m. Happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. P. 523-3476.
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MARCH 2019 PENINSULA HAPPENINGS GUIDE
LIVE MUSIC ● HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS ● DANCE ● KARAOKE ● GAMES � MORE FRIDAYS
MONDAYS
Barefoot Bar: Live Caribbean Music w/ Bad Boy Rudy at 5 p.m.! BZ$1 Local Bitters all day long! "They good fi dih bak!" P. 523-3515
PICKLED PARROT: ART BAR: Every third Monday at 3 p.m. Come empty handed and walk away with a piece of art! P. 636-7068
Cha Chi's: P. 523-3305. Live DJ Lineup (no cover) and Ladies Night on Fridays! $5 Smirnoff, $5 Panty Rippah and $5 Screw Driva!
BAREFOOT BAR: Sangria & Salsa Night starts at Happy Hour, 5 p.m. $6 Sangria, $12 Margarita & $8 Tequila shots. All tostadas, salbutes & garnaches, 4 for the price of 3! $15 Chicken & Beef Nachos. $2 off all dips. P. 523-3515.
MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Live Music 6-9pm and Happy Hour 3-5pm P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 Rotary Club of Placencia: Bingo @ 6 p.m. at the Flying Pig.
TIPSY TUNA: Martini Monday! $2 off martinis all day! Live low-key music with Karl & Gram at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar, 6-10 p.m. It's also Pizza Night! P. 523-3089
Tipsy Tuna: Margarita Madness! $2 off all margarita specials all day! Live Belizean/Caribbean music at our Seaside Bar with Laru Beya Boys, 5-10 p.m. DJ Swagg follows 'til midnight then moves into the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m. P. 523-3089
TURTLE INN: Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner. p. 523-3244
MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Jet Ski Rentals and Happy Hour 3-5pm P. 668-4461 or 651-6649
Turtle Inn: Live Music at Beach Bar. 5-7 p.m. P. 523-3244. Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Garifuna Drumming 6 - 7p.m. on the beach side in front of Brisa Oceano Resort & 7-9 p.m. upstairs in Yucatan Restaurant. Free Frozen rum punch shots & free chips and salsa. Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m. and 50% off local mixed rum drinks.
MAYA BEACH BISTRO: 3 to 5 p.m. Happy Hour specials on select appetizers and $4 swill and $8 fill. P. 627-4718 RUMFISH Y VINO: Happy Hour drink specials, 4 to 6 p.m. P. 5233293 Tipsy Tuna: Happy Hours, 5-7 p.m.! $1 Wings; $2 off Coladas & Daiquiris; $3 Local Rum, $4 Belikin & $4.50 Guinness! P. 523-3089 Turtle Inn: Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. ½ off Local Beer and Rum.
SUNDAYS Barefoot Bar: Daytime Beach BBQ! Live Caribbean Music w/ Tropical Vibes from 1 to 6 pm.! P. 523-3515 Belize Ocean Club: Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks! Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Closes at midnight Live Jazz at 6 p.m. J-Dee's: Karaoke at 8 p.m. to midnight. P. 503-3351 MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Rotisserie Chicken special and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 SailFish Resort: Bloody Mary Special, open noon to sundown. 18+ Tipsy Tuna: DJ Swagg playing an assortment of music on the beach at the Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar during the day. P. 523-3089. Turtle Inn: Two-for-One Pizza. P. 523-3244.
TUESDAYS BAREFOOT BAR: TRAVELLERS TUESDAY – Select Travellers Rum Just $3 from 5 to close! P. 523-3515 ROTARY CLUB OF PLACENCIA: Meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Pickled Parrot. P. 622-7103
WEDNESDAYS BAREFOOT BAR: Fun & Funky Jam Session from 5 to 9 p.m.! Visiting Musicians Welcome! P. 523-3515. GOSS CHOCOLATE: Open Wholesale Office Day! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. P. 523-3544 LOLA'S ART: BBQ Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! 10% off on all art done by Lola! (Free delivery for Seine Bight, BZ$3 for delivery to Placencia and Maya Beach. Try our unique ice cold juices. MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Rotisserie Chicken special and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 MARIPOSA RESTAURANT: Free Yahtzee dice game starts 3 p.m. P. 523-4474. ROTARY CLUB OF PLACENCIA: senior Programme at the Placencia Community Centre. 1 - 3:30 p.m. SAILFISH RESORT: No pool fee on Wednesdays! Open to public, 18 and older. Pool Bar. Drink Specials. Noon – sundown. TIPSY TUNA: Wings Wednesday! $1 Wings all day! Garifuna Drumming at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar, 7-9 p.m.; P. 523-3089 Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Karaoke from 9 p.m. - midnight. Free chips & salsa.15% off margarita and tequila drinks Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m. 50% off local mixed rum drinks
SATURDAYS THURSDAYS Barefoot Bar: Reggae DJ night @ 8 p.m. All reggae, all night. 523-3515 Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Closes at 12 a.m. March 7: Hootenanny - open mic/jam session Jaguar Lanes: Wings Night! Open every day from 2 p.m.. - until. MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Pizza special, $26 and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 Pickled Parrot: Trivia Thursday! Starts at 6 p.m. Prizes and free jello shots! P. 636-7068 SailFish Resort: 25% off T-shirts! 18 and older. Open noon – sundown. Tipsy Tuna: Tipsy Thursday! Karaoke night with Karl at our Seaside Bar from 8 p.m. to midnight! DJ Swagg in the Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m! Turtle Inn: Indonesian Rijsttafel Dinner. P. 523-3244 Wildin' Out at Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill: Live Music w/ Latin, Reggae & Rock Vibes from 6-9 p.m.! Comp. jalapeno popcorn and corn quesadilla sliders; Happy Hour from 5-6 p.m.! 50% off local mixed rum drinks!!!
Barefoot Bar: Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m.! Cash + Bar Tab Prizes! Live Rock + Alternative + Reggae music, 5-9 p.m. P. 523-3515. Cha Chi's Pizza, Live Music, House of Dub, Culture and Art: P. 523-3305. Closes at 12 a.m Saturday Night Live Music Lineup: March. 2: C-Wills & Paranda Blues March. 9: Live Music @ 7:30 pm March. 16: Live Music @ 7:30 p. March. 23: Live Music @ 7:30 pm March 30: Gilharry 7 MANGO'S RESTAURANT & BAR: Corn Hole and Polish Horse Shoes and Happy Hour 3-5pm. P. 668-4461 or 651-6649 Pickled Parrot: Live Music at 6 p.m. by The Usual Suspects! P. 636-3089 Tipsy Tuna: Live band and/or DJ, 7 p.m. to midnight at Tipsy Tuna Seaside Bar; DJ Swagg in the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar 'til 2 a.m.! P. 523-3089
Would you like to cover an event for us as a Breeze Contributing Writer? E-mail Jolie Pollard, pollard.jolie@gmail.com.
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The Placencia Breeze
March 2019
issuu.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze
INSIDE Entertainment Guide ... pg. 3
16th Annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Fest Recap ... pg. 5,14,28-29 Miniature Golf Opening Early April ... pg.7 Peninsula Speed Bumps Receive Facelift ... pg. 9
MARCH 2019 Croc Corner: Which is Easier to Train? A Crocodile or a Dog? ... pg. 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23 Have You Heard About the Deadly New Disease Attacking Corals Right Now? ... pg. 24
Where in the World is the Breeze? … pg. 5
FoH Distributes Educational Materials to Students in Southern Belize ... pg. 26
Young Runners for Life Kick Off 2019 in Record Numbers … pg. 12
Rotary Club of Placencia Updates … pg. 27
From the Fire Heart: The Moringa Movement in Placencia ... pg. 13
NEW! COUPON PAGE! ... pg. 29
March is for Macaws … pg. 19
Fragments of Hope Billboards Erected at Laughingbird Caye National Park and Moho Caye ... pg. 30
Sandwatch Continues in Peninsula Primary Schools … pg. 20 Famous Hawksbill Turtle Finds Home at the Pointe … pg. 20 Placencia BTIA Membership Directory ... pgs. 15 & 18 Placencia Peninsula Map ... pgs. 16-17
Community Contacts & Info … pg. 31 Want to contribute an article to The Placencia Breeze? E-mail your idea to Jolie Pollard at pollard.jolie@gmail.com.
Where in the world are you reading The Placencia Breeze?! Send a photo to pollard.jolie@gmail.com! Also follow us for updates at facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze or on Instagram @ThePlacenciaBreeze. Thank you for picking up your FREE copy of THE PLACENCIA BREEZE!
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16th Annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival One of the Best Yet Thanks to More Artists and Improvements
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efore the mid 80s, the narrow ribbon of conch shell grounded concrete that winds its way along one of Belize’s most beautiful beaches, was the only way to deliver goods to fishing folk and their families living in Placencia Village. The wheelbarrow or two that fetched essentials from arriving boats may be serving different purposes today, but they share the same picturesque route with strolling and frolicking feet belonging to children, lovers, friends (and frenemies), as well as the four-legged critters. Sixteen years ago, a group of talented artists who formed the Placencia Peninsula Arts Association (PPAA) discovered how to make this charming walkway explode with colour while highlighting local talents, and on the weekend of Feb. 9 and 10, that vision
Placencia BTIA staff worked along with the counsel of their board members to plan and execute the event. Left to right: Shanice Westby, Natasha Eiley and Daniela Cardinez. (Photo by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)
continued to be realized.
artisans, as well as visitors from all over Belize and beThanks to the efforts of the yond. Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry As- “This year we registered sociation who have been or- vendors who brought an ganizing the annual Placen- array of skill sets to the cia Sidewalk Art Festival event,” said Shanice Westsince the PPAA disbanded, by, executive director of the as well as generous spon- Placencia BTIA. “From all sors, this year’s expertly executed event saw the partic- See PLACENCIA SIDEWALK ipation of a diverse group of ART FESTIVAL on page 14.
Where in the World is the Placencia Breeze?
PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (Placencia BTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, Maya Island Air, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula. The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 1,500, as well as a large online web audience. EDITOR IN CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: Jolie Pollard, pollard.jolie@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs muzamanzie@gmail.com ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Shanice Westby, director@placencia.com Natasha Eiley, accounts@placencia.com PRINTER: Norman’s Printing, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize. Phone: 523- 4045 PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Jodie Yearwood Leslie, Chairperson Salvador Zabaneh Elysia Dial Arreini Palacio Morganr Wendy Lemus Gillian Zabaneh Shelly Pollard Christopher Rothing
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Thanks to Lindley Rawlins for taking our February edition of the Breeze (along with her perfect tan) to another snowy destination! Keep smiling!
COUPON PAGE!
New in the Breeze! Turn to page 29 for great deals on the Placencia Peninsula! Just cut out the coupon from our printed copy of the Breeze and redeem at participating businesses! Want to place a coupon in our April 2019 issue? Contact the Placencia BTIA Office at accounts@placencia.com or call 523-4045. Coupon placement per month: BZ$200 BZ$100 Send in your coupon print ready or ask our team to design it for you. Design fee: BZ$40. (Dimensions: 2.5 inches W and 3.75 inches H. Front of coupon is in color and back of coupon is in black and white.) Twenty spots allocated for coupons on page 29. Contact us now to secure your placement!
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The Placencia Breeze
March 2019
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The world class, 18-hole, mini--golf course is located along the Placencia Road across from Sirenian Bay just south of Naia Resort and Spa. (Photo by SARAH ALY)
Miniature Golf Opening Early April The newest outdoor attraction on the Placencia Peninsula is one of several projects led by Sirenian Bay Resort and Villas owners, Brian and Brenda Montgomery. By JOLIE POLLARD pollard.jolie@gmail.com
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very year people visit the Placencia Peninsula to enjoy our beautiful beach, stunning lagoon, top-notch fishing, diving and snorkeling near Belize's otherworldly cayes. At a beach paradise connected to the mainland, they also create memorable adventures in the jungle located less than an hour away where access is granted to incredible waterfalls, ancient Maya temples and thriving wildlife. In between these grand adventures, however, people often seek a little entertainment. Longtime options have included live music, karaoke, bowling, a fun game of horse shoes, football, basketball and more recently, paint and bingo nights. We can't forget the occasional fundraiser and annual festivals. Now join-
ing the list of fun things to do is something very different for the area − miniature golf. And we’re not talking about just any kind of putt-putt park, but a world-class, professionally designed and built mini-golf course complete with a full-service eatery and bar. The ambitious project has joined several other grand undertakings in the growing portfolio of Sirenian Bay Resort and Villas, one of the newest developments to join Construction underway for "Inky's 19th Hole", a full-service bar and eatery to be opened at the golf course. our popular strip in southern (Photo by SARAH ALY) Belize. guests of different ages. teens and adults and provides late 2018. Scheduled to open to the hours of entertainment for public on April 1, the 18-hole “Having the opportunity to families.” “It took a few months to mini-golf course will be the purchase land adjacent to our design and find the right first of its kind in the country. resort gave me the idea to After studying the steady personnel to build,” Mr. Sirenian Bay owners, Brian build something that would growth seen on the northern Brian said. “We hired Bob and Brenda Montgomery say address this need,” said Mr. Placencia Peninsula that en- Howarth, a professional mini that since they began visiting Montgomery (or Mr. Brian compasses the communities golf designer and builder Placencia from the USA as he is affectionately known of Surfside and Maya Beach, from Pennsylvania (USA) in 2014, they sometimes by his friends and colleagues and imagining opportunities, and after a few months, he struggled to find things to do on the Peninsula). “Mini the Montgomery’s broke for their family, friends and Golf is fun for children, ground on the golf course in See MINI GOLF on page 10.
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The Placencia Breeze
March 2019
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P.C. Raul Pop supervises as Francis Augustine and Angel Guerra paint the speed bumps in Maya Beach with bright yellow reflective stripes. (Photo courtesy of the Placencia Peninsula People's Coalition.)
Peninsula Speed Bumps Receive Facelift
one of the Peninsula’s legal road obstacles. “It’s a lot of work but if you’ve ever flown over an unmarked stewart@cocoplumbelize.net speed bump you know it’s worth it,” says Coalition Vice-Chairman Steve Christensen, who has been supervisThe old myth about the Guinness ing the project. Book of Records declaring the Placencia Sidewalk “The World’s It’s also not cheap. While labor for Narrowest Main Street” is gradually the project—in the form of two men being replaced by the ultimate trivia working every Wednesday-- is being question: “How many speed bumps donated by Naïa Resort and Spa, the cross the Placencia Road between special paint, brushes and rollers add up to several hundred dollars the Point and Plantation? “ per bump. The answer—depending on your definition of “speed bump”—is “While we have a small amount of somewhere between 34 and 40 funds from previous fundraising ef(those under controversy are the little forts we are going to need more supones around the airport and within port from citizens and the business downtown Placencia Village, as well community to complete the effort,” adds Christensen. as the ropes in Seine Bight). By STEWART KROHN Treasurer, Placencia Peninsula People's Coalition
Solicitation letters are being sent out and potential donors will hopefully be motivated each time they cross a newly painted piece of concrete or see the painters and police supervisors in action. To support the painters please contact Steve at 610-1399, Treasurer Stewart Krohn at 6101009 or Secretary Dan Edwards at Enter the Placencia Peninsula Peo- 622-1656. ▪ ples’ Coalition—a local group that Tired of missing a few of the works with the police department 34 to 40 speed bumps on the to improve public safety. The CoaPlacencia Road? Donate now to lition’s latest project is to paint—or get them all painted. repaint—reflective stripes on every Now whether you curse them as a nuisance that delays your trip, hurts your fuel mileage and prematurely ages your brake pads, or praise them as the only way to slow down the drunks and chronic speeders, one thing is certain: It’s no fun to hit one at high speed.
“It’s a lot of work, but if you’ve ever flown over an unmarked speed bump you know it’s worth it." - Coalition Vice-Chairman Steve Christensen on the new speed bump improvement project
The Placencia Breeze
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March 2019
Mini Golf from the southern end of the Peninsula to the course,” he said. “We’re also looking at shuttle buses. We and the fantastic Belizean craftsmen want to make it as easy as possible here in Placencia constructed a world to get people here and back home or class mini-golf course.” Peninsu- to their hotels.” la-based businesses who worked on the project were Southern Belize While Mr. Brian is a mini-golf enConstruction, Manaka Landscaping thusiast, he is aware that the sport is and Belize Interior Design, who unfamiliar to many Belizeans, but are adding several wood carvings he is eager to introduce everyone to of Belize animals to the site. (The one of his favourite family activities. sculptures complete with descrip- “It’s addictive and so much fun,” he tions for guests, pay homage to the said. Devin Guzman of Seine Bight Captain Jak's Rentals joins the mini-golf course under the growing Sirenian Bay business vast wildlife Belize offers, as well as Village was Mr. Brian’s first recruit porfolio. (Photo by SARAH ALY) our prized woods.) as a course attendant. The 21 year old and his counterparts will be re- could work. I can already tell he’s tion units and have already expanded The golf course is located along the sponsible for getting players started going to be having fun with this,” and upgraded the businesses’ fleet of golf carts and inland and water tour Placencia Road in Maya Beach just and assist with instructions and rules, added Mr. Brian. services. Captain Jak’s will open a The course will be open throughout second location at the mini-golf site the day – and night, when the lanes later this year, which Mr. Brian says will be brightly lit with LED lights, will make golf carts more easily each with a different colour. “Inky” accessible to guests on the northern the course mascot, an octopus sculp- Peninsula. ture that sits atop a five-foot tall waterfall will welcome visitors at the Since taking over the helm of Capfirst hole. And at “Inky’s 19th Hole”, tain Jak’s from their dear friends a clever name for the golf-course bar, Erin and Lucky in August 2018, the golfers and friends will be able to en- Montgomery’s added a dive shop joy an assortment of specialty drinks equipped with new dive gear and for kids and adults, buy pizza, hot accessories, hired full-time boat dogs, grilled sandwiches, popcorn captains and built a new two-story and even Placencia’s famous Tutti building with four queen beds. Even Frutti gelato. a Costa dealership, famed for their polarized sunglasses, is in the plans So what’s next at Sirenian Bay? to be offered at a new office to be The Montgomery’s are constructing built later this year. “We are hoping Don't know how to golf? Attendants will be at the course to explain the rules and assist seven resort bungalows, a resort to triple our ability to service our throughout the game. (Photo by SARAH ALY) pool and “Snooty’s Bar”, which are guests,” Mr. Brian said. south of Naia Resort and Spa and as well as refreshments during their scheduled to open in the first quarter across from Sirenian Bay Resort games. “When Mr. Brian took me to of 2020. At the moment, the beach The Sirenian Bay story is a grand and Villas. This can be a far stretch the course, I was really excited. It’s front property located across the one, but it began quietly in Novemfor many in the Placencia and Seine a game I’ve never played before, but golf course, features a spa, a recep- ber 2015 at the Montgomery’s home Bight communities, but Mr. Brian is I am learning how and can’t wait to tion center and three luxury villas: (also their Manatee Villa) formerly already working on transportation teach others,” he said. “Devin stud- Manatee which sleeps 14 guests; called Casa Sunandsea. Their exlogistics. “We have a pontoon boat ied the bumps carefully around the Seahorse, which sleeps 10 and Tur- tensive projects that began in 2016 that will be available to ferry people lane and explained a play he thought tle, which sleeps two. At completion, hardly made it into the town chatter the Montgomery’s say Sirenian Bay on the Peninsula while the couple will be able to accommodate up to maintained a steadfast commitment 60 people. to “action before talk.” Continued from page 7
“Visitors can look forward to a full luxury boutique resort experience,” Mr. Brian said. “All rooms have a beach and/or pool view, and each guest will be assigned a butler and experience a high-level luxury experience.” The couple who have been together since high school, say that they are looking forward to hosting groups planning family reunions, multi-generational family vacations and even corporate retreats.
As a civic-minded stakeholder in the Belize tourism industry, Sirenian Bay has also been supporting several community activities over the past few years. “Our eyes were opened on our second trip to Placencia when our son and his friend had a bad accident on a golf cart. That lead us to donating equipment and medical supplies to the local clinic. We saw opportunities to help,” Mr. Brian said.
As if running a boutique luxury resort and a world-class mini-golf course were not enough for their workload, Mr. Brian and Mrs. Brenda are also the new owners of Captain Jak’s in The new mini-golf course is one of the featured amenities at Sirenian Bay, a luxury boutique resort across the road that is currently expanding with seven beach bungalows Placencia Village where they are currently adding more accommodascheduled for completion in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Sirenian Bay)
Since then they’ve joined other sponsors supporting the Placencia End of the World Marathon, which supports scholarships for high school and tertiary level students, the PlaSee MINI GOLF on page 11.
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Obstacles and bumps will challenge players at the lanes. (Photo by SARAH ALY)
Mini Golf Continued from page 10
cencia Sidewalk Art Festival and the Rotary Club of Placencia Auction. Sirenian Bay also donated 60 backpacks with books to players in youth football (soccer), sponsored one of the Placencia Village teams and direct primary school scholarships for several children. “I have a love to help see young people progress. The greatest compliment we receive is when someone we knew years ago, messages us to share how much we helped them along their way,” said Mr. Brian, who is also the author of “The Nice Entrepreneur,” an autobiography
chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to professional success. In addition to hosting charitable events to support the Montgomery’s causes of youth and education, “Miniature Golf at Sirenian Bay” will also be a place to participate in tournaments and throw fun birthday parties. “Our mini-golf course will serve as a valuable attraction on the Peninsula for tourists who enjoy the sport or are looking for something different to do,” Mr. Brian said.▪ Want to know more about Miniature Golf at Sirenian Bay? Visit their Facebook page: Placencia Mini Golf or contact placenciaminigolf@gmail.com.
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March 2019
Young Runners For Life Kick Off 2019 in Record Numbers! (Photos by MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)
By WANDA STAKUTIS Volunteer Seine Bight Running Club gregvwandas@gmail.com
On Feb. 9, the Seine Bight Running Club kicked off the first of the 2019 series of "Young Runners for Life" races with a total of 69 runners -- the highest level of participation we've seen. The 5K (about three miles) races are for children ages nine to 18. Four are held in the year, and last month's race marked our ninth event since we started. There are three age categories and prizes are awarded accordingly for both males and females. Many thanks to owners at Itz'ana for donating backpacks as prizes for this race! Twelve adult runners and three on bicycles volunteered to follow the children to keep them safe on the road. In addition, we had two water stations, each manned by volunteers, along the route. We also saw the participation of two traffic people, race officials, and finish line volunteers. Each one of the 30 volunteers was needed. Seven of the older members of the Seine Bight Running Club also volunteered at this race. For this race we also had three photographers to capture the beginning, middle and
end of the race; namely, Marion Carr, Kathy Anglin-Wade and Kirwin Ramirez. Many, many thanks to the entire crew of volunteers! For the third time Seine Bight was happy to host runners from the "Splash Youth Runners" group from Placencia Village. In addition, Patty Ramirez had organized a fund raiser for a young lady from Independence Village who is suffering from a seizure disorder. Fifty generous people sponsored a runner for BZ$100, and the money was turned over to the family to help with medical bills. Youth runners from Hopkins and Independence also came out for this race. We would love to have kids from all over Belize join us for our next race coming up in May! If you would like to be part of the next race please contact Wanda Stakutis, Mary Kay Bader or Kirwin Ramirez. We need volunteers, fruit, Gatorade and 18 prizes. It is a community effort to make these races happen.â–Ş
(Photo by KATHY WADE)
Volunteer photographers Marion Carr, Kathy Anglin-Wade and Kirwin Ramirez captured highlights throughout the race. See more photos on the club's FB page: "Seine Bight Running Club (not just for girls anymore!)"
(Photos by Kirwin Ramirez)
The Seine Bight Running Club: A Continuing Success some days we do running games. The running games are very important because not only do they help the children with running, but they function as team building exercises as well. It is amazing to hear the kids very Saturday morning at 6 cheering each other on. While they a.m. (or this time of year, are all very competitive, they also first light) between 30-50 take a lot of pleasure in the success kids gather on the field in Seine of their team mates. Bight Village along with five coaches to practice their running. Recently we have been working with After almost three years we are the kids on proper form coming out still going strong and the num- of starting blocks and while running. ber of kids that come out keeps We continue to work on breathing, especially when we do distance growing. training. Children are more natuA typical Saturday morning starts ral sprinters, and they tend to pant off with warm ups and "Fartlek", a instead of taking measured breaths 15-minute interval training. Some when they do distance. Saturdays we do drills, some Saturdays we do timed sprints. And This inhibits their performance. By WANDA STAKUTIS Volunteer Seine Bight Running Club gregvwandas@gmail.com
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Our next goal is to get times for every practice each child is given everyone in the 200 and 40-meter either a banana or an orange, or when it is really hot, both. The races. fruit is important to replace poWe have had a good year with tassium.) footwear donations. Almost all the runners have shoes for this moment We are hoping this year we can in time; however, several are about get new team t-shirts for all the to change sizes again, as these are runners. Not everyone has a shirt, growing children, and some of the and the shirts that we do have are getting old. We are looking for shoes are aging. sponsors for the shirts. The kids Thanks to our updates on our Face- proudly wear their shirts on race book page, Seine Bight Running (not days and love being part of the just girls anymore!), several people Seine Bight Running Club! If have already said they are bringing you'd like to support us considermore shoes when they come to visit ing sponsoring shirts or donating footwear! us! Through another donation we have Thanks to all our volunteers, runenough money to purchase fruit for ners and donors who continue to the next four months. (At the end of support our running club!â–Ş
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From the Fire Hearth: Your expert guide to all things edible in Belize.
The Moringa Movement in Placencia By LYRA SPANG Owner, anthropologist & tour guide Taste Belize
tastebelize@gmail.com
In prior iterations of this column (including March 2017 on seaweed, November 2018 on chaya and July 2018 on noni fruit), I have written about the various superfoods grown and readily available here in our beautiful little country. Today I turn the spotlight to moringa, which like noni, is an introduced plant, but one that has in recent years captured the
the leaves have the highest nutritional content. Scientific studies of the plant note that the nutrient contents of moringa leaves vary significantly depending on soil type, temperature and rainfall, as well as the age of leaves and harvesting/drying techniques. Regardless of these variations, all moringa leaves have high levels of B vitamins 1, 2, 3 and 6 and vitamins A, C and K, as well as lots of digestible protein and significant quantities of calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron (although not nearly as much calcium or iron as Lyra Spang kneels on a large sheet of moringa leaves drying in the sunlight. Stored in an airtight container, the leaves preserve much of their nutrients. (Photo by PETER DACOFF)
Several studies on the effects of moringa seed and leaf powder on diabetic rats showed great improvement in glucose blood sugar levels in both streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The hypothesis is that flavanoid antioxidants
Fresh moringa leaves are tossed with other vegetables in a garden salad. The highly nutritious leaves have become popular in Belize as a daily supplement and for its purported benefits for diabetics. (Photo by LYRA SPANG)
attention of many Belizeans, both Chaya, another leafy Belizean suas a nutritional supplement and be- perfood). cause of the claim that it may help If dried in a shady place, moringa diabetics control their illness. leaves can be powdered and stored Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) is na- in an airtight container for a long tive to India and loves sandy dry time without significant loss of nusoils. It grows luxuriantly on san- trients. This moringa leaf powder dy Placencia Peninsula and can be can be easily added to everything: found across Belize. Moringa trees smoothies, soups, stews, gravies are tough and will grow in both arid and even sprinkled over cereal. and wet tropical and semi-tropical Powdered moringa leaves can also conditions and as such, have been be incorporated into baked goods. introduced around the world to fight Don’t consume more than 70 grams malnutrition. Like our native cha- of powdered leaves a day (five ya, Moringa grows easily from cut- grams is about one tablespoon of tings; it can also be grown quickly powder), as this could cause a buildfrom seed. Some believe Moringa up of too much iron in the system. was carried to Belize in the late 1800s by Indian indentured labor- Mature moringa seeds are edible. ers, while others claim that it was They have a high fat content and brought here more recently as part the extracted oil is about 75% polyof agricultural and development unsaturated fats (PUFAS) including programmes. In the past several linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleyears the powdered leaves and mo- ic acid which help to control LDL ringa tea have become very popular cholesterol levels. Some suggest across Belize. While moringa flow- that the edible oil could be used as a ers, mature seeds, the young root healthy tropical substitute for other and young seed pods are all edible, high-PUFA fats like olive oil.
found in Moringa leaves and seeds are the cause of these reductions in blood sugar. These antioxidants and their effects on cell function may also help to slow the growth of and See MORINGA on page 30
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Placencia BTIA Sidewalk Art Fest Continued from page 5
the colorful paintings, woven Maya baskets and unique jewelry and special art pieces and sculptures to a massage table and even a tarot card reader, there was something along the sidewalk for everyone,” she said. True to the good-natured spirit of the Belizean people, artisans of varied cultures offering a cornucopia of sensorial pleasures share the friendliest and most authentic of welcoming smiles to their stalls that line both sides of the sidewalk. There were no pretentious or pushy vibes, and visitors were able to find that among the dilettante and the pros. Whether it was a nourishing soap that was crafted with organic cohune oil from Belize’s rainforest, a striking painting that perfectly captured our vibrant marine life, a masterful bowl carved from Belize’s prized multi-colored zericote wood, a tiny yet so intricately designed piece of conch shell jewellery or a Maya jipijapa basket that speaks to your soul, each piece came with a story that visitors could hear straight from the maker’s mouth. And any party in Placencia would not be complete without delicious food, drink and entertainment. “This year we decided to have fundraising bars on the beach where our DJ played, as well as a bit further down the sidewalk,” said Placencia BTIA Membership Officer Natasha Eiley. The new arrangement at the festival allowed visitors to enjoy refreshments while shopping and watching during their walk without See PLACENCIA SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL on page 28
March 2019
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Page 15 PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 2018 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Don’t see your listing? It is time to renew your membership or become a new member! Join the largest BTIA Chapter in Belize! Contact Placencia BTIA Executive Director Shanice Westby at 523-4045 or at director@placencia.com
ACCOMMODATIONS A Belizean Nirvana belizeanirvana@gmail.com; 523-3331 or 625-3301 Evan Hall
Ceiba Beach Resort & Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 651-6649; Thomas S. Hudson www.ceibabeachresort.com
Aqua Oasis dreawoody@gmail.com 623-3286
Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Chris Rothing
Aurora Beach abtrudeau@comcast.net 978-580-9455 or 650-8984 Ann & Tom Trudeau Arches /The gin7373@aol.com 479-841-7970; Mark Risk Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows barnacle@barnaclebillsbelize.com 602-7768; Bill & Adriane Taylor Bayshore Limited bayshore.bz 604-8910 or 600-1040 Jenny Wildman Belize Ocean Club info@belizeoceanclub.com 671-4500; Thibault Gehin belizeoceanclub.com Blue Crab Beach House linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson
Champagne Island Resort info@champagneislandbz.com 615-9979; Jacqueline Lozano www.champagneislandbz.com Coconut Beach Rentals info@coconutbeachbelize.com 661-9516 Carolyn and David Pezzola 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
Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ
Green Parrot Beach House & Restaurant* greenparrot@mail.com; 533-8188 David Allardice & Leo Ramirez
Cap’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey & Susan Fowler
Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller
Captain Jak’s: info@captainjaks.com 523-3448 or 628-6447
Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler
Caribbean Beach Cabanas info@caribbeanbeachcabanas. com; 622-4142 David & Laura Diffendal Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099 Midge & Aaron Dallas Casa Del Sol rubenvasquez27@gmail.com 628-8514; Ruben Vasquez Casa Laguna Vista windwardproperties@att.net 361-765-8277; David Wallace Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com; 629-2700 or 660-8526 Mariuccia Levoni Casa Palma casapalma@outlook.com 628-7922; Perfecto Choc Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com; 503-3143 or 630-7811 Jacki Tipton
Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers Hibiscus Beach Properties 615-3287; Cindy Weller cindy@hibiscusbeachbelize.com hibiscusbeachbelize.com Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 665-4069 Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Itz'ana Resort & Residence kim@itzanabelize.com 610-3456; Kim Viner Laru Beya Resort* timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3473; Timoteo Mes Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry Snowden
Lost Reef Resort* llr@lostreefresort.com 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net; 523-3117 or 627-7970; Lydia Villanueva
Sailfish Resort info@sailfishbelize.com 651-9885; Mike Gargan Sea Glass Inn* brad_schofield@yahoo.com 523-3098 Brad & Christine Schofield
Maine Stay /The belizekaren@gmail.com; 523-3507; Karen Travers
Seaspray Hotel jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com 523-3148; Jodie Yearwood
Mariposa Beach Suites* reservations@mariposabelizebeach.com; 523-4474 or 610-4473 Bruce & Sharon Maddison
Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com 523-3777; John & Marian Chan
Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro* info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee
Serenade Hotel info@serenadeplacencia.com 523-3113
Singing Sands Inn* info@singingsands.com; Miller’s Landing* 533-3022 or 520-8022; millersplacencia@yahoo.com Maya Kramer 523-3010 or 523-3011 Gary & Ann Miller Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas info@sirenianbay.com Miramar Apartments www.sirenianbay.com info@miramarbelize.com; 614-3230 523-3658; Ilsa Villanueva Brian and Brenda Montgomery www.miramarbelize.com Southern Shores Resort Naia Resort & Spa deb@southernshoresresort.com hr@naiaresortandspa.com 615-4182 523-4600; Stewart Krohn Deborah Tinsley southernshoresresort.com Placencia Villas & Golf Cart Rentals Suites at Three Iguanas info@placenciavillas.com Annelise Hagan 615-6404 or 615-6434 633-6599 Stephen Jacoby annelisehagan@hotmail.com placenciavillas.com Sunset Pointe Condos Ocean’s Edge Beach Houses ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; info@oceansedge-belize.com Office Manager, Francisco 514-606-5582 Michael Brauel & Francine Martel Turtle Inn */** frontdesk@turtleinn.com; Paradise Plantation 523-3244; Martin Krediet jerryspiritclub@yahoo.com 633-1162; Jerry Herrera Tradewinds Hotel paradise.plantation-villa.com trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie Paradise Vacation Hotel*/** info@belize123.com Vacasa Belize Ltd. 523-3179 or 523-3256 (formally Swan Villas) Alan & Deloris Stamm info@swanvillasbelize.org 621-1393 Pearl Beach House Rodolfo Saenz De Ugante vb53@centurytel.net 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Villas at Cocoplum Rental/The Betsy Valian; Stefano Ragagnin booking@thevillasatcocoplumrental.com Placencia Beach House thevillasatcocoplumrental.com placenciabeachhouse@gmail.com 607-7970; Herbert Kollman 664-9264 or 632-0545 Lou Nicolait and Joslin Merwin White House in Placencia/ The info@whitehouseplacencia.com Ranguana Caye 1-732-829-4042 info@ranguanacaye.com Kirsten & Per Kristensen 523-3304; Valerie Hopson White Sand Villa Ranguana Lodge eagleray33@gmail.com; ranguana@btl.net; 523-3112 661-9516 or 602-9315; ranguanabelize.com Tricia Hernandez Joy Leslie Wooden Mongoose Resort Robert’s Grove Beach woodenmongoose@gmail.com Resort */** 807-708-5869 info@robertsgrove.com; Jim Bailey & Ellen Yeast 523-3565 or 523-4367 woodenmongoose.com Rotonda/The candegier@gmail.com 601-8021; Carmen Stowe
Please note that some members in our Accommodations listing offer additional services: *Restaurant
**Tour Operator
***Property Rentals
AUTO RENTALS Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood CONSTRUCTION & REPAIRS Doran's Services takunchances@yahoo.com 670-4130 Doran Yount CONSULTANTS Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail.com; 523-3291 Yvette Guild HEALTH & WELLNESS Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com 620-8718 or 600-0375 Siripohn Thakham Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 503-3736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn Tree of Life Massage Studio smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408 Kristine Small COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS End of World Marathon 622-1656; chip@runbelize.org Danny Edwards runbelize.org Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department 626-0667 Kathy Anglin Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, president Rotary Club of Placencia 622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president REAL ESTATE AGENTS Amik Kil Ha achild17@gmail.com 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 Amanda Harris friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com Boris Mannsfeld & Associates info@RealEstatePlacencia.com; 523-3309 Boris Mannsfeld CPC Real Estate Solution info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young Re/Max 1st Choice david@1stchoicebelize.com 631-9622 or 523-3666 David Kafka
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Page 18 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 chachipizza@gmail.com 523-3305 Dawn's Grill dawnsgrill.com 523-4079; 602-9302 Dawn Pollard De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood
Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor tizy.lory@virgilio.it 620-9916; Tiziana Del Col Wendy's Creole Restaurant 523-3335 Wendy Lemus Note: Lobster season is closed and will reopen on June 15. Celebrate the opening of the season at our annual Placencia Lobsterfest on June 21, 22 and 23. 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
Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes4@gmail.com 601-4434 or 629-3145 Manuel Simpson JC's Corner annmarie6362@gmail.com 602-0871 AnnMarie Mena Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3476 Timoteo Mes Mango’s Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 668-4461 or 651-6649 Thomas Hudson Pickled Parrot adrianalynn37@gmail.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham Rumfish y Vino rumfish@btl.net 523-3293 or 666-6934 Pamela & John Solomon The Shak Beach Cafe magsshak@hotmail.com 622-1686 or 523-3252 Magda Morales
NSAA Bath and Body nsaa.bathbody@gmail.com 663-4276 Omitade Adediran One World Gift Shop oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 620-9975 or 523-3103 Claudia Hardegger Pyramid House Wine & Etc. info@pyramidhousewine.com 636-5745 Fred Hoffman, III TOURS Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood Barebones Tours craig@barebonestours.com 677-9303; Craig Pearlman Blue Reef Adventures polly@bluereefadventures.com 626-1429; Polly Alford
Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@gmail.com 523-3563 or 669-4675 Marion & Ed Carr
Daytripper Catamaran daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117; Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott
Placencia Mini Storage celeste1001@live.com 665-0800 Paul & Celeste Smith
Destinations Belize mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718 Mary Toy
Dolce Vita/ La ladolcevitaplacencia.com@hotmail.com SCHOOLS 678-1089 or 523-3115 Simone De Angelis (PIA) Peninsula International Academy Friends Near the Pier peninsulaacademy.org robbcarson.king@gmail.com 601-3523 667-4805 Selena Lucas Robb Carson St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic School Principal Ms. Loris Moreira Vice Principal Monique Guzman 665-3853 or 632-9124 St. John's Memorial Anglican School stjohnsmemorial@gmail.com 523-3170; 610-5502 Lovelia "Lovey" Rowland SHOPPING
Hardcore Fishing Charters ewestby@hfc-belize.com 634-7612 Erwin Westby Placencia Eagle Ray Tours eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Ms. Valerie Hopson Splash Dive Center divebelizewithsplash@gmail.com 523-3080 Patty Ramirez Sunny Side Tours sunnysidebelize@yahoo.com 610-1040 Warren Garbutt
Added Touch /The addedtouchhotelsupplies@gmail. com Taste Belize 223-1461 or 615-0054 tastebelize@gmail.com; Robin McCutcheon 664-8699 Lyra Spang Goss Chocolate linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com The Belize Tourism Industry 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson was formed in 1985 to bring Lola’s Art Gallery lolasartgallerybelize@gmail.com 523-3342/601-1913 Mermaid Charms jenari_13@yahoo.com 604-1906 or 503-3206 Jeanna Casey
MnM Hardware Placencia duncker@btl.net Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar 523-3517 or 523-3537 tipsytuna@outlook.com Dora Duncker 523-3089 Salva & Gillian Zabaneh
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
SHOPPING
together tourism and tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing industry in Belize. BTIA intended and continues to develop as the accepted and recognized voice of the tourism industry in Belize and provides an important link between public and private sectors. The Placencia BTIA holds the largest membership in Belize.
Allen, Ken & Elizabeth kenallen72@comcast.net 629-5331
McCullock, Maretha maretha.mccullock@gmail.com 615-1300 or 523-3555
Beeman, Dan dbeeman@gmail.com 818-983-5700
Mertens, Wini Palacio, Arreini Morgan arreinipal@seabelize.org 670-2924
Christensen, Steve gringo@btl.net; 610-1399 Cohen, Howard & Karen howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695 Coston, Debbie debcoston@yahoo.com; 624-6483 Edwards, Dan & Kim thislldo.dan@gmail.com 622-1656 Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004 Hess, Christina; 523-3344 Markham, Patricia Angie
Pelayo, Aretha A. arethapelayo@gmail.com 622-7557 Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net; 523-4306 Van Deurzen, John vandeurzen.bz@gmail.com; 662-0020 Westby, Brandon brandonwestby@tropicair.com 631-3553 Wildman, Tanya tanyagster@gmail.com 608-1360 Wohl, Bill (formerly Slip Stop) slipstop.ca@gmail.com 601-5548
Why Join the Placencia BTIA? Here's what we offer! • A page on the Placencia.com website with complete details of your business, a link to your website and as many pictures as you like. • A spot on the centerfold map of The Placencia Breeze. • Your contact information listed under the appropriate business category in the Membership Directory of The Placencia Breeze. • A feaure story in The Placencia Breeze about your business. • A discounted listing in the annual Destination Belize magazine. • Your brochures and literature displayed in the Placencia Tourism Center. • Referrals to your business given to visitors by the staff of the Placencia Tourism Center. • BTIA member discounts at participating member businesses. • Local assistance with renewals of hotel licenses, tour guide licenses, tour operator licenses, sport fishing licenses, etc. • Discounted pricing on advertising in The Placencia Breeze. • Email announcements and news from Placencia BTIA. • Opportunity to have your announcements distributed to all Placencia Chapter members. • Listing on the national BTIA website. • Consistent and relevant advocacy on behalf of Placencia tourism stakeholders.
HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees $200.00
Medium 11-50 employees $500.00
Large 51+ employees $1,500.00
HANNUAL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS $100.00
Extra Membership Cards $25.00
Like our Facebook pages and never miss a beat! www.facebook.com/PlacenciaTourismCenterBelize www.facebook.com/PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival www.facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze www.facebook.com/PlacenciaLobsterfestBelize www.facebook.com/placenciafishingtournament www.facebook.com/placenciamistletoeball
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March is for Macaws By SHAYLENE TODD Contributing Writer The Placencia Breeze
shaylenetodd@gmail.com
Each year the scarlet macaws make their way down south to feed along the riverbanks. Catch them in the wild before they take off at the end of the month. (Photo by CHRISTO SWANEPOEL)
T
here aren’t very many things that make getting up at 5 a.m. sound appealing, but heading out to see the Scarlet Macaws is definitely one of the few exceptions. With March being your last – and best month – to see them during the year in southern Belize, it’s time for you to get out of bed early too.
in southern Belize, you can easily you’ll disembark from the van and book a tour for a chance to spot these start your climb, not more than a 10-minute hike, but also not for beauties. the faint of heart, as it’s mostly I called Doyle Gardiner, owner of uphill. You’ll come to a clearing DTOUZ, our veteran Peninsula ex- nestled amongst the trees and be pert on these birds. He’ll pick you treated to what can only be deup in his van at 5 a.m. and drive scribed as one of the best views in you just over an hour to Red Bank Belize. The sun will start its ascent Village, located just south of the over the rolling green hills turning Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanc- the sky to the light pink and blue tuary. The ride itself is a highlight. hues of dawn. The yellow of the Driving through the village, you’ll Quamwood trees will stand out see perfectly thatched homes all amongst the valley of green, and along the roadside. The Maya people as you sit with your loved ones, that inhabit them are early risers, and you’ll be struck by the serenity of they’ll wave or smile as you pass by. the moment. Their colorful laundry is all neatly hung on their lines and their chickens And then you’ll hear it- the groverun wild in their yards. The van may ly squawk that will echo off the even have to stop and wait for an rock walls all around you, so much louder than you ever could have expected. A bird that flies in pairs or packs, the sun will catch the red of their wings as they start to fly overhead.
wings have a variety of bright blue and yellow feathers and their faces boast white cheeks and yellow eyes, which makes them a magnificent sight for bird lovers. Agouti family to cross the road (the Agouti Every December, these macaws is a close relative and These Scarlet Macaws all It is estimated that there are fewer migrate from the mountains in the smaller version of Gibcome to perch in a tree across than 250 Scarlet Macaws in Belize, Chiquibul National park in the west nut). It’s a picturesque the way, and they’ll disapwith less than an approximated of the country and fly down to the scene and very representative of the pear from the naked eye which is 5,000 worldwide. One of the larger south for better feeding along the way of life in the rural communities hard to believe given how colorful members of the parrot family, these riverbanks before they make a return of southern Belize. beautiful birds are most notable for trip at the end of March. Thanks their striking red plumage. Their to several knowledgeable guides You’ll come to an opening where See SCARLET MACAWS on page 25.
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March 2019
Sandwatch Continues in Peninsula Primary Schools
By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)
fohoutreach@gmail.com The SandWatch program, which was developed by UNESCO in 1998 was implemented by Fragments of Hope (FoH) in the three Peninsula primary schools with funding from GEFSGP and supplemented with private donations from Ray Caye and Wild Orchid Resort. It has been active for five months during the 2018-2019 year and is just two months away from being completed with a field trip to Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Since October 2018, students from St. John’s Anglican Memorial, Peninsula International Academy and St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary Schools have been actively involved in indoor and outfield activities.
FoH Outreach Officer Monique Vernon delivers a PowerPoint presentation to students at St. John's Anglican Memorial Primary School in Placencia Village.
tation within the schools along with several Independence Junior College A boy at St. Alphonsus R.C. Primary Environmental Science students. School in Seine Bight Village studies They are Jonathan Dubon, Maricella beach composition with his classmates Shal and Hildebrant Chinchilla. as part of the SandWatch program. Topics they covered ranged from “Erosion and Accretion”, “Beach Composition” to “Human Activities on the Beach” and “Beach Debris”. SandWatch coordinator, Ms. Abigail Parham and outreach officer, Monique Vernon have been actively involved and overseeing its implemen-
Many thanks go out to Jalima Gold and SEA member, Helen Gordon, for actively participating in each project and Victor Faux for becoming involved. Fragments of Hope welcomes and values all local NGO partnerships and other collaborations, as well as local volunteers in any of the work/projects in school or outfield.▪
Famous Hawksbill Turtle Finds Home at the Pointe was donated with love to Placencia Village from Fragments of Hope, Ray Caye and Anton Leslie. So if Remember the famous hawksbill you’re heading down that way, feel turtle that led the Placencia reef free to take photos and enjoy the themed Independence Day Parade splendor of his company. in 2018? Thanks to Ray Caye, Placencia VilThe coveted sculpture created by lage Council and Anton Leslie for all local artist, Anton Leslie, made its efforts and support done to bringing way up and down the Placencia Road this to our community. ▪ and has now found its permanent home on the Placencia beach near the municipal pier. The sculpture By MONIQUE VERNON
Anton Leslie's hawksbill turtle adorned the Fragments of Hope float in the 2018 Independence Day parade in Placencia Village. The turtle now joins the giant beach chair at the Placencia Pointe for more photo ops.
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croc corner
Q.: Which is easier to train? A crocodile or a dog? A.: ... Read on! training, with our captive croc Rick.
By MARISA TELLEZ Co-founder & Executive Director Crocodile Research Coalition marisa.tellez@crcbelize.org
D
espite the small brain, crocodiles are highly intelligent animals (FACT EVERYONE - neuroscientists to this day do not know what contributes to an animal’s intelligence. The amount of neuron connections nor size of the brain matters). Crocodiles can recognize a person’s voice, smell and face. Some species coordinate hunting in packs like wolves or work together in corralling fish like dolphins (observed in our American crocs in Belize).
Rick (named after the character from the show Rick and Morty) was highly emaciated and illustrated signs of being someone's pet via his habituation to humans and poor physical state (Rick is partially blind and has a curved spine due to improper nutrition and being kept in a small enclosure). Although we have rehabbed Rick back to health (with clean water, a large open enclosure and a proper diet), he cannot be released back into the wild due to his chronic physical ailments and habituation to humans (FYI- It is illegal to own crocodiles as pets in Belize).
So how does Rick like his new environment? He has his special spot to bask in the sunlight and the overhanging of dense vegetation in a corner (or what we like to call a croc palapa). He is a pretty good student doing well in his This intelligence makes them enrichment program. excellent candidates in target training in captivity. What’s Rick knows how to respond to target training you ask? Think the words "TARGET" (get food), about how you train a dog … it’s "WATER" (get in the water), something like that. The majority "LAND" (come on land), "STAY" of zoos and institutions caring for (stay where you are) and "COME" captive animals around the world (come towards caretaker). target train captive animals as a way to provide mental stimu- Target training takes a lot of time lation. (Imagine staying in your to understand the response of the house for the rest of your life!) individual croc (as each croc may Target training is also a way to build trust and a relationship between the animal and its keeper, and this includes between crocodile and keeper (Google “target training” and “crocodiles” and BE AMAZED!). Besides the research, management, education, and wildlife triage CRC provides for the Belize Forest Department and our partners throughout the country, CRC is now also in the position to care for crocs that cannot be released back into the wild, like Rick (up there on the right in the picture with me).
be a bit different, like a dog), in addition to the actual training.
Given Rick’s poor eyesight, sound and vibration are important in the target training, so voice and variation in tap commands are significant. However, through the several months of his target training, we have noticed a bit of “memory” issues. Rick was likely a “punching bag” for his previous owner(s), and as seen in his head injuries from car crashes or particular physical sports, he can be a bit forgetful or spacey at times. Despite the minor issues, Rick is improving each day and Caring for animals is a lot of re- enjoys his time of enrichment sponsibility, and the CRC holds a (probably because he gets a treat high standard in regards to animal of fish, shrimp, or if he is really welfare; thus, we have begun an enrichment program, aka target See CROCS IN REHAB on page 26.
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March 2019
Placencia Peninsula Guide ACCOMMODATIONS Placencia Villas and Golf Carts: Daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Eleven comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments in the heart of Placencia Village (next to the "Rumfish" Restaurant), close to restaurants, shopping, banks as well as the beach. Cable TV, free wife, fully equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, fully screened porch, hammocks. Contact owner Steve Jacoby 615-6404 or Jaime Jacoby 615-6434. Email info@ placenciavillas.com Major credit cards accepted. Rates from 129 BZD incl. Taxes. Paradise Resort: Has most of the amenities & all the luxury of a large hotel. We are located on the ocean front. 12 A/C rooms. On site full service restaurant & bar, spa by the sea, all eco tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, roof top Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, dive shop, gift shop, kayak and golf cart rental. Maya & Tropic Air agent. Email: info@belize123.com or give us a call at 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com
SHOPPING
Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! 523-3544, Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL Yellow Pages, Facebook. Winner World Belize! 9 Cabanas w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean. coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock. Placencia Pharmacy: Prescriptions, OTC meds & vitamins as well as 523-3122 - trdewndpla@btl.net cosmetics & pet meds. Located just north of Atlantic Bank. Open Mon-Sat 8 am- 6 pm. Closed on Sundays & Public & Bank Holidays. P. 523-3346
CHEERS
Wallen’s Market: Hardware and houseware as well as wines, liquors, & select wholesale items. Located just south of BTL office. Serving the peninsula for Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11 am to midnight. Located on the beach. over 30 years! P. 503-3316; Office: 523-3128. wallensmarket@yahoo.com. Live Music Wed, Fri & Sat at 5 pm & Sun at 1 pm. Happy Hour 5 -6 pm. Largest drink menu around. Creative lunch & dinner specials. Known for Stiff Drinks ~ Tasty Food ~ Good Times! 523-3515. Follow us on Facebook! J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm. Pool Table and Free Darts. 523-3412 SailFish Resort: Swim-up bar and pool open to public Wed-Sun @ 12 noon. 18+ only. Must wear appropriate swimwear. Daily drink specials. Resort setting waterfront on lagoon at Sunset Point. BZ$5 daily pool fee. www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885.
DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed on Wed) 7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385 The Pickled Parrot: American Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and ICE COLD BEER under an open-air thatched roof! Daily BZ$10 specials. Open M, W,TH,F,S with live music every Saturday. Call: 636-7068. The Shak Beach Café: Placencia's original smoothie spot with fresh fruit smoothies. Try our famous seaweed shake, natural juices, veggie burgers, salads, wraps, hummus, falafel. We serve breakfast all day. Located on the beach at the foot of the main dock. Open 7 to 6. Closed on Tuesday. Call us Placencia Office Supply: Business Service – Printing – Faxing – Copies. at 523-3252. Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, on the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for portraits, web & brochure images. 523-3563 or 603-5143 breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. 523-3335 - wendylemus02@hotmail.com muzamanzie@yahoo.com
SERVICES
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Festival/Event Calendar & National Public & Bank Holidays January 2019: New Year's Day, Jan. 1 The Garifuna Collective live at ChaChi's, Jan. 12 February 2019: Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival: Feb. 9-10 Lobster Season Closes: Feb. 15
REAL ESTATE Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: Our loyalty to our client’s best interest has established us as the top real set firm in the region. Our expert team is ready and excited to guide you step–by–step in finding the perfect property or securing a successful sale or investment. If you or your customers are seeking exceptional service, proven experience, professionalism, and the know-how and determination to get things done then look no further. Even though we specialize on the Placencia peninsula, we have a reliable network of real estate firms and developers throughout Belize with whom we can collaborate to provide you with real estate options across this beautiful country. Give us a call at Ph.523-3063 or Email:Info@RealEstatePlacencia. com. CPC Real Estate Solutions: Your trusted real estate broker in Belize. We have over 20 years experience helping clients with their real estate transactions and take pride in assisting you with your property purchase. Please drop into our office for a free map of Belize, and no obligation answers to all your real estate questions. We’re located in the heart of the village, across from the Atlantic Bank. 672-9000 or belizeproperty.com RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize: RE/MAX the worldwide leader in real-estate is here so look no further. RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize is here to help educate you on the market. Whether you are buying or selling no one knows more and has a better reputation than us. Call the office at 523-3666 or email at info@1stchoicebelize.com
TOUR PROVIDERS Trip N Travel: Inland Jungle Tours – Monkey River Magic. 660-7189 lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Supply. The Placencia Peninsula Guide features paid listings. Contact the Placencia BTIA office at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com for pricing information.
March 2019: Flaming Heart Ball Fire Department Fundraiser: TBA Maya Day: TBA National Heroes and Benefactors Holiday: March 12 April 2019: Holy Thursday: April 18 Good Friday: April 19 Holy Saturday: April 20 Easter Sunday: April 21
June 2019: Battle Cancer Walk TBA Placencia Lobsterfest: June 21-22-23 Rotary Duck Race at Lobsterfest Conch Season Closes (date dependent on quota requirements)
October 2019 Conch Season Opens: Oct. 1 Pan-American Day Holiday: Oct 14 BTIA Belize Birding Festival: Oct. 25-28 November 2019 GarifunaSettlement Day Holiday: Nov. 19
December 2019 End of the World September 2019: Marathon: Dec. 8 St. George’s Caye Mistletoe Ball: TBA Day Holiday: Sept. Placencia Christmas 10 Boat Parade: TBA Flag Raising Christmas Street Ceremony and Parade: TBA Party: Sept. 20 Christmas Day Holiday: Belize Independence Dec. 25 Day Holiday and Boxing Day Holiday: Carnival: Sept. 21 Dec. 26 Placencia Yamaha New Year's Eve Beach Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Parties at Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot: Dec. 31 TBA
May: 2019 Labour Day: May 1 Sovereign's/ Commonwealth Day Holiday: May 24
Run while supporting high school scholarships for area students! Dec. 8, 2019. Visit runbelize.org
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Crocs in Rehab good, chicken).
of predators one usually is exposed to from TV or movies and even social media.
The CRC is now starting their target training with Aemon (named after the character from Game of Thrones), a Morelet’s crocodile that
Aemon was found emaciated in north Belize, likely due to his inability to utilize vision for hunting from his injuries. However, after three
Continued from page 21
March 2019
Have You Heard About the Deadly New Disease Attacking Corals Right Now? By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)
fohoutreach@gmail.com
Natural Resources in the Virgin Islands, “there’s no cure” for the disease but preventable measures can be done to avoid it from spreading.
Fragments of Hope (FoH) is currently working on Identification Cards of what the disease looks like to help safeguard our reefs. All tour guides and fisheries are encouraged to contact FoH at fohouteach@gmail. com or 623-6122 to receive a set of ID cards. Tour guides and fisherfolk are also asked to look out for any signs of the disease and report immediately to Fragments of Hope, Southern Environmental Association, National Coral Reef Monitoring With no precise cause of the disease, Network, Oceana or Belize Fisheries it's been observed to affect a large Department. number of coral species, killing some more quickly than do other diseases and also turns the victimized coral Monique Vernon is a new member into a white haze. While the disease of the FoH team. A native of Plaposes no direct danger to humans, it cencia Village, she holds a Bachecan have long-term consequences lor of Science in Natural Resource to the fishing and tourism industries Managment from the Univeristy of should the disease spread uncontrol- Belize (2016). She carries extensive lably and uncontained. According experience with youth and schools to Leslie Henderson, the coral reef and worked with FoH in 2017 iminitiative coordinator for the Coastal plementing the SandWatch program. Zone Management division of the FoH is dedicated to employing local coastal community members. Department of Planning and Little Freddy Krueger was rescued in the Placencia Lagoon after suffering an injury to his First discovered in Miami in 2004, Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has destroyed masses of corals along the Florida cayes and reef and has made its way through Jamaica, Mexico, St. Martin and the Virgin Islands. As the name implies, after being infected with the pathogen, the coral literally begins to lose tissue. It can take years to recover this loss.
abdomen by a boat propeller. After rehabilitation with the Crocodile Research Coalition he was released back into the wild.
Rick remains in rehab under the CRC's care. He is believed to have been abused while held illegally in captivity. Rick joins another previously abused croc, Aemon, as a CRC ambassador promoting the truth about crocs and squashing misguided information that threatens their survival.
is completely blind. Although we are still trying to determine what has caused Aemon’s blindness, one eye appears it was injured as a result of a hard blow (like someone throwing a heavy rock at his head), and likely a hard blow is what caused the injury to the other eye.
months in rehab, Aemon is putting on weight and responding to basic target training. He was very timid with human presence (likely due to previous abuse), but he is beginning to trust his new CRC caretakers.
Rick, and now Aemon, have taken on the important role as CRC’s Croc Why would someone cause injury Ambassadors, educating people to a small croc? about the truth of crocodiles, squashing false beliefs and misguided Crocodiles like many other predators information and creating the bridge get the brunt of wildlife abuse due to of coexistence between communities false facts and the sensationalization and crocs (and all wildlife!).
CRC Disclaimer: It is illegal to have crocodiles as pets, and CRC is permitted by the Belize Forest Department to have crocs in captivity for rehabilitation in accordance with the guidelines of the Forest Department in their mission of conservation and management of wildlife. Interested in helping Rick and Aemon, along with other crocs that come in CRC care for release back into the wild? Would you like to meet Rick? Donate BZ$100 or more, and CRC will provide a croc talk and introduce you to our star Croc Ambassador, Rick. And if you really want to sink your teeth into conservation, why not Adopt-A-Croc with a monthly or annual donation? Monetary sponsorship will go towards food, enclosure upkeep, and veterinary care of crocs. Headed out fishing? Why not give us your
scraps! There are so many ways to sink your teeth into conservation with the CRC. Contact us today! Oh, and if you are wondering what’s easier, training a croc or a dog? At least for me, a croc is way easier than my two dogs!▪ The CRC is a Belize non-profit with a sister 501(c)3 company Collective ConSERVation in the United States. For more information on financial donation, please contact Dr. Marisa Tellez at marisa.tellez@crcbelize. org.
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Scarlet Macaws Continued from page 19
Beautiful large boulders and rushing water all around, you’ll peel off your long pants and slip into the cool river water. As you bathe, Doyle will start a fire. You’ll hear the Avidbill wood creepers’ descending whistle, watch cattle egrets fly gracefully close to the waterline and see a Tiger heron perched majestically on a tree branch. Doyle’s partner will let you know when the coffee is ready, and you’ll sit on a rock as you drink it marveling at how different nature is here from the beach you were at yesterday.
A delicious breakfast of sweet bread, bananas, huevos rancheros and bacon is served just as you hear that unmistakable screech again. The Scarlet Macaws have graciously made an encore appearance during As an endangered species, with only 250 your adventure. You’ll marvel at thought to be living in Belize, seeing a their size and beauty. scarlet macaw in the wild is a remarkable sight to behold. (Photo by CHRISTO SWANEPOEL)
Endangered by the pet trade, watching Macaws in the wild like this will they are. Doyle will have set up a instill in you the feeling that it’s a telescope for you that will allow privilege and a rarity to see them in you to study them as they climb the their beautiful habitat here in southbranches and feed on the small nuts ern Belize. ▪ they’ve come for. But you know a trip with a Placencia tour guide always comes with a little bonus for added fun. After enjoying that awe inspiring moment in nature, you’ll return to the van and head to the river bank in the village.
Contributing writer, Shaylene Todd, is the sales manager for Itz'ana Resort & Residences in Placencia. She can often be seen running the road or enjoying a beach day with friends.
The drive to Red Bank Village allows visitors to see the rural lifestyle of the Maya people living in southern Belize. (Photo by CHRISTO SWANEPOEL)
Catching the scarlet macaws in Red Bank Village off the Southern Highway, means waking up extra early to arrive in time for sightings at sunrise in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. On a trip with DTourz, veteran Placencia tour guide, Doyle Gardiner, prepares breakfast and coffee on site. (Photos by KEVIN W. QUISCHAN)
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March 2019
FoH Distributes Educational Materials to Students in Southern Belize and respect for the environment and community. Fragments of Hope works in tandem with and extended gratitude to local artist Anton Leslie, for his amazing sketches, to GEF-SGP for providing funding and to Ray Caye (formally known as Hatchet Caye/Wild Orchid) for their generous private donation.
By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)
fohoutreach@gmail.com Just a month after distributing their newly printed posters, colouring books and puzzles, the team at Fragments of Hope (FoH) have counted a total of 95 posters, 1,162 colouring books and 117 puzzles that have been given to students from varying academic levels in five coastal schools in southern Belize including St. John’s Memorial Anglican, Peninsula International Academy, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic, Sittee River Methodist and Holy Family (Hopkins) Primary Schools.
Young recipients of FoH educational materials show off their kits. Top to bottom: Students at St. John's Anglican Memorial Primary School; students at Peninsula International Academy and students at St. Alphonsus R.C. Primary School.
If you love the work of FoH and would like to help them reach more students, feel free to visit their website at fragmentsofope.org (where their colouring books are free downloadables) or contact them at fohoutreach@gmail.com if your school would like to receive some!â–Ş
With the aim to inspire and educate, the team is now focused to reach primary schools in Independence Village and Punta Gorda Town. These easy-to-learn educational tools are ideal for youngsters to build creative thinking, problem solving
2019 Licensed Tour Guides of the Placencia &Monkey River Tour Guide Associations A message from the Belize Tour Guide Association:
Did you know that it is illegal to guide a tour in Belize without a license? Licensed tour guides undergo a comprehensive training program, pass a swim test and are certified in CPR and first aid. Ask to see your guide's license! Adran Kus Ainsworth Leslie Sr. Akeem Tejada Alexander Chun Alexander Garbutt Alfred Williams Allan Arnold Allan Villanueva Alrin Muschamp Amir Neal Andre Williams Andres Fletes Andria Villanueva Angel Bonilla Arthur Westby Avelardo Cuevas Avelino Franco Basilio Ical Ben Bol Benjamin Young Bernard Leslie Jr. Bernard Leslie Sr. Bernard Valerio Blake Leslie Brian Coy Bryan Petillo Charles Longworth Clarence Rowland Claude Vernon Dale Godfrey
Dalila Sanchez Dan Santos Daniel Cabral Darmin Shivers Darnell Leslie Darrel Westby Darryl Lozano David Ortiz Derwin Garbutt Deshawndre Henderson Diego Coc Dion Muschamp Doren Leslie Sr. Doyle Gardiner Dwayne Young Earl Godfrey Ebenezer Gordon Edlin Leslie Edwin Carr Eldon Sanchez Elesario Shal Eliezer Munoz Elroy Burgess Elroy Tucker Elton Reyes Emelio Diaz Emilliano Bo Eric Foreman Ernesto Bol Eusebio Bonell Sr.
Evaristo Muschamp Ever Ramirez Eyanick Pop Fabian Vellos Faygon Villanueva Fedrito Villanueva Florencio Shal Floria Sanchaz Francisco Alvarado Francisco Linarez Francisco Tush Fredi Arias Genaro Chiac Gilbert Garbutt Grayson Sierra Harold Neal Henry Hamilton Hilario Tuch Hubert Neal Hubert Young Ian Cuevas Ian Vernon Iris Ramirez Ivan Leslie Jr. Ivan Leslie Sr. Jamie Leslie Jason Herrera Jason Westby Jason Williams Javier Martinez Jermaine Cain Jes Bech Jonathan Gabourel Jordan Griffith Julian Cabral Julio Garcia Keiran Eiley Kendis Hernandez Kenroy Eiley
Keon Leslie Khimar Spence Kirk Mayen Kylon Garbutt Lauro Trapp Lennox Palacio Leonardo Castro Leopold Ernest Garcia Leopold Leslie Leslie Faux Lincoln Garbutt Lincoln Garbutt Jr. Linda Garcia Lloydia Westby Luis Gabriel Lyra Spang Marco Supaul Mariko Wallen Marisha Betancourt Mark Buller Martin Cabral Marvin Escobar Matthew Leslie Maxwell Canelo Melissa Cabral Melvin Arevalo Mervin Leslie Jr. Mervin Leslie Sr. Miguel Herrera Miguel Ortiz Natasha Gibson Nazario Cal Nestor Teul Nick Pollard Norman Leslie Jr. Octario Ack Oliver Salam Orie Burgess Orlando Flores
Orlin Ipina Osacar Gutierrez Oscar Boo Pablo Mendoza Percival Gordon Peter Dacoff Polly Alford Prince Gongora Rafael Villanueva Randolph Faux Randolph Villanueva Renato Cal Rene Leslie Sr. Rhawn Godfrey Rolando Espat Sandy Asencio Shannae Garcia Shawn Young Sidney Lopez Stephen Lopez Stephen Young Tadeo Chun Terry Garbutt Thorman Turner Vaughan Leslie Vaughan Leslie Vicente Pau Vinicio Tuario Walter Aldana Walter Garbutt Warren Garbutt Wayne Castellanos Wellington Garbutt Willie Caal willington Garbutt Winsley Cuevas Ylman Linares Zane Garbutt Zane Westby Zeferino Mes
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Rotary Club of Placencia Updates By CHRIS WEBB Contributing Writer Rotary Club of Placencia chriswebb1@gmail.com
The Rotary Club of Placencia has been busy as usual with another eventful month. On Saturday, Feb. 2, with the help of the Belize Blood Transfusion Services and Placencia Health Clinic, we hosted our quarterly blood drive. In total we managed to collect 10 units of much needed blood. We would like to extend a big thank you to the donors and to those who attempted to donate but couldn’t for various reasons. We would also like to thank The Pickled Parrot for providing refreshments to donors.
In February, The Rotary Club of Placencia hosted District Governor of Rotary District 4250, Dr. Jose Antonio Interiano Torre and his wife Ena. The governor was given a tour of Rotary's projects on the Peninsula. (Photo by CHRIS WEBB)
The Rotary Club’s senior program, held every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Placencia Community Centre has been as successful as ever. Each week we welcome our group of seniors to take part in art classes led by Lynn Upham and Anne White. Participants engage in the ever competitive bingo sessions and hot potato games or find their inner yogi with chair-yoga sessions. On Wednesday the Feb. 6, we had the great honour of celebrating Miss Emma Westby’s 98th birthday! Lunch and birthday cake were enjoyed by all. Bingo night, every Friday at 6 p.m. at The Flying Pig continues with great success. Patrick Gonzalve generously hands over his bar for us to host some very lively games of bingo. Things can get competitive with the chance of winning BZ$500! The Rotary Club is proud to put all proceeds towards our various community projects. Lastly and by no means least, The Rotary Club of Placencia had the great honour of hosting the District Governor of Rotary District 4250, Dr. Jose Antonio Interiano Torre and his wife Ena, on Thursday the 7th of February. After showing Dr Interiano and Ena around the Placencia Peninsula and showcasing some of our many projects our board members hosted lunch and conducted a board meeting at Mariposa Beach Suites. That evening our whole club met at Paradise Restaurant for dinner and a presentation from Dr. Interiano.
Tuesdays: Weekly club meeting at the Pickled Parrot starting at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays: Weekly seniors' get together for arts, crafts and Bingo! Friday: Bingo with a chance to win BZ$500 at The Flying Pig. BZ$20 gets you 10 games!
Miss Emma Westby of Placencia Village celebrated her 98th birthday at Rotary's weekly senior's lunch. (Photo by ZUN PWINT WEBB)
Dr. Interiano takes a photo with Placencia Rotary's president, Robert Cook, at Paradise Resort where he gave a presentation to Club members. (Photo by ZUN PWINT WEBB)
Didn't get your Placencia BTIA Sidewalk Art Festival OFFICIAL T-shirt?? Get yours while they last at The Placencia Tourism Center!
Placencia Rotarians Robert Cook abd Harold Wallen join Dr. Jose Antonio Interiano Torre and his wife Ena during a project. (Photo by RON FELL)
Advertise in The Placencia Breeze! Call 523-4045 or e-mail info@placencia.com.
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Placencia BTIA Sidewalk Art Fest Continued from page 14
the fuss of having to return to one location as per recent years. In addition to ice cold Belikin beers, sodas and water offered at the fundraising bars, participating vendors along the sidewalk also offered sangrias and rum slushies. “People really enjoyed the change,” Eiley added. This year’s art festival t-shirts were also a hit. Featuring the design by Godwin Torres (see story in our February issue) that was digitally enhanced by Eiley, the t-shirt was spotted on many a visitor at the event. “We were really thrilled to see how many people loved the shirts,” said Westby, who joined her staff at the official Placencia BTIA booth. “Proceeds from t-shirt sales allow our organization to continue our office operations and plan our special events like this one in the future. If you didn’t get one, visit us at the Placencia Tourism Center. We still have a few left.” With live cultural rhythms from the Pannerifixx Steel Drum Band and Emmeth Young and the Talla Walla, as well as DJ Boneyfide’s popular sets, music kept up with everyone’s footsteps. Meanwhile, children had a blast at the beach bounce house. This interactive two-day affair continues to leave an indelible mark on the heart of any art and culture enthusiast. The Placencia BTIA thanks everyone who returned to Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival this year or decided to explore it for the first time. The festival is souvenir shopping at a more empyrean level in Belize, and one you’ll want to revisit again and again. Missed it? Follow the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival page on Facebook and plan your trip for next year!▪
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March 2019
Moringa Continued from page 13
even kill cancer cells by inducing what is called reactive oxygen species (ROS). If you have one growing in your yard here in Placencia, or discovered one along the sidewalk, don’t forget to enjoy this superfood in its original form. Young fresh moringa leaves have the flavour of mustard greens-meets arugula and make for a fun salad Moringa grows easily from cuttings. It ingredient. The root, when grat- can also be grown quickly from seed. ed, has the flavour of horserad- (Photo by JOLIE POLLARD)
Moringa powder can be purchased at Belizean Flavours and other Placencia shops. (Photo courtesy of Belizean Flavours)
ish. And the flowers and young seed pods are also edible. However you eat it, adding moringa to your diet will only improve your health. Try mixing it up with some cacao nibs, chaya leaf powder and seaweed gel for the
Fragments of Hope Billboards Erected at Moho Caye and Laughing Bird Caye National Park By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)
fohoutreach@gmail.com Thinking about taking a caye trip to Moho or Laughing Bird Caye? Then do look out for their corals nurseries/ outplants and More Corals = More Fish billboard!
Early this year, the team at Fragments of Hope took a trip to Moho caye to install their new (old image) billboard where their reef restoration work began back in 2015 under an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) grant and now is possible by Mar Fund and WWF funding. Several days after, the FoH More Corals = More Fish billboard was up at Laughing Bird Caye National
perfect health booster smoothie!▪ Lyra Spang is owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural & culinary tour company. She researches & writes about food whenever she can. Visit tastebelize.com.
Left: Billboard promoting coral health at Laughingbird Caye with Helen Gordon of SEA and Victor Faux and Avelino Franco of FoH. Above: Franco, Victor and Allen pose for a photo after putting up the billboard at Moho Caye private island.
Park, the origin and star site of FoH. outplanting and nursery monitoring.▪ Many thanks goes out to Southern Environmental Association (SEA) and the Belize Forestry Department (BFD) for their approval to install, to Anton Leslie for his original artwork, to GEF-SGP/OAK foundation for funding the billboards, to Raye Caye for donations to build frames and Mar Fund for the trip to do additional
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Transportation Information D' Express Boat - Capt. Grevil, 624-6509- Pay aboard. Departs Placencia Fridays from MnM's Service Station at 9 a.m. Arrives in Big Creek at10 a.m. then departs Big Creek at 11 a.m. Arrives in Puerto Cortez, Honduras at 2 p.m. at Laguna. • Returns to Placencia on Mondays: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras at 11:30 a.m. Arrives in Big Creek at noon. Departs Big Creek at 1:30 p.m. Arrives in Placencia at 2:45 p.m. Hokey Pokey Boat - 667-1821 or 665-7242 • Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: Everday: 6:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays) • Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: Everday: 6:30am, 7:30 a.m., 8a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30pm, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (except on Sundays) Ritchie’s Bus - 631-7751 or 523-3806 Regular Bus: • Placencia → Dangriga (10 BZD): Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m., 12:45 p.m and 2:30 p.m. Sundays: 2:30 p.m. • Dangriga → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m., 2 p.m.; 4:30p.m and 6:15 p.m. Sundays: 11 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Express Bus, Monday - Saturday: • Placencia → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City (20 BZD): Monday - Friday: 6:15 a.m. and *2:30 p.m. (*not express) • Belize City → Belmopan → Placencia: Monday - Saturday: 3:30 p.m. James Bus Line: Regular Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda 6.15 am
7.30 am
9.15 am
10.45 am
12.45 pm
7.15 am
8.30 am
10.15 am
11.45 am
1.45 pm
8.15 am
9.30 am
11.15 pm
12.45 pm
2.45 pm
9.15 am
10.30 am
12.15 pm
1.45 pm
3.45 pm
10.15 am
11.30 am
1.15 pm
2.45 pm
4.45 pm
12.15 pm
1.30 pm
3.15 pm
4.45 pm
6.45 pm
1.45 pm
3.00 pm
4.45 pm
6.00 pm
7.45 pm
3.15 pm
4.00 pm
6.15 pm
7.45 pm
9.45 pm
• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 3.50 am
6.00 am
7.30 am
9.15 am
10.30 am
4.50 am
7.00 am
8.30 am
10.15 am
11.30 am
5.50 am
8.00 am
9.30 am
11.15 am
12.30 pm
7.50 am
10.00 am
11.30 am
1.15 pm
2.30 pm
9.50 am
12.00 pm
1.30 pm
3.15 pm
4.30 pm
11.50 pm
2.00 pm
3.30 pm
5.15 pm
6.30 pm
1.50 pm
4.00 pm
5.00 pm
6.45 pm
8.00 pm
2.50 pm
5.00 pm
5.45 pm
7.15 pm
8.30 pm
3.50 pm **
5.45 pm **
7.00 pm **
8.30 pm **
9.30 pm **
Express Bus: • Belize City → Belmopan → Dangriga → Independence → Punta Gorda 5.15 am
6.30 am
7.45 am
9.00 am
10.30 am
3.45 pm*
5.00 pm*
6.15 pm*
7.30 pm*
9.00 pm*
• Punta Gorda → Independence → Dangriga → Belmopan → Belize City 6.00 am*
7.30 am*
8.30 am*
9.45 am*
10.45 am*
** (except Saturday) * (except Sunday)
BEBB BUS LINE (Stops at Hopkins): • Dangriga → Placencia: Leave 5:30 a.m. | Arrive 7:00 a.m. Leave 8:30 a.m. | Arrive 10:00 a.m. • Placencia → Dangriga: Leave 10:30 a.m. | Arrive 12:00 noon → Connect to 12:30 p.m. James to Belize City Leave 5:30 p.m. | Arrive 7:00 p.m. → Connect to 7:30 p.m. James to Belize City ADO: • Leaves from Belize City at 7:30 p.m. to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico. • Tickets must be purchased at bus terminal in Belize City.
Community Contacts & Info Placencia Tourism Center +(501) 523-4045 Emergencies • • • • • • •
Police: 503-3142 Fire: 503-3222 Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326 or Dr. Kevin Guerra: 615-1571 Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328 Independence Medical Center: 523-2167 Dr. Alexis Caballero: 622-7648
Placencia Peninsula Services • • • • • • • • •
Placencia Village Council: 523-3396 Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 Placencia Sanitation: 523-3273 Placencia Post Office: 503-3104 Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554 U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Bill Taylor, 602-7768 Placencia NAR-ANON: 664-8699 Placencia AA: 620-2848
Placencia Humane Society Contact Emergency Numbers • PHS: 604-8676 • Doctor Orlando Baptist: 620-1099 • Doctor Mia Canton: 671-1356 (office), 610-1356 (cell),
stanncreekanimalhospital@gmail.com
• Hopkins Humane Society (Joseph): 667-5432 • Doctor Floyd Bennett: 605-5822 • Animal Medical Centre (Belize City) 223-3781, 223-0251 • Doctor Lopez: 670-5363
Information on Placencia Peninsula Churches • Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula: Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men’s and Women’s Bible Study 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie 523-3362 • Ministries of the Son of God Church, Seine Bight Village: Wednesday Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net • Placencia Fellowship: All are welcome…Come as you are! Biblebased learning, worshiping and following Christ. We meet Sundays at 10:30am. Call 667-4805 or visit “Placencia Church” on Facebook for this week’s location. • Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:30 a.m. Seine Bight Village. Lay Ministers Catholic (lay) - Elaine Castillo 6235004 or Florita Palacio 635-6612 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pastor Moore 523-3333 • Lighthouse Worship Center: Spanish Service: Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays at 7:00pm • Seventh Day Adventist: Services Fridays at 6pm; Saturdays 9am Lay ministers. U. Torres 503-2270 • St. John’s Memorial: Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church: Sunday services at 8:30 a.m.
The Placencia Breeze
March 2019