The Placencia Breeze September/October 2018

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

INSIDE HIGHLIGHTS: September Celebrations Calendar Top Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Placencia in October Marisha Betancourt: Carnival Queen of Queens This is Not Normal; Peninsula Takes on Sargassum On the Cover: Placencia Family Business Owners Donate Hottest New Attraction at the Point (Photo by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

September/ October 2018

The Placencia Breeze

The Placencia Breeze

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INSIDE

Placencia Family Business Owners Donate Hottest New Attraction at the Point ... pg. 3 September Celebrations Calendar Highlights ... pgs. 3, 10-11 Organizer of Popular New York Festival Hosting Placencia Beach Party to Attract Belizean Diaspora ... pg. 3 Top Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Placencia in October ... pg. 5 Peninsula News Briefs ... pg. 6

September/ October 2018 From the Fire Hearth: The Ongoing Journey to Belize's Culinary Independence & Identity ... pg. 13 Fragments of Hope Updates ... page. 13

September/October 2018

Placencia Family Business Owners Donate Hottest New Attraction at the Point

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

This is Not Normal; Community Takes on Sargassum ... pg. 25 Rotary Club of Placencia News Roundup ... pg. 26 Marisha Betancourt: Carnival Queen of Queens ... pg. 29

Croc Corner ... pg. 6

Seine Bight Youth Running Events Updates ... pg. 26

Add Halloween to Your Placencia Bucket list ... pg. 7

PHS Welcomes Two New Board Members ... pg. 27

Diver Shares the Magic of a Whale Shark Encounter ... pg. 9

Placencia Humane Society Pet Clinic Dates ... pg. 27 Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 32

REGISTER FOR THE YAMAHA MARELCO-SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT! See page 12 for the application form!

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

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF & LAYOUT DESIGNER: Jolie Pollard, pollard.jolie@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marion and Ed Carr of Muzamanzie Photographs muzamanzie@gmail.com ADVERTISING OFFICERS: 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

You may have seen the gigantic beach chairs during your travels to other coastal communities in the world, but in Belize, the 12-foot tall artistic attraction at the Placencia Point stands out among the more ubiquitous painted letter monuments greeting visitors in other local destinations. With the blessing of the Placencia Village Council (PVC), a group of young Placencia men working with their respective family businesses came together to make it happen, and it’s quickly become one of the most “Instagram-mable” photo-ops on PVC Chairlady Ilsa Vilanueva takes a photo with the young men behind the new big beach chair at the Placencia Point; left to the Peninsula.

“It makes me proud to see our Placencia boys take the initiative to take on a beautifying project like this on their own,” said PVC Chairlady Ilsa Villanueva. “We take pride in being a unique tourism destination in Belize serving as a convenient gateway to the country’s inland and coastal attractions. We are looking for ways to show people that here in Placencia, we are different.”

Moreover, Villanueva says the new attraction has an organic feel at the Point.

“It’s not something that will detract from that beach location or the events that we host there,” she said. The PVC has been taking advantage of the 66-foot publicly accessible stretch of beach allowed under the Belize National Lands Act. The location was the venue for the 2018 Placencia Lobsterfest, that saw the construction of a permanent boardwalk, as well as the installation of water and electricity outlets.

right, Nelson Griffith of Sandy Beach vacation rental, Justin Linarez of Go Sea Tours and Grayson and Omar Sierra of Omar's Creole Grub and Art Gallery.

Twenty-six-year old Justin Linarez of Go Sea Tours first took the initiative to get the project off the ground.

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For the final touch, Linarez contacted renowned Placencia sibling artists, 27-yearold Grayson and 29-year-old Omar Sierra. "There was no reluctance at all on our part to jump on this," Grayson said.

Teamwork makes Inspired by one of the most the dream work.”

- Justin Linarez Go Sea Tours

“I was just thinking about what could be a landmark for the village and after seeing a chair like this in Roatan, Honduras during a trip with my family, I thought this is a good fit for Placencia,” Linarez said.

The tour company director contacted his close friend, 31-year-old Nelson Griffith, who immediately came on board for construction. Griffith, who manages Sandy According to the young do- Feet vacation rental along nors, with combined labour with his family, built the and materials, costs to build chair along with a small crew and paint the chair totaled of workers while Go Sea an estimated BZ$3,000. Tours purchased the lumber.

popular snorkelling attractions at the Silk Cayes inside the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve, the Sierra brothers painted a large swimming loggerhead turtle against a backdrop of blue. With the assistance of 35-year-old Brian Vernon who works with the boys at their family restaurant, Omar’s Creole Grub and along with Grayson during his fishing tours, the painting was applied with acrylic paint and coated with an oil gloss spray for protection from the blazing Placencia sun.

“I like how it looks after the guys painted it,” said Griffith during our cover page photo shoot at the Point.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Linarez added. ▪

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SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS! Organizer of Popular New Placencia Prepares to Swing Its Unique Charm into Belize's Patriotic Season Sept. 10: Battle of St. George's Caye Day

The crowds and the floats may not be as large as those seen at parades in Belize City and the bigger towns in the country, but having a unique backdrop of beach, lagoon and the Maya Mountains, coupled with a village life charm makes it worthwhile to spend the Belize September Celebrations in Placencia.

Watch (or join) villagers parade through the streets of Placencia Village behind simple floats playing patriotic songs & carrying the 20182019 Placencia Queen of the Bay Alyssa Faux! Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the pier Belize time, so no rush! Enjoy refreshments and watch the crowning of the new queen while you wait! The parade winds its way up to Atlantic Bank and returns to the Pier for a jump-up party! Wear flag colors! Decorate your golf carts and bicycles with red and blue!

Wave the Belize flag!

Choose to participate in the Sept. 10 Battle of St. George's Caye Day activities that hearken British colonial nostalgia with pageantry and a polished tale of African slaves helping their masters fight the Spanish ships.

You're bound to sense a feeling of paradoxical emotions as this is combined with nationalistic songs and plenty of flag waving and colors.

Or, on Sept. 21, experience a Caribbean-inspired car-

See pages 10 and 11 for the rest of our Placencia September Celebrations Calendar Highlights!

(Photo by: LEEANN FAUX)

By JOLIE POLLARD

nival on Independence Day with explosive colors, wild and passionate soca music and raunchy revelry while celebrating Belize's birth as a nation in 1981.

brations wrap up Placencia style with a two-day fishing tournament on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd complete with the Placencia Village Council Bar that will Energy and luck permitting, be raising money at all perhaps you can enjoy the September events for the party culture that permeates ongoing village sidewalk throughout the month! Cele- project.▪

York Festival Hosting Placencia Beach Party to Attract Belizean Diaspora

Hundreds of Belizean-Americans attend the annual New York Belize Caribbean Parkfest in Harlem for live music, food and family activities. A Placencia edition to be held on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Godfrey family's beach property, aims to build a connection between "Bel-Ams" and their home country. (Photo: BUDDY BROWN)

By JOLIE POLLARD

The chief organizer of the 30-year running “New York Belize Caribbean Parkfest" that attracts up to 5,000 people at a park in Harlem, New York during the U.S. Labour Day weekend, is extending the popular Belizean-American festival to Placencia Village with a "fun on the beach" edition.

According to NY Parkfest Chief Executive Officer, Buddy Brown who has been running the festival for the past 15 years, he is expecting the free, one-day party to be held on Sunday, Sept.

16, to grow into the largest annual entertainment event in Belize.

This is the first "Belizean American Reunion” event Brown is hosting in his homeland. The NY Park-

fest CEO is one of over 50,000 Belizeans living in the United States according to the most recent U.S. census. Brown said he planned the Placencia event to unite the large Belizean Diaspora with Belizeans at home.

“We’re anticipating most of the Belizean-Americans to be visiting Placencia from New York, Chicago, California and Florida.”

Brown, whose mother-inlaw is Placencia matriarch, Cunchie Villanueva, said he felt Placencia would be the best place to showcase the beauty of the country to Belizeans living abroad.

“We also want to boost the local economy and tourism industry here. I do hope that the neighbouring villages take advantage and come See Belizean American Reunion on page 6

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The Placencia Breeze

September/October 2018

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Top Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Placencia in October!

(Photos by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

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

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ctober has long time been reputed as the slowest month of the year on the Peninsula, but in 2018, most businesses who break for travel or renovations are taking a chance on the month of conch, Halloween and beautiful beach days.

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4 Instead, they are choosing to close in September when the national holiday festivities keep everyone entertained!

Expect gorgeous weather between rain showers, as well as more peace this time of year. Win. Win.

THE BEST BEACH IN BELIZE DOESN'T CLOSE!

As if almost being spiteful, Mother Nature tends to tease us with her most beautiful beach days in October. The rain showers or thunderstorms that usually fall while you're sleeping miraculously cleans up the beach, and most days you'll wake up to a pristine coastline. Chances are high you'll have it all to yourself, especially in the early mornings.

Visit Paradise Resort in the Bakadeer neighborhood and rent a kayak or a paddleboard! Enjoy the solitude of the Placencia Lagoon and witness spectacular sunsets. If the sea is calm, take a paddle along the cove where our popular beach bars Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna will be open! Conch ceviche anyone? #2!

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Take advantage of low season rates offered at our hotels! Get discounts on rooms and save more money for your tours and meals.

Don't forget to book a massage, spa treatment or yoga class.

DINING OUT TIPS!

DeTatch, Dolce Vita, Sidewinder's and ChaChi's are the only restaurants that will be closed all of October based on our surveys. Dawn's Grill, Friends Near the Pier and Cozy Corner will open mid-October, while Tutti Frutti Gelateria will be opening sometime in mid or late October, and J-Dee's will open Oct. 24. So what to do if you were looking forward to pizza and Italian during your tropical vacation? Try Rick's Cafe for delicious pizzas and pastas. Rick's and The Burger Joint can also satisfy sandwich cravings. Turtle Inn whips out world-class pizzas from their wood-fired ovens while Rumfish, Maya Beach Bistro and Aphrodite Cafe can also deliver excellent Italian-inspired dishes if you're missing Dolce Vita! Find ice cream at any of the Chinese grocery stores. We know it's not gelato, but the local Mennonite ice cream can appease! Want similar flavours to Dawn's Grill? Hit up The Vine from Placencia Office Supply or visit Wendy's or Omar's if you're missing DeTatch, J-Dee's and Cozy. Craving pancakes at Friends? Try a decadent breakfast muffin at The Sweet Dreams Swiss bakery just down the sidewalk! Additionally, the restaurants that took time off in September such as The Flying Pig, The Shak Beach Cafe, the Maya Beach Bistro and Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar, will be open!

Don't forget to try the restaurants at the resorts or the roaming street vendors!

CONCH SEASON OPENS OCT. 1!

Rejoice, conch lovers! The season finally reopens! The closest thing we have to abalone or scallops is also our popular village aphrodisiac ;) Try it raw and cured in lime juice in a conch ceviche or blended with flour and spices for a delicious fritter or just pounded, battered and fried as a "crack conch." You'll find conch dishes at all the peninsula resorts and restaurants open in Placencia Village. Order conch ceviche at Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar, Barefoot Beach Bar, The Shak Beach Cafe and Rumfish or the fritters at Bubba Wubba's, Li'l Bites or Cozy Corner before they close on Oct. 14! Also look out for conch specialties like Conch Creole, Conch Curry or Garlic Conch (and more ceviche) at The Vine, Omar's, Wendy's or Dawn's Grill and J-Dee's when they reopen later in October.

Tip: While on a snorkeling, diving or fishing tour, ask your guide to free dive for a conch and crack that baby open on the boat!

With a sprinkle of pepper, salt and a squeeze of lime, it doesn't get any better! This is also a time in the year when all the seafood options are available: lobster, fish, shrimp and conch. Yum.

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LOW SEASON RATES!

TOUR OPERATORS ARE RUNNING!

The Peninsula might seem quiet, but tour operators are still ready to take you to Laughingbird Caye National Park to snorkel or dive among vibrant corals, see loggerhead turtles off the Silk Cayes, take you on a Monkey River adventure, go hiking in the Cockscomb or aboard a sailing cruise! Since most operators will require a minimum of four or more people for a trip, you're going to have to be social. Get off the smart phone and hit up the bars. Make some friends!

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HALLOWEEN!

That's right! Halloween is actually a pretty big deal here. In fact, some people take the whole month prepping their costumes for the big Halloween dance parties at Barefoot and Tipsy Tuna, and the trick or treating is top notch! Some even call it the best time of the year rivaling New Year's Eve, which certainly gives October big points. In fact, Halloween gets an article of its own, courtesy of our Halloween party expert and Former Placencia BTIA Executive Director and The Placencia Breeze Editor Emeritus, Elysia Dial. SEE PAGE 7!

The Placencia Breeze

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croc corner

Peninsula News Briefs Tipsy Tuna Bartender Wins Mixology Competition; Takes on Next Challenge in Havana!

Nancy Rodriguez preparing to represent Belize in Havana, Cuba at the Pan American Cocktail Competition. (Photo by: Belize Bartenders Association)

In late August, Nancy Rodriguez of Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar left Belize to compete in the Pan American Cocktail Competition held in Havana, Cuba shortly after placing second in the first National Bartenders Cup 2018 held by the Belize Bartenders Association. Rodriguez joins first place winner Stacy Avila of the Lazy Lizard Bar in Caye Caulker at the competition. Rodriguez has been quickly advancing her way in the world of mixology. She won the annual Old Master Rum Punch Competition at the 2018 Placencia Lobsterfest. Congrats, Nancy! ▪

Kirwin and Friends Give Just Under 100 Seine Bight Kids Free Back-to-School Haircuts!

On Saturday, Sept. 1, Seine Bight Village community activists Kirwin Ramirez and JoseMaria Aleman and friends provided 85 boys and 13 girls with free hair cuts just in time for the new school year that started on Monday, Sept. 3. Volunteers included Darnell Major, Jose Maria Aleman, Allana Castillo, Marsha Guzman, Shannon Augustine, Wilfred Delgado, Darwin McCloughlin and New Level Barber Shop from Hopkins Village. In addition to hair cuts, some kids were also treated to a hairwash.

Kirwin Ramirez, who was featured in our August issue and recently made waves on social media Darnell Major was one of seven Seine Bight with his YouTube music video, "Giving Up is Not barbers who donated his time to the effort. an Option," is currently raising funds to produce a Many women also assisted. music album to promote positive social change. ▪ (Photo by: KIRWIN RAMIREZ)

Bubba Wubba's Win First Flying Pig Wiffle Ball Tournament, a Placencia Sidewalk Fundraiser

Above, Team Bubba Wubba's are Wiffle Ball Tourny Champs. Right: The Flying Pig bartender, Sheldon Duncan, strikes the ball.

(Photo by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

A total of eight teams comprised of 40 players competed in The Flying Pig's first Wiffle Ball Tournament on the Placencia sports field.

Bubba Wubba's placed first, Ranguana Caye, second and The Flying Pig, third. According to Patrick Gonzalve of The Flying Pig, the event raised close to BZ$3,000 for the Placencia Village Council's ongoing road sidewalk project. About 50 people came out to watch the sports match that is a variation of baseball.

Gonzalve said he is planning to organize another Wiffle Ball Tournament before the next year comes around. ▪

September/October 2018

Summer Croc'in Had Me a Blast, Summer Croc'in Happened so Fast!

By MARISA TELLEZ, GRECIA MENDEZ and MIRIAM BOUCHER of CRC

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s our hot and humid Belizean summer moves forward into fall (or what would be considered the rainy season in Belize), we can’t help but reflect on the huge amount of work the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) accomplished this summer season. We covered five out of six of Belize’s districts for research and outreach and surveyed hundreds of kilometers of amazing aquatic habitats in search of Belize’s two iconic crocodile species, the American and Morelet’s crocodile. Our surveys were conducted by foot, motorboat, kayak, canoe and even by drone! This summer was also an exciting time for crocodile nesting. Last year we struggled to find any crocodile nests, which may have been due to the horrific hurricane season last year (a pattern observed amongst our colleagues throughout the region); however, this year we marked around 15 crocodile nests and were able to use game cameras to catch some croc moms hard at work building, maintaining, and excavating their nests (check out our Facebook Croc Cam videos!).

around Gales Point …The night was dark as we conducted our surveys; however, it contrasted with the astonishing brightness of the bioluminescence of the waters that was visible during the four nights that we were there.

As we surveyed along the lagoon, adjacent rivers and creeks we noticed that the habitat for the crocodile was ideal; however, few animals were spotted (a similar pattern we observe in the Placencia Lagoon).

Historically, this village used hunting as a means of subsistence and also sold crocodile skin to the British industry; today crocodiles in Belize continue to face hunting pressure due to illegal hunting for the illegal trade of skin and meat nationally and internationally.

The CRC also participated in multiple community events including the Annual Placencia Lobsterfest, World Crocodile Day at The Belize Zoo, and of course, conducted outreach with camps on the peninsula. We also had the opportunity to stay with many amazing organizations and communities throughout the country from Programme for Belize in Orange Walk, to Blue Ventures in Bacalar Chico National Park, to the TIDE ranger station in Payne’s Creek National

So what’s it like to conduct research with the CRC? Well, let’s take an example from our recent surveys See CROC CORNER on page 28

Belize Women's Volleyball Team Vacation in Placencia Village On Aug. 18, shortly after winning the silver medal in a highly emotional 2018 XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship in Belize City, the Belize National Volleyball Team was treated to some R&R at the Ellysian Hotel where they still found the energy to play a friendly beach game with Placencia villagers. ▪

Crocodile Research Coalition intern and volunteers at work.

(Photo courtesy of The Ellysian)

(Photo: CRC)

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Add Halloween to Your Placencia Bucket List!

Trick-or-Treating Here's how seriously we take trick-or-treating! Placencia Village primary school, St. John's Anglican Memorial, will announce the date for the spooky creatures to fetch their candy loot, especially

By ELYSIA DIAL since Halloween doesn't Placencia Halloween Expert, always fall on the most conFormer Placencia BTIA Exec. venient days of the week, Director & The Placencia and teachers may not want Breeze Editor Emeritus their students to be super elysiadial@gmail.com hyper from the sugar rush on a Tuesday morning. ne of my favourite things as a kid – and let's be honest with ourselves – as an adult too, is Halloween. The really scary stuff I could do without, but the costumes, the jack o’ lanterns, the trick-or-treating and the candy haul? Yes!

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In the early 90s when my family and I moved to Placencia, I don't remember Halloween being much of a thing. There was no trickor-treating in the more rural community back then, just a small Halloween fair. Fast forward to the 2000s, and adult Halloween parties began taking form. They are so popular now, that some people travel to Placencia from around Belize and from abroad just for the experience!

Moreover, the trick-or-treating where residents and restaurant owners, prep for a tidal wave of monsters and fairies, could rival that of any North American suburb.

onslaught of little princesses, ninjas, ghouls and vampires.

They will come. There's a lot of them, and each one is even cuter or scarier than the next. Business places have also jumped on the trick-or -treating bandwagon, and the kids already have their top selections! We know who their favorites are, but we're not going to tell! Just ask one of the kids, and you'll find out where the good stuff is. If you are NOT planning on giving out Halloween treats, leave your yard lights off and your doors closed.

Know that the children of the village will think of you as a Halloween version of the Grinch .... Just kidding, but there is nothing worse than having to tell trick-or-treaters there is no candy to be had .... you will get the stink eye. You have been warned!

Little George Jackson takes trick-ortreating to another level, expertly driving his toy car down the village sidewalk.

(Photo by: YSELA ZABANEH)

Notes go home to parents informing them of the date, and there are also a few posts about it on the Placencia grapevine (a.k.a. Facebook).

Groups of parents will chaperone hoardes of kids hunting for Halloween treats in the village. If you plan to give out treats from your home, leave your yard light on and be prepared for the

And if you're visiting Placencia, go out for dinner on trick-or-treating night. The food might take a little slower to arrive at your table when the owner or staff is trying to give candy to all the critters, but you will enjoy every second of the spooktacular spectacle.

Bringing your kids? Pack their costumes and let them know Placencia is a Halloween wonderland!

Kids Halloween Parade Don't miss the kick butt Halloween parade organized by community volunteers Kathy Anglin-Wade and Tracy Eiley who have rightfully earned a reputation as local child event experts! This fun young "Thriller" dance of sorts, will be held this year on Halloween and should start around 4:30 p.m. It ends at the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar where the kids can win great prizes at a costume contest you don't Kids crowd inside the Tipsy Tuna want to miss! Their creativi- after the Halloween Parade for a ty will blow you away! costume contest.

Costumes and Adult Halloween Parties The creative energy that goes into costumes here in Placencia certainly rivals anything you will see in North America.

Planning begins months in advance. This goes for kids and maybe even more The Disney Villains captured the prize for so, for the adults. best group costume at the 2017 Barefoot Group costumes are Bar party. (Photo by: DOMINIC DELANEY) really BIG. There Below: The Avatars made a hit in 2010. are also a few prizes for creative individuals who costumes. One of have developed the best costumes a following for I've seen was that their ingenious of two visitors creations each who bought sevyear. Many bars eral rolls of toilet on the peninsula paper and showed host Halloween Parties. You'll find the big up as mummies, a Hallowones at Barefoot Beach Bar, een classic! Over the years Tipsy Tuna Seaside and we've seen Shrek, Princess Sports Bar and The Flying Fiona, Avatars, Minions, the Pig, and they tend to get a Village People and a Biker little wild! Most parties offer Gang.▪

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

September/October 2018

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I was full of adrenaline, excitement and skepticism, thinking to myself, 'Shit, this thing could swallow me!'

"

- Placencia Tour Guide and Sea Terra Adventures Owner Devin Lozano recalling his first encounter with a whale shark.

Diver Shares the Magic of a Whale Shark Encounter

By JOLIE POLLARD

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hile the date doesn't fall within our whale shark season, Aug. 30 is recognized around the world as International Whale Shark Day honoring a harmless and gentle endangered species that has become a major underwater attraction for Southern Belize and the tourism industry on the Placencia Peninsula.

Each year divers and snorkelers book tours with Peninsula tour operators for a chance to see the magnificent Rhincodon typus out at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, which is located about 22 miles (36 km) away from Placencia Village.

Our best whale shark sighting times run from March through June around the full moon when the sharks feed on snapper spawn. A total of 13 whale shark sightings were reported to the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) this year. Seven were reportedly seen in May and six in June. Unofficial numbers report sightings in April and July too.

long and weighing 47,000 pounds is considered vulnerable to extinction by scientists and classified as endangered. Previously thought to travel across the world’s oceans for food, new research is showing that may actually be swimming just a few hundred kilometers from their feeding grounds. In some parts of the world, they are fished for their meat or fins and may also become entangled in nets thrown into the sea by commercial fishing vessels.

Luckily, in Belize, they are only valued for their touristic and ecological value and are offered complete legal protection. For many tour guides in Placencia, a whale shark sighting is one of the major highlights of their Devin Lozano has seen an enviable careers.

A Placencia tour guide for 13 years, Devin Lozano said during a consecutive good eight years he’s seen an average of 20 sharks per season; in fact, he’s as many as nine sharks in just one dive at Gladden. Formerly a freelance guide, Lozano is now the owner of Sea Terra Adventures, a company that offers both inland and marine adventures, and he plans on taking his guests on whale shark The filter feeder, which can grow tours next year when the sharks are into the size of a school bus at 43 feet expected to come again to feed.

number of whale sharks, but nothing excites him more than showing the gentle giant to someone who has never seen the creature before. Largest whale shark Devin's seen? Forty feet!

Lozano didn’t dive much this year, but was still able to see three sharks, and he is hoping to have continued luck in the years ahead.

The certified dive instructor says he has a strong passion for marine life and even though he’s had the

fortune to see so many whale sharks during his career, the encounter is so much more special with first-timers.

“What gets me excited all over again is the opportunity to be able to show a whale shark to someone who has never seen one before. That feeling along with seeing them myself, never gets old,” he said. In addition to the feeding site at the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve, Lozano has also seen the slow-moving giants near Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Pompion Caye, Ranguana Caye, the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve and Holbox, Mexico.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature combined data from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region of Earth’s oceans, that accounts for an estimated 75 percent of the shark’s population, shows that the global whale shark population has likely declined by more than 50 percent over the past 75 years. The world’s largest feeding sites reportedly hosts only a few hundred sharks tops. How many sharks will come to the waters of Southern Belize next year? There’s only one way to find out, and Devin and our other guides will be waiting.▪

The Placencia Breeze

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September/October 2018

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS Calendar highlights continued from page 3

Sept. 21: Independence Day Reef-Themed Carnival Scheduled to start at 2 p.m. across from Mariposa Beach Suites and Resort just south of the Placencia Airstrip. The carnival will dance its way down to the Placencia Municipal Pier where an after party will continue 'til 7 p.m.!

Join the Reef-Themed Carnival!

While Placencia Independence Day Carnival is fun to watch from the side of the road, you'll amplify the fun if you jump in and dance along

with everyone else! Don't be shy! Placencians will welcome you with open arms!

This year's event will feature a reef theme coordinated by

coral restoration non-profit group, Fragments of Hope, in partnership with Oceana Belize and the Placencia Village Council.

If you have time to plan, find your inspiration from the vibrant coral reef of Belize and incorporate your

creativity into a costume that makes you feel good and brings attention to Belize's marine ecosystems!

Feel even better knowing that this year's reef theme also calls for reduced plastic use and eco-alternatives for beverage consumption, such as five-gallon water jugs,

Sept. 20-21: Independence Day Flag raising Ceremony Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Placencia Municipal Pier to usher in Independence Day at midnight. Expect to find food vendors, a DJ and an operating bar by the Placencia Village Council, which will be functioning as a fundraiser for the ongoing sidewalk project.

At 11 p.m. the flag raising ceremony will begin with a prayer followed by speeches delivered by village officials. It all wraps up with a highly anticipated fireworks show!

(Photo by: TEJANIS ON TOUR)

water coolers, reusable water bottles and/or biodegradable cups. Contact FoH Outreach Officer Monique Vernon at Fohoutreach@yahoo.com or 654-8951 for more information on this initiative.

"Carnival is a time of year when men, women and children look forward to come out and showcase our beautiful handmade costumes of all designs and colors," Cindy Lopez-Linarez of the Placencia Jewels carnival group said. "We dance like there's no tomorrow and enjoy our Independence Day. To sum it up, it's fun, fun, fun!"

Want to join a Placencia Carnival group? Act quickly!

Contact Placencia Jewels leader Cindy Lopez-Linarez at 615-6450 no later than Sept. 15. Also ask around for other band leaders, Laura Godfrey, Shannen Ordonez and Liz Delgado who organizes a children's group from Seine Bight Village. â–Ş

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SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS Calendar highlights continued from page 10 Sept. 22-23: Placencia BTIAYamaha Marelco Salt-water Fishing Tournament Calling all fishing enthusiasts! This intense two-day tournament brings crowds of spectators and huge cash prizes for the big catch!

Belizean-American Reunion Continued from page 3

out to celebrate with us.”

He said he’s expecting nothing less than 1,000 attendees.

“The Belizean American Reunion 2018, Placencia Edition” will be held on the Godfrey Family beach property, which is located between the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar and Cozy Corner Hotel and Restaurant. The line up of Belizean artists performing mostly Punta Rock music, includes Chico Ramos, Berne Valasquez, Supa G, JPM Martinez, Sweet Pain Band, DJ Fabulous and Taprick. New reggae sensation Mile 41 will also be joining the slate. The

music culture reflects that of the majority of Bel-Ams who are of Garifuna and Creole descent.

Vendors interested in setting up at the event are requested to contact Ardie Young in Placencia Village at 624-5520 and pay a fee of BZ$100. Event sponsors include Radio Belize Mix and JPM Cuisine of Los Angeles, KSB Auto Sales Inc. of New York, ChaChi’s Live Music Venue and Pizzeria of Placencia and Krem FM and Belikin of Belize City. ▪

Catch or Just Watch the Big Fish! ● BZ$12,000 in total cash prizes! ● BZ$4,000 Best Boat prize!

This September fishing tournament is always a highlight during the September Celebrations! Teams head out early on both Saturday and Sunday mornings returning each day to the Placencia Municipal Pier for weigh-in. Final scores are tallied at the Sunday weigh-in followed by exciting award presentations.

Organized by the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) who is also the publisher of this newspaper, the event is one of the Chapter's four major annual fund raisers. Others include the February Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival, the June Placencia Lobsterfest in partnership with the Placencia Village Council and the December Placencia Mistletoe Ball. In addition to major sponsor Yamaha Marelco, other sponsors help with the printing of the official tournament t-shirts and cash prizes. Sponsorship support, t-shirt sales and registration fees not only contribute to the success of the tournament, but also help to sustain the grassroots destination marketing and advocacy efforts of the Placencia BTIA. Want to sign up?! Fill out the appli-

cation form on page 12 and submit to the Placencia BTIA office at the Placencia Tourism Center located just behind the ReMax office on the Placencia Road in Placencia Village. As of press time, cash prizes total over BZ$12,000, and The Insurance Corporation of Belize is sponsoring a grand BZ$4,000 for the Best Boat win!

We know we're pretty chill about most things in Placencia, but when it comes to fishing tournaments things get serious! Missing the deadline for weigh-in time can disqualify the entire team! Needless to mention, there's a lot of pressure on the volunteer judges to make sure those scores are to the mark!

Women, men and children are encouraged to participate! In addition to the Best Boat prize, cash prizes are awarded to the Best Female Angler, Best Junior Angler, Largest Extraordinary Fish, Largest Jack, Largest Kingfish, Largest Tuna and Grand Slam. Look out for second place prizes too! Good luck to this year's anglers!▪

The Placencia Breeze

Page 12

September/October 2018

2018 Licensed Tour Guides of the Placencia and Monkey River Tour Guide Associations 1. Melvin Arevalo 2. Ben Bol 3. Leopold Ernest Garcia 4. Francisco Alvarado 5. Nestor Teul 6. Renato Cal 7. Daniel Cabral 8. Deshawndre Henderson 9. Genaro Chiac 10. Zane Westby

11. Mark Buller 12. Pablo Mendoza 13. Rolando Espat 14. Marvin Escobar 15. Vinicio Tuario 16. Diego Coc 17. Julian Cabral 18. Doren Leslie Sr. 19. Eric Foreman 20. Benjamin Young

21. Nick Pollard 22. Harold Neal 23. Octario Ack 24. Basilio Ical 25. Oscar Boo 26. Eliezer Munoz 27. Fredi Arias 28. Darmin Shivers 29. Kylon Garbutt 30. Elesario Shal

31. Julio Garcia 32. Maxwell Canelo 33. Allan Villanueva 34. Ylman Linares 35. Edwin Carr 36. Emelio Diaz 37. Elroy Burgess 38. Lennox Palacio 39. Florencio Shal 40. Walter Aldana

41. Willie Caal 42. Francisco Tush 43. Jes Bech 44. Lauro Trapp 45. Alfred Williams 46. Zeferino Mes 47. Gilbert Garbutt 48. Andre Williams 49. Martin Cabral 50. Vicente Pau

Page 13

From the

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

The Ongoing Journey to Belize's Culinary Independence & Identity presence was allowed under a series of treaties that did not allow for the establishment of agriculture, permanent government or housing. Spain required the British to keep their presence limited to logging camps, fed chiefly by goods from ships.

The local economy was flooded with cheap imported products from British farms. Barrels of British flour and British salt meat became daily staples, joined after 1880 by tins of canned meat and dairy.

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

M

any visitors to Belize are not sure what Belizean cuisine is all about. The truth is we Belizeans are still figuring that out ourselves. Guide books often point to rice and beans, stew chicken and potato salad with fried plantain as our unofficial national dish. Once the Belizean Creole Sunday dinner, this plate of food, while delicious, fails to capture the great cultural and culinary diversity of Belize which is just emerging from 400 years of colonial marginalization. On September 21st we celebrate 36 years of independence from Great Britain.

After slavery was abolished, (over a five-year transition period beginning in 1834), laws were passed that made it difficult for the average Belizean to acquire land. This further discouraged farming and ensured continued dependency on imported goods. Farming that did occur was mainly of a subsistence nature, with small scale local trade of any crop surplus. The British colonial government generally ignored medium and large scale agricultural production and distribution until the mahogany market began to falter. Goods from the United States of America joined British imports in the 1800s, with red kidney beans from New Orleans being used as ballast on ships to Belize Town (now Belize City). These beans were sold at such a low price that they outcompeted locally grown black beans, while the now empty boats were filled with mahogany headed for the American market. The culinary history of our country was skewed by colonial policy towards these imported staples.

British influence began in 1638 and British colonialism in our area was based not on farming, as was the case in some Caribbean countries, but on forestry. The British colonial government did not want Belizeans to farm because they needed labor to cut down mahogany and other tropical hardwoods for export to England, Europe and the United States of America. They also discouraged farming until 1862 because before that date the area now known as Today this past is behind us, but we Belize was part of New Spain and See CULINARY INDEPENDENCE under Spanish ownership. British

on page 21

If you are looking for fine dining and wine lists, keep driving to Maya Beach [...]

Fragments of Hope News Updates

By MONIQUE VERNON Outreach Officer Fragments of Hope (FoH)

fohoutreach@gmail.com

September Reef Theme Parade:

floats for costumes is made possible

by Hatchet Caye and Wild Orchid Resort.

Additionally, in an effort to reduce waste accumulation for this event, floats are encourage to ditch the plastic this year and employ eco-friendly alternative solutions such as the 5 gallon water, water coolers, water bottles and/or biodegradable cups.

We would also like to extend this initiative to the general public to bring out your water bottle to help reduce plastic use.

Every year is International Year of the Reef (IYOR) for Fragments of Hope (FoH), but this year, FoH in partnership with Oceana and the Placencia Village Council (PVC), will be working closely with the Independence Day parade float organizers to incorporate a reef theme feature into their outfits Look out for your favorite marine and costumes to celebrate this related displays/floats at Placencia’s grand day and to bring awareness to our marine ecosystems.

See FoH NEWS UPDATES on page 28 Donations to participating teams/

2018 Licensed Tour Guides of the Placencia and Monkey River Tour Guide Associations 51. Hilario Tuch 52. Ernesto Bol 53. David Ortiz 54. Bernard Leslie Sr. 55. Peter Dacoff 56. Lyra Spang 57. Stephen Young 58. Kirk Mayen 59. Rejinaldo Ruiz Jr. 60. Emilliano Bo 61. Elton Reyes 62. Marisha Betancourt

63. Dan Santos 64. Adran Kus 65. Evaristo Muschamp 66. Percival Gorgdon 67. Avelino Franco 68. Alexander Chun 69. Ian Cuevas 70. Jason Westby 71. Ian Vernon 72. Dion Muschamp 73. Norman Leslie Jr. 74. Fedrito Villanueva

75. Kendis Hernandez 76. Rene Leslie Sr. 77. Eusebio Bonell Sr. 78. Oliver Salam 79. Melissa Cabral 80. Andres Fletes 81. Prince Gongora 82. Dwayne Young 83. Floria Sanchaz 84. Matthew Leslie 85. Jonathan Gabourel 86. Mervin Leslie Jr.

87. Shawn Young 88. Hubert Young 89. Javier Martinez 90. Miguel Herrera 91. Lincoln Garbutt 92. Hubert Neal 93. Avelardo Cuevas 94. Nazario Cal 95. Amir Neal 96. Stephen Lopez 97. Linda Garcia 98. Warren Garbutt

99. Brian Coy 100. Darryl Lozano 101. Bryan Petillo 102. Randolph Villanueva 103. Thorman Turner 104. Tadeo Chun 105. Ainsworth Leslie Sr. 106. Wayne Castellanos 107. Alrin Muschamp 108. Alrin Muschamp

Page 14

The Placencia Breeze

September/October 2018

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 Aqua Oasis dreawoody@gmail.com 623-3286 Aurora Beach abtrudeau@comcast.net 978-580-9455 or 650-8984 Ann & Tom Trudeau Arches /The gin7373@aol.com 479-841-7970; Mark Risk Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows barnacle@barnaclebillsbelize.com 602-7768; Bill & Adriane Taylor Bayshore Limited www.bayshore.bz 604-8910 or 600-1040 Jenny Wildman Belize Ocean Club info@belizeoceanclub.com 671-4500; Thibault Gehin www.belizeoceanclub.com Blue Crab Beach House linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Cap’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 622-1172; Jeffrey & Susan Fowler Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com 523-3561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy 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

Casa Sunsandsea info@casasunsandsea.com 972-215-7413-866-459-8235 Brian and Brenda Montgomery www.casasunandsea.com Ceiba Beach Resort & Restaurant tom@ceibabeachresort.com 651-6649; Thomas S. Hudson www.ceibabeachresort.com Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Chris Rothing Champagne Island Resort info@champagneislandbz.com 615-9979; Jacqueline Lozano www.champagneislandbz.com Coconut Cottage

kwplacencia@yahoo.com; 523-3234 or 626-8425; Kay Westby Coral Cove Inn coralcoveinnbelize@gmail.com 600-9847; Gordon Keith Allen Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com 604-6214; Nicole Harvalik Finca Villa valchiac@yahoo.com 663-7777; Valeriano Chiac Green Parrot Beach House & Restaurant* greenparrot@mail.com; 533-8188 David Allardice & Leo Ramirez Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155 or 633-8581 Ronda Wheeler Hairy Hut/The pj_jensen@hotmail.com 660-7200 / 250-554-0663 Stephen Jensen Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 533-4446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers Hibiscus Beach Properties 615-3287; Cindy Weller cindy@hibiscusbeachbelize.com www.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 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

Rotanda/The candegier@gmail.com 601-8021; Carmen Stowe Sailfish Resort info@sailfishbelize.com 651-9885; Mike Gargan

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 Plantation jerryspiritclub@yahoo.com 633-1162; Jerry Herrera 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

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

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

Serenade Hotel info@serenadeplacencia.com 523-3113

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

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

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

Miller’s Landing* millersplacencia@yahoo.com Southern Shores Resort 523-3010 or 523-3011 deb@southernshoresresort.com Gary & Ann Miller 615-4182 Deborah Tinsley Miramar Apartments southernshoresresort.com info@miramarbelize.com; 523-3658; Ilsa Villanueva Suites at Three Iguanas www.miramarbelize.com Annelise Hagan Naia Resort & Spa hr@naiaresortandspa.com 523-4600; Stewart Krohn

AUTO RENTALS

633-6599 annelisehagan@hotmail.com

NON-PROFITS Placencia Humane Society 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, president Rotary Club of Placencia 622-7103 Sandi Johnson, president

Peninsula Volunteer Fire Sunset Pointe Condos Department ewinche713@aol.com; 664-4740; 626-0667 Office Manager, Francisco Kathy Anglin Turtle Inn */** frontdesk@turtleinn.com; 523-3244; Martin Krediet

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Tradewinds Hotel trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie

Amik Kil Ha achild17@gmail.com 664-1672 or +(604) 879-0543 Amanda Harris friendlywatersbelize@gmail.com

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

Villas at Cocoplum Rental/The booking@thevillasatcocoplumrental.com www.thevillasatcocoplumrental. com; 607-7270; Herbert Kollman

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

White House in Placencia/ The info@whitehouseplacencia.com 1-732-829-4042 Kirsten & Per Kristensen White Sand Villa eagleray33@gmail.com; 661-9516 or 602-9315; Tricia Hernandez Wooden Mongoose Resort woodenmongoose@gmail.com 807-708-5869 Jim Bailey & Ellen Yeast www.woodenmongoose.com

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

*Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals

Page 16

The Placencia Breeze

September/October 2018

Page 17

September/October 2018

The Placencia Breeze

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 De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Bar jodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood Dolce Vita/ La ladolcevitaplacencia.com@hotmail.com 678-1089 or 523-3115 Simone De Angelis Friends Near the Pier robbcarson.king@gmail.com 667-4805 Robb Carson Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes4@gmail.com 601-4434 or 629-3145 Manuel Simpson JC's Corner annmarie6362@gmail.com 602-0871 AnnMarie Mena Laru Beya Restaurant & Bar timoteo@larubeya.com 523-3476 Timoteo Mes Mango’s Restaurant info@mangosbelize.com 610-2494 or 651-6649 chunapolonio@yahoo.com tom@ceibabeachresort.com Pickled Parrot adrianalynn37@gmail.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham Rumfish y Vino rumfish@btl.net 523-3293 or 666-6934 Pamela & John Solomon The Shak Beach Cafe magsshak@hotmail.com 622-1686 or 523-3252 Magda Morales

NSAA Bath and Body 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; Tiziana Del Col Pyramid House Wine & Etc. info@pyramidhousewine.com Wendy's Creole Restaurant 636-5745 523-3335 Fred Hoffman, III 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

Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood Barebones Tours craig@barebonestours.com 677-9303; Craig Pearlman Blue Reef Adventures polly@bluereefadventures.com 626-1429; Polly Alford

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

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

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

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

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

Hardcore Fishing Charters ewestby@hfc-belize.com 634-7612 Erwin Westby Placencia Eagle Ray Tours eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie Ranguana Caye info@ranguanacaye.com 523-3304 Ms. Valerie Hopson Splash Dive Center divebelizewithsplash@gmail.com 523-3080 Patty Ramirez Sunny Side Tours sunnysidebelize@yahoo.com 610-1040 Warren Garbutt

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

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

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

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

Christensen, Steve gringo@btl.net 610-1399

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

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

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

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

Westby, Brandon brandonwestby@tropicair.com 631-3553

Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004

Wildman, Tanya tanyagster@gmail.com 608-1360

Hess, Christina 523-3344

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• A discounted listing in the annual Destination Belize magazine.

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

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

• BTIA member discounts at participating member businesses.

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

• Discounted pricing on advertising in The Placencia Breeze.

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

• Listing on the national BTIA website.

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

HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees $200.00

Medium 11-50 employees $500.00

Large 51+ employees $1,500.00

HANNUAL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS $100.00

Extra Membership Cards $25.00

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

Page 19

Marisha Betancourt: Placencia Carnival Queen of Queens

Marisha Betancourt leads the Carnival Queens at the 2013 Independence Day Carnival.

ated her Carnival Queens dance group for the Placencia Independence Day t was 2005, just a year festivity. With the help of after moving to Pla- Alva Leslie of Placencia cencia Village from Village (deceased), the girls Corozal when a 19-year-old proudly sported patriotic Marisha Betancourt with costumes made of red, family ties in P-Town cre- white and blue plastic bags.

By JOLIE POLLARD

I

Fast forward 13 years and “The Carnival Queens” are fit to participate in any renowned Caribbean carnival donning elaborate feathered head pieces and bejeweled dance suits.

What makes these girls stand out each year at our

carnival, however, is their disciplined dance routine developed by their dedicated and selfless mentor.

Now 32-years-old, Marisha hasn’t relented once from her passionate volunteerism during the September

Celebrations even though she had considered retiring this year. “These girls and young ladies came once again knocking on my door

See CARNIVAL QUEENS on page 25

Page 20

The Placencia Breeze

September/October 2018

Page 21

Carnival Queens Culinary Independence Continued from page 13 Continued from page 19

to soca music, the certified tour guide and dive master is leading tours with the Muy’Ono company, Belize Underwater. “I work with two hard-working and experienced general managers from Italy, and I have the privilege of working with a dedicated dive crew in both Hopkins Belize Underwater and Placencia Belize Underwater.” Equally dedicated, an energetic Marisha takes the bus right after work and heads straight to practice with the girls in the evenings.

asking me to do it again, so here we are again,” Marisha said with a laugh. Her “Queens” fall within the age range of six to 20 years old and begin practicing for their Carnival appearance with Marisha leading at the front line, over a month before Independence Day. “Carnival Queens is not only a group of little girls I put together for dancing,” said Betancourt, “I always watch over them and give them advice. Over “When Carnival day the years I have watched them grow arrives, and I see into beautiful and how happy, excited smart young ladies.” and proud they

are to perform

Marisha doesn’t get paid for Carnival Queens. She says it’s a pure act of kindness and love she has for the girls.

“When Carnival day arrives and I see how happy, excited and proud they are to perform for their parents and the village in their costumes … that’s my payment.”

One of those young for their ladies is 14-yearparents and the old Jazmine Gaudvillage in their ino. Her first adventure with the costumes ... that’s Carnival Queens my payment.” was in 2016 when she was 12. “I’ve - Marisha Betancourt on the grown a lot in just gratification of being a the past few years,” volunteer dance instructor as said Jazmine, “I’ve leader of the Carnival Queens for the past 13 years. learned to work in Marisha has been a group, which is dancing since she something I have was three years old very little time to practice since I’m in her native Corozal Town and won an only child and go to homeschool. her share of medals along with classLearning to perform in front of a lot mates participating in the National of people was hard, but I’ve adapted Festival of Arts open to Belize’s and now I have confidence doing it.” primary schools. She recognizes her school teacher in Corozal, Stephanie A Carnival Queen veteran, 19-year- Herrera for showing her how to be a old Tiana Felix who is now starting disciplined dancer and to never bully her junior year at a university in other dancers. “We never know what Canada also credits Marisha with people are going through,” she said. an expert ability to instill confi- She's also the mother of two young dence in girls during their dance boys, Jael, 13 and Owen, 10, whom presentations. As the girls will attest, she calls her biggest champions. however, this doesn’t come easy. "They look forward to seeing me at “Marisha is a strict instructor once the Carnival each year." you are not disciplined. She doesn’t tolerate playing around too much at And it's not just the Carnival that her practice,” Tiana said. “She drills Marisha will make her dance troupe us hard, and we are all equals in her available for entertainment. You eyes. We all have to put the same can usually catch them performing amount of effort into our costumes during the annual Placencia Christand dance moves,” Jazmine added. mas Parade, on stage during other village celebrations and even at prom openings. This year Marisha Moreover, the young and confident is bringing 12 Carnival Queens to the Carnival Queens enjoy what they Placencia Road. Expect to see them do. “Dancing in Carnival Queens dancing with their heads held high. ▪ is a way to express my love for the music, and I just have fun doing it,” Jolie Pollard began writing and editing said Tiana who has more recently articles, as well as laying out the pages of assisted Marisha with the Queens’ The Placencia Breeze in September 2011. dance playlist and costume design She returned in March after a two-year and during her years in college when she eight-month break, during which Wendy Bryan and Tom Al Ajba took the helm. This hasn’t been able to dance. is her 41st issue of the paper as editor in chief. She enjoys working with contributing

When Marisha isn’t teaching the writers! Add your magic to our little paper! girls to synchronize dance moves E-mail: pollard.jolie@gmail.com.

are still emerging from centuries of dependency fostered by the colonial enterprise. Our first Prime Minister George Price famously encouraged us to develop our national culinary independence by eating local, telling Belizeans to eat less imported wheat flour and more local foods like corn, pupsi and crana (both freshwater fish). This speech was rejected outright by most Belizeans who had been told for generations that imported products were superior to Belizean ones. Local foods were associated with poverty, while a family who could afford to eat all imported foods gained prestige. This colonial hangover has hampered our transition to Belizean ingredients but things have changed a lot since our independence from Britain in 1981.

In tourism areas like Placencia Peninsula we still see a tendency to bring in foreign ingredients and dishes, but here and across Belize there are also chefs and restaurant owners who are committed to learning about and sharing the full

The Right Honorable George Price served as Belize's first prime minister from 1981-1984.

breadth and depth of our cultural cuisines with their customers.

Today we are in an exciting time as Belizean chefs and amateur cooks of all cultural backgrounds learn more about each other’s cultural foods, share dishes and ingredients and join the ranks of professional chefs, crafting new dishes with Belizean ingredients and flavor profiles. We have the interest and the ingredients to create a national Belizean cuisine that reflects our country’s splendid diversity.

This September, it’s not just about carnival and waving the flag. I for one will be looking forward to Belizean cooks and chefs getting creative in the kitchen. Let’s put our national pride on our plates with a Belizean cuisine that truly represents our unofficial motto “Alla we da one” (All of us are one). ▪ Lyra Spang is owner/guide of Taste Belize Tours, a unique cultural & culinary tour company.

She writes about food whenever she can. We congratulate her on her upcoming book, "Bite Yu Finger," being published by the University of the West Indies Press. Way to go, Lyra!!!

Our first Prime Minister George Price famously encouraged us to develop our national culinary independence by eating local, telling Belizeans to eat less imported wheat flour and more local foods [...] This speech was rejected outright by most Belizeans who had been told for generations that imported products were superior to Belizean ones.

The Placencia Breeze

Page 22

September/October 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, 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

North of Airstrip

Ranguana Lodge: Five private ocean view cabins located right on the beach in the heart of Placencia Village: We have 3 private air-conditioned beach cabins each w/ 2 Double beds, fans, large refrigerator, coffee makers, private bath w/ hot/cold shower, private balcony w/ a hammock. We also have two other cabins with full kitchens, 2 double beds, fans, private bath with hot & cold shower & tub, private balcony with a hammock. Beach Palapas, beach chairs. Tropic Air agent, Gift shop. Phone/fax at 011-501-523-3112, E-mail: Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com SailFish Resort: 6 modern Suites with A/C, TV, Wi-Fi and private baths. 8 Private rooms and 16 Bunks. Pool with swim-up Bar. Starting at $20 US + tax / night. Book online @ www.SailFishBelize.com or 651-9885 Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of Belize! 9 Cabanas w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock.

523-3122 - trdewndpla@btl.net

CHEERS

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

Internet. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

SHOPPING

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

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

Page 23

DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed on Wed) 7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385 The 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 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

TOUR PROVIDERS

REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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

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

Page 24

The Placencia Breeze

September/October 2018

Page 25 appreciating the value sargassum can hold as a floating nursery for some marine life and birds, but no one can recall seeing anything of per, the stench of decaying the magnitude that hit the sargassum has disappeared, Peninsula's coast on Aug. and the nightmare of this 30, 2018. No one is talking near-apocalyptic invasion about letting this one take its that hit us just before press natural course. Not this time. time is all gone. This is not normal. Yes. We have seen The theories posed by sciensargassum flotillas charge tists suggest that the blame their way into our beach may fall upon fertilizer runbefore from time to time, off from the world's rivers, so much so that we've tried waste dumping from cruise

THIS IS NOT NORMAL; Peninsula Takes on Sargassum

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

W

e really do hope that by the time you have picked up the printed copy of this newspa-

ships, abnormally high temperatures, unusual wind changes in the Atlantic ... and the Placencia Peninsula is not the only place being hit. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is dealing with this, and so are beach destinations in Mexico and some island nations of the Caribbean. The bloom this year is being considered the worst on record.

an emergency meeting on Sept. 1 calling community members to help. Placencia residents have been lending hands, rakes, workmen and even heavy duty machinery and trucks. Volunteers are trying their best to bury the compact decaying sargassum under the beach sand. When fresh, it disrupts a swim and aesthetics, but the hydrogen sulfide it releases when rotSo, what is the Peninsula ting is not totally harmless. doing about it? The Pla- Please follow our Breeze cencia Village Council held Facebook page for updates. â–Ş

(Photo by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

(Photo by: DAN EDWARDS)

(Photo by: ASHLEY SWIERCZEK) (Photo by: MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHS)

(Photo by: SARAH ALY)

The Placencia Breeze

Page 26

September/October 2018

Rotary Club of Placencia Seine Bight Youth Running Events Updates News Round Up

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

Even during the summer months, the Rotary Club of Placencia has kept busy.

Join us on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Pickled Parrot to learn more about our community activities below.

Blood Donor Clinic: Our second blood donor clinic of 2018 saw 13 people donate, a solid turn out for this time of year. Our next clinic is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Medical Centre. Save the date on your calendar.

Fridge Magnets: Rotarians continue to distribute the Emergency Contact Phone Number fridge magnets.

They have proven to be so popular that people requested stickers for non-magnetic surfaces. Please reach out to any Rotarian for either the magnetic or sticker version.

Community Info Boards: The Rotary Club of Placencia has erected a board in Maya Beach, Seine Bight and at the Placencia pier. We encourage the community to use the three boards for events notificiations, etc.

Please remove the posting once the event is over.

Dictionaries: With the kind financial contribution from the Parkway West Rotary Club, in memory of Thomas S. Diffendal, Standard three students of Stann Creek will again be receiving dictionaries. This is an annual contribution; and this year approximately 400 dictionaries will be distributed during the first few weeks of the school year.

Medical Mission organized

by Kylon Eiley: The Rotary Club of Placencia is providing financial assistance to a group of medical students from Merida, Mexico who will be making their second trip to Placencia from Sept.

13 to 16 to provide dental, medical, nutritional, psychological and pedagogical services.

Santa Cruz Youth Soccer: The Rotary Club is donating trophies for the Santa Cruz youth soccer tournament.

Trades 4 Life: We are pleased to announce that we are accepting scholarship applications to the Trades 4 Life program, which will run from Jan. 19 to Feb. 22.

Please email Robert Cook at rcook2804@gmail.com to apply. This is a chance for students to gain hands-on training in a variety of skills such as computer repair, air conditioning, plumbing, welding, electrical or automotive mechanical. Visit trades4life.bz for more info on the courses available.

By WANDA STAKUTIS Seine Bight Volunteer gregvwandas@gmail.com

Oldest Members of Seine Bight Running Club Move on to Sixth Form; Club Organizing Data Sheet to Track Supply Needs

We are happy to announce our five eldest members all graduated from high Peninsula children run together in the first Splash Running Camp held school in June, and all are in August on the Placencia Village sports field. (Photo by: KATHY ANGLIN) entering sixth form this year. listing including the names Our next goal since we now of all our members along have the equipment for it, is Ilene Ramirez is attendwith their ages, birthdays to develop a sprint and relay ing Independence Junior and t-shirt and shoe sizes. training program.

College (IJC) and majorShe is also keeping track of ing in biology with plans when the kids receive shoes As always everyone is welto become a high school and who needs shoes, so that come to join us Saturday biology teacher. Rafaine when people ask what they mornings at 6 a.m. on the Caliz is also attending can bring for the kids we can field in Seine Bight. You Scholarships: Through the IJC and majoring in bigive them exactly what is can run with us, help train generous support of the anology. She aspires to be a needed. While we received and coach or simply just nual End of the World Marforensic doctor. Venisha brand new shoes (Thank you cheer on a kid! Many thanks athon, we are pleased to Cruz is going to EcumenLaura Sen for the donation, to everyone who continues announce that we are providical Junior College (EJC) and PUMA and Kevin Jones to suppiort this program. ing scholarships for 30 high and majoring in tourism for getting the shoes!) for We currently have over 40 school students and 10 sixth and business. Wanigie the older students for the students who come out on form students.

Ogaldez is at the UniverEnd of the World Marathon a regular basis and it seems sity of Belize (UB)and is in December, shoes for the every week we see a few new Motorcycle Raffle: We will majoring in science and younger kids are an ongoing faces on the field.▪ be raffling off a 200 c.c. statistics. Ronnell Thomneed. motorcycle! Tickets will be as will be attending EJC available in late September and majoring in education Splash Holds First form which is their dream). with the drawing to be held a with the goal of being a Running Camp Help was also provided from few weeks before Christmas primary school teacher.

Placencia mothers Megan - a great gift to wrap under We still hope to see them someone’s tree! Tickets will on Saturday mornings, but From Aug. 13 through Aug. Rodden, Julia Uren, and be BZ$20 each. Stay tuned due to their busy sched- 17 on the Placencia Village Bridgette Kramer whose for more details including a ules they may not be with sports field, Splash Dive children participated in the photo of the motorcycle! us as often. All, however, Center hosted 30 to 40 kids program. Kathy Anglin was say that they will make all in the first ever Splash Run- there to take pictures every ning Camp. The kids were day of the kids out on the Weekly Seniors Activithe races! separated into groups and field working hard. There ties: Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the PlaWe now have cones for led in warm ups. Head- was a noticeable difference cencia Community Centre. our drills and thanks to coach Kirwin Ramirez took in the performance from Fun events include arts and Nick and Fiona Betts, we the kids through a series of day one to day five of all the crafts, karaoke and bingo! have real batons, a very drills using starting blocks, participants. welcome addition to our passing the baton and timed Friday Night Bingo: 6 p.m. supplies that allow us to sprints. Each day Kirwin Splash provided water during at the Flying Pig there is a work more on relays and had some games for the kids the camp and in keeping weekly chance for someone baton passing skills. Cher- which taught them running green, gave every student a metal water bottle. At the to take home BZ$500! Come yl Watts has compiled a skills in a fun way. end of the day fruit was also on out and try your luck!

Every day focused on a given to all the participants. different skill, including 40- Transportation was provided yard sprints, relay, 200-meter for all the students coming and 400-meter sprints. The from Seine Bight in the kids raced on the last day, Splash vans. and the first, second and third place winners were awarded Everyone involved in the prizes by Patty Ramirez of camp from the children to Splash. Kirwin was helped the adult helpers, coaches out by his other coaches and support people had a Greg Valiton, Zadel, Ken- blast. We are looking foryon, Devin and on the last ward to next year’s camp and day, Damone Martinez. (On hope for even more children a side note, Devin, Kenyon to attend. Many thanks to One of three new Placencia Rotary community bulletin boards and Zadel are all trying to Splash for doing this and to stands at the Placencia Village Municipal Pier. The others are save so they can attend sixth everyone who helped out.▪ set up in Maya Beach and Seine Bight Village. (Photo by: JEFF WHITE)

Page 27

PHS Welcomes Two New Board Members

By PATRICIA CELENZA PHS Press Officer Placencia Humane Society placibr@btl.net

ceived semi-regular veterinary care, more pets were saved from death by tick fever and TVT. However, more needed to be done to safeguard the health and well being of our community's pets.

Regular monthly vet clinics were established and eventually held in Placencia Community Center. A feral cat program began, dramatically reducing the feral population. Rescuing, fostering, adopting of abused and abandoned animals became a core PHS program.

Bridget Kramer and Kellie Covolik Shuman both have given their precious time as vet clinic volunteers and have witnessed first hand the compassion and commitment it takes to serve our community. As board members, they now step up to making the decisions that will keep PHS' mission alive in caring for our community's pets.

Bridget Kramer Bridget and Kellie join current board members: David Kafka (chair), Melanie L Wilcher (vice chair), Kitty Mitchell Burgh, Judy Cox Roberts, and Patricia Celenza.

Three years ago, the Seine Bight Outreach Program was seeded with the generous funds raised by musician Kelly McGuire at a benefit concert in the United States of America. PHS clinics are now housed in the pretty purple building on the Lagoon, opposite Los Porticos.

All board members are Kellie Covolik-Shuman volunteers. The Placencia Humane Society began in 1999 in "Both have given We have come a long response to the lack of their precious time way in 19 years, beany veterinary care on as vet clinic cause of the generosity the Placencia Peninsuvolunteers and have of our financial donors la. Back then, our goal witnessed first hand and our volunteers. was simple – to bring in the compassion and Thank you for your a vet every few months commitment it takes interest in Placencia to take care of vaccito serve our Humane Society. We nations, mange, tick community." look forward to meetfever, TVT (sexually ing you and your pets at transmitted venereal our monthly vet clinic, tumors) and spays and neuters. Clinics were initially held the third Saturday in each month. under raised houses, in tents, vacant buildings – wherever and whenever. If you can gift your time or talents We sometimes had no running water, to PHS, please call 604-8676 to join no lighting other than the sun and our most fantastic team. Interested in financially supporting our diverse definitely no equipment.

But with the help of the late Dr. pet programs? Please go to www.

Mike DeShield of Animal Medical placenciahumanesociety.org, and Centre in Belize City and his wife click on the PayPal button. Every and primary vet assistant, Miriam single penny donated goes to benefit DeShield, it worked. More pets re- our community's pets. ▪

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27 October (Saturday): PHS annual FLEA MART starting at 9 a.m. on the Placencia Village basketball court. Gently used items gladly accepted. Please drop of your donations at ReMax Office or Century 21 Office in Placencia.

Pet Clinic Dates & PHS Event Calendar

11 November (Sunday): It's the first ever MAD HATTER TEA PARTY, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Turtle Inn. Ladies, get out your big old fancy hats and bid on some of the most exciting trips, excursions, items, services you could ever lay your eyes on! More details coming up!

1 December (Saturday): It's the first ever ROCKIN' 'ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE fundraiser at Laru Beya Resort, from 4 to 7 p.m. We are asking you all (individuals, schools, churches, businesses) to create Christmas trees to donate to PHS, and we will auction them off to raise money for our pets.

Sounds like a fun way to kick off the holidays!

Stay current with all things PHS by liking us on Facebook or on our website: www.placenciahumanesociety.org.

Call us at 604-8676 to speak to a real live person, or email us at info@placenciahumanesociety.org

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

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

September 2018: St. George’s Caye Day Holiday: Sept 10 Belize American Reunion Beach Party: Sept. 16 Flag Raising Ceremony and Party: Sept. 20 Belize Independence Day Holiday and Carnival: Sept 21 Placencia Yamaha Marelco Saltwater Fishing Tournament: Sept 22-23 October 2018 Conch Season: Oct. 1 Pan-American Day Holiday: Oct 15 Belize Birding Festival: Oct 25-28 Halloween Parade: Oct. 31 November 2018 Garifuna Settlement Day Holiday: Nov 19 December 2018 End of the World Marathon: Dec 9 Mistletoe Ball: Dec 15 Placencia Christmas Boat Parade: TBA Christmas Eve Christmas Parade:TBA X-mas Day Holiday: Dec 25 Boxing Day Holiday: Dec 26

The Placencia Breeze

Page 28

FoH News Updates Continued from page 6

Independence Day Parade on September 21st, 2018. The event will begin from Mariposa at 2 p.m. and end off at BJ’s/Excellence Restaurant. If you are interested about this initiative and want to learn more, please contact Monique Vernon at Fohoutreach@yahoo.com or 6548951.▪

In 2016, FoH received a generous private donation to once again repeat the activities, but this time with all three primary schools on the peninsula (Peninsula International Academy, St. John’s, St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School). This year, with funding from GEF-SGP and the Oak Foundation and private donations from Hatchet Caye/Wild Orchid Caye, Fragments of Hope is pleased to announce the continued implementation of the Sandwatch program for the 2018-2019 (October-April) school year. ▪

Sandwatch Activities Set for 20182019 School Year For years, Caribbean beaches have been under stress, eroding and accreting from natural and anthropogenic factors. Recognizing the importance of protecting marine and related ecosystems is imperative and for Fragments of Hope, a primary focus.

In 2011, with funding from WWF, FoH adopted and implemented a Sandwatch program, developed by UNESCO in 1998, with St. John's Anglican Memorial Primary School.

The program focuses on the implementation of beach enhancement projects among children, youths, adults and the community and bring awareness of the fragile nature and need to respectfully use it.

Monique Vernon, a native of Placencia Village, holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Belize (2016). She carries extensive experience with youth and schools and worked with FoH in 2017 implementing the Sandwatch program.

FoH is dedicated to employing local coastal community members.

September/October 2018

croc corner Continued from page 6

Park. Most recently we had an amazing stay in Gales Point (identified for its importance for the manatee population and since 1998, 3,690 hectares have been designated as the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary), and were marvellously welcomed by the community.

around the Placencia Lagoon.

As CRC recaps on this past summer research, and begins preparing for CROCtober, we are also busy laying the ground work for a large international conference that will now be held on the Peninsula.

The IUCN/SSC-Crocodile Specialist Group Regional Meeting will be focused on conservation During our outreach, we get asked of crocodiles and their habitat a variety of questions like, “How (such as the Placencia Lagoon) in the Central long can a American and crocodile hold Caribbean reits breath? gion, with conHow long servation and can a crocowildlife exdile live for? perts traveling Why did the from the United Maya praise States, Austraand perform lia, Africa, Eureligious cerrope, and South emonies for America. The crocodiles?

CRC is seekAnd how can ing sponsorship I learn how CRC conducting education outreach t o c o - e x i s t inside the Placencia Community Center. or donations to assist us in the with these animals?” These are just some of the organization of this meeting; questions people ask the CRC, and all sponsors or donors will be you can learn all the answers and represented or acknowledged at more during the month of CROC- the three-day conference. To find tober! CROCtober has become a out more on how you can donate special month for all of us croc and sponsor or how your business enthusiasts and lovers around the can be highlighted to conference world, and for the CRC that means participants, please contact CRC an intense month of educational Program Coordinator and IUCN/ outreach- squashing the false facts SSC- Crocodile Specialist Group and misguided beliefs of Belize’s Sub-Regional Administrative iconic crocodile species, the Mo- Assistant Grecia Mendez at program.coordinator@crcbelize.org. relet’s and American crocodile.

The last few years around Placencia, the CRC has made a strong effort to conduct weekly educational wildlife outreach to schools.

But this year we want to expand our outreach to businesses – CRC will be reaching out to restaurants, banks, resorts and hotels (or if you are reading this, reach out to us!) to offer a lunch time Croc Talk. In 20 minutes, we will provide you important croc facts, history and myths that surround them, and the Do’s and Don’ts of living with crocodiles to promote co-existence. And, we would be more than happy to provide an educational talk to hotel guests or village visitors.

Besides the educational outreach fun, keep your eye out for more information about a CRC CROCtober fundraiser, raising funds to assist us in our educational outreach programs, and research

As we say goodbye to summer we would like to thank all those who have participated, assisted, followed and supported our work.

We are looking forward to what this fall will bring, especially with CROCtober coming up. Make sure to follow us on Facebook or through our "A Load of Croc" blog to keep up to date with activities and updates.

The Crocodile Research Coalition is a Belize-based nonprofit (with a sister 501(c)3 in the USA) that seeks to preserve crocodiles and their environments throughout Central America and the Caribbean to ensure long-term sustainability of biodiversity in the region. If you are interested in learning more about our research and educational outreach programs, or would like to donate, please head to our website: www. crocodileresearchcoalition.org.

Page 29

The Placencia Breeze

Page 30

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

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

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

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

Arrives Placencia 2:45 p.m.

Hokey Pokey Boat - 667-1821 or 665-7242 • Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: Everday: 6:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays) • Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: Everday: 6:30am, 7:30 a.m., 8a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30pm, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (except on Sundays) Ritchie’s Bus - 631-7751 or 523-3806 Regular Bus: • Placencia → Dangriga (10 BZD): Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m., 12:45 p.m and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

September/October 2018

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.

Page 31

Peninsula Happenings! Weh di goh aan?!

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

CALL 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

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club Sept. 20, Riot Squad and DJ Gilla 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

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

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 DJ Fingaz, Sept. 7 Open 10 pm til 3 am!!! 523-3515 (Club is closed on Sept. 21, Independence Day.) 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; Oct. 27, HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Sailfish Resort Belize

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

Pickled Parrot

LIVE MUSIC! 6 p.m. by The Usual Suspects! P. 636-3089

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

Tipsy Tuna

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

Street Feet Lounge & Night Club

Sept. 8., Eclipse Sound; Sept. 15, Paint and Powder Party with No Fear DJs; Sept. 22, DJ Swagg; Open 10 pm 'til 3 am!!! 523-3515. Check us out after the Halloween Party at Barefoot!

Sunday, Sept. 9, All-day beach party noon to midnight with DJ Boneyfide, DJ Swagg and Tropical Vibes

Barefoot Bar

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

SUNDAY

Sailfish Resort Belize

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

Turtle Inn

2 for 1 Pizza 523-3244

Cha Chi's

CALL 523-3305

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

Tipsy Tuna 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 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

September/October 2018