Here's their site
http://www.udp.org.bz/
They are now the oppressed opposition.
Added on Date: 03:30:08 9/01/99
Here's their site
http://www.udp.org.bz/
They are now the Oppressed Opposition.
Added on Date: 03:34:03 9/01/99
Oh Wendy...
This is an increasingly controversial subject nowadays. It would be very interesting to hear your opinion since you've been reading the government website propaganda machine formerly BIS for UDP. If you haven't already done so, It would also be advantages to monitor the news services from Belize.
They can all be found at:
http://belizenews.com/navbar.html
Be warned, from what I see, the Reporter leans towards UDP and the Amandala leans towards PUP. Sometimes their editorials are so blue and red that they can almost be compared to the difference between The Belize Times (PUP Paper) and the Guardian (UDP Paper).
Sadly, crime seems to be at the forefront of news from the Belize news services along with much controversy, usually tied to political party disputes, like the current uproar regarding the commissioner of police in handling certain very public cases, the Guatamalen killed by a BDF soldier, Supreme Court Justice controversy, etc
I sometimes fear that Belize may become a police state if major positive changes are not made soon.
Sorry for the somber reply but just giving my honest opinion.
Added on Date: 04:00:51 9/01/99
I would like to contact any one in who has any information re The Citrus Company Of Belize in the Stann and Barton Creek Farm Pomona. I have a very personal interest and would like to contact anyone confidentialy. All emails will be answered
Added on Date: 07:13:51 9/01/99
You're aware that the Citrus Company of Belize was purchased by a British company, Commonwealth Development Corp.?
--Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 10:35:55 9/01/99
: Wanna share this with you. You can see what I see.
Added on Date: 10:38:07 9/01/99
Thanks for the tips. I am approaching this with no current opinion and I am trying to present an objective view so I will check out the websites you suggested. Thanks again.
: Oh Wendy...
: This is an increasingly controversial subject nowadays. It would be very interesting to hear your opinion since you've been reading the government website propaganda machine formerly BIS for UDP. If you haven't already done so, It would also be advantages to monitor the news services from Belize.
: They can all be found at:
: http://belizenews.com/navbar.html
: Be warned, from what I see, the Reporter leans towards UDP and the Amandala leans towards PUP. Sometimes their editorials are so blue and red that they can almost be compared to the difference between The Belize Times (PUP Paper) and the Guardian (UDP Paper).
: Sadly, crime seems to be at the forefront of news from the Belize news services along with much controversy, usually tied to political party disputes, like the current uproar regarding the commissioner of police in handling certain very public cases, the Guatamalen killed by a BDF soldier, Supreme Court Justice controversy, etc
: I sometimes fear that Belize may become a police state if major positive changes are not made soon.
: Sorry for the somber reply but just giving my honest opinion.
Added on Date: 15:20:37 9/01/99
I think context is important in a question like this. The views of Belizeans on their police force needs to be examined in the context of how Mexicans, Guatemalans (especially indigenous Guatemalans), Salvadorans, Hondurans and others in the region view their police authorities. It's quite a difference.
Belize police may not always be well trained, and they may be prone to human failings such as driving too fast or drinking too much, but I think the careful observer would agree that they try to solve cases and to uphold the law, which is a lot more than you can say about police in some other countries in the region.
--Lan Sluder
--Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 19:35:26 9/01/99
: If you are a Pitts or in anyway related to a pitts or know someone who is please e-mail me and let them know we are planning a reunion next year in Las Vegas Nevada and pleas e-mail me ...
Added on Date: 20:53:21 9/01/99
: Thanks so very much. peace love to all in P.G
Added on Date: 20:59:53 9/01/99
Maybe residing in California. She is about 19 years old. Her mother's name is Kimberly Quiggly. She may be living with Jeri and Danny Riley. Hoping to make contact with you. I am living in Caye Caulker. If anyone knows of her please contact me. Thank you
Caye Caulker
Belize
Added on Date: 22:00:43 9/01/99
Stay in one of the 4 brand new beachfront Cabannas. Reasonably priced at $20US per night. Porch with hammocks to enjoy the beautiful view. From the water taxi office in Caye Caulker take a right and walk towards the split. Can't miss us.
See you soon. Email for more information. Snorkeling and various tours can be arranged also.
Rene Rosado
Added on Date: 22:05:24 9/01/99
Thank you for the information. I have been reading information from as many sources as possible to present an objective view and I think your suggestions will help me to focus more clearly on the subject. Thank you again.
: I think context is important in a question like this. The views of Belizeans on their police force needs to be examined in the context of how Mexicans, Guatemalans (especially indigenous Guatemalans), Salvadorans, Hondurans and others in the region view their police authorities. It's quite a difference.
: Belize police may not always be well trained, and they may be prone to human failings such as driving too fast or drinking too much, but I think the careful observer would agree that they try to solve cases and to uphold the law, which is a lot more than you can say about police in some other countries in the region.
: --Lan Sluder
: --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 23:43:16 9/01/99
Bah humBUG.
Netiquette?
You tell me.
I only just found out I had a bug on my system which affects email sent to others.
I know for a fact, albeit I was unaware at the time, that this bug contaminated my system in the first quarter of this year 1999. How and why I know?
Because now I remember the very first time I received the email and opened the file attached, and only just heard the name of the corrupted file. As soon as I heard the name it all came back.
Oh yes, I do have an antivirus programme installed an keep it updated.
I wont name names on the virus to give fame to the virant or its creator, nor the antivirus programme I run. That's beside the point.
The problem I have is, after looking at the email files I sent since then, I only saw one name and know there were many more. We have been doing some extensive updating here, and in the process
lost some data because of a back up device which presently refuse to operate as intended. Still trying to work that out with the techs and their company.
I can remember a few people I sent email to since then, but not all. So I thought this may be the best medium to draw attention to the problem.
Please dont be alarmed. It's not that big of a problem. All it does is slow down your browser.
If I sent you an Email and notice your browser is slow it may be related. Obviously if you sent an email to someone and so an and so on, well you get the picture.
Question. Am I wrong to put this on the internet since I dont have the names of all the individuals I sent an email to since march of
1999, or should just have let it go since it's a small matter.
You tell me. Dont be afraid to email me, I have been inoculated of this particular MINOR virus.
If you are concerned please get back to me and I'll give you the info I received from Microsoft.
I really hope I'm doing the right thing here.
Joelwb
joelwb@msn.com
http://geocities.com/~blease
Added on Date: 12:45:22 9/02/99
I'm not sure I'm qualified to make
a reasonable response on this subject,
however I feel impelled to do so.
I'am currently not residing in Belize, nevertheless I try to keep up
with the events as they occur.
Firstly your reasearch is uncannily timely.
Obviously you have read some of the
current cases regarding the police and
their invistigations surrounding recent
murders in Belize.
What I gather here from news articles
recently published, is, the trained
officers who are qualified to do the
necessary invistigations, are being
sent to the districts where their
expertise is not being utilized to
its full potential.
In trying to appear efficient,
department heads release reports
which to the public appears as
conclusive and that suspects in custody
eventually would be convicted.
Lately that has not been the case.
The lawyers, the judges, the whole judicial system is unhappy with the circumstances.
I've read where Scotland Yard and
the FBI supposedly was to have been
asked in assisting in solving at
least two of these murders, but so
far I'm still awaiting info as to
whether either has done so.
Again, I've read reports about
police brutality and it appears
many of these reports eventually
prove to be true.
Although these are not wide spread,
when they do, it makes the system
looks bad.
Methinks the overall everyday police
works is fine. As one very reputable
source on these boards have stated,
Belize has it's problems police
wise but by comparison with our
surrounding neighbours we may be
ahead of the pack.
Here in L. A. we have a very high
division of the P. D. called SIS.
These people are so qualified in
the work they do, that they train
the navy seals and other high
profile squads in various forces
in the U. S. The job they do is
outstanding, but from time to time
their actions is questioned when
someone dies when performing their
duty.
Belize has a Dragon unit which
paralells SIS, not in training
or qualification, but in covert op.
The Dragon unit are also scrutinized
in their action, as is SIS. Yet I
think the overall picture shows
that on a whole most police in
any country will do their job
honestly, efficiently and in
trying to serve its citizens needs.
In the final analysis if you are
a good citizen anywhere, if you dont
give cause to be inolved with any
police criminalwise you may say they
are ok. However, if and when they do
questionable things you may have
your doubts. If you are a criminally
minded person I guess you would
always hate the police. Go figure.
joelwb
joelwb@msn.com
http://www.geocities.com
Added on Date: 14:26:30 9/02/99
: I'm not sure I'm qualified to make
: a reasonable response on this subject,
: however I feel impelled to do so.
: I'am currently not residing in Belize, nevertheless I try to keep up
: with the events as they occur.
: Firstly your reasearch is uncannily timely.
: Obviously you have read some of the
: current cases regarding the police and
: their invistigations surrounding recent
: murders in Belize.
: What I gather here from news articles
: recently published, is, the trained
: officers who are qualified to do the
: necessary invistigations, are being
: sent to the districts where their
: expertise is not being utilized to
: its full potential.
: In trying to appear efficient,
: department heads release reports
: which to the public appears as
: conclusive and that suspects in custody
: eventually would be convicted.
: Lately that has not been the case.
: The lawyers, the judges, the whole judicial system is unhappy with the circumstances.
: I've read where Scotland Yard and
: the FBI supposedly was to have been
: asked in assisting in solving at
: least two of these murders, but so
: far I'm still awaiting info as to
: whether either has done so.
: Again, I've read reports about
: police brutality and it appears
: many of these reports eventually
: prove to be true.
: Although these are not wide spread,
: when they do, it makes the system
: looks bad.
: Methinks the overall everyday police
: works is fine. As one very reputable
: source on these boards have stated,
: Belize has it's problems police
: wise but by comparison with our
: surrounding neighbours we may be
: ahead of the pack.
: Here in L. A. we have a very high
: division of the P. D. called SIS.
: These people are so qualified in
: the work they do, that they train
: the navy seals and other high
: profile squads in various forces
: in the U. S. The job they do is
: outstanding, but from time to time
: their actions is questioned when
: someone dies when performing their
: duty.
: Belize has a Dragon unit which
: paralells SIS, not in training
: or qualification, but in covert op.
: The Dragon unit are also scrutinized
: in their action, as is SIS. Yet I
: think the overall picture shows
: that on a whole most police in
: any country will do their job
: honestly, efficiently and in
: trying to serve its citizens needs.
: In the final analysis if you are
: a good citizen anywhere, if you dont
: give cause to be inolved with any
: police criminalwise you may say they
: are ok. However, if and when they do
: questionable things you may have
: your doubts. If you are a criminally
: minded person I guess you would
: always hate the police. Go figure.
: joelwb
: joelwb@msn.com
: http://www.geocities.com
The dragon unit is a joke in belize,they know just enouth to hurt some one!The police in beliz2 are jokes,only good for nothing,cant remember when they sloved a case.They arest whoever put them in jail till trail(over a year most cases).Then most get let go for lack of evadince.BELIZE COPS ARE STUPID DRUNKS!
Added on Date: 15:24:02 9/02/99
BELIZE COPS ARE STUPID DRUNKS!
Y A E T Y O! (Watchers & Trackers)
Added on Date: 16:23:58 9/02/99
Help! I need assistance in planning a dive trip to lighthouse reef for three experienced divers this November. Where do we stay? How do we get there from L.A.? Are there private rentals on the cayes there? Any help would be appreciated. Please email me at grez@earthlink.net. Thanks!
Added on Date: 17:48:25 9/02/99
If I'm not mistaken, the only lodge at or near Lighthouse atoll is Lighthouse Reef Resort, an excellent and fairly upscale dive lodge on Northern Caye (try 1-800-423-3114 or in Belize 011-501-2-31205.)
You can also reach the atoll on day or overnight trips from Ambergris Caye or elsewhere.
Continental, TACA and American fly into Belize City, and from there you can take a charter flight to Lighthouse Reef Resort, or a commuter flight to Ambergris Caye.
--Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 18:47:51 9/02/99
The Ciegos' Haven will be setting up an online Flea market at its website listed below. Do check it out and be apart of it. It will feature pictures and full secure e commerce so you can order from the privacy of your home using your credit card, personal or money order, whichever is best for you. Sold items will be shipped to destinations designated by buyer. If you have something to sell you can contact the webmaster of the site to have your items posted. We will try to work that part out as soon as possible.
Please send your suggestions and comments to our email address or post it to our messageboard.
Added on Date: 08:50:33 9/03/99
I'm going to be in Belize in mid-september until...whenever. I'm leaving from toronto in a couple of weeks. Why do you ask?
: I was wondering if there are any other Canadians who are planning trips to Belize between now and May 2000.
Added on Date: 12:14:23 9/03/99
I am coming to Belize in mid-september and am looking for any environmental organizations or other groups who need an educated, hard-working individual to help out. If anyone knows of a way to get my foot in the door, please write me back. I am very interested in helping to preserve Belize's natural environment and only ask for room and board. Thank you very much.
josh
Added on Date: 12:31:10 9/03/99
American Airlines will begin flying into Belize from Dallas in December.
Added on Date: 16:54:20 9/03/99
A lot of people will be unhappy with what I’m about to say but I believe it’s necessary to report truthfully regarding current events in Belize. Otherwise, Belize won’t exercise the urgent necessity to address and improve the Criminal Justice System, which is vital for the future welfare of all Belizeans.
I stayed in Belize for 9 months in 1997 and closely observed first hand the Political and Criminal Justice System in Belize and must report that political corruption was alive and outrageously blatant which naturally will lead as an example to the Criminal Justice System and the Belize society as a whole.
Just about every Belizean that I spoke to said that the Criminal Justice System in Belize has always worked in this manner. If you come from a rich and politically powerful family and can pay the Attorney General’s Private Law Firm their fees to defend you, then you can get away with anything including drug dealing, murder, or fraud. The law firms belonging to the ruling government’s Cabinet members control the criminal justice system. The ruling party lawyers always win the case or at the very least can provide minimal punishment.
On the other hand, if you can’t afford their lawyers, or are not rich or powerful and belong to the wrong political party, then you are shipped off to the Belize Prison, known as the “Hattieville Ramada” for very minor crimes & misdemeanors even without substantial evidence.
This is the way it was told to me and confirmed from what I observed. Take this info, as you will, it is just my anonymous observation and nothing more.
No Criminal Justice System is perfect including the USA’s but because Belize’s population is so small, only 225,000 people; crime, corruption, and politics severely affects all Belizeans and will directly impact their future.
Since 1997, Belize is now under a new government claiming mass reform and due mostly to the internet, communication with Belize and events occurring in Belize are readily available to all which hopefully will lend to a better Criminal Justice System in Belize.
Added on Date: 17:29:55 9/03/99
I just returned from Placencia where my husband and I spent 10 days on our honeymoon. I would highly recommend for a nice vacation spot. It is very remote and beautiful. If you like a bit of an adventure, this is the place to find it as well. Toadal Adventures guide service will take you on Mayan ruin tours, swim inside a cave to explore, jungle hikes, and much more. We had the best time. The snorkeling was beautiful. Nothing but good things to say about this area.
Added on Date: 20:59:03 9/03/99
Jennifer-
I don't know how much you are willing to spend but I know that I was looking into tickets for the x-mas holiday from Balitmore and the prices all ranged from about 1200-1800 (this being coach)with most airlines. Good luck. I find that the bast way to find deals is at expedia.com
Added on Date: 23:29:40 9/03/99
Who ever wrote this about the crime in Belize being outstanding has obviosly not lived there long enough. Every country has murders but Belize is one of the safest in the world. Check out your facts and take a reality check before you start to diss a country that you know very little about!
Added on Date: 23:41:41 9/03/99
Placencia is a small village at the end of a 17 miles long peninsula. It has beautifull beaches with palmtrees and is close to the Barrier Reef. We own a beachlot with palmtrees and a lovely brandnew house at the edge of the village. It is for rent! It is a big wooden house on posts, seven feet of the ground. It has two bedrooms (11 x 11 ft and 9 x 11 ft) with one kingsize and one double bed. A bathroom with hot shower etc. A large livingroom with open kitchen, dining bar, table etc, frigde, stove and so on. The veranda is 8 x 26 ft and looks out over the Carribean Sea. The house if fuly furnished including sheet- and towelservice and cleaning once a week. Mrs Lydia, who owns a nice budget hotel, which is recommanded in all the travelguides, looks after our place. The price is 500 $ US or 1000 $ Belize a week. We don't have vacancy from December '99 until the beginning off April '2000, except maybe one or two weeks in January. Information? E-mail to Susanne & Fred in Holland (Europe). E-mail: fredkrijnen@compuserve.com. In Placencia contact Mrs Lydia: phone 00 501 6 23117. If you are in Placencia on a low budget, we can highly recommand Lydia's Rooms. It is located on a nice spot near our house. It's cheap and clean and Mrs Lydia is very friendly and helpful.
Added on Date: 05:31:51 9/04/99
: I just returned from Placencia where my husband and I spent 10 days on our honeymoon. I would highly recommend for a nice vacation spot. It is very remote and beautiful. If you like a bit of an adventure, this is the place to find it as well. Toadal Adventures guide service will take you on Mayan ruin tours, swim inside a cave to explore, jungle hikes, and much more. We had the best time. The snorkeling was beautiful. Nothing but good things to say about this area.
It is the best
Added on Date: 09:36:32 9/04/99
: A lot of people will be unhappy with what I’m about to say but I believe it’s necessary to report truthfully regarding current events in Belize. Otherwise, Belize won’t exercise the urgent necessity to address and improve the Criminal Justice System, which is vital for the future welfare of all Belizeans.
: I stayed in Belize for 9 months in 1997 and closely observed first hand the Political and Criminal Justice System in Belize and must report that political corruption was alive and outrageously blatant which naturally will lead as an example to the Criminal Justice System and the Belize society as a whole.
: Just about every Belizean that I spoke to said that the Criminal Justice System in Belize has always worked in this manner. If you come from a rich and politically powerful family and can pay the Attorney General’s Private Law Firm their fees to defend you, then you can get away with anything including drug dealing, murder, or fraud. The law firms belonging to the ruling government’s Cabinet members control the criminal justice system. The ruling party lawyers always win the case or at the very least can provide minimal punishment.
: On the other hand, if you can’t afford their lawyers, or are not rich or powerful and belong to the wrong political party, then you are shipped off to the Belize Prison, known as the “Hattieville Ramada” for very minor crimes & misdemeanors even without substantial evidence.
: This is the way it was told to me and confirmed from what I observed. Take this info, as you will, it is just my anonymous observation and nothing more.
: No Criminal Justice System is perfect including the USA’s but because Belize’s population is so small, only 225,000 people; crime, corruption, and politics severely affects all Belizeans and will directly impact their future.
: Since 1997, Belize is now under a new government claiming mass reform and due mostly to the internet, communication with Belize and events occurring in Belize are readily available to all which hopefully will lend to a better Criminal Justice System in Belize.
To all people out there reading this post this is how the police in beliz2 work.For a white outsider i can tell you first hand the police are a bunch of drunk jerks,no careing if they have the right person or not.Beware if your planing a trip to belize,you may be the one they pick to find drugs in your bags!
Added on Date: 11:11:40 9/04/99
: Who ever wrote this about the crime in Belize being outstanding has obviosly not lived there long enough. Every country has murders but Belize is one of the safest in the world. Check out your facts and take a reality check before you start to diss a country that you know very little about!
I HAVE LIVED IN BELIZE 22 YEARS,HOW MANY TIMES YOU BEEN HERE?ALL THESE THINGS STATED,HAVE HAPPEN IN BELIZE IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS,TRY READING THE PAPER,THERE IS ALOT MORE.BELIZE BEING ONE OF THE SAFEST IS A JOKE!YOUR THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO CHECK FACTS!
Added on Date: 11:28:44 9/04/99
Returning to caulker for the millenium
thing...never been in Beize during this time of
year...How's the weather around then?....and the
fishing? want to fish off the reef for grouper,
snapper, jacks etc. always been too windy in the
past.....any tuna to spea
Added on Date: 11:18:33 9/05/99
: Returning to caulker for the millenium
: thing...never been in Beize during this time of
: year...How's the weather around then?....and the
: fishing? want to fish off the reef for grouper,
: snapper, jacks etc. always been too windy in the
: past.....any tuna to speak of
Added on Date: 11:29:30 9/05/99
: Returning to caulker for the millenium
: thing...never been in Belize during this time of
: year...How's the weather around then?....and the
: fishing? want to fish off the reef for grouper,
: snapper, jacks etc. always been too windy in the
: past.....any tuna to speak of
Added on Date: 11:37:05 9/05/99
DRIVING TO BELIZE. LEAVING FROM SAN DIEGO THE FIRST OF OCTOBER. WANTED A MATURE ADULT TO SHARE DRIVING AND GAS EXPENSES. NON SMOKER.FINAL DESTINATION PLACENCIA.NO LOONIES PLEASE.E-MAIL JUAN AT JCADUCIO@AOL.COM
Added on Date: 16:55:22 9/05/99
Planning to drive to Belize next spring, crossing US/Mex border at Brownsville, Texas. We are concerned for safety; have heard some stories about bandits, corrupt police, etc. Also about road conditions. If we break down, will we likely be victimized by dishonest mechanics/garages. What routes to take, which ones to avoid. Would like to hear from anyone with good, reliable information. Thanks in advance.
Added on Date: 22:39:30 9/05/99
: Stay in one of the 4 brand new beachfront Cabannas. Reasonably priced at $20US per night. Porch with hammocks to enjoy the beautiful view. From the water taxi office in Caye Caulker take a right and walk towards the split. Can't miss us.
: See you soon. Email for more information. Snorkeling and various tours can be arranged also.
: Rene Rosado
Added on Date: 23:43:15 9/05/99
: Stay in one of the 4 brand new beachfront Cabannas. Reasonably priced at $20US per night. Porch with hammocks to enjoy the beautiful view. From the water taxi office in Caye Caulker take a right and walk towards the split. Can't miss us.
: See you soon. Email for more information. Snorkeling and various tours can be arranged also.
: Rene Rosado
I am interested in bringing 2 kids,7 and 9 and a spouse for a relaxing vacation, natural, diving, eating and swimming. How many cabanas do we need? Do they have private bathing, a central phone, and dining near by? thanks
Added on Date: 23:45:37 9/05/99
Hi Frank,
I did the drive from McAllen (not far from Brownsville) via the Gulf coast to Belize just after Christmas this year. It was a fantastic drive - my driving buddy documented the trip on a web site: http://www.interlog.com/~ajs/photoalbum/mexico_belize/
We did experience some corruption from both immigration and police officials, but we went down expecting it and carried small bills for bribes. It was not a big issue, but it may have been if we hadn't been prepared for it.
We actually did break down in Veracruz and we found that the mechanics (and everyone else who helped us) were not only honest, they were friendly and welcoming. One toll road manager would not let me pay for using his phone to call long distance when we did break down, and he would not let us tip anyone who helped us (including himself, and we hadn't even paid the toll).
I suggest that you go to a Sanborn's office for insurance - they will give you a great driving guide that even identifies which Pemex stations may try to cheat you. With the insurance you get 24 roadside assistance; our breakdown was on New Year's Day and the tow truck came within 45 minutes of the call.
As for road conditions, they varied widely but were generally very good. We didn't experience any bandits, but we made a point (with one exception) of driving only during the day.
Have a great trip,
Dave
Added on Date: 09:37:23 9/06/99
A limited number of "no worries" Millennium holiday packages are available from Mopan River Resort. From Dec. 26 to Jan 04; 9 nights of the best of Cayo and the region, at the best price anywhere.
Our all-inclusive rates provide the following: Round Trip Airfare from Houston; Round trip, air-conditioned, ground transfers between Belize City and the resort; luxury accommodation; daily adventure tours, including the Maya ruins of Caracol, and Tikal in Guatemala; canoeing and kayaking anytime on the Mopan River; all meals, tropical cocktails, local beer and sodas; beer and sodas in the mini-bar in your room; evening entertainment and hors d'oeuvre; 7% hotel tax, 8% sales tax, and service charges--No tipping allowed!! [Guest is responsible only for any visa/border fees, departure taxes, and site admission fees; estimated at US$50 per person, per week.]
Please visit our website for a look at our resort, then email us for availability and prices!
Added on Date: 17:19:21 9/06/99
LATE NEWS OF BELIZE
Note: This news roundup includes late and breaking
news of Belize, updated September 6, 1999.
News summary provided courtesy of Belize First
Magazine, the candid source of news and
information on Belize. Web edition at
http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
Crime continues to dominate the news in Belize ...
NEW STUDY: BELIZE HAD MORE THAN 50 MURDERS IN THE
PAST YEAR, BUT HIGH RATE MOSTLY CONNECTED TO DRUG
DISPUTES AND FIGHTS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS At
least 56 murders occurred in Belize from August
1998 to July 1999, according to a study by BELIZE
FIRST. On a per capita basis, this is a rate
almost three times higher than that in the United
States as a whole and higher even than in
high-crime cities such as New Orleans and Detroit.
But the good news, if there is any, is that most
murders were related to drug and gang disputes or
involved arguments among family members, friends
or co-workers. Among the exceptions were a series
of rape/murders of young girls in Belize District,
still unsolved, (see separate article), the
shooting of Chinese shopkeepers in Belize City,
the ambushing and shooting of a Coca-Cola driver
on the Old Northern Highway, and the murder of a
British volunteer worker last August in Stann
Creek District. About a fifth of the victims were
immigrants, mainly from Honduras or Guatemala, in
crimes often involving other legal or illegal
immigrants. Statistics shown here were compiled
from news reports and do not necessarily reflect
police figures. Not included are deaths where foul
play was suspected but not proved, or deaths
involving vehicles, such as hit and run cases.
Some findings of the study:
· At least 13 of the murders, including eight in
two mass killings off remote cayes in the
Caribbean Sea, were believed to be drug or gang
related.
· Another 15 to 20 of the deaths were likely a
result of squabbles among family, friends,
neighbors or co-workers.
· At least 9 of the deaths involved immigrants
from neighboring countries, mainly Guatemala and
Honduras, and in several cases those arrested and
charged for the crimes were also from outside
Belize.
· Guns were the murder weapons in at least 22 of
the killings; knives figured in at least 11 deaths
and machetes in 8.
· Belize District led the country in number of
murders, with 28 murders. Several areas, including
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, had no murders
during the period.
· In about one-half of the cases, suspects already
have been arrested and charged.
· The murder rate in Belize during this period was
about 22.4 per 100,000 population (assuming a
Belize population of 250,000). That compares to a
rate of about 7.8 per 100,000 in 1996 in the U.S.
according to Federal Bureau of Investigation
reports.
· In raw numbers, the total of murders in Belize
is about the same as the number of murders in the
following U.S. cities, in calendar 1998 as
preliminarily reported by the FBI, with population
as of 1996: Baton Rouge, La. (64 reported murders,
population of 567,000); Denver, Colo. (51 reported
murders, population 1,867,000); Jackson, Miss. (60
reported murders, population 421,000); Oklahoma
City, Okla. (56 reported murders, population
1,027,000); and San Francisco (58 reported
murders, population 1,655,000.) The U.S. cities
with the most murders reported in 1998 include
Chicago (694 reported murders), New York (633),
Detroit (429), Los Angeles (426), Philadelphia
(338), Baltimore (311), Washington (260), Houston
(254) and New Orleans (233). There were a total of
19,650 police-reported murders in the U.S in 1996,
the last year for which complete statistics are
available.
UNSOLVED RAPE/MURDERS OF YOUNG GIRLS SHOCK BELIZE
Four young girls, ranging in age from 9 to 13
years old, all from the Southside area of Belize
City, have been raped and murdered in the last
year. In September 1998, Sherilee Nicholas, age
13, was found dead at on the Western Highway. Jay
Blades, age 9, turned up missing in October 1998;
her decomposed body was found in June on Western
Highway. In March, Jackie Malic, age 12, was
abducted, molested, possibly tortured, and stabbed
to death. The most recent victim was Erica Wills,
age 9, who disappeared from her home in June. Her
body was found in July, wedged into a rock
crevice, near Gracy Rock village west of
Hattieville. It is thought that the murders may be
the work of a serial killer. At least two other
young girls have been murdered in or near Belize
City this year, crimes that appear not to be
related to the four rape/murders. Despite intense
work by police to solve the crimes, including
bringing in crime experts from the U.S., the cases
remain unresolved. In August, two suspects being
held by police were released due to lack of
evidence. Police Commissioner Ornel Brooks,
caught up in PUP political infighting, has been
the target of media and grass roots attacks for
failing to solve these and other high-profile
crimes.
TEACHER GROUP PROTESTS VIOLENCE IN BELIZE CITY
FOLLOWING MURDER OF TOLEDO INSTRUCTOR About 300
Belize school teachers took to the streets in
mid-August to protest the murder earlier in the
month of Pio Coc, a teacher in training from San
Pedro Columbia, Toledo, who was killed in a
ride-by shooting while on a visit to Belize City.
At around 11:30 p.m. August 4, two men on bicycles
on West Canal Street approached Coc and two
relatives leaving a restaurant, according to news
reports. They demanded money and then began
shooting. Coc was hit several times and later died
in surgery. His uncle, Carlos Jackson, was
severely wounded. "Crime is getting out of hand,"
said one teacher at the protest. Police have made
arrests in the case, charging two young Belize
City men. In a perhaps related case, muggers on
bikes robbed a German tourist and, separately, a
Belizean woman in the Hone Park area, home to
several embassies. Separately, Talbert Lamb died
following a beating August 4 near New Road and
Pickstock Street. Lamb reportedly was with a group
of tourists when he was attacked. The tourists ran
away. Police have arrested a Belize City resident
and say they plan to charge him with murder. In
Cayo in early August a San Ignacio taxi driver was
shot to death after taking a fare to Branch Mouth
area. A Guatemalan man has been arrested and
charged with the killing.
SWIFT JUSTICE Crime against tourists in Belize is
relatively rare, and when it does happen the
Belize judicial system moves with unusual speed to
try and punish the offender. In mid-June, when a
Swedish visitor, just arrived in Belize City from
Cancun, was the victim of an unprovoked attack on
Orange Street by a man who struck her in the head
with a board, tourism police reportedly arrested
Leroy Dunn of East Collet Canal within minutes of
the attack. Just hours later, Dunn was tried and
convicted by the Quick Trial Court in Belize City.
That same day, he was taken to Hattieville prison
to begin serving a two-year term. The Swedish
tourist was treated by local doctors and released.
GREAT WHITE SHARK IN BELIZE WATERS? A Corozal
Town fisherman claims he was attacked by a 30-foot
long white shark on a dive near English Caye the
morning of September 3. A wound to his leg
required 20 stiches and another to his stomach
required 4 stitches. Sharks are common in Belize
waters, but reports of attacks on humans are rare.
MCDONALD'S TO OPEN IN BELIZE NEXT YEAR? Belize,
the only country in Central or South America
without a McDonald's restaurant, may get one in
the year 2000, according to a McDonald's
executive. Manuel Juarez, McDonald's
communications director for Latin America, told a
Reuters reporter in Mexico City that McDonald's
"may open" in Belize next year.
CONSOLIDATION CONTINUES IN BELIZE'S CITRUS
INDUSTRY A British company, Commonwealth
Development Corporation, has purchased Belize
Foods Ltd., adding to it holdings in Belize. Last
year it bought Citrus Company of Belize. CDC also
owns Barton Creek Farms in Cayo District and a
citrus plantation in Toledo District. Altogether,
CDC now manages about 10,000 acres of citrus
groves and employs up to 1,500 workers during
harvest seasons. Continued low prices for citrus
products is driving consolidation in the industry,
so that growers can enjoy better economies of
scale.
JULY TOURISM UP Visitor arrivals at the
International Airport in July 1999 were up 9% over
the same month in 1998, according to the Belize
Tourist Board. Arrivals for the month totaled
9,113. Tourist travel to Belize has been flat for
most of 1999, despite an aggressive ad campaign by
the Belize Tourism Board in the United States.
June arrivals at the International Airport were
almost exactly the same as the previous year,
January and February were off from the previous
year, while arrivals from March to May were up 2%.
March did see strong tourism numbers, with
arrivals topping 12,000 for the first time. Given
the full-page ads run this year by Belize in North
American travel magazines, part of a US$500,000 ad
campaign, the results are less than had been hoped
for, say some tourism observers. Although tourism
to the main Caribbean has been weak of late,
Belize's regional neighbors Guatemala, Mexico and
Costa Rica are experiencing booms. Tourism has
been dead in Placencia, Caye Caulker and in other
areas in recent weeks, say observers. Belize
hotels are cutting rates and struggling to gain
occupancy over the summer. One somewhat upmarket
beachfront hotel in San Pedro is offering rooms
for as low as US$45. With only a few exceptions,
hotels and other tourism operators are doing
limited business, and many are unprofitable.
Tourism was off 10% during the four months
following October 1998, when Hurricane Mitch
ravaged Honduras and Guatemala, almost completely
sparing Belize but leaving misinformed travelers
in its windy wake. One good sign: Bookings for the
millennium celebration appear strong, although
some space is still available in San Pedro and
elsewhere in Belize.
NOVELO'S GETS MERCEDES Novelo's Bus Service, based
in Benque Viejo del Carmen, has become the
distributor for Mercedes-Benz trucks, off-road
vehicles, vans and other land vehicles in Belize.
Novelo's also announced that in September it would
launch a new "executive class" daily bus service
between Benque and Belize City, using two new
Mercedes 48-seat passenger buses.
NEW WATER TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN BELIZE CITY AND
POINTS SOUTH Twice-weekly ferry service linking
Belize City and Placencia, and costing US$25 one
way, has been started by the Caye Caulker Water
Taxi Association. Boats leave the Marine Terminal
in Belize City at 1 p.m. on Friday and Sunday,
returning at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Monday. The
trip takes about two hours. Dangriga will soon be
added as a stop. The Association says it plans to
offer continuing service to Punta Gorda and to
Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Reservations are
necessary: Telephone 501-2-31969, fax. 2-78710 or
e-mail btiajeff@btl.net. Separately, Gulf Cruza
has weekly service from Belize City to Puerto
Cortes, Honduras. Departure is at 6 a.m. Friday,
with stops at Placencia and Big Creek, and
arriving Puerto Cortes at 2 p.m. Cost reportedly
is under US$50 one-way. For information, call
501-2-24506. Separately, a water taxi, the Reef
Beauty, en route from Caye Caulker to Belize City
after dark in late August struck a barge, injuring
the ferry captain and several tourists on board.
MENNONITE BUSINESSMAN STILL B
Added on Date: 19:51:49 9/06/99
This daily news summary brought to you by The Reporter Newspaper Copyright 1998 The Reporter - All rights Reserved. Please send questions or comments about the news to report@btl.net. *** The spirit of the law and the letter of the law both say that the police There is a good reason for making the police subject to the authority of The Police Commissioner should not be surprised if people rebel against Conscientious men and women know that the end cannot justify the means. No The Commissioner's zeal to obtain convictions and stamp out crime has taken The Minister of National Affairs has commissioned an internal review to We have one more suggestion. The Police should not be able to detain a It will be necessary to strengthen this law and to clothe it in language so This much we owe to our people! ------------------------------------------------ reporternews-on@mail-list.com To unsubscribe, send a blank message to reporternews-off@mail-list.com To change your email address, send a message to reporternews-change@mail-list.com with the other address in the Subject: line
Added on Date: 20:33:13 9/06/99
What's the best form of currency to bring o Belize, travellers checks or cash? Are there many places that don't accept travellers checks? Any suggestions would be welcome.
Added on Date: 22:17:41 9/06/99
: What's the best form of currency to bring o Belize, travellers checks or cash? Are there many places that don't accept travellers checks? Any suggestions would be welcome. DE BES WAY IS CASH U.S. CASH THAT IS but travelers checks will work if where you go to cash they have cash to give you,sometimes you have to wait till they got enough don't take cash from canada it's no good there neither is your bank card U.S. CASH ONLY is de bes
Added on Date: 08:01:02 9/07/99
: LATE NEWS OF BELIZE : Note: This news roundup includes late and breaking : Crime continues to dominate the news in Belize ... : NEW STUDY: BELIZE HAD MORE THAN 50 MURDERS IN THE : UNSOLVED RAPE/MURDERS OF YOUNG GIRLS SHOCK BELIZE : TEACHER GROUP PROTESTS VIOLENCE IN BELIZE CITY : SWIFT JUSTICE Crime against tourists in Belize is : GREAT WHITE SHARK IN BELIZE WATERS? A Corozal : MCDONALD'S TO OPEN IN BELIZE NEXT YEAR? Belize, : CONSOLIDATION CONTINUES IN BELIZE'S CITRUS : JULY TOURISM UP Visitor arrivals at the : NOVELO'S GETS MERCEDES Novelo's Bus Service, based : NEW WATER TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN BELIZE CITY AND : MENNONITE BUSINESSMAN STILL B
Added on Date: 08:03:19 9/07/99
: What's the best form of currency to bring o Belize, travellers checks or cash? Are there many places that don't accept travellers checks? Any suggestions would be welcome. We spent a couple of weeks slogging about all over the country (and into Mexico and Guatemala as well), carrying primarily travelers checks (Visa) and had no trouble with changing them at all - with the exception of the one time we went to a bank. The bank in Guatemala took over an hour to clear our checks. In Belize we had no problem at all and found Milos(AC)was a great place to get info and advice. No one ever turned down a travelers check and we occasionally got change back in US $'s as well.
Added on Date: 08:51:14 9/07/99
I agree with Tony Kathy that you shouldn't have any problems with US dollar travellers checks in Belize. Nearly all hotels will take them, as will more expensive restaurants and larger stores. Budget places and small stores may have problems with larger denomination TCs (US$50 and higher), so you ought to take some in US$20 denominations. U.S. cash is accepted everywhere. Again, 20s or smaller are best. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels by many tour/dive operators, and by some restaurants and stores. It's becoming less common, but some places will still levy a surcharge (around 5%) on credit card use. There aren't too many ATMs in Belize, but at least a couple of the branches of Barclays and ScotiaBank have ATMs that accept foreign cards. --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 10:08:05 9/07/99
Here's an article on driving to Belize through Mexico from one of our issues last year. Most people don't have problems in Mexico. Roads are generally okay to pretty good, and Mexico has been building a lot of new roads including private toll-roads (but watch out for topes near towns and villages), and Mexican mechanics are among the most creative in the world. --Lan Sluder Driving to Belize by Terry Warburton Driving to Belize thru Mexico had always held a fascination for me, as I enjoy long drives and new places. I had finally made the decision to take one of my vans there, as the rental of a small vehicle at US$65 per day in Belize had started to become an aggravating part of my trips there. Paying US$500 to $700 each of my last eight trips since January 1996 had convinced me to take my own wheels. My vehicle of choice was a 1982 Dodge van, for several reasons. The first is that I had only paid US$300 for it, and it was in good condition to start with. Being reasonably mechanical, I took it upon myself to do what I could to prepare it not just for the drive through Mexico, but also to provide reliable transportation in Belize. As it was a high-mileage vehicle, I completely rebuilt the transmission and replaced the torque converter. I then replaced almost everything that could possibly go wrong with a vehicle, including the starter, alternator, all belts, all hoses, plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, water pump, timing chain and gears. The radiator was also pulled out and sent to a shop where it was flushed and repaired. As I kept all of the parts that were replaced and took them with me, I felt confident that even if something went wrong on the road, I had the tools and parts to replace or repair the problem. I also took a floor jack and two hydraulic jacks. along with a large selection of tools. I had decided to take a small 17-foot travel trailer with me on this trip. It would hold a lot of the woodworking tools and items for the house I am building and it would provide a place to stay during construction. The only things I did to it were to replace the bearings and make sure the spare tire was in good shape. My cousin’s son, Nick, was coming along as he wished to spend the winter in Belize. I had arranged to fly a Belizean, Earl Green, to Houston where we would meet. He had done the trip a few times before and just having him along made me feel better about this adventure. We left Orlando on a Thursday at 2:30 in the afternoon. We met Earl in Houston at a prearranged hotel at 6 Friday evening, had a good meal, and slept until 3 a.m. With the early start we made it to Brownsville at 10:30. The first stop was at Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance Services. They are right on the road into Brownsville at 1245 Expressway 77, Suite A, Brownsville, TX 78520, tel. 956-546-6644. I had phoned ahead and faxed them the info needed, so all the paperwork was ready. They were very helpful and the cost was US$47 for five days of insurance. The next stop was at M.C. Agency (225 E. 11th St., Suite 4, Brownsville, TX 78520, tel. and fax 956-542-2456.) The owner, Mario Casanova, had been informative as to what was needed and items not to be imported to Mexico. Again, I had faxed all the vehicle info and a list and value of all items that I would be transporting thru Mexico. He had translated it all into Spanish and had all the paperwork ready. There is a three-day period that is imposed to be sure the vehicle you have is not stolen> I was glad I had phoned ahead, so that it had already been checked out. The final stop was at the actual company that handled transmigration thru Mexico. This was half-way down the highway to Reynosa where we had to cross. (If you are only traveling into Mexico and back to the States, you can cross at Brownsville.) The fees for both places came to US$250. I found out later that if you want to spend the time, you could skip using Mario. We headed back east along a road that had seen better days. I guess it’s to prepare you for the rest of the trip. We stopped at the first little restaurant and enjoyed some goat with rice and beans, washed down with a couple of Corona beers. The next stop would be yet another customs check about 10 miles down the road. The officer stamps your papers and asks for US$1. I gave him two bucks, which promptly disappeared into his shirt pocket, with a smile. We had crossed the major hurdle and only had to worry about 1,400 miles of Mexican highway ahead of us, that and Belize customs. While at the border, we met another Belizean from Succotz. We chatted and found out was on his 14th trip so far this year. He was doing what Earl was doing for me, which was to be a guide through Mexico for another dumb gringo. Next time we saw him he was at the Belize border. Along the way we also met up with David Alpuche from Belmopan, who was also bringing a vehicle back down. We headed south down Highway 180. This follows the east coast of Mexico and seemed like the shortest route to Belize. The large farms seemed to have very rich soil and were all under production. The highway was a little rough, but not too bad. We had to drive around 45 mph and the trip was starting to look like it would take longer than I had planned. As I had a flight booked back to the States for the day before Thanksgiving, it seemed that driving through the night was going to be our fate. While people had warned me against this, it did not seem a daunting activity. That was until nature added rain and fog to our trip. Lucky for me it was Earl’s turn to drive, so I closed my eyes and slept for three hours. We had 10 extra gallons of gas on board so were not worried about finding a gas station. As it turned out the stations were all open 24 hours. Gas prices were a little higher than in the States, but not as silly as in Belize. We were concerned about gas quality, but it was a non-issue, as the van ran fine. One of the worst things we experienced were the topes. These sleeping policemen or speed-bumps were located at virtually every small town on the highway. Taken at a speed of more than 2 mph, they could cause major front-end damage. We saw one vehicle with parts of its front end on the ground. Not all of these bumps are well-marked and after hitting one at 40 mph, I knew I better not do it again. The travel trailer suffered the most from these nasty things and needed repairs when we got to Belize. Don’t take topes lightly, just slowly. We almost had trouble at one gas station when we were told they would not accept US money. We had used up our pesos and had no choice. It was five in the morning and we were not going to wait for a bank to open. We finally told them to siphon the gas back out or take the money. Logic won the day, and they settled for an exchange rate of 5 pesos to the dollar. The proper rate was better than 7 to 1, but I was in no mood to argue the point, as it was my fault for being short on pesos. We were stopped several times in routine stops by the federales. It is a little intimidating to have 15 soldiers with AK-47s surround the vehicle and look in all the windows. They checked our passports and sent us on our way. For the most part they were always polite and business-like. We asked one what they were looking for. His response was “guns.” At no time was our vehicle truly searched, so these stops were of minor concern. I think we were stopped a total of six times on the whole trip. In every large town, we managed to get lost, with no idea of what happened to the right road. There is a real lack of signs to keep you following what should be the main highway through town. In one town the policeman just looked at the big Trans-Migration stickers you must have in the front window and pointed us in the right direction. I guess he could just look at us and see we were lost. In another town a cab driver shouted at us to follow him as he led us out of town and back onto the road south. I gave him US$2, and he seemed happy. So was I! At another time everyone we asked sent us in a direction that I thought was not right. When we arrived at a toll booth, we knew the next stop was out west in the middle of Mexico. They allowed us to do a U-turn and then another police officer led us to a different ramp. This was going north, but he explained it was the only way to go south. Just do another U-turn after going through the toll booth. Why didn’t I think of that? I thanked him and he just put out his hand and said “Money?” I gave him US$5. His eyes lit up. If we had gone through the wrong toll it would have cost more than that in lost time and money. We finally made it to just outside Villahermosa by 8 p.m. Once again it was raining, and Earl was driving. We opted for the first motel we saw, as we had been on the road for 40 hours since leaving Houston. The motel was called The Ritz. When it was built it might have been. Now it was run down but clean, and it had a restaurant and bar. We left a wake-up call for 3 a.m. which we thought would get us to the border at a reasonable time. Fortunately Earl woke up at 3:10 and got us up. I went to the lobby to check out and found the security guard asleep on the couch. He woke up and went in the office to wake up the clerk. But hey, what did I expect for US$30? The weather finally straightened out a little and we had a nice drive for the final run for Belize. This section of the highway was really good and we could drive 60 mph most of the way. We made it to the Mexican side of the border at Chetumal at 11 a.m. We were told to pull into a secured area until our paperwork had been cleared. It was not busy with people crossing the border, but it still took an hour for someone to come out and tell us we needed to pay US$50, not pesos or Belize dollars. I asked for a receipt and he just looked at me and asked how long I would like to wait for one. A Belizean at the border whom Earl knew told us they were not suppose to charge for looking at your paperwork, but would anyways. By this time I had seen enough of Mexico and reluctantly gave up the money. One guy I saw had been waiting for five days to clear a small pick-up truck through Mexican customs. It seems that when he entered Mexico, the secretary mis-typed a number in the vehicle ID. Now at this end, they would not let him out, until they rechecked to see if it was stolen. They did let him through, though, right behind us. We cleared the last hurdles as there is a border broker right there to do the paperwork required. He charged US$20. There is a small insurance agency right there also, and for US$50, I took out three months of vehicle insurance. Next stop was Nestor’s restaurant in Corozal, for dinner and Belikins. After that we drove through Belize city and out to the Belmopan Convention Hotel, where the owner George Sosa had our room waiting. That bed sure looked good! Terry Warburton lives near Orlando, Florida, and in Camalote Village, Cayo District.
Added on Date: 11:29:13 9/07/99
TO LISA SOCHFILD THIS MESSAGE IS FROM TONY
Added on Date: 15:14:05 9/07/99
: TO LISA SOCHFILD THIS MESSAGE IS FROM TONY
Added on Date: 15:16:20 9/07/99
There's a $189 fare available out of Houston to Belize City this weekend. Depart 9/11, return 9/14 or 9/15.
Added on Date: 17:03:17 9/07/99
It's $234 & change by the time the put the taxes, etc on there. And don't forget the $22.50Bz departure tax. But still a heck of a deal. I got the last ticket on the noon departure, but there were plenty left for the afternoon flight as of 6:30PM CDT.
Added on Date: 19:40:57 9/07/99
: I got the last ticket on the noon departure, but there were plenty left for the afternoon flight as of 6:30PM CDT. Would love to take advantage of this, but need the info as to WHERE to purchase these tickets. I've called Continental and AA. Taca is closed until tomorrow a.m. Have been trying to locate info on the net. Please help with info. Thanks!
Added on Date: 00:15:45 9/08/99
: : LATE NEWS OF BELIZE : : Note: This news roundup includes late and breaking : : Crime continues to dominate the news in Belize ... : : NEW STUDY: BELIZE HAD MORE THAN 50 MURDERS IN THE : : UNSOLVED RAPE/MURDERS OF YOUNG GIRLS SHOCK BELIZE : : TEACHER GROUP PROTESTS VIOLENCE IN BELIZE CITY : : SWIFT JUSTICE Crime against tourists in Belize is : : GREAT WHITE SHARK IN BELIZE WATERS? A Corozal : : MCDONALD'S TO OPEN IN BELIZE NEXT YEAR? Belize, : : CONSOLIDATION CONTINUES IN BELIZE'S CITRUS : : JULY TOURISM UP Visitor arrivals at the : : NOVELO'S GETS MERCEDES Novelo's Bus Service, based : : NEW WATER TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN BELIZE CITY AND : : MENNONITE BUSINESSMAN STILL B
Added on Date: 08:06:32 9/08/99
: : Hi to all belizean looking for friends home and abroad.Iam also a belizean living in the u.s for quite some while now.Anybody intresting in making new friends please email me.Love ya all.Peace
Added on Date: 08:26:05 9/08/99
We made the trip last July - crossed at Los Indios a new station between Mcallen and Brownsville. There were a total of 7 checkpoints our first day on the road. Carried a spanish book and just started looking up words and we were waved through everyone. Stopped in Tampico, Catecombe, Palenque and Chetumal. It was a nice trip and we had no problem. We had a locking gas cap and had no problems at any of the gas stations or anywhere. Highway 180 is not too bad. Very few shoulders and lots of truck traffic but would not hesitate to do it again. Next time I think that we would stop and see more of the ruins and town museums on the way down. We also used Sanborns out of LaFeria and you can get your ins. and stuff before hand over the net if you desire. Any more questions feel free to email me.
Added on Date: 08:51:40 9/08/99
: : I got the last ticket on the noon departure, but there were plenty left for the afternoon flight as of 6:30PM CDT. : Would love to take advantage of this, but need the info as to WHERE to purchase these tickets. I've called Continental and AA. Taca is closed until tomorrow a.m. Have been trying to locate info on the net. Please help with info. : Thanks! Sorry! It's Continental. They post weekend specials on their email list once a week and I subscribe to it.
Added on Date: 08:55:36 9/08/99
: : : I got the last ticket on the noon departure, but there were plenty left for the afternoon flight as of 6:30PM CDT. : : Would love to take advantage of this, but need the info as to WHERE to purchase these tickets. I've called Continental and AA. Taca is closed until tomorrow a.m. Have been trying to locate info on the net. Please help with info. : : Thanks! : Sorry! It's Continental. They post weekend specials on their email list once a week and I subscribe to it. But you have to call a special phone number. It's 800-642-1617
Added on Date: 09:50:56 9/08/99
$20 US a night. Private facilities. Brand new Beachfront Cabanas. Near the end of the island by the split. Restaurants walking distance. Beach Barbeques. Snorkeling plus more. Contact us at heather@btl.net or when you show up in Caye Caulker call 2302 or come down. Left at the water taxi and straight down, you won't miss us.
Added on Date: 11:48:15 9/08/99
Coming to Belize. Then contact us for information. We can arrange your transfers to/from the islands. You accommodation, snorkeling trips, Tikal, Guatemala, San Ignacio, plus more. Email us and see if we can be of help
Added on Date: 11:54:49 9/08/99
Louanne, I'm trying to get in touch with you. Send me an email please.
Added on Date: 17:04:24 9/08/99
Still could use some info on fishing off of Caye
Added on Date: 17:58:01 9/08/99
Still could use some info on fishing off of Caye
Added on Date: 17:59:45 9/08/99
: : Sorry! It's Continental. They post weekend specials on their email list once a week and I subscribe to it. : But you have to call a special phone number. It's 800-642-1617 Thanks Carole and Al...we're there!!!
Added on Date: 23:30:28 9/08/99
4:20 BLUNT is a nice sound
Added on Date: 07:44:18 9/09/99
dual nationality commonwealth citizens true or false strong english beliz2 background pre1948 war vetrans apeice of belize U.K. citizen what now how do you become belize easy do some research belize constitution partIII section23 subsection 1 or 2 as of 1981 common law?
Added on Date: 08:00:22 9/09/99
need ride to barranco and punta negra but I not pay I scratch back you scratch back
Added on Date: 08:05:24 9/09/99
: need ride to barranco and punta negra but I not pay I scratch back you scratch back
Added on Date: 10:43:54 9/09/99
Why worry? Leave your holiday vacation to us! We have a limited number of Christmas packages available: 7 nights, Dec. 19 - 26: Our all-inclusive rates provide the following: Round trip airfare from Houston TX, round trip, air-conditioned, ground transfers between Belize City and the resort; luxury accommodation; daily adventure tours, including the Maya ruins of Caracol, and Tikal in Guatemala; canoeing and kayaking anytime on the Mopan River; all meals, tropical cocktails, local beer and sodas; beer and sodas in the mini-bar in your room; evening entertainment and hors d'oeuvre; 7% hotel tax, 8% sales tax, and service charges--No tipping allowed!! [Guest is responsible only for any visa/border fees, departure taxes, and site admission fees; estimated at US$50 per person, per week.] Everything you need for a great holiday in one great package at one great price. 9 night, Millennium packages w/air also available: Dec. 26 - Jan 04. E-mail us for prices and availability--you won't believe the value!
Added on Date: 16:31:54 9/09/99
: What's the best form of currency to bring o Belize, travellers checks or cash? Are there many places that don't accept travellers checks? Any suggestions would be welcome. U.S.Travlers cheques are the way to go.We spent time in Placencia and San Pedro last year and had no trouble cashing travlers cheques any where we went.In San Pedro even the beach venders would take them.
Added on Date: 00:41:20 9/10/99
QUICK ? HOW ARE THE CELEBRATION BACK HOME GOING AND WHO WON THE QUEEN OF THE BAY?
Added on Date: 15:51:59 9/10/99
Make sure your dogs are spayed and/or neutered.
Added on Date: 16:06:40 9/10/99
I have been informed by the government that this act was passed on August 1. I would like additional info if anyone has read the act. Most importantly was it amended to include Canadian as well as US and British citizens?
Added on Date: 16:18:02 9/10/99
The Act was passed early this year, but has not yet been implemented. Implementation is imminent (this month). Stay tuned to the Belize Report for up to the minute details. Meanwhile, read all that is presently known in the "Retire in Paradise" article linked from my home page. (Yes, Canadians ARE included!)
Added on Date: 18:12:26 9/10/99
If you do bring traveler's checks, DON'T cash them at a bank! You won't get the full 2 to 1 exchange, you'll only get 1.9875 to 1, plus some banks will charge sales tax on the transaction! Cash IS better, but many people feel safer with traveler's checks. Also, don't be surprised if the local vendors scrutinize your signature closely, especially if you're in an area that has only an Atlantic Bank. I've seen people's traveler's checks get turned down because the "t" is crossed differently in the current signature than in the one used when the checks were originally purchased! Another thing. Belize Banks have already had their first Y2K crisis. They were not able to get credit cards authorized with expiration dates after 12/31/99. I think that's fixed now, or at least there's a work-around. Finally, if you bring a credit card, make sure to tell your issuer you'll be in Belize, and ask them if they require a credit card to be "swiped." If they do, you may have problems since the banks here won't place a call (even a collect one) to the issuer to get an authorization. (Oh the joys of Central American banking!) But cash? Cash ALWAYS works. Take care. Mary : What's the best form of currency to bring o Belize, travellers checks or cash? Are there many places that don't accept travellers checks? Any suggestions would be welcome.
Added on Date: 19:18:38 9/10/99
: I have been informed by the government that this act was passed on August 1. I would like additional info if anyone has read the act. Most importantly was it amended to include Canadian as well as US and British citizens? yes it is true canadian or u.s. or british you have to have a income of x amount of dollars comin in check out beliz2 first magazine
Added on Date: 19:45:33 9/10/99
FEATURING PUNTA REBELS, AZIATIC, LEON CALDERO AND STONE JAM ON OCT. 8, 1999
Added on Date: 07:37:24 9/11/99
This week Shark Ray Alley and the Amigo's wreck located south of Ambergris Caye, will enjoy the full protection as part of Hol-Chan Marine Reserve. Both these sites are famous for interactions with big Groupers lots of Nurse Sharks (up to 30) and hopefully the first of many a 600 pound Jew fish. A new zone called Zone D will encompass all that south of Hol- Chan Cut for an additional 1 1/2 miles making the reserve from 5 square miles to just under 6 1/2. Belize continues its commitment to protecting its natural resources and enjoy the stature of having almost 1/3 of its Country enjoying protected status. All the best Gaz Cooper Got a question on diving Belize? If so, for a no bull honest unbiased answer on resorts diving areas and operators Ask Gaz via our beliz2 Forum http://www.divebelize.com/forum/ ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Added on Date: 11:34:04 9/11/99
Dear Lisa,
Added on Date: 17:04:47 9/11/99
You mention having dealings with Ron Zent. How did that go? I have been in contact with him and was courious about your opinion of him and his business at Sittee Point.
Added on Date: 22:18:12 9/11/99
I would like to know Belize Govt position regarding personal firearms for retirees in Belize. both long guns and handguns for personal defense. does the govt issue permits for concealed handguns to trained, qualified persons who carry large amounts of cash for business purposes. James Bradley
Added on Date: 23:57:36 9/11/99
Miami Carnival Weekend-Friday October 8, 1999 Visit: www.frantikromantik.com/puntaexplosion
Added on Date: 08:45:44 9/12/99
: I would like to know Belize Govt position regarding personal firearms for retirees in Belize. both long guns and handguns for personal defense. as far as i know they dont have a policy for retirees.just a strict gun control attitude - esp
Added on Date: 10:00:58 9/12/99
Please if you feel that you need a gun in Belize for personal protection do not go. You are part of the problem. The chief way to avoid trouble in Belize is do not carry large sums of money. After traveling to Belize for over 15 years I being a woman have never found myself in a position that I would need a gun for protection.
Added on Date: 12:38:48 9/12/99
: Please if you feel that you need a gun in Belize for personal protection do not go. You are part of the problem. The chief way to avoid trouble in Belize is do not carry large sums of money. After traveling to Belize for over 15 years I being a woman have never found myself in a position that I would need a gun for protection. GUNS GUNS GUNS GUNS!who needs a gun?Dont worry about permits,no one gets them in Belize.There are so many guns for sale in Belize,what do you need?45,9mm,38,32,ak15,m14,m16,sawed off police shoot guns?You name it,and its easy and cheep to get.GUNS ARE THE ONE THING THAT ARE CHEEP IN BELIZE.
Added on Date: 14:19:27 9/12/99
Why worry? Leave your holiday vacation to us! We have a limited number of Christmas packages available: 7 nights, Dec. 19 - Everything you need for a great holiday in one great package at one great price. 9 night, Millennium packages w/air also available, same benefits plus two extra nights: Dec. 26 - Jan 04. E-mail us for prices and availability--you won't believe the value!
Added on Date: 18:24:22 9/12/99
16MB Ram edo simms 72pins 60ns for sale regular price $49.00 selling for $30.00. Add more memory to your computer and how the difference in speed. Will ship to your destination. While supplies last. Visit our new webstore.
Added on Date: 20:09:57 9/12/99
get in touch need boat ride how long does it take to get to p.g. in your boat got people to see all the way monkey river, P.G.,P.N.,
Added on Date: 08:02:24 9/13/99
Email for further details.
Added on Date: 16:03:28 9/14/99
Fully escorted adventure tours. Land only arrangements or flights can be arranged from Vancouver or Calgary, Canada. Starts in Cancun ends in Belize City. 13nights/14days. Includes all transportation, sightseeing, guides, tours, some meals, and accommodation. Email for details, can send you a complete detailed itinerary. If you already have a group and want a personalized tour contact us, we can arrange any adventure.
Added on Date: 16:07:59 9/14/99
Congratulations to all of those participants in the 1999 Carnival Parade!!! The costumes were fantastic, it was well-organized, and clean up started immediately after it was over. The grand costumes presented at the National Stadium at the end of the parade were un-Belize-able. Those of you that did not come out, make certain to mark your calendar for 2000 Carnival and be there to show your support and be impressed.
Added on Date: 23:17:50 9/14/99
: : I was wondering if there are any other Canadians who are planning trips to Belize between now and May 2000. I'm planning to visit in eith April-May. I live in Vancouver, where do you live...I'm looking to dive and sail on some of the out islands..i've never been there... want to do some investigating... would like a thatched hut, safe, clean, beside the water....mostly have spent time in Carribean - lower antilles and the Yucatan.....i will be going myself....how about you????
Added on Date: 03:25:22 9/15/99
I am trying to find a phone number or internet address for Hugh Parkey or his guest house/dive operation. Please Help!
Added on Date: 11:26:55 9/15/99
: I am trying to find a phone number or internet address for Hugh Parkey or his guest house/dive operation. Please Help! Hugh posts fairly regularly here. In fact, his recent post on Carnival is just below this one. His e-mail is hugh@belizediving.com. --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 13:39:33 9/15/99
: Email for further details.
Added on Date: 19:19:04 9/15/99
wat appin to greg need to get hold of im the flame it sell i ere to beliz2 city couple bye bye, here goes, to many people for greg
Added on Date: 08:08:36 9/16/99
Planning trip for May 2000, to Placencia and PG.
Added on Date: 17:33:43 9/16/99
Looking for some email addresses for contacts regarding accomadations in the Caye for the month of April/May of the year 2000. Three older ladies for one month minimum. Would like a beach front place with kitchen facilities, hot/cold water, fridge with shower. Please contact me to verify openings and cost. Appreciate whatever help I can get, have never been there before so looking for assistance of any kind.
Added on Date: 19:35:43 9/16/99
Looking for some email addresses for contacts regarding accomadations in the Caye for the month of April/May of the year 2000. Three older ladies for one month minimum. Would like a beach front place with kitchen facilities, hot/cold water, fridge with shower. Please contact me to verify openings and cost. Appreciate whatever help I can get, have never been there before so looking for assistance of any kind.
Added on Date: 19:39:45 9/16/99
Suggest you have a look at www.ambergriscaye.com Over 50 listings of a wide variety of accomodations. Good luck! Write if I can be of any help. : Looking for some email addresses for contacts regarding accomadations in the Caye for the month of April/May of the year 2000. Three older ladies for one month minimum. Would like a beach front place with kitchen facilities, hot/cold water, fridge with shower. Please contact me to verify openings and cost. Appreciate whatever help I can get, have never been there before so looking for assistance of any kind.
Added on Date: 22:29:10 9/16/99
A little note to say hi to all Belizean on the info super highway.I know how expensive it is on the net in Belize however for those of you who can afford it, there is a site called bistro-main iternational chat.This is a live chat with people from around the world.
Added on Date: 01:46:01 9/17/99
Suggest you get in touch with Tim Jeffers of the Banana Beach Resort. It has everything you mentioned plus swimming pool, room safe, nicely decorated, air conditioned, overhead fans, cable TV, Full modern equipped kitchens. I'm sure you will enjoy it there as I did. Rates are very reasonable and the suites were brand new in Oct/98. It is located on one of the best beaches on Ambergris Caye. The e-mail adress is bananas@btl.net : Suggest you have a look at www.ambergriscaye.com Over 50 listings of a wide variety of accomodations. Good luck! Write if I can be of any help. : : Looking for some email addresses for contacts regarding accomadations in the Caye for the month of April/May of the year 2000. Three older ladies for one month minimum. Would like a beach front place with kitchen facilities, hot/cold water, fridge with shower. Please contact me to verify openings and cost. Appreciate whatever help I can get, have never been there before so looking for assistance of any kind.
Added on Date: 03:40:39 9/17/99
Elaine, I agree with Wendy that AmbergrisCaye.com is an excellent source of information on hotels. Of course, the brochures there are ads, so they naturally present the best side of each property, but still it's very informative. For an on-line, ad-free guide to Ambergris Caye (including info on house/apartment rentals) you might look at our Fun, Free & Easy Guide to Ambergris Caye (just visit our Web edition at the address below, then click on the Ambergris Caye guide). A few things have changed since that was published about six months ago -- if you'll e-mail me I'll e-mail you the update list we send out with copies of that issue. --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 09:13:23 9/17/99
Elaine, Forgot to mention that we just posted a trip report from three self-described "older" women (actually they aren't that old and seem like spring chickens to me) who visited Ambergris Caye a few weeks ago and stayed in a condotel. You might find it interesting to see their experiences, along with those of several hundred other people who have sent us reports on hotels where they stayed. That in the Reader Hotel Update section, which is divided into different areas (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Cayo, etc.) --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 09:18:58 9/17/99
Mr Sluder - You have been a big help with our trip to Belize but I'm having trouble with Taca and don't know where to turn. Taca cancelled our flight from Miami to Belize City in May after I had purchased a ticket and I have been unable to receive a refund. I've gone round and round with them and would appreciate any other options I could persue regarding this matter. Anybody know where else I can turn or the name of a highly placed Taca person? Thanks in advance.
Added on Date: 17:54:47 9/17/99
did they sell it it or what
Added on Date: 20:20:27 9/17/99
Check out new realise form THE BELIZEAN MELODY SWINGERS BAND of N.Y. entitled "GREEN CARD"
Added on Date: 22:27:33 9/17/99
If you are a Pitts or in anyway related to a pitts or know someone who is please e-mail me and let
Added on Date: 00:43:05 9/18/99
Report # 107 40 YEARS OF POLICE ABUSE IN BELIZE! The colonial police system was inherited by Belizeans from POLICE OUTRAGE IN PUNTA GORDA. Editor Sir; Does the Belize Police force really have powers to act signed: Ike Dart ______________________________________________________________ Belize suffers from police abuse on locals and also on tourists
Added on Date: 15:43:53 9/18/99
will be bring family to beliz2 june 2000 - is ambergris caye the best place to stay if we want sandy beaches and calm waters? if so where do you recommend - looking for villas/condo in ambergris caye?
Added on Date: 18:12:32 9/18/99
: Report # 107 : 40 YEARS OF POLICE ABUSE IN BELIZE! : The colonial police system was inherited by Belizeans from : POLICE OUTRAGE IN PUNTA GORDA. : Editor Sir; : Does the Belize Police force really have powers to act : signed: Ike Dart : ______________________________________________________________ : Belize suffers from police abuse on locals and also on tourists Yes,thank you for telling people how it is in Belize.People of Belize you do not have to put up with this!You see im not the only one unhappy,what do you have to say about this Maya Travel?Avel,hubertnealjr?Are you going to cut down this person too,because you dont like what they say?
Added on Date: 18:29:21 9/18/99
: Mr Sluder - : You have been a big help with our trip to Belize but I'm having trouble with Taca and don't know where to turn. Taca cancelled our flight from Miami to Belize City in May after I had purchased a ticket and I have been unable to receive a refund. I've gone round and round with them and would appreciate any other options I could persue regarding this matter. Anybody know where else I can turn or the name of a highly placed Taca person? Thanks in advance. You should have lessoned to the people warning you not to use Taca,I think Maya Travel can help you,she seems to be doing the same scam.BEWARE OF BOTH THESE PLACES!
Added on Date: 18:35:35 9/18/99
: : : Hi to all belizean looking for friends home and abroad.Iam also a belizean living in the u.s for quite some while now.Anybody intresting in making new friends please email me.Love ya all.Peace
Added on Date: 09:39:22 9/19/99
generally, in all 'civilized' countries..such as usa, uk, canada etc.. maybe we should take a look at the structure of our police force here and it might help explain and even solve our probs. this arrangement reminds me of the military. i believe if we could model the structure of the belize police force more along the lines of the us/uk system..then it would be a start. the way i see it..after having watched their actions for nearly 12 years..is that our cops have pretty much no respect for us as citizens. wonder why? because we dont have any control over them! chris
Added on Date: 09:50:32 9/19/99
the nickname of our police comissioner of 5yrs+
Added on Date: 10:01:07 9/19/99
Hey Tom,
Added on Date: 11:06:36 9/19/99
: will be bring family to beliz2 june 2000 - is ambergris caye the best place to stay if we want sandy beaches and calm waters? if so where do you recommend - looking for villas/condo in ambergris caye? San Pedro/Ambergris Caye would be the best destination for condos and calm waters and Placencia the best for sandy beaches. Turtle Inn in Placencia is in the process of building condos and should be up and running by then. If you need more specific info, email and I'll be glad to assist. Best, Katie Valk
Added on Date: 12:42:34 9/19/99
Mopan River has your holiday package all wraped up! We have a limited number of Christmas packages available: 7 nights, Dec. 19 - Everything you need for a great holiday in one great package at one great price. Millennium Magic: 9 night, Millennium packages w/air from Houston also available, same inclusions as above, plus two extra nights: Dec. 26 - Jan 04; Free Champagne and special buffet, entertainment for New Years. E-mail us for prices and availability--you won't believe the value!
Added on Date: 13:05:02 9/19/99
Bob, I don't know anybody at TACA -- you might check with your travel agent. TACA is part of a fairly large international company, Grupo TACA, that operates a number of airlines. It has been flying into Belize for 60-some years. Like all airlines, it has rules about how and when refunds are made, and it has to live by various international and U.S. rules and tariffs on such things. If you think the airline is not treating you fairly, for one thing I'd file a complaint with the U.S. FAA. You should also complain in writing to Customer Service at TACA. It may be too late, but if you paid by credit card you should also look at asking your credit card issuer to withhold payment until the matter is resolved. I'm not sure if this is a factor, but as you may know TACA discontinued flights from Miami to Belize City this spring but in July resumed them. Good luck! --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 13:09:34 9/19/99
Sandra, Overall I think Ambergris Caye is probably the best choice for families, since there's more to do for everyone, from kids to grandparents, more restaurants, more and different choices of accommodations, and okay beaches. San Pedro Town is generally safe and fun, and there are good small groceries and shops in and near town. Yet Ambergris isn't yet overdeveloped or over-commercialized like so much of the Caribbean. I know my wife and kids like Placencia, but they prefer Ambergris Caye. Attached is our list of top condotels and suites hotels on the island from our Belize Book of Lists 2000 (available from Amazon.com and elsewhere.) --Lan Sluder >> 10 Top Ambergris Condotels # 1 The Palms # 2 Villas at Banyan Bay # 3 Banana Beach # 4 Mayan Princess # 5 Belizean Reef Suites # 6 Belize Yacht Club # 7 Casa Caribe # 8 (tie) Woody’s/Corona del Mar # 8 (tie) Casa Solana # 8 (tie) Emerald Reef # 8 (tie) Coral Bay # 10 Paradise Villas
Added on Date: 13:18:17 9/19/99
: : Mr Sluder - : : You have been a big help with our trip to Belize but I'm having trouble with Taca and don't know where to turn. Taca cancelled our flight from Miami to Belize City in May after I had purchased a ticket and I have been unable to receive a refund. I've gone round and round with them and would appreciate any other options I could persue regarding this matter. Anybody know where else I can turn or the name of a highly placed Taca person? Thanks in advance. : You should have lessoned to the people warning you not to use Taca,I think Maya Travel can help you,she seems to be doing the same scam.BEWARE OF BOTH THESE PLACES! You may be able to locate enough information on TACA through the "free section" of Hoover's. It is a business resource based here in Austin that will give you a multitude of information on a subject company if you are a subscriber, but a listing of CEO's CFO's Presidents, Vice, department heads , etc. that you can access for free. Hope it helps. (Hoovers.com will get you there). Tony
Added on Date: 15:39:06 9/19/99
My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs)
Added on Date: 21:42:22 9/19/99
: My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs)
Added on Date: 21:45:28 9/19/99
Added on Date: 06:44:55 9/20/99
: : My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs) Dear Sharon, I'd suggest you consider Placencia or a few of the other outer cayes for diving (South Water or Tobacco Caye) and the Cayo district for vehicle rental and exploration. You'll have plenty of jungle lodges in that area to choose from, some more remote then others and whihc one you choose will depend on your budget. If you would like more specific suggestions, you can email me with some more detailed info on what you're looking for and I'll make sugestions. Best, Katie Valk
Added on Date: 09:03:05 9/20/99
Anyone out there from Corozal town? Espcilly old class mates from Fletchers College 74-78, drop me a line
Added on Date: 12:01:52 9/20/99
If you have a website and would like to advertise on my site, send me a banner in jpeg or gif format and an email of your url. I will post all banners on a rotating basis on my site when it is refreshed. Send me an email. It is free.
Added on Date: 13:10:30 9/20/99
If you have a website and would like to advertise on my site, send me a banner in jpeg or gif format and an email of your url. I will post all banners on a rotating basis on my site when it is refreshed. Send me an email. It is free.
Added on Date: 13:11:44 9/20/99
Sharon, Below is some information from our Belize Book of Lists 2000 on planning a trip to Belize. Hope it helps. Yes, I personally think having a vehicle at least part of the trip is a good idea. While car rentals in Belize aren't cheap, often you'll save money by doing it yourself rather than paying for expensive tours. --Lan Sluder 10 Facts to Know Before You Come # 2 Size and Population # 3 Language # 4 Entry Requirements # 5 Money # 6 Activities on the Caribbean # 7 Activities on the Mainland # 8 Maya Ruins # 9 Most Popular Tourist Destinations # 10 Off-the-Beaten Path in Belize 10 Top Destinations for Visitors # 2 Cayo District # 3 Placencia # 4 Caye Caulker # 6 Corozal Town Area # 7 Belize City and Belize District # 8 Hopkins Area # 9 Punta Gorda # 10 Rural Orange Walk District 5 Do-able Itineraries for Belize If you have less than a week: If you have 7 days: If you have 10 days: If you have 14 days: If you have 21 days: ... 10 Things to Pack for Your Trip # 1 Extra swimsuits # 2 Light-weight cotton clothes and comfortable shoes # 3 Maps, guidebooks and reading material # 4 Extra film # 5 Baggies and duct tape # 6 Small flashlight and Swiss Army-style knife # 7 Hat or cap and dark sunglasses # 8 Basic health kit # 9 Favorite snacks # 10 Battery-operated radio 5 Things NOT to Bring # 1 Suits, ties or dress clothes of any kind # 2 Jewelry # 3 Leather items # 4 Spear guns # 5 A grumpy attitude 10 Best Belize Guidebooks # 2 Belize Handbook, by Chicki Mallan, 4th ed., Moon Publications, 1998 # 3 Belize, Adventures in Nature, by Richard Mahler, 2nd ed., John Muir, 1999 # 4 The EcoTraveller’s Wildlife Guide to Belize and Northern Guatemala, by Les Beletsky, Academic Press, 1999 # 5 Explore Belize, by Harry Pariser, 4th ed., Hunter Publications, 1998 # 6 Insight Guides Belize, Tony Perrottet, (editor), 2nd ed., Houghton-Mifflin, 1997 # 7 Fodor’s Belize & Guatemala, Christine Cipriani (editor), Fodor’s Travel Publications, 1998 # 8 Destination Belize, Ulrich Communications for BTIA # 9 Guatemala, Belize & Yucatán, La Ruta Maya, by Tom Brosnahan and Nancy Keller, 3rd ed., Lonely Planet, 1997 # 10 Diving & Snorkeling Belize, by Franz O. Meyer, 2nd. ed., Lonely Planet, 1998 Honorable Mention: 5 Best Belize Maps # 1 Belize Traveller’s Map, ITMB # 2 Emory King’s Driver’s Guide to Beautiful Belize # 3 Topographical Map of Belize, British Ordnance Survey # 4 Ordnance Survey Area Maps # 5 Savanna’s Bohemian Guide to Ambergris Caye 10 Best Belize Web Sites # 1 Belize by Naturalight (www.belizenet.com) # 2 Ambergris Caye (www.ambergriscaye.com) # 3 Channel 5/Great Belize Productions (www.channel5belize.com) # 4 You Better Belize It (www.belizeit.com) # 5 Cayo On-Line (www.belizex.com) # 6 San Pedro Sun (www.ambergriscaye.com/sanpedrosun/) # 7 Belize Zoo (www.belizezoo.org) # 8 Chat ‘Bout Belize (www.chatboutbelize.com) # 9 Belizean CyberWeb (www.belizeanweb.com) # 10 (tie) Belize Audubon Society (www.belizeaudubon.org ) # 10 (tie) Placencia (www.placencia.com) # 10 (tie) Corozal (www.corozal.com) Other excellent Web sites to check out: www.travelbelize.org 5 Sources of Free Information on Belize # 1 Internet # 2 Belize Tourist Board # 3 Embassy of the United States in Belize # 4 Belize Tourism Industry Association # 5 Embassy of Belize in the United States ... Best Times to Visit Best time for underwater visibility: April-June Best time for lowest hotel prices: After Easter to Thanksgiving Best time to visit Cayo: July-March Best time to visit Mountain Pine Ridge: July-November Best time to visit Placencia: January-May Best time to visit cayes: December-June Best time to avoid tourists: September 5 Driest Months of the Year # 1 April # 2 March # 3 February # 4 January # 5 May
Added on Date: 13:29:30 9/20/99
The believer is a new creature, he belongs to a holy generation and a peculiar people--the Spirit of God is in him, and in all
Added on Date: 16:48:11 9/20/99
: If you are a Pitts or in anyway related to a pitts or know someone who is please e-mail me and let I am looking for Jasmine Pitts. She lived in Burrell Boom. I am a long time friend of hers.Anyone knows where she is. She has a sister name Judith.
Added on Date: 21:17:32 9/20/99
GREETINGS MY PEOPLE, I WOULD LIKE TO REACH THE WEBSITE FOR BELIZE TELECOMMUNICATION LTD AND BELIZE ELECTRICITY LTD. IF ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE KEYWORD IS PLEASE EMAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW. I NEED TO LOG ON TO THEM TO OBTAIN SOME INFO. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU
Added on Date: 00:34:31 9/21/99
I'm trying to locate Karen Foster (formally Karen Goff) and Brian GOff. If anyone know their whereabouts, please contact me as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.
Added on Date: 02:57:42 9/21/99
Looking for anyone who knows the whereabouts of Gay Jackson Maybe calls herself Gay kennedy
Added on Date: 06:26:24 9/21/99
Belize Telecommunications website is: http://www.btl.net Belize Electric company Limited can be found at: http://www.bhicorp.com/demo/bel.htm Good luck...Jim
Added on Date: 11:36:32 9/21/99
: My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs)
Added on Date: 15:36:32 9/21/99
: My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs)
Added on Date: 15:43:33 9/21/99
Hello:
Added on Date: 16:43:19 9/21/99
Hello:
Added on Date: 16:43:56 9/21/99
: My husband and I are going to be in Belize from Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2000. We could sure use some help. We are not familiar with the country or the layout. We want to stay away from the real touristy areas and see more of the culture and the nature. We don't need fancy accomidations because we don't spend much time in the room. We would love to do some diving (mostly marinelife settings - no wrecks and the "hole" doesn't really grab us) and we also would like to do some jungle stuff (rafting and wildlife viewing - a litte adventursome). We have considered renting a 4x4 to get around. We don't know how sensible tht would be but we like the freedom. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. This is our anniversary and we love to keep them enjoyable. No preplanning could be a disaster for us. Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide us. Sharon (ntrlvrs) Sharon, My wife, son and I have visited Belize twice - a week in March 1998 and two weeks last month. Last year we stayed at Rum Point Inn in Placencia where we completed our PADI Open Water certification. This year we spent 5 days in the Mountain Pine Ridge area in the Cayo District followed by 10 days in Placencia. This time we rented a house in the village. We loved Rum Point but wanted to try something different. Although we did not stay at Rum Point this time, we did use their dive operation which I highly recommend. We have fallen in love with Belize. Since you will be there for 2 weeks, I would recommend both of the Cayo District and Placencia. The Mountain Pine Ridge is quite amazing. The biodiversity and sheer natural beauty can only be seen, not described. If you are looking for real adventure, explore the caves in this region. We did the Barton Creek and the Chechem Hah Caves. Chechem Hah is a real, live "Indiana Jones" experience. It will test some of your phobias - claustraphobia, "bat phobia" and probably most important Mayan spirit phobia. But if you can deal with those, you will have an experience to remember for the rest of your life - 2,000 year old, perfectly preserved Mayan pottery, sacred ritual chambers 600 feet into the cave, etc. In the Cayo, we stayed at Hidden Valley Inn. A wonderful, magical place. They are on the web at http://www.hiddenvalleyinn.com. There are a number of other resorts in the Mountain Pine Ridge area or you could stay in San Ignacio. Regardless of where you stay, I strongly, strongly recommend that you use a guide. We used Cayo Adventure Tours based in San Ignacio. Our guide was Herman. He was really good. The Belize guides have so much local knowledge that you could never pick up by yourself. If you go to Placencia, be sure to get Percy for the Monkey River tour. One last thought. For your first trip, do not rent a car, even if it is a 4x4. Use the guide services, fly on the puddle jumpers, whatever. The "roads" in Belize that go back to the areas you want to see are little more than rock-strewn paths. And I mean boulders. If you are used to that kind of thing, maybe you can handle it. But I really think you are much, much better off, at least for your first experience, leaving the driving to someone else. You are welcome to contact me directly for more info at whs@gvp.com
Added on Date: 16:46:10 9/21/99
Added on Date: 17:46:26 9/21/99
I would like to find out if I drive in to Belize. Will I be able to sell my vehicle there.
Added on Date: 18:09:01 9/21/99
If you pay duty and taxes on it first, there shouldn't be a problem. Duty can be very high; as much as 88% of the custom's service opinion of the value of your car. Maybe it's not worth it.
Added on Date: 18:29:59 9/21/99
Obviously you weren't taught how to be nice or helpful. I can tell when you are a little person. Ever heard of constructive criticism? Oh I'm sorry. Uneducated people don't know what that is.
Added on Date: 20:50:39 9/21/99
Obviously you weren't taught how to be nice or helpful. I can tell when you are a little person. Ever heard of constructive criticism? Oh I'm sorry. Uneducated people don't know what that is.
Added on Date: 20:51:06 9/21/99
And people wonder why AIDS doesn't go away.
Added on Date: 22:29:01 9/21/99
I'm a permanent resident, but not a citizen of USA. Maybye someone knows where and how can I get Belizean visa? Any ideas where to buy cheap air tickets? Help greatly appreciated.
Added on Date: 22:48:23 9/21/99
I just wanted to say that I thought you offered a very good and insightfull bit of advice.
Added on Date: 23:10:14 9/21/99
If you rent a car in Belize what drivers license do they require? Do you need an international license? Thanks... See ya in Oct. Belize.
Added on Date: 23:32:35 9/21/99
Here's Another Site For BTL http://www.belizeweb.com/index40.html
Added on Date: 00:33:26 9/22/99
A valid US Driver's License works fine.
Added on Date: 00:34:56 9/22/99
Hi, thanks! To anyone who responds.
Added on Date: 01:56:58 9/22/99
: Hi, : thanks! To anyone who responds.
Added on Date: 05:26:11 9/22/99
You do have the correct chat board and yes it does seem to be dominated mostly by young Belizeans living in the states. People living in Belize do come on. Just keep asking if anyone on line is in Belize right now, eventually you will get someone. There are also some other chat boards but you might be waiting days to catch anyone on line. If a big chat is scheduled it is usually posted here or on the other boards.
Added on Date: 05:30:25 9/22/99
Boy will you catch heck on this question. Just be aware that several times I have run into guys at the village clinics that after shall we say being enamored of a young lady are waiting to get their shots for vd. Your "virgin" usually ends up being anything but that. But it is a good laugh for the village, Aids in Belize is on the rise and like everywhere else unless you are 100% sure of your partner take precautionary actions. And yes there are places in Belize where you can visit a "house" but no bonifide escort service that is known to me. Maybe you could concentrate on some of the other natural "jewels" of Belize. I would also caution you against prowling Belize City after dark. Unless you are very familiar with the city or in a large group you should exercise caution
Added on Date: 05:50:52 9/22/99
: Hi,
Added on Date: 08:54:55 9/22/99
Leszek, Visas are not required of citizens of the U.S., Mexico, Canada and most European Economic Community countries. If you are not a citizen of one of those countries, your best bet is to contact the Belize Embassy in Washington, tel. 202-232-9636. Also, if you are coming in from Mexico, you can get a visa in Chetumal -- believe the cost is US$10. --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 10:02:17 9/22/99
How about skipping Belize and checking out Mexico,Costa Rica or guatemala. Those countries work hard to attract american tourist and treat them well.
Added on Date: 13:16:08 9/22/99
: How about skipping Belize and checking out Mexico,Costa Rica or guatemala. Those countries work hard to attract american tourist and treat them well. Yes thank god you live the shit hole of the world and if it was not for all the crack heads in the U.S. there would be no need for cocaine to even come through beliz2 proof is in your money 95% of american dollars have traces of cocaine on them keep your money and your attitude and don't wonder to far from home don't be disin belize the people are a hell of alot more friendly and alot less greedy its the american run resorts that profit and take the money out of the country I think you need a reality check or thrown in the jungle
Added on Date: 15:00:29 9/22/99
: How about skipping Belize and checking out Mexico,Costa Rica or guatemala. Those countries work hard to attract american tourist and treat them well. RE. Secondly I hope you realize that even the richist Whether it be cheap labor, or brilliant minds. I wish you were able to live in the time when Dont hold your breath because it wont happen, unless Belize turn to communism. Remember this. No country has ever been world leader forever.
Added on Date: 15:11:31 9/22/99
: How about skipping Belize and checking out Mexico,Costa Rica or guatemala. Those countries work hard to attract american tourist and treat them well. HEY RUMDRINKER ARE YOU ONE OF THE NICE PEOPLE IN BELIZE?You dont sound very nice,some times i wonder if i even have to post bad things about belize,when i see how beliz2 people answer these post,they do more harm to belize then i ever would.ALL PEOPLE READING THIS TAKE HEED,DO NOT GO TO BELIZE!The usa has been shipping gang bangers home to belize in the groves!(a law passed in 96 in the us deports all fellons home)And they have nothing to do,but rob,rape and kill!Every thing in belize is run down and way over price.Thats why no one goes there.The reef is in real bad shape and wont last much longer,because belize talk a good talk,and all there environmental protection is bullshit,they put all these great things on paper,but thats as far as it goes!(ITS A WAY TO MILK MONEY FROM PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT)I say again all people that can leave belize,do it!There is more belize people living in the states then belize???Why is that?If belize is this great place every one says it is?Now for some good news,i sold my farm at last.I had it on the market 8 years,took a 60.000us loss,and had to carry the paper.I will be going to my home in the states after 22 years in belize.Come to think about it i will now be a true belizian,living in the states,thinking about belize.Im sure this sounds like good news to the people that attack me again and again on this post,but now i will be able to have better internet service,with out the fear of being killed in my sleep for saying things.When i get to the states i will let all you belize clowns know who i am,to most of you people i talk with you every day,and TOM has come up(had to smile alittle)but if you would have known it was me,some one would have killed me for what i said,because belize has NO free speech!I am retired and am thinking of starting my own belize web page,i will charge 1/2 the price the other belize web pages charge for adds,and my forums will not have nothing but spam,i will let any one post with no censurship.ANY ONE STILL GOING TO BELIZE AFTER READING ALL THESE POST,YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Added on Date: 15:58:16 9/22/99
: Hello: There is lots of prostitution in belize,just like any poor place money talks!I have had many young beliz2 women come on to me all the time,and my 53 year old friend just left his wife for a 18 year old.And if you could see this child,you would leave your wife too.Come on down you should have a very good time if thats what your looking for.Bring lots of rubbers and form,belize men breed like dogs,and they dont even have a clue who has aids and who doesnt in belize.
Added on Date: 16:08:07 9/22/99
Your mouth has a severe case of diarrhea, and your ignorance is only exceeded by your bad taste.
Added on Date: 23:22:41 9/22/99
Whats up with all the negative information on Belize. Somebody please give me an unbiased objective view on Belize. Before reading all this bad stuff. I heard nothing but positive things about Belize. Which info is true? Is it really that dangerous? Is aids really that bad? Are the police really just another gang? I was convivced to visit. Now I'm not that sure. I just want to have fun and explore the country. Is that possible? Any info that is purely objective will help. Thanks!!!
Added on Date: 23:57:02 9/22/99
: Your mouth has a severe case of diarrhea, and your ignorance is only exceeded by your bad taste.
Added on Date: 07:34:31 9/23/99
As internet technology weaves a tighter world, we have to accept a broad range of opinions. I used to get upset with the badmouthing because I have enjoyed my experiences in Belize so much! Now I just feel sorry that some people are so miserable. But good, bad or indifferent, everyone IS entitled to their own say. Belize is beautiful (especially MOST of her people) - go for it!
Added on Date: 09:38:05 9/23/99
: Whats up with all the negative information on Belize. Can't promise you an unbiased view, because opinions by nature are biased. What I will say is that we had a wonderful time in Belize. We met some wonderful, friendly people, saw some beautiful country and visited places such as Mayan ruins that would be special no matter where they were located. As tourists, we took the kind of precautions we would as tourists anywhere in the world (including the U.S. where we live). That meant we had traveller's checks, didn't wear expensive jewelry (including wedding rings), obtained references and referals from several people where we could, watched our bags when in public, didn't carry dangling purses, etc., and asked locals who had a vested interest in visitors returning to their place of business (like hotel owners) where it was safe to go and when. As a result, we had a wonderful time. A couple of weeks later, I returned by myself to stay for a few days in the Cayo at a place we especially liked: Clarissa Falls. I missed my ride out to the Cayo with friends due to misinformation they received from Continental. And I was still able to make the two-hour trip from the international airport to Clarissa Falls as a woman travelling alone quite safely. A good guide book helps as well. (We used the Rough Guide, which was packed with information and not necessarily about "roughing it". So if you are interested in Belize, by all means go! Use common sense. Be a considerate guest in their country. Be open to a culture that differs from our in some ways (meal service it slower and you'll probably have to ask for drink refills, etc), tour guides (make sure they have the license ID tag) and taxi drivers (green license plates on the vehicle)can be persistent about wanting to help you. They are simply trying to earn their living without having a guarantee that they have work on any given day. Politely say "No, thank you", if you don't need or want the service at that time. But DO have fun exploring some of nature's finest displays of beauty! -Kathy Ann
Added on Date: 13:12:17 9/23/99
Obviously you have no sense of Global Economics. Before you talk shit... I dont know if youre trying to instigate this type of No country is perfect... we might not be the richest but if its wealth you true Belizeans love their country....
Added on Date: 15:17:41 9/23/99
: : Whats up with all the negative information on Belize. : Can't promise you an unbiased view, because opinions by nature are biased. : What I will say is that we had a wonderful time in Belize. We met some wonderful, friendly people, saw some beautiful country and visited places such as Mayan ruins that would be special no matter where they were located. : As tourists, we took the kind of precautions we would as tourists anywhere in the world (including the U.S. where we live). That meant we had traveller's checks, didn't wear expensive jewelry (including wedding rings), obtained references and referals from several people where we could, watched our bags when in public, didn't carry dangling purses, etc., and asked locals who had a vested interest in visitors returning to their place of business (like hotel owners) where it was safe to go and when. As a result, we had a wonderful time. : A couple of weeks later, I returned by myself to stay for a few days in the Cayo at a place we especially liked: Clarissa Falls. I missed my ride out to the Cayo with friends due to misinformation they received from Continental. And I was still able to make the two-hour trip from the international airport to Clarissa Falls as a woman travelling alone quite safely. A good guide book helps as well. (We used the Rough Guide, which was packed with information and not necessarily about "roughing it". : So if you are interested in Belize, by all means go! Use common sense. Be a considerate guest in their country. Be open to a culture that differs from our in some ways (meal service it slower and you'll probably have to ask for drink refills, etc), tour guides (make sure they have the license ID tag) and taxi drivers (green license plates on the vehicle)can be persistent about wanting to help you. They are simply trying to earn their living without having a guarantee that they have work on any given day. Politely say "No, thank you", if you don't need or want the service at that time. But DO have fun exploring some of nature's finest displays of beauty! : -Kathy Ann Hi Kathy. Well said and nicely done.
Added on Date: 15:18:34 9/23/99
Well put Kathy!!! couldnt have said it better myself!!! As to the crimes most of them are geared toward The majority of the population are usually very As to the police...many people complain...but a Tourists are not to fear the Belizean Police. HAVE FUN IN BELIZE!!!
Added on Date: 15:31:57 9/23/99
Chuck, As someone else said here, the Internet is open to all kinds of opinions and all kinds of people, which is probably good, but sometimes the anger and hate get out of hand. I think you happened to visit this board after a couple of especially vitrolic postings. Sometimes I guess people have a bad experience or they lost some money on a business venture and the Web is a way to vent about that more or less anonymously. I'd urge you to check other Belize boards, Web sites and talk to "regular folks" about Belize and make your own judgment about Belize. Belize is not perfect, of course, but at my magazine the feedback we get from travelers to Belize is overwhelmingly positive. Belize is not for everybody -- for example, it's not for those who want to play a lot of golf and tennis, or to shop 'til they drop, or who expect total luxury in their hotels. But for great diving, snorkeling, ecotravel, cultural travel and historical travel (Maya and British colonial history), not to mention friendly people, Belize is hard to beat. --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 15:43:03 9/23/99
: Obviously you have no sense of Global Economics. : Before you talk shit... : I dont know if youre trying to instigate this type of : No country is perfect... : we might not be the richest but if its wealth you : true Belizeans love their country.... True Belizians love their country??
Added on Date: 16:11:04 9/23/99
: Whats up with all the negative information on Belize. Somebody please give me an unbiased objective view on Belize. Before reading all this bad stuff. I heard nothing but positive things about Belize. Which info is true? Is it really that dangerous? Is aids really that bad? Are the police really just another gang? I was convivced to visit. Now I'm not that sure. I just want to have fun and explore the country. Is that possible? Any info that is purely objective will help. Thanks!!!
Added on Date: 16:24:11 9/23/99
Why do people have to knock Belize? My boyfriend is from Belize and I'm going there with him soon, I've never been there but I can't wait to visit! and now I hear all this stuff on how bad it is there!?!?!?!?!?!?!? That won't stop me from going! I trust his word on how beautiful it is there,since he lived thier his whole life. anyway if you've been to Belize tell me how u liked it,i'm curious. and please don't respond if your just going to hate!
Added on Date: 02:14:12 9/24/99
There's so much like this that never makes the news. http://www.channel5belize.com/news/welcome.shtml Thursday, September 23, 1999 Police officers yet to be charged in prisoner death
Added on Date: 05:18:28 9/24/99
: Whats up with all the negative information on Belize. Somebody please give me an unbiased objective view on Belize. Before reading all this bad stuff. I heard nothing but positive things about Belize. Which info is true? Is it really that dangerous? Is aids really that bad? Are the police really just another gang? I was convivced to visit. Now I'm not that sure. I just want to have fun and explore the country. Is that possible? Any info that is purely objective will help. Thanks!!! It sounds like this guy went down to Belize to do Business and got burned, If that is the case he is just bitter. This happens all over the world some of these small time business men come to beliz2 expecting to get rich and exploit the country, well colonialism is over buddy. Like any country Belize has its good and bad. Most countries including Jamaica(usa has a tourist warning out for kingston), Trinidad .... has a deportee problem, Belizes' problem is no worse than any other country. Mr. Bitter Business Man should be more straight forward and tell us what really happened.
Added on Date: 08:48:47 9/24/99
Big ting a go on Miami Carnival Weekend-Friday October 8, 1999 Visit: www.frantikromantik.com/puntaexplosion
Added on Date: 15:30:01 9/24/99
To all who look for answers to questions may I suggest e-mailing either myself or Katie Valk at Maya travel we both live in the country and are fairly well travelled within it and are only too happy to answer any questions you may have
Added on Date: 16:20:03 9/24/99
: To all who look for answers to questions may I suggest e-mailing either myself or Katie Valk at Maya travel we both live in the country and are fairly well travelled within it and are only too happy to answer any questions you may have Kevin and lan tellde ole truth don lisen to em all bad mouth belice is most beutty to live in peace and love en to end katie@maya no lie let im bash me to it will be me da liv in de peace
Added on Date: 19:22:15 9/24/99
To whome it may concern................................................If you got something wrong that has happen to you in beliz2 please let us all know we as the people of the commonweath WILL help you in any way we can.Do rely on people that really know.I myself DO NOT LIE.I myself DO KNOW THE WORLD( PEACE LOVE )I HAVE TRAVELLED THE WORLD 31YEARS GO DARE
Added on Date: 19:37:27 9/24/99
GO TO YOUR LIBRARY!
Added on Date: 19:41:30 9/24/99
gwan bash me
Added on Date: 19:44:23 9/24/99
: There's so much like this that never makes the news. : http://www.channel5belize.com/news/welcome.shtml : Thursday, September 23, 1999 : Police officers yet to be charged in prisoner death
Added on Date: 20:05:15 9/24/99
: There's so much like this that never makes the news. : http://www.channel5belize.com/news/welcome.shtml : Thursday, September 23, 1999 : Police officers yet to be charged in prisoner death
Added on Date: 20:05:48 9/24/99
: There's so much like this that never makes the news. : http://www.channel5belize.com/news/welcome.shtml : Thursday, September 23, 1999 : Police officers yet to be charged in prisoner death
Added on Date: 20:36:14 9/24/99
LIV WIT IT
Added on Date: 20:40:22 9/24/99
Added on Date: 20:43:29 9/24/99
Added on Date: 20:43:38 9/24/99
Added on Date: 20:45:58 9/24/99
Added on Date: 20:46:32 9/24/99
Added on Date: 20:47:56 9/24/99
rumdrinker you should put the rum away for a few days,no one can understand what your saying.IS EVERY ONE GETTING A GOOD PICTURE OF BELIZE PEOPLE?
Added on Date: 21:10:51 9/24/99
: rumdrinker you should put the rum away for a few days,no one can understand what your saying.IS EVERY ONE GETTING A GOOD PICTURE OF BELIZE PEOPLE? Don't judge a book by it's cover
Added on Date: 10:49:05 9/25/99
: rumdrinker you should put the rum away for a few days,no one can understand what your saying.IS EVERY ONE GETTING A GOOD PICTURE OF BELIZE PEOPLE? sorry tom don't drink why don't you have a couple for me
Added on Date: 10:50:47 9/25/99
--Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 12:07:30 9/25/99
Coming to Belize from Canada or ????, email me with your proprosed plans or if you do not have any, let me give you some ideas. We can arrange International flights from Canada and arrange your land arrangements from hotel, tours and transfers. Small groups welcome. Specialized, personalized plus more.
Added on Date: 14:57:13 9/25/99
If you are a Pitts or in anyway related to a pitts or know someone who is please e-mail me and let
Added on Date: 14:59:40 9/25/99
Tillet's death was investigated and action was taken swiftly only because of angry public media outcry and protest. There have been many unecessary deaths and abuse at the hands of police, BDF soldiers, and political thugs in the past that have gone unprotested and unpublished. I was told that a BDF soldier shot and killed a person in cold blood, in front of many witnesses, in the Cayo District of Belize by the Western Highway several months ago and the entire incident was covered up. This is not and is separate from the incident involving the Guatemalan that was shot and killed at the border. This recent reporter email story was the first mention that the police changed the earlier report of another recent death of a prisoner. "The police told his wife that he had hanged himself with his shirt; but The entire story from the Reporter. Another dies in Belmopan's jail Thirty-eight-year-old Daniel Tillett woke up on the morning of September 21 Like thousands of other Belizeans, he had some rum and a few beers, and The man was forced to bump into a woman standing nearby, who protested loudly. As a result, Daniel Tillett was arrested, handcuffed and pushed roughly Sixty minutes later Daniel Tillett, the happy, healthy dancer, was dead. Faced with this damning evidence, the police top brass in Belmopan arrested Tillett is the second person to die in police custody in Belmopan during The police told his wife that he had hanged himself with his shirt; but Daniel Tillett, the happy dancer, left behind his wife, Elvira Tillett and He will be buried from Our Lady of Guadaloupe Roman Catholic Church on Betty Vasquez, a woman who stood next to Daniel Tillett as he danced to the "He had been drinking. That is true. And he was happy. But he wasn't drunk Tillett's good friend, Lionel Tzul, went to the police station to inquire The death of Daniel Tillett has cast a pall over Belmopan, and caused the "Once you are in police custody, they believe they own you, body and The level of police violence against prisoners has escalated in recent Daniel Tillett was a Belizean, a jeweller by trade. He also owns and : : --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 18:50:24 9/25/99
Hi everyone! Can anyone tell me the possibilities of finding a teaching job at a University, or community college in Belize? I will have my Masters in June '99, in Cultural Anthropology and Social Transformation, but I have never taught. Also, are there any international or alternative schools or colleges that anyone is aware of? Thanks!
Added on Date: 21:45:41 9/25/99
: Anyone out there from Corozal town? Espcilly old class mates from Fletchers College 74-78, drop me a line Do you know Armando a Jones from Calcutta LIVES RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE HIGHWAYS DEPT. CORAZAL DIST
Added on Date: 22:59:07 9/25/99
: : --Lan Sluder
Added on Date: 00:24:34 9/26/99
HEY TOM I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU LOST 60,000.00 DUE TO BAD FINANCIAL DECISIONS, BUT HEY LIFE GOES ON, SO DON'T LET IT EAT YOU AWAY. ALL THIS TALK ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN WEB PAGE AND CHARGING 1/2 THE PRICE, PROCEED WITH CAUTION TOM, BECAUSE YOU MIGHT LOSE ANOTHER 60,000.00. WHAT WILL YOU BE CALLED THE TOMMY-BOMBER. NEGATIVE VIBES EAT AWAY THE SOUL. GOOD LUCK TOM
Added on Date: 08:10:52 9/26/99
Obviously, you still don't get it, TOM lost his money because of an internationally led Belizean brain drain that caused all of the scum sucking Americans who whine daily about changing Belize but can't,to come here and cage small animals, when they are not too busy dodging bullets meant to kill the Chinese, or being raped and fondled by the Guatemalan bandits on the road to Tikal or even the police, and subsequently the trickle down effect of all this going on coupled to a minute degree with TOM's outstanding intelligence which he has so generously shared with us all on this board, has contributed to the loss of the $60K. Is that BZ or US? Hopefully it's US. BTW if TOM does have the intelligence, money, wherewithal to put in a website, hope he somehow learns to use the space bar on the key board.
Added on Date: 09:50:17 9/26/99
xxx, I take it you don't like americans? seems from your post you don't like anyone.
Added on Date: 10:00:17 9/26/99
: HEY TOM I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU LOST 60,000.00 DUE TO BAD FINANCIAL DECISIONS, BUT HEY LIFE GOES ON, SO DON'T LET IT EAT YOU AWAY. ALL THIS TALK ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN WEB PAGE AND CHARGING 1/2 THE PRICE, PROCEED WITH CAUTION TOM, BECAUSE YOU MIGHT LOSE ANOTHER 60,000.00. WHAT WILL YOU BE CALLED THE TOMMY-BOMBER. NEGATIVE VIBES EAT AWAY THE SOUL. GOOD LUCK TOM
Added on Date: 10:25:08 9/26/99
: xxx, I take it you don't like americans? seems from your post you don't like anyone. There is no rule when you live in peace Glory be to the father and maker of creation as it was then and will be world with no end Jah rastafarri sallasieI rasta long live peace and love
Added on Date: 11:26:26 9/26/99
Shoot & scored!!!!
Added on Date: 14:12:29 9/26/99
Hey Charles, if you have been following the threads in which TOM has participated in the past several weeks you would recognize each and every one of those comments as having been made by TOM. As far as not posting my name I really do not need to be threatened by TOM as he has threatened others on this board privately who have posted their names.
Added on Date: 16:33:39 9/26/99
A while back I talked to a guy in Florida who had 14 acres on a lagon in Belize. Forgot the specific area right now and no longer have the information. Would like to hear back from him or anyone who actually owns some property in one of the more remote beach or lagon area of Belize. Thanks
Added on Date: 17:28:52 9/26/99
Mr Burns,I have heard a fund for Mr.Tillett has been set up to help the family?I have tryed to find out,but cant find any info? Could you please help if you know of some fund,or could you let us know where we might help,im sure theres lots of people that want to help if they can. The Tillett family,are prayers are with you.
Added on Date: 17:58:51 9/26/99
Look everybody, Sounds to me that Tom spent 22 years of his life in Belize, something he wouldn't have done if he did not truly CARE about Belize in the first place! He, like many others, some who have lost equivalent of over $60,000 per month and an entire lifetime of good wishes and dreams for Belize have left Belize penniless after much worse experiences than Tom describes. Reality is that most foreign investors do not make money and don't have great overall experiences in Belize. Reality is that most Belizean private sector law abiding citizens are not profiting from their hard work and investments. The problems won't get resolved unless they are addressed. From what I see, Tom has not said anything on this board that is not true. I have noticed many untruths in other statements and websites intended for promoting Belize. Unless the webmaster dictates otherwise, this is still a free forum about Belize. If you all want to promote tourism or your personal businesses for profit on this free forum then you should also respect other perspectives and experiences regarding Belize to be posted. George
Added on Date: 18:33:38 9/26/99
GOOD CALL GEORGE!!!! GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE REASONABLE ON THE BOARD!
Added on Date: 19:40:51 9/26/99
Has no one in Belize something interesting to say anymore? Ephraim
Added on Date: 20:24:17 9/26/99
Has no one in Belize something interesting to say anymore? Ephraim
Added on Date: 20:24:39 9/26/99
Thanks to everyone on this board who helped with our Belizian trip planning. We had 2 groups of 8 people who stayed with us for 1 week apiece. We rented a sailboat thru TMM Obviously being on a boat limited our exposure to the interior but I guess we will need to do Did the local tours of Hol Chan and went to Lamanai with Innovative Watersports. Very If you are going to the southern islands try Tabacco and South Water cay. Beautiful places DO"s and DON'Ts If you are arriving from far away to one of the Cays, do fly there from the international airport. Do find time to hang out on Caye Caulker. Very laid back but fun . Great food at the Sand For budget accomodations don't stay at Rubie's Hotel. Do go next door to Holiday Hotel. http://www.ambergriscaye/holiday If bringing frozen food - do check with airlines regarding how much dry ice you can bring in a Don't bring unpackaged meats. By that I mean steaks / chops from a butcher. The folks at Do bring small ($20 max) denomination US bills. U.S. currency is accepted everywhere. Do stop in the Cafe Ole on the oceanside AIrport road for a coffee break. please write me if you have questions subtransient@hotmail.com and visit my web site for
Added on Date: 20:36:25 9/26/99
Continental and American airlines both fly into
Added on Date: 21:49:31 9/26/99
Monday Editorial
may not detain a suspect for more than 72 hours. Longer periods of
detention require the authority of the court.
the law and of the courts, but recently the police have sought to get
around the law by releasing their prisoners after 72 hours, and immediately
rearresting them. In one recent case the police detained a suspect and hid
him for mor then 200 hours before finally charging him with murder.
these practices and build up a hard core of resentment against him. The
police will not earn any respect or any cooperation from the society when
it uses gestapo tactics such as these to achieve its goal of reducing crime.
sin can be committed in the name of Allah. No justice can be achieved by
invoking injustice! The Commissioner of Police is responsible for the work
of his men, and the buck must stay with him.
his police officers too far, and the resulting shambles is rightly regarded
as a projection of his leadership.
tell him what's wrong with the Police Force and where it needs
strengthening. This sounds like a good first step. We suggest that he also
appoint a council of conscientious civilians to do the very same thing.
Between these two perspectives he may be able to come up with some useful
ideas.
suspect for more than 72 hours without bringing him before a court of law.
This is a sensible piece of legislation which gives to civilians some
measure of protection against police abuse and gives effect to Section 5
(1) of our constitution which states that a person shall not be deprived of
his personal liberty save as may be authorized by lawS
clear and eloquent that there will be no getting around it.
***
To subscribe, send a blank message to
travellers checks vs cash - K. D. - kdwilsey@yahoo.com
Re: travellers checks vs cash - RUMTREE -
Re: Late News of Belize - September '99 - RUMTREE -
: news of Belize, updated September 6, 1999.
: News summary provided courtesy of Belize First
: Magazine, the candid source of news and
: information on Belize. Web edition at
: http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
: PAST YEAR, BUT HIGH RATE MOSTLY CONNECTED TO DRUG
: DISPUTES AND FIGHTS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS At
: least 56 murders occurred in Belize from August
: 1998 to July 1999, according to a study by BELIZE
: FIRST. On a per capita basis, this is a rate
: almost three times higher than that in the United
: States as a whole and higher even than in
: high-crime cities such as New Orleans and Detroit.
: But the good news, if there is any, is that most
: murders were related to drug and gang disputes or
: involved arguments among family members, friends
: or co-workers. Among the exceptions were a series
: of rape/murders of young girls in Belize District,
: still unsolved, (see separate article), the
: shooting of Chinese shopkeepers in Belize City,
: the ambushing and shooting of a Coca-Cola driver
: on the Old Northern Highway, and the murder of a
: British volunteer worker last August in Stann
: Creek District. About a fifth of the victims were
: immigrants, mainly from Honduras or Guatemala, in
: crimes often involving other legal or illegal
: immigrants. Statistics shown here were compiled
: from news reports and do not necessarily reflect
: police figures. Not included are deaths where foul
: play was suspected but not proved, or deaths
: involving vehicles, such as hit and run cases.
: Some findings of the study:
: · At least 13 of the murders, including eight in
: two mass killings off remote cayes in the
: Caribbean Sea, were believed to be drug or gang
: related.
: · Another 15 to 20 of the deaths were likely a
: result of squabbles among family, friends,
: neighbors or co-workers.
: · At least 9 of the deaths involved immigrants
: from neighboring countries, mainly Guatemala and
: Honduras, and in several cases those arrested and
: charged for the crimes were also from outside
: Belize.
: · Guns were the murder weapons in at least 22 of
: the killings; knives figured in at least 11 deaths
: and machetes in 8.
: · Belize District led the country in number of
: murders, with 28 murders. Several areas, including
: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, had no murders
: during the period.
: · In about one-half of the cases, suspects already
: have been arrested and charged.
: · The murder rate in Belize during this period was
: about 22.4 per 100,000 population (assuming a
: Belize population of 250,000). That compares to a
: rate of about 7.8 per 100,000 in 1996 in the U.S.
: according to Federal Bureau of Investigation
: reports.
: · In raw numbers, the total of murders in Belize
: is about the same as the number of murders in the
: following U.S. cities, in calendar 1998 as
: preliminarily reported by the FBI, with population
: as of 1996: Baton Rouge, La. (64 reported murders,
: population of 567,000); Denver, Colo. (51 reported
: murders, population 1,867,000); Jackson, Miss. (60
: reported murders, population 421,000); Oklahoma
: City, Okla. (56 reported murders, population
: 1,027,000); and San Francisco (58 reported
: murders, population 1,655,000.) The U.S. cities
: with the most murders reported in 1998 include
: Chicago (694 reported murders), New York (633),
: Detroit (429), Los Angeles (426), Philadelphia
: (338), Baltimore (311), Washington (260), Houston
: (254) and New Orleans (233). There were a total of
: 19,650 police-reported murders in the U.S in 1996,
: the last year for which complete statistics are
: available.
: Four young girls, ranging in age from 9 to 13
: years old, all from the Southside area of Belize
: City, have been raped and murdered in the last
: year. In September 1998, Sherilee Nicholas, age
: 13, was found dead at on the Western Highway. Jay
: Blades, age 9, turned up missing in October 1998;
: her decomposed body was found in June on Western
: Highway. In March, Jackie Malic, age 12, was
: abducted, molested, possibly tortured, and stabbed
: to death. The most recent victim was Erica Wills,
: age 9, who disappeared from her home in June. Her
: body was found in July, wedged into a rock
: crevice, near Gracy Rock village west of
: Hattieville. It is thought that the murders may be
: the work of a serial killer. At least two other
: young girls have been murdered in or near Belize
: City this year, crimes that appear not to be
: related to the four rape/murders. Despite intense
: work by police to solve the crimes, including
: bringing in crime experts from the U.S., the cases
: remain unresolved. In August, two suspects being
: held by police were released due to lack of
: evidence. Police Commissioner Ornel Brooks,
: caught up in PUP political infighting, has been
: the target of media and grass roots attacks for
: failing to solve these and other high-profile
: crimes.
: FOLLOWING MURDER OF TOLEDO INSTRUCTOR About 300
: Belize school teachers took to the streets in
: mid-August to protest the murder earlier in the
: month of Pio Coc, a teacher in training from San
: Pedro Columbia, Toledo, who was killed in a
: ride-by shooting while on a visit to Belize City.
: At around 11:30 p.m. August 4, two men on bicycles
: on West Canal Street approached Coc and two
: relatives leaving a restaurant, according to news
: reports. They demanded money and then began
: shooting. Coc was hit several times and later died
: in surgery. His uncle, Carlos Jackson, was
: severely wounded. "Crime is getting out of hand,"
: said one teacher at the protest. Police have made
: arrests in the case, charging two young Belize
: City men. In a perhaps related case, muggers on
: bikes robbed a German tourist and, separately, a
: Belizean woman in the Hone Park area, home to
: several embassies. Separately, Talbert Lamb died
: following a beating August 4 near New Road and
: Pickstock Street. Lamb reportedly was with a group
: of tourists when he was attacked. The tourists ran
: away. Police have arrested a Belize City resident
: and say they plan to charge him with murder. In
: Cayo in early August a San Ignacio taxi driver was
: shot to death after taking a fare to Branch Mouth
: area. A Guatemalan man has been arrested and
: charged with the killing.
: relatively rare, and when it does happen the
: Belize judicial system moves with unusual speed to
: try and punish the offender. In mid-June, when a
: Swedish visitor, just arrived in Belize City from
: Cancun, was the victim of an unprovoked attack on
: Orange Street by a man who struck her in the head
: with a board, tourism police reportedly arrested
: Leroy Dunn of East Collet Canal within minutes of
: the attack. Just hours later, Dunn was tried and
: convicted by the Quick Trial Court in Belize City.
: That same day, he was taken to Hattieville prison
: to begin serving a two-year term. The Swedish
: tourist was treated by local doctors and released.
: Town fisherman claims he was attacked by a 30-foot
: long white shark on a dive near English Caye the
: morning of September 3. A wound to his leg
: required 20 stiches and another to his stomach
: required 4 stitches. Sharks are common in Belize
: waters, but reports of attacks on humans are rare.
: the only country in Central or South America
: without a McDonald's restaurant, may get one in
: the year 2000, according to a McDonald's
: executive. Manuel Juarez, McDonald's
: communications director for Latin America, told a
: Reuters reporter in Mexico City that McDonald's
: "may open" in Belize next year.
: INDUSTRY A British company, Commonwealth
: Development Corporation, has purchased Belize
: Foods Ltd., adding to it holdings in Belize. Last
: year it bought Citrus Company of Belize. CDC also
: owns Barton Creek Farms in Cayo District and a
: citrus plantation in Toledo District. Altogether,
: CDC now manages about 10,000 acres of citrus
: groves and employs up to 1,500 workers during
: harvest seasons. Continued low prices for citrus
: products is driving consolidation in the industry,
: so that growers can enjoy better economies of
: scale.
: International Airport in July 1999 were up 9% over
: the same month in 1998, according to the Belize
: Tourist Board. Arrivals for the month totaled
: 9,113. Tourist travel to Belize has been flat for
: most of 1999, despite an aggressive ad campaign by
: the Belize Tourism Board in the United States.
: June arrivals at the International Airport were
: almost exactly the same as the previous year,
: January and February were off from the previous
: year, while arrivals from March to May were up 2%.
: March did see strong tourism numbers, with
: arrivals topping 12,000 for the first time. Given
: the full-page ads run this year by Belize in North
: American travel magazines, part of a US$500,000 ad
: campaign, the results are less than had been hoped
: for, say some tourism observers. Although tourism
: to the main Caribbean has been weak of late,
: Belize's regional neighbors Guatemala, Mexico and
: Costa Rica are experiencing booms. Tourism has
: been dead in Placencia, Caye Caulker and in other
: areas in recent weeks, say observers. Belize
: hotels are cutting rates and struggling to gain
: occupancy over the summer. One somewhat upmarket
: beachfront hotel in San Pedro is offering rooms
: for as low as US$45. With only a few exceptions,
: hotels and other tourism operators are doing
: limited business, and many are unprofitable.
: Tourism was off 10% during the four months
: following October 1998, when Hurricane Mitch
: ravaged Honduras and Guatemala, almost completely
: sparing Belize but leaving misinformed travelers
: in its windy wake. One good sign: Bookings for the
: millennium celebration appear strong, although
: some space is still available in San Pedro and
: elsewhere in Belize.
: in Benque Viejo del Carmen, has become the
: distributor for Mercedes-Benz trucks, off-road
: vehicles, vans and other land vehicles in Belize.
: Novelo's also announced that in September it would
: launch a new "executive class" daily bus service
: between Benque and Belize City, using two new
: Mercedes 48-seat passenger buses.
: POINTS SOUTH Twice-weekly ferry service linking
: Belize City and Placencia, and costing US$25 one
: way, has been started by the Caye Caulker Water
: Taxi Association. Boats leave the Marine Terminal
: in Belize City at 1 p.m. on Friday and Sunday,
: returning at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Monday. The
: trip takes about two hours. Dangriga will soon be
: added as a stop. The Association says it plans to
: offer continuing service to Punta Gorda and to
: Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Reservations are
: necessary: Telephone 501-2-31969, fax. 2-78710 or
: e-mail btiajeff@btl.net. Separately, Gulf Cruza
: has weekly service from Belize City to Puerto
: Cortes, Honduras. Departure is at 6 a.m. Friday,
: with stops at Placencia and Big Creek, and
: arriving Puerto Cortes at 2 p.m. Cost reportedly
: is under US$50 one-way. For information, call
: 501-2-24506. Separately, a water taxi, the Reef
: Beauty, en route from Caye Caulker to Belize City
: after dark in late August struck a barge, injuring
: the ferry captain and several tourists on board.
Re: travellers checks vs cash - Tony Kathy - tp-kathy@texas.net
Re: travellers checks vs cash - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
Re: Need advice on driving through Mexico - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
>>
I am planning on moving my business, a small manufacturing company, to Belize, and having a van there will make things easier.
Personally, I felt his help was worth it. We were crossing on a Saturday and were lucky to get through as this place closed at noon. It was another 16 miles to the actual border crossing.
At the crossing point, things there were a little confusing. You stand in line to get a visa (US$10 each) and then in another line to get more papers (another US$20). There are people standing around that try to get you to go outside the building where they tell you that the driver needs five copies of the visa for the next stop point. They hustle you for US$2 and make the copies. After this, you go through and are in Mexico. This took about an hour and a half.
We drove the 200 feet across into Belize and a sense of relief swept over us. We were home, and glad of it! It was my bad fortune to be crossing on a day when a lot of people were bringing vehicles across. This slowed down the proceedings as each one had to be looked at and assessed. That would delay us until 6 p.m. All the employees at the Belize border were polite and helpful. A couple of them even apologized for the delay and explained the backlog of vehicles. When it was our turn, I was glad I had taken the time to accurately list all the items that I was bringing and their value. Everything was accepted as written and the duties were US$54. The van was subject to duties and taxes of 88% of value. The valuation was US$750, which seemed reasonable to me. If it had only a four-cylinder engine the duty would have been 45%.
In hindsight:
1. Planning ahead paid off.
2. I should have changed more money into pesos.
3. I should have planned on taking four days through Mexico.
4. Would I do it again? Sure, what the heck!
While it cost around US$500 to fly Earl back to Houston and pay him for being a guide, I would recommend the use of a guide for anyone’s first trip.
FIND A LONG LOST FRIND - TONY EDWARD GRAHAM -
GRAHAM.WE WERE PEN PALS IN 1981.I THINK YOU LIVE
IN SOUTHEASTING MASS.I STILL HAVE YOUR PITCHER.
MY WORK NUMBER IS 617-241-9200 EX-1258.CALL ME
LISA I MISS YOU.
TONY G.
Re: FIND A LONG LOST FRIND - LOST FRIND -
: GRAHAM.WE WERE PEN PALS IN 1981.I THINK YOU LIVE
: IN SOUTHEASTING MASS.I STILL HAVE YOUR PITCHER.
: MY WORK NUMBER IS 617-241-9200 EX-1258.CALL ME
: LISA I MISS YOU.
: TONY G.
CHEAP fare - Carole Kocian - cckocian@netscape.net
Re: CHEAP fare - Al Jan - aljan@nuevoelectronics.com
Re: Re: CHEAP fare - Kathy Ann - tp-kathy@texas.net
Kathy
Re: Re: Late News of Belize - September '99 - BIG UP TO LAN from rumtree -
: : news of Belize, updated September 6, 1999.
: : News summary provided courtesy of Belize First
: : Magazine, the candid source of news and
: : information on Belize. Web edition at
: : http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
: : PAST YEAR, BUT HIGH RATE MOSTLY CONNECTED TO DRUG
: : DISPUTES AND FIGHTS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS At
: : least 56 murders occurred in Belize from August
: : 1998 to July 1999, according to a study by BELIZE
: : FIRST. On a per capita basis, this is a rate
: : almost three times higher than that in the United
: : States as a whole and higher even than in
: : high-crime cities such as New Orleans and Detroit.
: : But the good news, if there is any, is that most
: : murders were related to drug and gang disputes or
: : involved arguments among family members, friends
: : or co-workers. Among the exceptions were a series
: : of rape/murders of young girls in Belize District,
: : still unsolved, (see separate article), the
: : shooting of Chinese shopkeepers in Belize City,
: : the ambushing and shooting of a Coca-Cola driver
: : on the Old Northern Highway, and the murder of a
: : British volunteer worker last August in Stann
: : Creek District. About a fifth of the victims were
: : immigrants, mainly from Honduras or Guatemala, in
: : crimes often involving other legal or illegal
: : immigrants. Statistics shown here were compiled
: : from news reports and do not necessarily reflect
: : police figures. Not included are deaths where foul
: : play was suspected but not proved, or deaths
: : involving vehicles, such as hit and run cases.
: : Some findings of the study:
: : · At least 13 of the murders, including eight in
: : two mass killings off remote cayes in the
: : Caribbean Sea, were believed to be drug or gang
: : related.
: : · Another 15 to 20 of the deaths were likely a
: : result of squabbles among family, friends,
: : neighbors or co-workers.
: : · At least 9 of the deaths involved immigrants
: : from neighboring countries, mainly Guatemala and
: : Honduras, and in several cases those arrested and
: : charged for the crimes were also from outside
: : Belize.
: : · Guns were the murder weapons in at least 22 of
: : the killings; knives figured in at least 11 deaths
: : and machetes in 8.
: : · Belize District led the country in number of
: : murders, with 28 murders. Several areas, including
: : Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, had no murders
: : during the period.
: : · In about one-half of the cases, suspects already
: : have been arrested and charged.
: : · The murder rate in Belize during this period was
: : about 22.4 per 100,000 population (assuming a
: : Belize population of 250,000). That compares to a
: : rate of about 7.8 per 100,000 in 1996 in the U.S.
: : according to Federal Bureau of Investigation
: : reports.
: : · In raw numbers, the total of murders in Belize
: : is about the same as the number of murders in the
: : following U.S. cities, in calendar 1998 as
: : preliminarily reported by the FBI, with population
: : as of 1996: Baton Rouge, La. (64 reported murders,
: : population of 567,000); Denver, Colo. (51 reported
: : murders, population 1,867,000); Jackson, Miss. (60
: : reported murders, population 421,000); Oklahoma
: : City, Okla. (56 reported murders, population
: : 1,027,000); and San Francisco (58 reported
: : murders, population 1,655,000.) The U.S. cities
: : with the most murders reported in 1998 include
: : Chicago (694 reported murders), New York (633),
: : Detroit (429), Los Angeles (426), Philadelphia
: : (338), Baltimore (311), Washington (260), Houston
: : (254) and New Orleans (233). There were a total of
: : 19,650 police-reported murders in the U.S in 1996,
: : the last year for which complete statistics are
: : available.
: : Four young girls, ranging in age from 9 to 13
: : years old, all from the Southside area of Belize
: : City, have been raped and murdered in the last
: : year. In September 1998, Sherilee Nicholas, age
: : 13, was found dead at on the Western Highway. Jay
: : Blades, age 9, turned up missing in October 1998;
: : her decomposed body was found in June on Western
: : Highway. In March, Jackie Malic, age 12, was
: : abducted, molested, possibly tortured, and stabbed
: : to death. The most recent victim was Erica Wills,
: : age 9, who disappeared from her home in June. Her
: : body was found in July, wedged into a rock
: : crevice, near Gracy Rock village west of
: : Hattieville. It is thought that the murders may be
: : the work of a serial killer. At least two other
: : young girls have been murdered in or near Belize
: : City this year, crimes that appear not to be
: : related to the four rape/murders. Despite intense
: : work by police to solve the crimes, including
: : bringing in crime experts from the U.S., the cases
: : remain unresolved. In August, two suspects being
: : held by police were released due to lack of
: : evidence. Police Commissioner Ornel Brooks,
: : caught up in PUP political infighting, has been
: : the target of media and grass roots attacks for
: : failing to solve these and other high-profile
: : crimes.
: : FOLLOWING MURDER OF TOLEDO INSTRUCTOR About 300
: : Belize school teachers took to the streets in
: : mid-August to protest the murder earlier in the
: : month of Pio Coc, a teacher in training from San
: : Pedro Columbia, Toledo, who was killed in a
: : ride-by shooting while on a visit to Belize City.
: : At around 11:30 p.m. August 4, two men on bicycles
: : on West Canal Street approached Coc and two
: : relatives leaving a restaurant, according to news
: : reports. They demanded money and then began
: : shooting. Coc was hit several times and later died
: : in surgery. His uncle, Carlos Jackson, was
: : severely wounded. "Crime is getting out of hand,"
: : said one teacher at the protest. Police have made
: : arrests in the case, charging two young Belize
: : City men. In a perhaps related case, muggers on
: : bikes robbed a German tourist and, separately, a
: : Belizean woman in the Hone Park area, home to
: : several embassies. Separately, Talbert Lamb died
: : following a beating August 4 near New Road and
: : Pickstock Street. Lamb reportedly was with a group
: : of tourists when he was attacked. The tourists ran
: : away. Police have arrested a Belize City resident
: : and say they plan to charge him with murder. In
: : Cayo in early August a San Ignacio taxi driver was
: : shot to death after taking a fare to Branch Mouth
: : area. A Guatemalan man has been arrested and
: : charged with the killing.
: : relatively rare, and when it does happen the
: : Belize judicial system moves with unusual speed to
: : try and punish the offender. In mid-June, when a
: : Swedish visitor, just arrived in Belize City from
: : Cancun, was the victim of an unprovoked attack on
: : Orange Street by a man who struck her in the head
: : with a board, tourism police reportedly arrested
: : Leroy Dunn of East Collet Canal within minutes of
: : the attack. Just hours later, Dunn was tried and
: : convicted by the Quick Trial Court in Belize City.
: : That same day, he was taken to Hattieville prison
: : to begin serving a two-year term. The Swedish
: : tourist was treated by local doctors and released.
: : Town fisherman claims he was attacked by a 30-foot
: : long white shark on a dive near English Caye the
: : morning of September 3. A wound to his leg
: : required 20 stiches and another to his stomach
: : required 4 stitches. Sharks are common in Belize
: : waters, but reports of attacks on humans are rare.
: : the only country in Central or South America
: : without a McDonald's restaurant, may get one in
: : the year 2000, according to a McDonald's
: : executive. Manuel Juarez, McDonald's
: : communications director for Latin America, told a
: : Reuters reporter in Mexico City that McDonald's
: : "may open" in Belize next year.
: : INDUSTRY A British company, Commonwealth
: : Development Corporation, has purchased Belize
: : Foods Ltd., adding to it holdings in Belize. Last
: : year it bought Citrus Company of Belize. CDC also
: : owns Barton Creek Farms in Cayo District and a
: : citrus plantation in Toledo District. Altogether,
: : CDC now manages about 10,000 acres of citrus
: : groves and employs up to 1,500 workers during
: : harvest seasons. Continued low prices for citrus
: : products is driving consolidation in the industry,
: : so that growers can enjoy better economies of
: : scale.
: : International Airport in July 1999 were up 9% over
: : the same month in 1998, according to the Belize
: : Tourist Board. Arrivals for the month totaled
: : 9,113. Tourist travel to Belize has been flat for
: : most of 1999, despite an aggressive ad campaign by
: : the Belize Tourism Board in the United States.
: : June arrivals at the International Airport were
: : almost exactly the same as the previous year,
: : January and February were off from the previous
: : year, while arrivals from March to May were up 2%.
: : March did see strong tourism numbers, with
: : arrivals topping 12,000 for the first time. Given
: : the full-page ads run this year by Belize in North
: : American travel magazines, part of a US$500,000 ad
: : campaign, the results are less than had been hoped
: : for, say some tourism observers. Although tourism
: : to the main Caribbean has been weak of late,
: : Belize's regional neighbors Guatemala, Mexico and
: : Costa Rica are experiencing booms. Tourism has
: : been dead in Placencia, Caye Caulker and in other
: : areas in recent weeks, say observers. Belize
: : hotels are cutting rates and struggling to gain
: : occupancy over the summer. One somewhat upmarket
: : beachfront hotel in San Pedro is offering rooms
: : for as low as US$45. With only a few exceptions,
: : hotels and other tourism operators are doing
: : limited business, and many are unprofitable.
: : Tourism was off 10% during the four months
: : following October 1998, when Hurricane Mitch
: : ravaged Honduras and Guatemala, almost completely
: : sparing Belize but leaving misinformed travelers
: : in its windy wake. One good sign: Bookings for the
: : millennium celebration appear strong, although
: : some space is still available in San Pedro and
: : elsewhere in Belize.
: : in Benque Viejo del Carmen, has become the
: : distributor for Mercedes-Benz trucks, off-road
: : vehicles, vans and other land vehicles in Belize.
: : Novelo's also announced that in September it would
: : launch a new "executive class" daily bus service
: : between Benque and Belize City, using two new
: : Mercedes 48-seat passenger buses.
: : POINTS SOUTH Twice-weekly ferry service linking
: : Belize City and Placencia, and costing US$25 one
: : way, has been started by the Caye Caulker Water
: : Taxi Association. Boats leave the Marine Terminal
: : in Belize City at 1 p.m. on Friday and Sunday,
: : returning at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Monday. The
: : trip takes about two hours. Dangriga will soon be
: : added as a stop. The Association says it plans to
: : offer continuing service to Punta Gorda and to
: : Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Reservations are
: : necessary: Telephone 501-2-31969, fax. 2-78710 or
: : e-mail btiajeff@btl.net. Separately, Gulf Cruza
: : has weekly service from Belize City to Puerto
: : Cortes, Honduras. Departure is at 6 a.m. Friday,
: : with stops at Placencia and Big Creek, and
: : arriving Puerto Cortes at 2 p.m. Cost reportedly
: : is under US$50 one-way. For information, call
: : 501-2-24506. Separately, a water taxi, the Reef
: : Beauty, en route from Caye Caulker to Belize City
: : after dark in late August struck a barge, injuring
: : the ferry captain and several tourists on board.
Lan keep up the good work respect from RUMTREE+CREWW
Re: Re: Looking For Friends - Andrea Mrlianova - mrlianova_ada@hotmail.com
Re: Need advice on driving through Mexico - rita - bzekcbc@aol.com
Re: Re: Re: CHEAP fare - Carole Kocian - cckocian@netscape.net
: Kathy
Re: Re: Re: Re: CHEAP fare - Al Jan - aljan@nuevoelectronics.com
: : Kathy
COSTA MAYA BEACH CABANAS - Rene Rosado - heather@btl.net
ADVENTURES BELIZE - Heather - heather@btl.net
Fully escorted group tours available.
Starting in Cancun ending in Belize City. 13nights / 14 days includes all transportation, sightseeing, and some meals. CAD1995 from Vancouver or Calgary. Land only rates at $1375CAD Let us email you the day to day itinerary.
Private groups can also be arranged. Soccer, Ultimate, Golfing or personal arrangements.
Looking for Louanne Henry-Brown - Anske - anske.wagenaar@wxs.nl
Groping for groupers - B Marzinske - marzinsk@rconnect.com
Caulker. What's cook"n in late Dec.-early Jan ?
Been down there in june a few times, always too
windy to do the outside of the reef. Any tuna,
wahoo, grouper to be had at that time? What's best
size outfit to bring at that
Groping for groupers - B Marzinske - marzinsk@rconnect.com
Caulker. What's cook"n in late Dec.-early Jan ?
Been down there in june a few times, always too
windy to do the outside of the reef. Any tuna,
wahoo, grouper to be had at that time? What's best
size outfit to bring at that
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: CHEAP fare - Kathy Ann - tp-kathy@texas.net
BIG UP TO ALL - RUMTREE -
Nationality Act 1948(1981) - RUMTREE -
HOW TO GET TO BARRANCO THE LAST FRONTIER for ver not pay big to gwan home - RUMTREE -
Re: HOW TO GET TO BARRANCO THE LAST FRONTIER for ver not pay big to gwan home - diana - sofysroose@aol.com
leaving soon for placencia driving 27' motorhome e-mail me with info
All-inclusive Christmas w/ Air from Houston! - Mopan River Resort - mopanriver@btl.net
Re: travellers checks vs cash - dfrost -
CELEBRATIONS - MARIKO BARROW - RUMROOTS@YAHOO.COM
Re: Dog Importation - Jeanne - jeanne@princeton.edu
Belize already has a problem with stray unwanted
dogs.
Retired Persons Incentive Act - Marilyn Beckstead - nskry@istar.ca
Re: Retired Persons Incentive Act - Belize Report - ed@belizereport.com
Re: travellers checks vs cash - Mary T - mtoy@kevinmodera.com
Re: Retired Persons Incentive Act - WOOPTI DOO RUMTREE -
MIAMI CARNIVAL DANCE - smooth - puntaexplosion@frantikromantik.com
Belize does it again CONGRATULATIONS - Gaz Cooper's DIVE BELIZE - gaz@btl.net
Gaz Cooper's DIVE BELIZE
WWW.DIVEBELIZE.COM
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Re: Re: Does lesbian/gay life exist in Belize? - David Perry -
Unfortunately,the attitude of Mr. Hicks is what prevails in Belize. Belize is a fun place to visit, but if you visit it is better for you not to rock the boat. Sad, but true, Belize is not ready socially to accept guys. There are lots of gays in Belize, but they are in the closet beacause of the discrimination that prevails.
Re: Re: Re: Sittee Point - Gayle Kosydar - homestea@gte.net
personal protection/handgun ownership - James Bradley - egww@aol.com
Punta Explosion in Miami - smooth - puntaexplosion@frantikromantik.com
Direct from Belize... Punta Rebels, Stone Jam, Aziatic and from Trinidad, Leon Caldero (Byron Lee Band)@ The National Guard Armory, Corner of NW 7th Ave and NW 28th Street, Miami. Doors open 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Adm. $25.00 free parking.
or e-mail: puntaexplosion@frantikromantik.com
Re: personal protection/handgun ownership - chris - fantasea@btl.net
with the compol(police comissioner) that is in the drivers seat right now. some years back a law was passed that gave a mandatory year in jail for posessing an unlicenced firearm or ammunition. i see court reports all the time in the newspapers where people are just fined menial amounts for posessing unlicenced weapons/ammo with no jail time!so much for the law.. however if you apply for a self defence weapon, such as a pistol, your app will be automatically declined 90% of the time. that is why most of the guns in the country are illegal! you can get a permit- however you will have to get someone connected to do some 'lobbying' for you at the capital..it is much wiser to own a legal weapon!
firearms for civilians are basically restricted to
single shot and double barrel shotguns for hunting(no pumps or autos) and semi-auto or revolver hanguns that have a cal no larger than .38 - no magnum rounds or .45's are permitted. just about all of us here have 9mm, .38's and .380's.
all of the hangun permits are concealed carry. a new licencing procedure is in effect where your licences expires on you birthday annually, and you must pass a written and practical/safety test
before being issued a first time licence. they also will take a fired slug and casing from your pistol for police safekeeping. if you get caught under the influence of booze or drugs in a public place then your gun permits will be cancelled. (i assume this means if you had weapon on person..but this was not clear in the initial report given out by police)
you wont be issued a multiple permit..they will only consider one weapon at a time..
obviously persons that need a weapon for securtiy reasons will have a better chance of approval. also there are 2 relatively active gun clubs in beliz2 city..membership in one of these helps also..they primarily shoot 9mm and have competitions every now and then.
guns are very expensive down here (other than on the back streets of belize city!)...import duty is close to 100%..you can import your own from usa but need to have approval first.
bottom line is yes..if you are a retiree here then you will have the right to have a weapon for self defence. however, you might have to sit down with the compol to state your case! and you wont be able to do this until you are residing down here full time.
chris
Re: Re: personal protection/handgun ownership - anita -
Re: Re: Re: personal protection/handgun ownership - tOMMY - tOMMY@YAHOO.COM
Incredible All-inclusive Christmas / Millennium with Air from Houston - Mopan River Resort - mopanriver@btl.net
26: Our all-inclusive rates provide the following: Round trip airfare from Houston TX, round trip, air-conditioned, ground
transfers between Belize City and the resort; luxury accommodation; daily adventure tours, including the Maya ruins of Caracol,
and Tikal in Guatemala; canoeing and kayaking anytime on the Mopan River; all meals, tropical cocktails, local beer and
sodas; beer and sodas in the mini-bar in your room; evening entertainment and hors d'oeuvre; 7% hotel tax, 8% sales tax, and
service charges--No tipping allowed!! [Guest is responsible only for any visa/border fees, departure taxes, and site admission
fees; estimated at US$50 per person, per week.]
Computer Memory sale!! - Ceelo2000 Webstore - ceelo2000@aol.com
KEVIN WHERE YOU BIN - RUMTREE -
Costa Maya Beach Cabanas, Caye Caulker - Rene Rosado - heather@btl.net
$40BZ a night.
Beachfront cabanas
Private facilities
Great view & location
Belize Adventures Plus - Heather Martin - heather@btl.net
Heather - H n R Wild Adventures
hnrwild@hotmail.com
heather@btl.net
Belize Carnival - Hugh - hugh@belizediving.com
Re: Re: Travelling From Canada to Belize - Pat - trottier@helix.net
Hugh Parkey - Fort Street Guest House - Suzanne Schexnailder - sschexnailder@altranet.com
Re: Hugh Parkey - Fort Street Guest House - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Re: Costa Maya Beach Cabanas, Caye Caulker - Henrik Fogelberg - HFOGELBERG@WORLDNET.ATT.NET
: $40BZ a night.
: Beachfront cabanas
: Private facilities
: Great view & location
We have 3 adults arriving 9/22. What is a weeks rental for something with a kitchenette and optionaly two bedrooms and an air conditioner. Are you on the shore? We also want to get a small runabout 10-15 hp, or a hobie cat, for 4-5 days or a week. Please send phone or email no.
FLAMBOUYANT PLACENCIA - RUMTREE -
Punta Gorda/Southern Cayes and car rentalin Placencia - Chris Layda - layda@snet.net
First, does anyone rent cars out of Placencia ,Big Creek or PG? Four persons plus bags, 4x4. What to do with 5-7 days down south? Considering visiting Punta Negra, PG, Lubaantan,The Temash river, Blue Creek, would like to snorkel and overnight at the Sapodilla or Snake cayes. Anyone been there done that? Is it possible to stay at the cayes? What about Fallen stones vs. The Sea Front Inn? Yadda yadda etc. etc. Do tell, Thanks
Specifically Ambergris Caye - Elaine Worthington - locolobos1@home.com
Specifically Ambergris Caye - Elaine Worthington - locolobos1@home.com
Re: Specifically Ambergris Caye - Wendy - wamcg@cowichan.com
Hi Belize - Cincolar Cincolar - Cincolar@aol.com
Re: Re: Specifically Ambergris Caye - Jim Pennington - sandcrab@bigfoot.com
Re: Specifically Ambergris Caye - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
Re: Re: Specifically Ambergris Caye - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Taca Trouble - bob radoslovich - subtransient@hotmail.com
WAT HAPPEN WITH FLAMBOUYANT - RUMTREE -
BELIZEAN MELODY SWINGERS BAND - TONY GREGORIO - tonybms@aol.com
PITTS FAMILY REUNION 2000 - GINA WASHINGTON - GINANJ@GTE.NET
them know we are planning a reunion next year in Las Vegas Nevada ...
More About Police In Belize - Nigel Burns -
Britain. Designed to give some police performance for the
public, but also designed to protect the interests of colonial
authorities, the new aristocratic elite of the Belizean political
parties over the years have discovered they like this police
model; while ordinary citizens hate the oppression.
The police are essentially autonomous. They operate under
their own bosses and are national in scope. When public
complaints arise in the villages and towns, if they are big
enough and outrageous enough, to effect the political party
votes, that has current 5 year ownership of the country and
everything in it; the party in power will attempt to bring the
police to heel. Or at least put on a show of scolding the Police
Commissioner in the capital and both will promise never ending
promises of reform. Nothing though, ever changes! The police
are useful, the elite political party bosses have found out.
They can be used to harass political opponents, bring false
charges, imprison and physically abuse opposition political
supporters. So the political elites keep this unruly, gang of
thieves in uniform, because of the political advantages when they
need them. Otherwise, the politicians leave the police to their
own autonomous devices. There are some good officers, probably
in the majority, but new recruits soon become disillusioned with
the corruption within the force from older heads.
There is a growing revolt by the population against the way
Belize is governed, and the colonial national police system
subject only to political control is one of those problems the
population are dissatisfied with. Below is a copy of a letter,
one in a long line of many complaints, both published and
unpublished over 40 long years of police and political
oppression. This letter was written to the editor of the
newspaper THE REPORTER and printed in the Sunday issue of
September 5th, 1999.
---------------------------
independently from, and above the laws of Belize? I would like
bring to your attention and , hopefully to readers of the
REPORTER another woeful example of police malpractice.
I first came to Belize in 1986 as a teacher in Punta Gorda. I
loved Belize, especially living in the beautiful Toledo District
for over six years. I eventually moved on, now living with my
Belizean family in England, but visiting Belize whenever
possible-until now.
I keep in touch with happenings in Belize by e-mail and the
World Wide Web and read with concern the increasing impact of
crime and its negative impact on the Belizean way of life. What
concerns me more is that the effectiveness of the Police Force is
not enhanced by tolerating the actions of ( in this case ) one
mindless thug of a Police Constable based in Punta Gorda by the
name of PC Choco.
My wife recently made a trip from England, meeting her lifelong
friend in New York and they both travelled home to Punta Gorda
for the stay. Unfortunately, her friend's house where they were
staying was burglarized and her friend lost all her money. My
wife fortunately had successfully hidden her valuables and they
were not taken. Unfortunately and to her profound shock, she was
ARRESTED as the prime suspect. She was subjected to
interrogation, intimidation and threatened to be taken to court
unless PC Choco received the answers he wanted -i.e. those
convenient to make him look good in solving the robbery so
quickly.
My wife was humiliated, highly distressed and reduced to
sobbing tears. She was alone, 6000 miles away from her children,
living a nightmare of what should have been a happy trip to her
birthplace. When picked up at the trip address she was staying,
the police arbitrarily ransacked her possessions and those of the
owner of the house, a friend completely distant from the whole
business.
They illegally smashed in the door without a search warrant,
and even accused her of having a CIA camera. She was told she
would be locked up for 72 hours despite the fact that she was
scheduled to return to England in less than 24 hours. The entire
tirade of bullying, mind games and totally illogical arguments of
the police was pathetic and frightening in its level of
stupidity. They run round like headless chickens and cannot in
most cases investigate their way out of a paper bag. All this
happened and still PC Choco had not even taken a written
statement from my wife.
Such total disregard for the law by an individual supposedly
committed to supporting social justice and sworn to uphold the
law is not even laughable. It's unconsciounable!
In fairness to the Inspector of Police in Punta Gorda, he
eventually muzzled PC Choco, but how can he allow officers under
his charge to act in this way to start with? Anyway, my thanks
to him for his common sense and decency to prevail over mindless
disorder and licensed uniformed thuggery.
To cap this sorry saga, before releasing my wife, PC Choco
DEMANDED to keep some Sterling currency that he had previously
confiscated along with her passport and US currency, "for all the
trouble she had caused him." (EXTORTION?) My wife missed her
flight to New York, and as a result missed her connection to
London, and had to buy new tickets.
My wife is a Belizean and now does not want to go back to her
own country. I think that speaks volumes about the problems
Belize is facing. If this can happen to her in her own country,
what is the impression left with other visitors to Belize (
unless they are protected within the cocoon of an expensive
tourist resort )? I'll leave you with that thought.
with various scams designed to extort money from tourists. The
fledgling Belize Reform Party, which MIGHT contest the next
elections, has stated in a rough draft MANIFESTO, found under
Development Issues on the Belize Electronic Library at:
http://belize1.com/BzLibrary on the internet; that they as a
Reform Party, if they decide to contest the next elections, will
change the police system, to one of locally ELECTED Police Chiefs
and locally hired constables. The National Police Force will be
reduced to specialized teams to respond to serious crime scenes
with professionalism. In contrast, neither the last government
by the UDP party, or the present government PUP have any plans to
change the police system to one of VOTER CONTROL, rather than
political party control. The two major political parties like
the advantages with the old colonial oppression system. All
indications are, that the current rulers of Belize the PUP party,
are continuing to issue public announcements, their intention to
strengthen the existing oppressive police system.
where to stay - sandra bundu - skb8838@aol.com
Re: More About Police In Belize - TOM - TOM@yahoo.com
: Britain. Designed to give some police performance for the
: public, but also designed to protect the interests of colonial
: authorities, the new aristocratic elite of the Belizean political
: parties over the years have discovered they like this police
: model; while ordinary citizens hate the oppression.
: The police are essentially autonomous. They operate under
: their own bosses and are national in scope. When public
: complaints arise in the villages and towns, if they are big
: enough and outrageous enough, to effect the political party
: votes, that has current 5 year ownership of the country and
: everything in it; the party in power will attempt to bring the
: police to heel. Or at least put on a show of scolding the Police
: Commissioner in the capital and both will promise never ending
: promises of reform. Nothing though, ever changes! The police
: are useful, the elite political party bosses have found out.
: They can be used to harass political opponents, bring false
: charges, imprison and physically abuse opposition political
: supporters. So the political elites keep this unruly, gang of
: thieves in uniform, because of the political advantages when they
: need them. Otherwise, the politicians leave the police to their
: own autonomous devices. There are some good officers, probably
: in the majority, but new recruits soon become disillusioned with
: the corruption within the force from older heads.
: There is a growing revolt by the population against the way
: Belize is governed, and the colonial national police system
: subject only to political control is one of those problems the
: population are dissatisfied with. Below is a copy of a letter,
: one in a long line of many complaints, both published and
: unpublished over 40 long years of police and political
: oppression. This letter was written to the editor of the
: newspaper THE REPORTER and printed in the Sunday issue of
: September 5th, 1999.
: ---------------------------
: independently from, and above the laws of Belize? I would like
: bring to your attention and , hopefully to readers of the
: REPORTER another woeful example of police malpractice.
: I first came to Belize in 1986 as a teacher in Punta Gorda. I
: loved Belize, especially living in the beautiful Toledo District
: for over six years. I eventually moved on, now living with my
: Belizean family in England, but visiting Belize whenever
: possible-until now.
: I keep in touch with happenings in Belize by e-mail and the
: World Wide Web and read with concern the increasing impact of
: crime and its negative impact on the Belizean way of life. What
: concerns me more is that the effectiveness of the Police Force is
: not enhanced by tolerating the actions of ( in this case ) one
: mindless thug of a Police Constable based in Punta Gorda by the
: name of PC Choco.
: My wife recently made a trip from England, meeting her lifelong
: friend in New York and they both travelled home to Punta Gorda
: for the stay. Unfortunately, her friend's house where they were
: staying was burglarized and her friend lost all her money. My
: wife fortunately had successfully hidden her valuables and they
: were not taken. Unfortunately and to her profound shock, she was
: ARRESTED as the prime suspect. She was subjected to
: interrogation, intimidation and threatened to be taken to court
: unless PC Choco received the answers he wanted -i.e. those
: convenient to make him look good in solving the robbery so
: quickly.
: My wife was humiliated, highly distressed and reduced to
: sobbing tears. She was alone, 6000 miles away from her children,
: living a nightmare of what should have been a happy trip to her
: birthplace. When picked up at the trip address she was staying,
: the police arbitrarily ransacked her possessions and those of the
: owner of the house, a friend completely distant from the whole
: business.
: They illegally smashed in the door without a search warrant,
: and even accused her of having a CIA camera. She was told she
: would be locked up for 72 hours despite the fact that she was
: scheduled to return to England in less than 24 hours. The entire
: tirade of bullying, mind games and totally illogical arguments of
: the police was pathetic and frightening in its level of
: stupidity. They run round like headless chickens and cannot in
: most cases investigate their way out of a paper bag. All this
: happened and still PC Choco had not even taken a written
: statement from my wife.
: Such total disregard for the law by an individual supposedly
: committed to supporting social justice and sworn to uphold the
: law is not even laughable. It's unconsciounable!
: In fairness to the Inspector of Police in Punta Gorda, he
: eventually muzzled PC Choco, but how can he allow officers under
: his charge to act in this way to start with? Anyway, my thanks
: to him for his common sense and decency to prevail over mindless
: disorder and licensed uniformed thuggery.
: To cap this sorry saga, before releasing my wife, PC Choco
: DEMANDED to keep some Sterling currency that he had previously
: confiscated along with her passport and US currency, "for all the
: trouble she had caused him." (EXTORTION?) My wife missed her
: flight to New York, and as a result missed her connection to
: London, and had to buy new tickets.
: My wife is a Belizean and now does not want to go back to her
: own country. I think that speaks volumes about the problems
: Belize is facing. If this can happen to her in her own country,
: what is the impression left with other visitors to Belize (
: unless they are protected within the cocoon of an expensive
: tourist resort )? I'll leave you with that thought.
: with various scams designed to extort money from tourists. The
: fledgling Belize Reform Party, which MIGHT contest the next
: elections, has stated in a rough draft MANIFESTO, found under
: Development Issues on the Belize Electronic Library at:
: http://belize1.com/BzLibrary on the internet; that they as a
: Reform Party, if they decide to contest the next elections, will
: change the police system, to one of locally ELECTED Police Chiefs
: and locally hired constables. The National Police Force will be
: reduced to specialized teams to respond to serious crime scenes
: with professionalism. In contrast, neither the last government
: by the UDP party, or the present government PUP have any plans to
: change the police system to one of VOTER CONTROL, rather than
: political party control. The two major political parties like
: the advantages with the old colonial oppression system. All
: indications are, that the current rulers of Belize the PUP party,
: are continuing to issue public announcements, their intention to
: strengthen the existing oppressive police system.
:
Re: Taca Trouble - TOM - TOM@yahoo.com
Re: Re: Re: Looking For Friends - chatblz im from punta gorda - chatblz@ aol.com
Re: Re: More About Police In Belize - chris - fantasea@btl.net
the individual policeman lives at the same socioeconomic level as the citizen that he protects. he will/can have a nice home, family and great benefits from his employer. he will value his job and will usually not violate his code of professional ethics - it isnt worth the risk of losing his job. In most cases this policeman's boss is voted in by local elections.
the voter has a degree of power over the conduct of the local police force.
1)our police are paid peanuts. my gardener in san pedro makes as much money as a 3yr veteran of the beliz2 police force!
2)there are basically no cost of living adjustments for police stationed in expensive tourist zones..such as san pedro.
3)we - as voters- have basically no control over the conduct of the officers who are supposed to serve us. we have no control over who is assigned as police commissioner(compol).
hq would still be in belmopan and the compol would be no more than the go between of the districts/ special branch and the minister.
each district would have an elected 'district police commissioner' and every township would have a 'police chief' that ANSWERS to the mayor. and the mayor anwers to us...
the central govt would allocate a budget to every district..and the district would chip in a little more funding to pay the lowly policeman a decent salary. this poor policeman could now become part of the community and live like the rest of us. and when a child molester is on the loose..his children can be affected as much as his neighbor's kids..
if this policeman decided to abuse citizens..or extort drug dealers..then WE will know about it and WE will take him to court and have his ass locked up in jail. so there really wouldnt be any point to joining the police force unless you have intentions of following the code. this is the general way it works in the states and uk.
and i can tell you one thing for sure..if we citizens of san pedro had control over our police force..then the main drug dealers who have been operating here for the last 10 years would all be out of business!
and pc choco, who shot and killed an unarmed crook in san pedro a while back..would have been in jail instead of harassing the fellows wife in pg.
Re: Re: Re: More About Police In Belize - xxx - xxx@btl.net
is 'BABY BRAINS'!! he had this nickname before he got to high brass position.
if that dosent say it all
Re: Re: Taca Trouble - xxx - xxx@btl.net
As long as you have your head up your*** why don't you open your eyes so you can see where you are going?
Re: where to stay - Maya Travel Services - mayatravel@btl.net
Maya Travel Services
Mopan Millennium Magic & Christmas, too! - Mopan River Resort - mopanriver@btl.net
26: Our all-inclusive rates provide the following: Round trip airfare from Houston TX, round trip, air-conditioned, ground
transfers between Belize City and the resort; luxury accommodation; daily adventure tours, including the Maya ruins of Caracol,
and Tikal in Guatemala; canoeing and kayaking anytime on the Mopan River; all meals, tropical cocktails, local beer and
sodas; beer and sodas in the mini-bar in your room; evening entertainment and hors d'oeuvre; 7% hotel tax, 8% sales tax, and
service charges--No tipping allowed!! [Guest is responsible only for any visa/border fees, departure taxes, and site admission
fees; estimated at US$50 per person, per week.]
Re: Taca Trouble - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Re: where to stay - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Editor & Publisher
Belize First Magazine
http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/
For families or groups, Ambergris Caye’s condotels — individually owned condos with units offered like hotel rooms by a management company —and suites hotels are hard to beat. They offer more room for not much more money than regular hotels.
Well-located on the water just south of town, with attractive condo apartments, and a nice small pool. Not to be confused with the Royal Palm, a timeshare.
Expanding condo development about south of town, beyond walking distance, with some of the largest and most luxe apartment units in Belize. Nice pool and beach area. Units are fully air conditioned and have jacuzzis.
New in late 1998, this condo project by the people from Coconuts has Yucatán- style architecture and a pool. South of town beyond walking distance.
Convenient “mid-town” location on the water. Very good value in a suites hotel. No pool, though.
Well-located at the south edge of town. Attractive units. No pool.
Within walking distance south of town, Mexican-style two-story units with a beautiful pool. New meeting facilities.
One- and two-bedroom units on North Ambergris. Nice pool and beach area.
Attractive suites south of town. No pool.
Nicely furnished, with attractive rates. No pool.
Very nicely designed and furnished, at north end of town. No pool.
New suites spot south. No pool.
Florida-style condos at the north of town, adjacent to the Paradise Hotel, with a pool and small beach.
Re: Re: Taca Trouble - Tony - tp-kathy@texas.net
HELP!` - Sharon -
Re: HELP!` - Sharon - ntrlvrs@aol.com
Re: Taca Trouble - maggie -
Taca has a small web site at www.groupotaca.com perhaps you can contact them there and find who to complain to. First do the credit card thing if you paid with a credit card. Second if you used a travel agent I would contact them also with your complaint. If you did neither of the above I would keep writing with your complaint.
You should be able to contact any travel agent and have them look up for you the necessary addresses and toll free numbers to complain to.
Re: Re: HELP!` - Maya Travel Services - mayatravel@btl.net
Maya Travel Services
shout out - TONYGREGORIO - madmosco60@aol.com
Advertise for free! - Ciegos' Haven - iciego@aol.com
Advertise for free! - Ciegos' Haven - iciego@aol.com
Re: HELP!` - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
# 1 Location and Government
Belize (formerly British Honduras) is on the Caribbean Coast of Central America, bordering Mexico and Guatemala. It is a democratic member of the British Commonwealth, with a Westminster-style system with a prime minister, an elected house of representatives and an appointed senate. The current prime minister is Said Musa, a British-educated lawyer of Palestinian and Belize heritage. He heads the People’s United Party, which swept national elections in 1998.
Belize is about the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts — 8,866 square miles — with a population of only about 240,000, about as many people as in metro Savannah, Georgia.
English is the official language, but Creole, a combination of English, African and other languages, is the lingua franca. Spanish is widely spoken. Garifuna and Maya languages also are spoken. Many Belizeans are bi- or tri-lingual.
You must have a valid passport to enter Belize, with at least six months before expiration, but visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Entry is granted for up to 30 days, with renewals of up to a total of six months permitted (renewals cost US$12.50 per month.)
The Belize currency is the Belize dollar, which is tied to the U.S. dollar at a fixed 2 Belize to 1 U.S. dollar rate. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize; Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos and European currencies are not widely accepted. Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted at many hotels and at some shops and restaurants. ATMs are few.
Belize offers visitors world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water activities in the Caribbean Sea, around the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest barrier reef in the Western and Northern hemispheres, and on its mainland coast and more than 200 cayes. Boat charters are available. Sea kayaking is a popular sport, and wind surfing is growing in popularity. There is no surfing in Belize.
Belize also offers visitors unspoiled nature on the mainland, with the opportunity to see hundreds of species of birds, rare animals including the jaguar and four other types of cats, the tapir and peccary. Jungle lodges in all price ranges offer comfort and adventure.
Belize, once the heart of the ancient Maya empire with a population of more than a million people, has Maya ruins everywhere, and at most sites you’ll see few other visitors. Caracol, thought to have been larger than Tikal, Lamanai, Xunantunich, Altun Ha and Cahal Pech are the five most popular ruins to visit. Modern Maya comprise a little more than a tenth of the Belize population, mostly concentrated in southern and western Belize.
The most popular tourist destinations in Belize, in order of visitation, are Ambergris Caye (a resort island about one-half the size of Barbados, with good hotels, restaurants and water sports, but with sand streets and no buildings over three stories), Cayo (Belize’s “Wild West” with jungle lodges, Maya ruins, butterfly farms, Mennonites, the gateway to the cool Mountain Pine Ridge and mighty Caracol, and all sorts of outdoor activities including river running and caving), and the Placencia peninsula (a little bit of the South Pacific on the southern mainland, with a growing number of excellent small hotels and restaurants on a long stretch of sandy beach).
Off-the-beaten-path areas of interest to visitors include Corozal Town, a gem of a town close to the Mexico border; Belmopan, Belize’s remarkable (and remarkably small) capital; Punta Gorda, Belize’s southern outpost and icon for the “real Belize”; Caye Caulker, a budget version of Ambergris Caye but with its own style; the Shipstern/Sarteneja peninsula, where doing nothing is a way of life; Hopkins/Sittee Point, what Placencia was just a few years ago, and friendly as heck; Gales Point, hauntingly beautiful; rural Orange Walk District, home to several top jungle lodges, hundreds of thousands of acres of unspoiled nature; Crooked Tree, the birding haven; Dangriga, jumping off point for many cayes and the center of Belize’s Garifuna culture; the Maya Mountains, rugged and little explored in modern times; and the offshore cayes and atolls, where life is slow and diving is fantastic.
# 1 Ambergris Caye
Beginning in the early 1950s, and accelerating beginning in the 1970s and 80s, this was the first area of Belize to develop for tourism. It remains the most popular destination in the country. And for good reason. It offers a variety of sand and sea activities, a spectrum of hotel rooms from budget to deluxe, good restaurants, and the option of land tours. While tourism is the leading activity and considerable development has occurred, the streets are still sand, golf carts are still the main type of transportation, and no building is over three stories. There are no big cruise ships vomiting day trippers, as on many Caribbean islands. Visitors feel safe and comfortable here. Snorkeling (from a boat) is excellent, and the recreational diving is good. You’ll love it here if you like a laid-back resort atmosphere without too much commercialization.
About 20 years ago, the first small jungle lodges began operation around San Ignacio. Now, there is a flourishing mix of hotels, cottages and jungle lodges near San Ignacio and in the Mountain Pine Ridge, along with a lot of natural attractions and outdoor activities — canoeing, caving, hiking, horseback riding, to name a few. The country’s most accessible Maya ruins are here, as well as Caracol, in its heyday in the Classic Period a larger city-state than Tikal. And speaking of Tikal, Cayo is the Belize gateway to that astounding site. For many visitors, Cayo is the turf in the classic Belize surf ‘n turf. Betwixt Belize City and San Ignacio, Belmopan is the down-sized capital of Belize, but the attractions are not in the capital itself but in the countryside. The Belize Zoo is here, as are several excellent jungle lodges. Along the scenic Hummingbird Highway and nearby are barely explored caves, wild rivers and national park areas. You’ll love it here if you like outdoor activities and an uncrowded “Wild West” atmosphere.
In recent years, the Placencia peninsula has been undergoing a boom (a Belize-style boom, anyway) with the development of about a dozen new small beach resorts and new restaurants, including excellent Italian and French ones, adding to the existing inventory of small high-quality inns and budget hotels. Building lots have been sold by the score, to foreigners who think they’d someday like to live by the sea. At the same time, the peninsula hasn’t changed that much: Seine Bight is still a very poor Garifuna village, Placencia, a Creole village, still has its plank sidewalk, and the largest grocery is the size of your living room. The beach is still a pleasant, sometimes garbage-strewn long narrow stretch of sand. The reef is almost 20 miles offshore here, but there are closer cayes for good snorkeling. You’ll love it here if you want a little bit of the South Pacific in Central America.
Caulker slowly is going up-market, but it remains mostly a budget version of Ambergris Caye, with small locally owned hotels and modest restaurants. Some think the island is a little funky; others say it’s just laid-back. Diving and snorkeling are similar to Ambergris Caye. You’ll love it here if you like a small, easy-going island with budget prices.
# 5 Remote Cayes
When romantics dream about the Caribbean, with coco palms swaying in the tradewinds and the reef just steps off the sandy shore, the remote cayes are what they’re dreaming of. Belize has more than 200 islands in the sea. Almost all of them are tiny, most are unpopulated, and many are incredibly beautiful, with sandbanks backing up to gin-clear water. A few, around Belize’s three atolls, are as South Pacific as you can get in this hemisphere. So what’s the catch? Why do visitors to remote cayes number only a few thousand a year? Because they are remote and small and difficult to get to. Airstrips are rare; boat trips out to them are expensive and may involve puking your guts out in that gin-clear water. With exceptions of a few expensive dive resorts, accommodations are mostly basic, with limited or non-existent running water and electricity. Tropical storms and hurricanes periodically destroy what accommodations there are. There are few places to eat, and no shops. But for those who want to get away to a deserted tropical island, a visit to South Water, Little Water, Northeast, Ranguana or other remote caye could be the experience of a lifetime. You’ll love it if all you want is sun, sand and sea.
Most visitors see Corozal only as an overnight stop on the road from the Yucatán to the Belize cayes or Cayo, but Corozal in fact is one of the undiscovered jewels of Belize, with friendly folks and low prices on the beautiful Bay of Chetumal. There’s not a lot to do, but it’s a great place to do it. You’ll love it, if you want to slow down and enjoy a Mexican-Belizean experience.
Belize City’s reputation (far worse than the reality) frightens most North American tourists, which is too bad, because Belize City offers a side of Belize that you don’t get to see elsewhere. It’s a busy, bustling and colorful port city with excellent restaurants and pleasant hotels. Nearby is a wealth of interesting things to see, including the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Altun Ha. You’ll love it if you don’t bring misconceptions in your luggage.
This is what Placencia was like just a decade or so ago. Expats are moving in to Hopkins, a friendly Garifuna village that got telephones only a couple of years ago, and to “real estate subdivisions” nearby. New small seaside hotels are going up in Hopkins and Sittee Point. Although at times the sand flies can eat you alive here, you can get in some excellent fishing and beach time, with day trips to nearby Cockscomb and boat trips to the reef. You’ll love it if Placencia is too developed for you.
Belize tourism promoters refer to this as Belize’s outpost. It’s certainly that, the jumping off point for unspoiled Maya villages and for onward travel to Guatemala and Honduras. At present, few tourists venture this far south. Over the next few years, however, as the Southern Highway resurfacing is completed and the road is (possibly) extended into Guatemala, this area will take off — again, by Belizean standards and at least in the dry season — in tourism development. Come see it now. You’ll love it if you want an ends-of-the-earth ambiance.
Farms, jungle and wildlife are about all you’ll find here. Orange Walk Town itself is not of much appeal to visitors, but once you’re away from town, this is authentic Belize. Several of Belize’s best jungle lodges are located here. You’ll love it if you’d be happier living in 1940 than today.
Although you can base in one area or island and do day trips to other areas, most visitors staying more than a few days find it easier and cheaper to base themselves in two or more areas.
Unless you are a Type A traveler, limit your visit to one easily accessible area, with good options being either Ambergris Caye or the Placencia penisula for sun and sea, or Cayo District for Maya ruins, bush and wildlife.
Divide your trip into a mainland and sea segment:
Ambergris Caye or Placencia: 3 days
Cayo: 4 days
Stay longer in two areas, or visit three different places:
Ambergris Caye: 3 days
Placencia or Hopkins area or a remote caye: 3 days
Cayo or rural Orange Walk: 4 days
Add either Toledo or Corozal/Orange Walk district.
In three weeks, you can see at least the highlights of what Belize has to offer, although four weeks would be better. A recommended division:
Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker: 4 days
Remote caye: 4 days
Placencia or Hopkins: 3 days
Cayo/Mountain Pine Ridge/Tikal: 4 days
Punta Gorda: 2 days
Corozal/Orange Walk districts: 3 days
Belize City and Belize District: 1 day
Time-worn advice for travelers is to pack half the clothes and twice the money you think you’ll need.
At least two — let one dry while you’re wearing the other. On the cayes or coast, you’ll live in your swimsuit.
Tee-shirts, shorts, loose-fitting slacks and shirts, light boots or walking shoes, plus a pair of sandals or canvas shoes for the beach.
If available at all in Belize, these will cost more than back home and likely will be old editions. Although some hotels have libraries for guests, Belize has no large bookstores and finding the latest John Grisham novel may prove impossible.
Film is widely available in Belize, but it costs two to three times more than at Wal-Mart back home.
Zip-lock or similar plastic bags in various sizes are useful for storing everything from wet socks to special seashells. Duct tape fixes anything.
You’ll want to be able to spot that small creature scurrying across the ceiling in the middle of the night. A small pocket knife with several tools always comes in handy.
A well-fitting hat or cap that will stay on in the wind is a true friend to your head. Dark sunglasses are a must for glare on the water.
In a plastic bag, pack your prescription medicines, plus aspirin, insect spray with up to 30% DEET, sunscreen, Pepto, bandages, sun-burn lotion, seasick pills and other over-the-counter medicines you think you’ll need.
Grocery stores in Belize City and elsewhere are well-stocked but may not have your favorite snacks. We usually bring our own parmesan Goldfish. Avoid bringing chocolate or other items that melt in tropical temps.
A small shortwave/FM/AM radio is handy to have at hand, especially in hurricane season or when in remote jungle areas.
(Besides guns and drugs, of course.)
Casual clothes, mainly shorts and open-collar shirts, or a light dress, are all you’ll need for most activities in Belize. You’ll be comfortable in Belize’s fanciest restaurants in a shirt and slacks. Even the Prime Minister wears a guayaberra or a white dress shirt with open collar.
Only street thieves will be impressed with your diamonds and gold.
High humidity, sweat and salt water do a number on leather. Where possible, canvas is better.
If customs sees your spear guns, they’ll likely confiscate them.
Be happy!
# 1 Rough Guide to Belize, by Peter Eltringham, Rough Guides/Penguin, 1999
Solid, reliable research and especially good coverage of less-expensive options mark this guidebook, one in a wonderful series put out by self-described “English eccentrics.” Peter Eltringham first came to Belize with the Royal Air Force and has lived in Guatemala and Belize.
This Moon guide, with updating by Patti Lange, is, like most in the terrific Moon series, well organized, thoughtfully designed and absolutely packed with valuable information.
Excellent on the natural side of Belize. Refreshingly different from other guides.
New guide for birders and visitors interested in nature has incredible color plates of Belize birds, reptiles, mammals and fish.
New edition of what was Adventure Guide to Belize. Lots of detail, eco-oriented
Gorgeous, unbeatable photos and good historical information. It’s best for background reading.
The Belize section is thin but well-informed. Easy-to-use format.
Technically an annual magazine rather than a guidebook, “the official visitor magazine of the Belize Tourism Industry Association” provides a good overview for the first-time visitor to Belize, though nary a negative word is heard.
Superb information on Maya sites; the update is spotty.
The best guide to snorkel and dive sites in and around the atolls and northern cayes and reef; weak on coverage of everything else, and little on the southern cayes and reef.
Guide to Belize, by Alex Bradbury, 2nd ed., Bradt/Globe Pequot 1996
Belize, by Carlos Soldevila, Ulysses Travel Publications, 1998
In most cases, you’re better off buying your Belize map before you get to Belize.
This 350,000:1-scale map, lasted updated in 1998, is the best available general map of Belize.
More of a mile-by-mile driver’s guide than a map, and in its 11th edition in 1999, this is a must-have if you’re traveling around Belize by car or bus. We wish it had maps of Ambergris and Caulker.
This two-sheet topo map at 250,000:1-scale was last revised in 1990-91 so it’s not as up-to-date as it could be, but it looks nice on your wall. The reverse side has helpful maps of Belize City and all the towns.
Belize has been divided into 44 sections and mapped at 50,000:1-scale by the British Ordnance Survey. Unfortunately, some of these maps were done years ago and are much out-of-date.
This advertising map, from 1995, provides a three-dimensional view of Ambergris Caye and many of its hotels and businesses. A similar map is available to Cayo.
Possibly no destination in the world — and certainly no other country the size of Belize — has so many informative and interesting Web sites as Belize. In fact, Belize may soon have more Web home pages than actual homes ... or tourists. Out of fairness, we didn’t include our own Web sites at www.turq.com/belizefirst/ or www.turq.com/equator/, which are ad-free.
Tony Rath has put together a terrific site, with stunning graphics, beautiful photos (but what else would you expect from one of the Caribbean Coast’s premier shooters?) and tons of good information. Well-managed newsgroup, requiring preregistration.
Everything you always wanted to know about San Pedro. Excellent!
Excellent source of reliable Belize news, presented daily Monday - Friday.
Something of a mishmash of information and promotion, but lively and with frequent visits by Belizeans living outside Belize. Recently purchased by Tony Rath of Belize by Naturalight, who says he plans to upgrade the site.
Useful site devoted to Cayo District.
Like the newspaper, this home page is friendly, chatty, informative, and upbeat.
Delightful site about the “best little zoo in the world” with terrific animal photos, including Quick Time movies
Ambitious site, focused on Belizeans and home and abroad.
Neil Fraser’s collection of old British Honduras photos is posted here.
Wonderful site from Belize’s premier conservation group. Another tremendous design job by the Belize by Naturalight folks.
Useful for trip planning.
Good effort, mostly by Corozal Community College and Corozal Junior College staff and students.
www.laughingbird.org
www.belize.net
www.goambergriscaye.com
www.gocayecaulker.com
In addition to these sources of information subscribers to BELIZE FIRST may e-mail us (BZEFIRST@aol.com) and we will try to answer all questions individually within 48 hours.
The Internet offers tens of thousands of pages of free information on Belize. Remember, though, that much of what you see on the Web is paid advertising or electronic brochures. Caveat emptor. Belize forums and newsgroups, especially on Belize by Naturalight, AmbergrisCaye.com and You Better Belize It Web sites, and on the Belize section of the AOL travel forum, are a good source of usually candid first-person advice about Belize. The Belize Culture and Belize Development mailing lists are also excellent, though they are not not tourism-oriented lists.
The BTB has closed, for reasons unknown, its New York office, but you can still dial toll-free in the U.S., 800-624-0686, and the phone will be answered in Belize City. E-mail btb@btl.net, Web www.belizenet.com.
The U.S. Embassy is at 29 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, tel. 501-2-77161, fax 2-30802. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The current U.S.Ambassador is Carolyn Curiel. E-mail embbelize@belizwpoa.us-state.gov. The embassy’s Web site at www.usemb-belize.gov/ provides some useful information.
Organization of hotels and tourism operators sponsors an annual magazine on Belize called Destination Belize, sold by the Belize Tourism Board (see above). Tel. 501-2-72464 in Belize City.
2535 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, DC 20008, tel. 202-232-9636. Although the staff here are overworked and underpaid, they may be able to provide some help on official matters including living/retiring in Belize.
Anytime is a good time to visit, but here are the “best times” for different activities and budgets:
Late spring and early summer offer the best water viz.
Exact dates vary by hotel.
Best time to visit the far south: February-May
It’s usually dry in Toledo during these months.
After the rains come, it cools down in Cayo.
Late spring can be hot and dry, and winter months can be surprisingly chilly.
Sunny with not too much rain, though Northers can chill things in January and February.
Sunny with not too much rain; Northers blow through occasionally December-February.
September is the slowest month of the year for tourism.
Although rainfall varies in different parts of the country, and from year to year, on average the following are the months with the least rain.
At the height of the “dry season,” rain is rare anywhere in Belize.
Less than 2” of rain in most areas of Belize.
Ditto.
But it’s usually still wet in January in the far south.
The last month before the official start of the hurricane season and the usual start of seasonal rains in much of Belize.
Mediator - Sylvia Moguel -
respects he is far removed from the natural man; but for all that the Christian is a sinner still. He is so from the imperfection of
his nature, and will continue so to the end of his earthly life. The black fingers of sin leave smuts upon our fairest robes. Sin mars
our repentance, ere the great Potter has finished it, upon the wheel. Selfishness defiles our tears, and unbelief tampers with our
faith. The best thing we ever did apart from the merit of Jesus only swelled the number of our sins; for when we have been most
pure in our own sight, yet, like the heavens, we are not pure in God's sight; and as He charged His angels with folly, much more
must He charge us with it, even in our most angelic frames of mind. The song which thrills to heaven, and seeks to emulate
seraphic strains, hath human discords in it. The prayer which moves the arm of God is still a bruised and battered prayer, and
only moves that arm because the sinless One, the great Mediator, has stepped in to take away the sin of our supplication. The
most golden faith or the purest degree of sanctification to which a Christian ever attained on earth, has still so much alloy in it as
to be only worthy of the flames, in itself considered. Every night we look in the glass we see a sinner, and had need confess,
"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Oh, how precious the blood of Christ to such
hearts as ours! How priceless a gift is His perfect righteousness! And how bright the hope of perfect holiness hereafter! Even
now, though sin dwells in us, its power is broken. It has no dominion; it is a broken-backed snake; we are in bitter conflict
with it, but it is with a vanquished foe that we have to deal. Yet a little while and we shall enter victoriously into the city where
nothing defileth.
Re: PITTS FAMILY REUNION 2000 - Marcia Hulse - mhulse@atlgr.com
: them know we are planning a reunion next year in Las Vegas Nevada ...
B.T.L. & B.E.L. WEBSITE ADDRESS - YVETTE SUTHERLAND - EVEIE1010@AOL.COM
YVETTE
Looking for Karen Foster and Brian Goff - ELston Grant - egrant37@netzero.net
Gay Jackson Maybe Kennedy - Jackson Dan - jacksondg@bigpond.com
Re: B.T.L. & B.E.L. WEBSITE ADDRESS - Jim Pennington - sandcrab@bigfoot.com
The only e-mail address I could locate is: prdept@btl.net
The e-mail address is: becol@btl.net
Re: HELP!` - Bob O'Reilly - rwo@conley-hodge.com
Re: HELP!` - Bob - Rwo@conley-hodge.com
Recently returned from Cayo, Chan Chich & San Pedro. THere are wonderful things to do at all three places. We looked into driving ourselves around and choose to purchase an all inclusive package at DuPlooys in the Cayo. As I would be the one doing most of the driving I am glad we did this. The roads vary from good the Western Highway to dirt tracks. THe guide was able to point out things we would have never seen on our own. We moved on to ChanChich by air from BC Municiple airport. THis is a great place you are miles from nowhere, lots of wildlife great guides -- they do things right. From there we moved to San Pedro and stayed at Caribbean Villas we dont dive but we did some great snorkling. If you go see if you can get Alphonso as a snorkle guide -- this guy is truly great. FYI try to get to Tikal if you can.
Companionship and RED LIGHT DISTRICT in Belize city? - jesse - mrhiker@aol.com
Recently I have spent a bit of time in Costa Rica where they are very open about women escorts and prostitution. Does Belize have similar area's of town where working girls are available for company and for escorting.
Companionship and RED LIGHT DISTRICT in Belize city? - jesse - mrhiker37@aol.com
Recently I have spent a bit of time in Costa Rica where they are very open about women escorts and prostitution. Does Belize have similar area's of town where working girls are available for company and for escorting.
Re: HELP!` - BillS - whs@gvp.com
Re: HELP!` - Runaway - harden@frontier.net
Sharon: if you don't like the touristy stuff you might consider one of the small resorts located near Monkey River, situated about a 30-45 min spectacular boat ride south of Placencia (Monkey House, Bob's Paradise, and coming soon - Runaway's) for at least a few days. These places are small and give personal attention, and you're close to all sorts of jungle and ocean activities; snorkel or dive places most other folks normally don't and get up some of the big rivers almost no one gets to. I would highly recommend renting a 4x4 for part of the time, don't worry too much about the roads - most all should be passable in Feb. Try to visit the Cayo District (includes Mtn. Pine Ridge), take the Hummingbird Hwy. from Belmopan to the coast, at least visit Placencia, hit the keys, avoid Belize City, and come see us down Monkey River way. Cheers!!
automobile information - chuck palvic - ctpal21@netscape.net
Re: automobile information - Jim Pennington - sandcrab@bigfoot.com
: I would like to find out if I drive in to Belize. Will I be able to sell my vehicle there.
Re: Another Belizean? - If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all -
Re: Another Belizean? - If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all -
Re: Companionship and RED LIGHT DISTRICT in Belize city? - xxx - xxx@btl.net
How can I get a visa? - Leszek Gadula - JOLES@PRODIGY.NET
Re: Re: HELP!` - Paul - itctravel@capecod.net
We do a lot of business also with C.A.T. tours and I always get great feedback from our clients.
Driving in Belize -- What License is required - BW - stealthfxr@yahoo.com
Re: B.T.L. & B.E.L. WEBSITE ADDRESS - Eddie -
Re: Driving in Belize -- What License is required - Eddie -
how do I chat with belizeans living in belize? - yvette sutherland - eveie1010@aol.com
I am living in California and would like to chat with belizeans IN BELIZE. I have been in belizecentral.com and into the chat room there, but for some reason I think they are belizeans living in united states and not in the country of Belize. I would like to chat with people whoare presently living in the country of Belize not belizeans who are in united states. please help. If I've explained it well enough.
Yvette
Re: how do I chat with belizeans living in belize? - rtia -
: I am living in California and would like to chat with belizeans IN BELIZE. I have been in belizecentral.com and into the chat room there, but for some reason I think they are belizeans living in united states and not in the country of Belize. I would like to chat with people whoare presently living in the country of Belize not belizeans who are in united states. please help. If I've explained it well enough.
: Yvette
Re: how do I chat with belizeans living in belize? - rita -
Re: Companionship and RED LIGHT DISTRICT in Belize city? - maggie -
Re: how do I chat with belizeans living in belize? - Joelwb - joelwb@msn.com
: I am living in California and would like to chat with belizeans IN BELIZE.
: Yvette
Thought youd like to know most Belizeans in
Belize may not have computers and those who
do may be unable to afford the high cost of
chatting on line.
However as was suggested you'll need to keep
trying.
Good luck.
Joelwb
Re: How can I get a visa? - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - Devon - devon@yahoo.com
Belize is the perfect example of the Latino poverty mentality and no matter how much we help they will never appreciate what we have done for them. So let's pull out of there and cut off the income that they get from the tourist industry and then they can live happily ever after in poverty sucking up their alcohol,cocaine and all die of aids.
And all of you so called Belize chatboard experts of Belize that go and visit for one week out of the year can join them.
Thank GOD I live in a country where I can share my opinion!!! it is time to stop being politically correct and fix what needs to be fixed.
Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - RUMTREE (Bad taste in your mouth) -
: Belize is the perfect example of the Latino poverty mentality and no matter how much we help they will never appreciate what we have done for them. So let's pull out of there and cut off the income that they get from the tourist industry and then they can live happily ever after in poverty sucking up their alcohol,cocaine and all die of aids.
: And all of you so called Belize chatboard experts of Belize that go and visit for one week out of the year can join them.
: Thank GOD I live in a country where I can share my opinion!!! it is time to stop being politically correct and fix what needs to be fixed.
Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - joelwb -
: Belize is the perfect example of the Latino poverty mentality and no matter how much we help they will never appreciate what we have done for them. So let's pull out of there and cut off the income that they get from the tourist industry and then they can live happily ever after in poverty sucking up their alcohol,cocaine and all die of aids.
: And all of you so called Belize chatboard experts of Belize that go and visit for one week out of the year can join them.
: Thank GOD I live in a country where I can share my opinion!!! it is time to stop being politically correct and fix what needs to be fixed.
First let me correct you on one aspect. Belize
is not Latino, and not being Latino isn't anything
to be ashamed of or happy about. Did you just fall
out of the sky?
Where did you forefathers come from? Outerspace?
country needs the poorest country, in order to
make more money to keep most of its citizen
living at a certain level. Why are foreigners
welcomed anywhere?. Because the host country
is sympathetic?. Hell no. Because of what the
poor countries have to offer.
The richer countries will always attract a certain sector of a poorer country.
the moon will become the new home base, the
same games will be played. Everybody will want
a piece of the pie.
The rationale you have is simply out of order.
If your country dont or wont,it means another
will grab that oportunity, and their influence
would be more favourable than a country that
passes up the opportunity because of bias and stupid economics.
Maybe our countries ought to make it mandatory
in teaching us about world economics before we
try to ride such a tall horse.
joelwb
Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - TOM - TOM@YAHOO.COM
: Belize is the perfect example of the Latino poverty mentality and no matter how much we help they will never appreciate what we have done for them. So let's pull out of there and cut off the income that they get from the tourist industry and then they can live happily ever after in poverty sucking up their alcohol,cocaine and all die of aids.
: And all of you so called Belize chatboard experts of Belize that go and visit for one week out of the year can join them.
: Thank GOD I live in a country where I can share my opinion!!! it is time to stop being politically correct and fix what needs to be fixed.
Re: Companionship and RED LIGHT DISTRICT in Belize city? - TOM - TOM@yahoo.com
: Recently I have spent a bit of time in Costa Rica where they are very open about women escorts and prostitution. Does Belize have similar area's of town where working girls are available for company and for escorting.
Re: Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - Marty - catnip@yahoo.com
Find a psychiatrist and get help. You need it desperately. Maybe if you said less crap about Belize, you would not have lost $60,000 dollars. It looks good on you. You did it to yourself, ha ha! Which unlucky city in the States is getting to host your collosal ignorance?
whats up? - chuck - ctpal21@netscape.net
Re: Re: Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - Big up to marty from RUMTREE -
: Find a psychiatrist and get help. You need it desperately. Maybe if you said less crap about Belize, you would not have lost $60,000 dollars. It looks good on you. You did it to yourself, ha ha! Which unlucky city in the States is getting to host your collosal ignorance?
Re: whats up? - M-A Gaffney - TMGAFF@aol.com
Re: whats up? - Kathy Ann - tp-kathy@texas.net
Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - Waldo -
Mexico has worst crime rate than Belize and Costa
Rica is far more expensive...
please do some research.
attitude or you have lived with your head up
your ass too long to realize what kind of world
you live in.
But in my opinion Belize is almost as good as it
gets.....
want then sure...move to america....
accept that you are a capitalist and leave Belize
alone...
Obviously you are not one of them...!!!
Re: Re: whats up? - joelwb - joelwb@msn.com
I'm very happy you followed the rules
written, or unwritten, and had your-
self a good. After all isn't it how
it should be.
Unfortunately even the best planned
vacation can go awry. But going in
expecting perfection is setting up
oneself up for a big let down, when
it dont work out to your highest
expectation.
joelwb
Re: Re: whats up? - WALDO -
each other (citizens) who have had personal
feuds....
helpful to tourists and treat them well.
closer look reveals the most of those who complain
are the very ones who break the law.
Belize also has a Tourism Police whose main purpose
is to protect and assist Tourists.
Re: whats up? - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Belize First Magazine
Re: Re: Forget Belize, they don't want us....just our money!! - TOM - TOM@YAHOO.COM
: Mexico has worst crime rate than Belize and Costa
: Rica is far more expensive...
: please do some research.
: attitude or you have lived with your head up
: your ass too long to realize what kind of world
: you live in.
: But in my opinion Belize is almost as good as it
: gets.....
: want then sure...move to america....
: accept that you are a capitalist and leave Belize
: alone...
: Obviously you are not one of them...!!!
Why is it then that more Belizans live in the USA then Belize?Obviously there all not true belizean?Mexico has a higher crime rate?Not by the numbers,read LAN report below(belize news).And costa rica is 1/2 of what they charge in belize,and every thing is in better shape.Every one can read how beliz2 people handle bad news.And you will get the same thing at you hotel,when the ac is not working,service is bad,and prices are high.Dont all you stupid capitlist know you should just leave belize alone?
Re: whats up? - TOM - TOM@yahoo.com
Chuck,i would say look at this post read the things people say,look who is trying to sell you some thing?And look at what people say that have gone there,You can really get a good picture by seeing how beliz2 people and these spam post people ack to people that say things they dont like.They double talk,call you names,threaten you,say belize isnt for every one,and even tell you to stay away!That in it self should say it all.DO THEY SOUND LIKE NICE PEOPLE?AND THESE ARE THE SO CALLED SMART ONES.Just think if you run into that crack head gangbanger that hates USA because they just kicked him out,and now hes stuck in belize.BANG YOUR DEAD!
Say what!?!?!?! - LiL Loca - muzikselector@yahoo.com
Another Belize Police Problem - Nigel Burns -
Today the family of Daniel Tillett came together in mourning and continues to question the manner in which he died. Just before four p.m. September twenty-first, the husband and father of two was at Independence Park, Belmopan, celebrating the holiday with his family when he was arrested. Police claim he was involved in a fight and harassed them when they tried to break it up. He was escorted to the Belize Police Headquarters in Belmopan. By five that evening he was dead. The initial press release from police said officers found Tillett lying in his own vomit and he may have suffocated. But the results of a postmortem late yesterday revealed that when Tillett died he had water in his lungs, a ruptured liver and a fractured skull. Every officer on duty that day at the Belmopan Station is being questioned and the cellblock where Tillett died is closed off as a crime scene. Three officers: P.C. Jesus Cantun, P.C. Marilyn Casey and P.C. Dennis Myles, have been detained pending charges. The family is refusing to be interviewed on camera on the advice of Tillett's sister but say when Tillett's wife, Elvira, tried to stay with him at the police station she was told to leave or she and her children would be arrested. She never saw her husband alive again. Lionel Tzul, the man police claim was fighting with Tillett, told News Five there was no fight and that Tillett was dancing and having a good time before being arrested. Even though Tzul could not hear what was happening with Tillett in another cell, he says other prisoners told him they could hear the police beating Tillett. The family says they went to the Human Rights Commission when they learnt of his death because they knew something was wrong with the story they were being told. The family maintains Tillett was never one to get violent when under the influence of alcohol. They are launching their own investigation into his death. They say they are afraid that if they release any information they have obtained, their loved one's death will go unpunished. The Police Department continues its investigation but has yet to file official charges against any police officer. Tillett will be buried tomorrow afternoon at Our Lady of Guadelupe Cathedral in Belmopan.
Re: whats up? - ajc - adrian@4closurelaw.com
MIAMI CARNIVAL '99 - smooth - puntaexplosion@frantikromantik.com
Punta Rebels! Stone Jam! Axiatic!
putting on a show like no other before, with guest appearance by Leon Coldero (Byron Lee Band).
All happening at the National Guard Armory, Corner of NW 7th Ave and NW 28th St., Miami. Doors open at 10:00pm till 4:00am.
Admission only $25.00.
Plenty of free parking available.
Nuff belizean food and drinks will be on sale.
Don't miss out on this big time PUNTA EXPLOSION!!
or e-mail: puntaexplosion@frantikromantik.com
looks like this boards gone to sh1t as well - Kevin @ Soulshine Resort - soulshine@btl.net
Re: looks like this boards gone to sh1t as well - RUMTREE BIG UP TO KEVIN,DON LECK A LIKKLE SOUR TASTES YO MOT -
DON LEK DEM VEX - RUMTREE+ROOTS -
BELIZE IS THE MOST MULTI CULTURE IN THE WORLD AND GETS ALONG? - RUMTREE -
BASH MESHMENT - RUMTREE -
Re: Another Belize Police Problem - RUMTREE WHY WAS TZUL IN JAIL? -
: Today the family of Daniel Tillett came together in mourning and continues to question the manner in which he died. Just before four p.m. September twenty-first, the husband and father of two was at Independence Park, Belmopan, celebrating the holiday with his family when he was arrested. Police claim he was involved in a fight and harassed them when they tried to break it up. He was escorted to the Belize Police Headquarters in Belmopan. By five that evening he was dead. The initial press release from police said officers found Tillett lying in his own vomit and he may have suffocated. But the results of a postmortem late yesterday revealed that when Tillett died he had water in his lungs, a ruptured liver and a fractured skull. Every officer on duty that day at the Belmopan Station is being questioned and the cellblock where Tillett died is closed off as a crime scene. Three officers: P.C. Jesus Cantun, P.C. Marilyn Casey and P.C. Dennis Myles, have been detained pending charges. The family is refusing to be interviewed on camera on the advice of Tillett's sister but say when Tillett's wife, Elvira, tried to stay with him at the police station she was told to leave or she and her children would be arrested. She never saw her husband alive again. Lionel Tzul, the man police claim was fighting with Tillett, told News Five there was no fight and that Tillett was dancing and having a good time before being arrested. Even though Tzul could not hear what was happening with Tillett in another cell, he says other prisoners told him they could hear the police beating Tillett. The family says they went to the Human Rights Commission when they learnt of his death because they knew something was wrong with the story they were being told. The family maintains Tillett was never one to get violent when under the influence of alcohol. They are launching their own investigation into his death. They say they are afraid that if they release any information they have obtained, their loved one's death will go unpunished. The Police Department continues its investigation but has yet to file official charges against any police officer. Tillett will be buried tomorrow afternoon at Our Lady of Guadelupe Cathedral in Belmopan.
Re: Another Belize Police Problem - RUMTREE WHY WAS TZUL IN JAIL? -
: Today the family of Daniel Tillett came together in mourning and continues to question the manner in which he died. Just before four p.m. September twenty-first, the husband and father of two was at Independence Park, Belmopan, celebrating the holiday with his family when he was arrested. Police claim he was involved in a fight and harassed them when they tried to break it up. He was escorted to the Belize Police Headquarters in Belmopan. By five that evening he was dead. The initial press release from police said officers found Tillett lying in his own vomit and he may have suffocated. But the results of a postmortem late yesterday revealed that when Tillett died he had water in his lungs, a ruptured liver and a fractured skull. Every officer on duty that day at the Belmopan Station is being questioned and the cellblock where Tillett died is closed off as a crime scene. Three officers: P.C. Jesus Cantun, P.C. Marilyn Casey and P.C. Dennis Myles, have been detained pending charges. The family is refusing to be interviewed on camera on the advice of Tillett's sister but say when Tillett's wife, Elvira, tried to stay with him at the police station she was told to leave or she and her children would be arrested. She never saw her husband alive again. Lionel Tzul, the man police claim was fighting with Tillett, told News Five there was no fight and that Tillett was dancing and having a good time before being arrested. Even though Tzul could not hear what was happening with Tillett in another cell, he says other prisoners told him they could hear the police beating Tillett. The family says they went to the Human Rights Commission when they learnt of his death because they knew something was wrong with the story they were being told. The family maintains Tillett was never one to get violent when under the influence of alcohol. They are launching their own investigation into his death. They say they are afraid that if they release any information they have obtained, their loved one's death will go unpunished. The Police Department continues its investigation but has yet to file official charges against any police officer. Tillett will be buried tomorrow afternoon at Our Lady of Guadelupe Cathedral in Belmopan.
Re: Another Belize Police Problem - RUMTREE WHY WAS TZUL IN JAIL? -
: Today the family of Daniel Tillett came together in mourning and continues to question the manner in which he died. Just before four p.m. September twenty-first, the husband and father of two was at Independence Park, Belmopan, celebrating the holiday with his family when he was arrested. Police claim he was involved in a fight and harassed them when they tried to break it up. He was escorted to the Belize Police Headquarters in Belmopan. By five that evening he was dead. The initial press release from police said officers found Tillett lying in his own vomit and he may have suffocated. But the results of a postmortem late yesterday revealed that when Tillett died he had water in his lungs, a ruptured liver and a fractured skull. Every officer on duty that day at the Belmopan Station is being questioned and the cellblock where Tillett died is closed off as a crime scene. Three officers: P.C. Jesus Cantun, P.C. Marilyn Casey and P.C. Dennis Myles, have been detained pending charges. The family is refusing to be interviewed on camera on the advice of Tillett's sister but say when Tillett's wife, Elvira, tried to stay with him at the police station she was told to leave or she and her children would be arrested. She never saw her husband alive again. Lionel Tzul, the man police claim was fighting with Tillett, told News Five there was no fight and that Tillett was dancing and having a good time before being arrested. Even though Tzul could not hear what was happening with Tillett in another cell, he says other prisoners told him they could hear the police beating Tillett. The family says they went to the Human Rights Commission when they learnt of his death because they knew something was wrong with the story they were being told. The family maintains Tillett was never one to get violent when under the influence of alcohol. They are launching their own investigation into his death. They say they are afraid that if they release any information they have obtained, their loved one's death will go unpunished. The Police Department continues its investigation but has yet to file official charges against any police officer. Tillett will be buried tomorrow afternoon at Our Lady of Guadelupe Cathedral in Belmopan.
THIS IS BELIZE - RUMTREE -
YES RUMTREE LIV - FINGERS -
YES RUMTREE LIV - FINGERS -
YES SI RUMTREE - JOONYA -
YES RUMTRE LIV - BIGGA -
YA NAW - PROF -
RUM DRINKER - TOM -
Re: RUM DRINKER - RUMTREE -
Re: RUM DRINKER - RUMTREE -
Re: Another Belize Police Problem - Lan Sluder/Belize First Magazine - BZEFIRST@aol.com
Channel 5 reported yesterday that a constable in the Belmopan station had been charged with the death, and the head of the office suspended. Two other constables are still under investigation. It is certainly a terrible thing that this happened, but the fact that the death was investigated and action taken swiftly is a positive sign ... if this had happened in neigboring Guatemala or Mexico I suspect it would not have turned out this way.
BELIZE ADVENTURES PLUS - Heather Martin - heather@btl.net or hnrwild@hotmail.com
14 day/13 night tour CAD1995 from Vancouver or Calgary. 4nights Playa Del Carmen, 5nights Caye Caulker, Belize, 2nights San Ignacio and 2nights Tikal, Guatemala. Tours & transfers plus some meals. Let me send you a detailed itinerary. We can customize to suit your needs.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Heather
PITTS FAMILY REUNION - gina - ginanj@gte.net
them know we are planning a reunion next year in Las Vegas Nevada ...
Re: Re: Another Belize Police Problem - Juanita -
later, when they found that the shirt was a tattered remnant which could
not support a man's weight, they amended the story to say that Huestes Lemoth had hung himself with his belt."
determined to celebrate Independence Day.
was dancing to the music of the Belmopan bands when he stumbled and bumped
into a man standing next to him, who happened to be a policeman in plain
clothes.
through the Belmopan crowds until he reached the police station.
First, police reports said the man choked on his own vomit, but a
pathologist report says the man died from a ruptured liver, a fractured
skull and water in the lungs.
three officers - police constable #299 Jesus Cantun, woman police constable
#244 Marilyn Casey and police constable Dennis Myles.
three weeks. Earlier this month a 48-year-old man, arrested for allegedly
sexually molesting his daughter, was found dead in the police lockup.
later, when they found that the shirt was a tattered remnant which could
not support a man's weight, they amended the story to say that Huestes
Lemoth had hung himself with his belt.
two children - 11-year-old Alicia and eight-year-old John Tillett.
Friday, September 24, providing that the family can obtain a death
certificate from the police, who have so far failed to deliver one
despite numerous requests.
band music said he wasn't drunk.
or unruly. What happened was an accident - one for which he paid a heavy
price," Ms. Vasquez told Reporter.
about his friend. He was arrested and thrown into a jail cell as well.
police to come under the fiercest criticism in years. Citizens of Belmopan
are reportedly planning a solidarity march, perhaps on Sunday, to protest
against the excesses of the police.
"These people are killers, and they're out of control," one Belmopan woman
commented.
soul," commented another.
months, even as the public outcry against crime and violence has become
more strident. Citizens complain that the Police believe that they have a
right to beat prisoners accused of certain types of crimes - a practice
which has become widespread in every district of Belize.
operates a restaurant D'Johnny's in Roaring Creek. Tillett's family told
Reporter they will wait on word from the Prime Minister before they decide
on what legal action they will take against the police.
: Channel 5 reported yesterday that a constable in the Belmopan station had been charged with the death, and the head of the office suspended. Two other constables are still under investigation. It is certainly a terrible thing that this happened, but the fact that the death was investigated and action taken swiftly is a positive sign ... if this had happened in neigboring Guatemala or Mexico I suspect it would not have turned out this way.
teaching - Lori Clinchard - rickglas@laplaza.org
Re: shout out - RUMTREE -
Re: Re: Another Belize Police Problem - Tony -
: Channel 5 reported yesterday that a constable in the Belmopan station had been charged with the death, and the head of the office suspended. Two other constables are still under investigation. It is certainly a terrible thing that this happened, but the fact that the death was investigated and action taken swiftly is a positive sign ... if this had happened in neigboring Guatemala or Mexico I suspect it would not have turned out this way.
This is so very sad and distressing... our hearts go out to the family... and to Belize and it's people who are smeared by this kind of action...
THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - ajc -
Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - xxx - xxx@btl.net
Re: Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - charles - charles@yahoo.com
At least post a response with some intelligence. If you are not capable maybe you can ask someone to help you with it. And get some balls and sign your name.
P.S. just remember...americans rule the world....for today anyway.
Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - Tony - tp-kathy@texas.net
Once again I sit here and access my favorite Belize board and, once again, Tom and his lost funds are the topic of the hour. Just to clarify for those of us who may have been enjoying a cup of coffee when all of that happened, can anyone definitivly state the facts regarding Tom and his business (mis)dealings that led to the loss of the oft mentioned sixty K? Seem that since this is a public board, all of the accessing public ought to get the low down, eh? Best of the morning to ya'll! Tony
Re: Re: Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - RUMTREE Americans rule the world?NOT! -
: At least post a response with some intelligence. If you are not capable maybe you can ask someone to help you with it. And get some balls and sign your name.
: P.S. just remember...americans rule the world....for today anyway.
Re: Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - M-A Gaffney - TMGAFF@aol.com
L O L
Re: Re: Re: THE REDEMPTION OF TOM (HEY TOM SORRY YOU LOST $60,000.00) - xxx - xxx@btl.net
Realestate? - Robert Cook - kamikazi@worldnet.att.net
DANNIEL TILLETT FAMILY FUND - TOM - TOM@YAHOO.COM
TOM LOST 22 YEARS IN BELIZE NOT JUST $60,000! - George - gvco@flash.net
Re: TOM LOST 22 YEARS IN BELIZE NOT JUST $60,000! - charles -
Re: RUM DRINKER - ephraim - ephraim@hotmail.com
What about some stories and local news that do'nt make
it in the news ?
I have briefly heard of children murders in the last few
days. Anyone knows about this?
Re: RUM DRINKER - ephraim - ephraim@hotmail.com
What about some stories and local news that do'nt make
it in the news ?
I have briefly heard of children murders in the last few
days. Anyone knows about this?
recent beliz2 trip - do's and don'ts - bob radoslovich - subtransient@hotmail.com
charters on Ambergris Cay and everyone had a blast. Our trip was June 22 thru July 10,1999.
that next time! We spent the first week on the reef side islands and the next week exploring
Turnefee and Lighthouse. The folks at Lighthouse Reef Resort were great. http://www.scubabelize.com
professional - would use them again. Their web site is http://www.ambergriscaye/elbert
and people!
Some of our folks took a taxi into Belize City and then a water taxi to Ambergris. They said
they had a great (bumpy) time. If you are planning on spending all of your time ashore this is a fun way to see the islands but it is time consuming. If you do fly - use Tropic AIr over
Maya. Same price but newer planes.
Box restaurant on the ocean beach.
Price is the same and better rooms. (can you say air conditioning ?)
cooler.
customs can and will confiscate it.
pictures of our trip http://www.newwave.net/~hermes
forgot to mention - don't fly TACA - bob radoslovich - subtransient@hotmail.com
Belize City. Taca cancelled a Miami / Belize City
flight after I had purchased a ticket and it's been impossible to talk with a responsible agent.
I'm not saying you are going to have problems with TACA but why risk the headache?