18
26 MAR
THE BELIZE TIMES
THE WONDERER AND THE BELIZEAN SPLIT
You must be wondering if it’s the Belizean Split at Belmopan House of Representatives or the Belize – Guatemala Split at the Sarstoon….. it’s the CAYE CAULKER SPLIT! Yes, Belizeans, friends and tourist “The Caye Caulker Island split has its story.” Have you ever wondered if it is natural? Well it was initially caused by the old fishermen who once dug a small channel for their canoes, then their sailing boats through the wetlands and mangroves. Finally Hurricane Hattie came and really made a mess and it’s getting larger ever since. Hurricanes play a large role in changing the coastal shape but its worse when the human touch has been there first. Do you remember when Hurricane Mitch chased us all to Belmopan! Thanks to God it did not come this side, but we felt the effects of it. The entire coastlines of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker were affected. All piers and beaches were gone. Beach areas were washed away up to the wall of homes. Thank God the government of the day realized it could affect the tourism industry and hurriedly sent dredging equipment to replenish the beaches. Caye Caulker got more beach than they originally had, but recently it had to be replenished again. This process of replenishment will be forever. San Pedro Town also needs some urgent replenishment. Have you wandered along the east coast of Ambergris Caye, north and south of the town? The owners are basically removing all the vegetation and erosion is rampant and seawalls of different methods, material type and shapes are being experimented with. Some may work at the end, but most don’t. North and south of Caye Caulker Town and the entire Placencia peninsula is no different. The whole country’s coastline in fact. We are losing it through nature, just like those in Belmopan are losing it! Through hustling! Hurricane EARL came last year and hurt us again and the split did not escape. Lately as I wandered around Caye Caulker I saw works taking place at the Split. A major overhaul is taking place. A new sea wall is being built around the entire southern tip of the split. It’s looking great and I wondered who was responsible for this investment that will come and benefit the entire community. When I arrived beautiful sand was just dredged from the west side of Caye Caulker. Apparently the entire Split will be a big sand box. A new cabaña was built and I understand a new restaurant and bar will also be built. Belizeans have you ever swam at the Split? It’s beautiful to swim in fresh clean clear salty water. The water at the split has a stiff current so you better be a good swimmer. I also understand a section is being built for kids and non-swimmers. That’s great! I found out that M & M are
the designers and contractors for the project. Kudos to them…..Great thinking and excellent work! I continued wandering around the Split and wondered who was the owner and who conceived such a wonderful idea of this project especially after Hurricane Earl had done so much damage to the entire island. I found out a gentleman named “Jim” was responsible for the development. I found out that the members of his staff at the restaurant named “THE LAZY LIZARD” were very efficient and the food was also great. All Belizean workers! Mr. Jim, your staff is happy to have you as their Boss…they say only good things about you.
Keep it up and thanks for conceiving such a project as it will benefit the entire island. I read lately about a study that the government will undertake in regards to Caye Caulker’s coastal problems due to hurricanes, erosion, development, mangrove destruction, etc. We hope such a study is quickly completed and implemented as we were wondering if Caye Caulker was the forgotten child of Belize. Caye Caulker reminds me of San Pedro 30 years ago. Low key, no huge hotels…sand on the streets… hope it remains that way! This study is important to make sure proper measures are implemented while development is taking place on the
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entire island, because as I wandered north of the split you can see land being cleared, dredging taking place and of course erosion is rampant especially on the east coastline. Well, Belizeans please start wandering to the Caye Caulker Split and get Lazy by the Split while you dip inside the Caribbean Sea. Stop wondering about the devastating Belizean budget that will soon cripple our economy and our nation and wander to one of the spots that was created by man and nature - “THE SPLIT”. Go and spend your last available $$$$ and cool your mind, body and soul because soon we will have to wonder how to make a new living! THE WONDERER………..thewondererbz@gmail.com