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January-February
2015 (FREE COPY!)
Collage of Belizean art designed by Stephanie Wandke. See page 5.
“The Peninsula Newspaper” Established 1999 A Placencia BTIA Publication
Tradition Continues at Sidewalk Arts Fest on Valentine’s Weekend In the early days of intimate presentations of artistic talent at various live shows and small gatherings in Placencia Village, one group of art enthusiasts decided it was time for people living outside the Placencia Peninsula to discover the creativity existing in this
southern paradise. Little did they know that in a short time it would grow into one of the major annual events in the area attracting over a thousand people from near and far. “It was exciting, so exciting!” recalled Candy Pow-
ers, one of the founding members of the Placencia Arts Council who organized the first Placencia Arts Festival in 2003. While the event was much smaller than those in recent years, it was the first outlet for artists continued on page 20
SKYDIVING: Discover a whole new way to experience the Placencia Peninsula. Adventure seekers visiting the Placencia Peninsula may want to add just one more activity to their travel itinerary in addition to zip lining, cave tubing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, rappelling and jungle hikes. That is of course, if they’re up for an adrenaline rush. continued on page 13
DJs Bring Electrifying Beats to Placencia
Twelve DJs brought the thumping beats of electronic music to the Placencia Peninsula on the Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 weekend. The event was the first of its kind in Belize
where the house, deep house, deep tech and techno electronic music scene is still in its budding stage. continued on page 21
Right: Sisimito Records and visiting DJs kept electronic music fans dancing throughout the three-day weekend event starting with a top-class party at the Belize Ocean Club. (LEONARDO MELENDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
Placencia Peninsula, Stann Creek, Belize
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 2
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INSIDE JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 Page 5: Welcome to Placencia by Bob the Poet Page 5: Flaming Heart Ball to Be Held March 7 Page 5: Primary School Students to Return to Sidewalk Festival Page 5: Design behind the Breeze Flags Page 9: Mariposa Bed and Breakfast Takes Flight Page 11: Presenting the 2015 Sidewalk Arts Festival T-shirt Design Page 13: Fly Like an Eagle to the Sea Page 19: Placencia: Queen of Caribbean Cuisine
The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 3
Page 19: Heads of State Meet in Placencia for Regional Summit Page 23: Placencia BTIA Elects New Board for 2015; Stewart Krohn Charts Way Forward as Outgoing Chairman at Chapter’s AGM Page 23: U.S. Embassy Donates Computers to Placencia Police Station Page 24: Rotary Forms Interact Club Page: 25: New Inspector Leads Placencia Police Department Page 26: The Outlet to Offer Creative Art Projects for Kids at Arts Fest Page 27: Annual Toy Giveaway Program Makes Extra Special Christmas for Kids Page 27: Liquor License Applications and Classifieds Page 29: Christmas Photos in Color
The Placencia Breeze is FREE because of ADVERTISING! CALL 523-4045 or e-mail accounts@placencia.com for rates.
PENINSULA HAPPENINGS FESTIVALS • LOCAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINTMENT • GAMES • FOOD/DRINK WHEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY, Feb. 14 & 15 SATURDAY MARCH 7
LOCATION PLACENCIA SIDEWALK (Placencia)
MONDAYS
Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
TUESDAYS
Yoli’s Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar
TIPSY TUNA (Placencia)
Tipsy Tuna (Placencia) WEDNESDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
THURSDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
FRIDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
SATURDAYS
Quarter Deck Restaurant at Laru Beya Resort (Seine Bight) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
SUNDAYS
EVERYDAY
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar (Placencia) Robert’s Grove (Seine Bight) Habanero’s Mexican Café and Bar (Seine Bight) Yoli’s Bar (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia) Belize Ocean Club (Maya Beach) Habanero’s Mexican Café & Bar (Seine Bight) Robert’s Grove (Seine Bight) Quarter Deck Restaurant at Laru Beya Resort (Seine Bight) Tipsy Tuna (Placencia) Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Courtesy of the Placencia BTIA
EVENT Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival! Live performances by Pen Cayetano, Titiman Flores, Emmeth Young and the Talla Walla and more! Find a colorful variety of artwork created by artisans from near and far! Contact info@placencia.com or 523-4045. Support the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department at the annual Flaming Heart Ball! Enjoy live music, great raffle prizes and food at the Tipsy Tuna outdoor deck. Starts at 5 p.m. MARTINI MONDAY! Martini specials and live music with Karl Lovell, 6-10 p.m.! P. 523-3089 Rotary Club of Placencia meets at 12:30 p.m. P. 625-2763. TRAVELLER’S TUESDAY! Specials on Traveller’s rum drinks. Live Reggae Starts! 5pm-close. P. 523-3515 MOJITOS & MUSIC! Mojito specials all day and Live Caribbean style music with Tropical Vibes, 5-10 p.m. P. 523-3089 WET WEDNESDAY! Specials on featured beer & $1 off all other beers! Fun & Funky Jam Session at 5 p.m.. Open Mic -- Visiting musicians welcome! WINGS WEDNESDAY! $1 Wings ALL DAY! Get ‘em Naked, Hot, Sweet-N-Spicy, Buffalo, Honey BBQ or Ginger Sesame! P. 523-3089. GARIFUNA DRUMMING 7-9 p.m. P. 523-3089 DIRTY THURSDAY! 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tell a dirty joke and get the shot of the day for free! P. 523-3515 TIPSY THURSDAY! Karaoke with Karl Lovell, FREE Jello Shots and Dancing in the Aquarium with DJ Swagg in our sports bar, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.! P. 523-3089 BITTER ABOUT YOUR WEEK? $1 Local Bitters ALL DAY LONG! “They good fi dih back!” P. 523-3515 MARGARITA MADNESS! Margarita Specials all day! FREE Zumba Dance Party with Yoli, 7-9 p.m! Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Free bar snacks. Live music from 6 to 9 pm. International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. P. 523-3476 Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m. Cash + Bar Tab Prizes. P. 523-3515; Live Rock + Alternative + Reggae music, 5-9 p.m. P. 523-3515 Signature drink specials all day! Live Band, The Persuaders, playing great beach music 7 p.m. - midnight! Karaoke 8 p.m. to midnight. P. 503-3351 Poolside Beach BBQ Buffet, 7-9 p.m. Live entertainment. P. 523-3565 for dinner pickups. Paella Night. Complimentary glass of House Sangria for each diner. 6 to 9 p.m. Pick-ups available. P. 523-3565 4 p.m. Placencia’s Famous Ring Game. P. 625-2763. Tropical Vibes Reggae Jazz Infusion, 2-8 p.m. Beach BBQ. P. 523-3515 SEASIDE SUNDAY!! DJ & Specials on all Buckets of Beers all day!! Sunday Pool Parties! Party DJ, great food and drinks! Sunset Happy Hour. 5 to 7 p.m. $10 Margaritas. $4 Beers. $4 Local Rum drinks. Cocktails on the lagoon after a hard week’s work. P. 523-3565 Seaside Happy Hour and bar snacks. 4 to 6 p.m. $5 Local Beer and Rum Drinks.P. 523-3565 International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. P. 523-3476 BEST Happy Hour Specials, 5-7 pm! Check out our daily featured drink and featured shot! Rush Hour 10-11 pm with 2 for 1 local rum! Kitchen is now open until 11:30 p.m! Happy Hour 5-6 p.m. $2 OFF Local Rum Drinks including Coladas and Daiquiris. P. 523-3515
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 4
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 5
Welcome to Placencia by Poet Bob Calling all poets! Join Bob the Poet and others at the Sidewalk Arts Festival! Share your poetry with visitors from all walks of life. This event is being held in honor of one of the founding members of the Festival and popular Belizean poet, Carrie Fairweather-Belgrave. ▪
Welcome to Placencia where the Wind and waves will make you feel alive! My heart, mind & soul are where I wish to be; with my back against
Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department Holds 8th Annual Flaming Heart Ball
A palm tree – lookin’ lazy at the sea … The mountains have their majesty The many islands have their grace, To those who first now see it – They just love this Belize place!
▫Tipsy Tuna, Saturday, March 7 @ 5 p.m.
Maya Ruins – coral reef and exotic Animals too – We know that you can Find something especially for you … So when you come to Placencia And go about and roam – Remember All your great moments here and
Carry them with you as memories To share with all your friends Back home …▪
Primary School Artists Return to Sidewalk Festival Expressing their enthusiasm for art, the children from St. John’s Memorial Primary School will once again participate in the annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival with their calendars and special art projects.
ki works with the children on their drawings and colourings for several weeks prior to the event. “Each calendar will feature a picture or poem created and signed by a child,” Grabowski said. “Some incredible art work will be seen!”
According to Ewa Grabowski, who began working on the project with the school during the second Arts Festival in 2004, people should visit the children’s art tent on the school grounds early as their crafts sell out quickly.
In addition to their calendars, the children will be creating Valentine’s Day cards on Saturday, as well as their popular art magnets.
Grabowski says all children are welcome to participate, and volunteers are welcome to assist with Proceeds from last year’s sales aid- the project. Anyone interested in ed in the purchase of water coolers volunteering can find Grabowski at for the school, as well as a six-burn- the Above Ground’s Coffee Shop, er oven and a refrigerator for the or contact St. John’s School Principal Stephen Whyte at 601-8624 for school cafeteria. more information. ▪ As she does every year, Grabows-
The largest fundraising event for the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department is coming up on Saturday, March 7 at Tipsy Tuna. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with live music, food and raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the Tipsy Tuna, Wallen’s Market in Placencia Village and from individual firefighters and participating Rotarians. Prices for tickets are BZ$60 per couple and BZ$35 per single person. Visit the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page for more information at www.facebook. com/FlamingHeartBall2015.▪
And about our January Flag ...
This double issue’s Breeze flag designed by Stephanie Wandke shows in each letter a different Belizean artform captured in Pla- Since we didn’t start the new year with a January issue, you can find cencia Village. your holiday wrap up on page 29 in B = Punta dancing portrayed color where we have our intended through the image of a drum at January flag on display with some of the best photos of the season! Frank’s Music School. R = Sculpture on display at Tyrone’s Lockwood’s wood sculpting shop. E = Vat painting by Grayson Sierra on Westby Lane. E = Painting at Lockwood’s shop. Z = The Vernon family’s mailbox. E = Placencia Land and Sea Adventures sign across from the police station.
The fireworks New Year themed-flagwas submitted by Albert “Ali” Pascascio, owner of Li’l Bugga’s Music Services in Placencia Village and was designed by his colleague, Margarita Leiva of Margarita Leiva Graphics in Orange Walk Town. Thanks to Stephanie and Ali for taking time to support the Breeze! ▪
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 6
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THANK YOU FOR PICKING UP THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (Placencia BTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, the Philip Goldson International Airport, nationwide airstrips and resorts, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula. The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 2,000, as well as a large online web audience. EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jolie Pollard ADVERTISING OFFICERS: Cindy Weller and Jonnell Augustine VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER: Muzamanzie Photography PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Evan Hall, Co-Chairman Steve Christensen, Co-Chairman David Vernon, Treasurer Salva Zabaneh, Councilor lsa Villanueva, Councilor Kristine Small, Councilor Cleeve Westby, Councilor PRINTER: The Reporter Press, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize. Phone: 523- 4045; E-mail: accounts@placencia.com
Debbie (Little Bit) Gabor has the solution to your Real Estate needs!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 9
Mariposa Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant Takes Flight
By Dawn Michel-Walton Contributing Writer nautidogzinc@gmail.com
W
hen translated from the Spanish language, the word Mariposa means“butterfly.” Judging from the delicate and beautiful butterflies often seen hovering about the grounds of the Mariposa Restaurant, Bed and Breakfast, it seems it’s also an appropriate name for the recently remodeled vacation retreat.
The striking logo for Mariposa, which means Butterfly in Spanish, was designed by Laura Godfrey of Placencia Office Supply in Placencia Village.
adult-only guest suites, each appointed witha luxurious king bed draped in soft, fluffy sheets and comforter. Furniture and wardrobes New owners of Mariposa, Sharon and Bruce Maddison, restored the Spanish-style villa near the Placencia airstrip and converted it into a luxurious bed and breakfast were built and installed by local and a restaurant with an incredible view. (MADDISONS) craftsmen, and small kitchenettes were tucked into each suite. The generously sized, tiled bathrooms were made stunning with the addition of glass showers, granite counSituated just south of the Placen- tertops, and Turkish linens. cia airstrip, the large, two-story Renovations also included the adSpanish-style villa at Mariposa was dition of a swimming pool on the originally built as a private family ground level, which overlooks the estate. Sadly, the home languished long, quiet stretch of beach and turunused for five years before Bruce quoise waters. As an added touch, and Sharon Maddison purchased a sizeable palapa near the water’s and restored the property. After a edge provides shade for the days long period of neglect, the Canadian when the sun’s rays are especially transplants knew Mariposa needed hot and forceful. The nearly two some renovation before they could acres of grounds at Mariposa were open it as the restaurant, bed and manicured, and native flowers and breakfast they envisioned. plants were revived, cultivated, and Undaunted, the Maddisons rolled up transplanted in an effort to lure back With 35 years in the restaurant business, Bruce Maddison designed a state of the their sleeves and hauled away truck- more of the delicate creatures which art kitchen and and an open dining area decorated with artwork guests will want to browse. (MADDISONS) loads of rubbish from the property, inspired the property’s name. including junk appliances, that had With 35 years of experience in doors for guests or locals and other proached their first anniversary. On been dumped on the grounds while the hospitality industry as a cook, visitors to Placencia under the hard- a recent visit, Sharon Maddison reMariposa sat vacant. They cleared and now supervising head cooks wood beams of the vaulted ceiling, flected that the past year has been and hauled away a great deal of at Mariposa, Bruce Maddison felt or being seated outdoors in the gen- a learning experience for both herjungle overgrowth as well, but just compelled to install a state of the tle sea breeze, comfortably shaded self and her husband. She also notenough to open up the gorgeous art modern commercial kitchen for by the covered patio. ed that they are continuing to offer view to the white sand beach that their new restaurant. Additionally, new things frequently, and have borders the property. a well stocked bar and expansive Finally, after much hard work, the begun to experiment with offering The new owners made a few chang- dining area were created on the up- Maddisons reopened Mariposa as special events, such as live music, es to the villa’s structure, reformat- per level of the two-story building, a restaurant, bed and breakfast in continued on page 22 ting it to include three spacious, providing the option of dining in- January of 2014, and recently ap-
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Designer of Sidewalk Fest Art Channels Years of Creative Energy into Masterpiece The Placencia Chapter of the BTIA Brown said she meditated on what has placed a tall order for the pop- she would need to change and it ular Placencia Sidewalk Arts Fes- took a total of six hours to give the tival t-shirts design the makethis year. After over it needed revealing this to make it right year’s design for the Placenon Facebook, it cia Sidewalk Arts didn’t take long Festival, including before sponsors a golden tan to the were jumping Earth mother. “I on the opporhave always been tunity to place artistic. Creativity their logos on has been a driving the back and force in my life, for the image to and that has takgo viral online. en many forms,” she said. In her Yolanda “Yo- Yolie Brown, who sketched the Placencia younger days, she lie” Brown’s Arts Festival t-shirt and poster artwork played guitar in an design features featured on the cover page of this issue, says she she credits the energy she har- alternative band Zen doodles nesses through meditation. and also comusing a combiposed the music. nation of colors Later she and her sister opened a of pen ink and draws on her training painting company, which catered to in impressionism with water color wealthy clients with specialized and and oil paints. The image reveals a very time consuming murals and woman at its central point and is a faux finish at their cottage homes. modification of another design she had created for a wine festival com- Her focus then shifted to dance ing up in her hometown of Lake – belly dance to be specific, and City, Colorado in September. “In Brown joined a professional troupe one sense she is me, but in another in Toronto, Cananda where she she is the goddess, the Earth moth- spent her free time painting in er,” she said. Muskoska’s cottage country. Upon
getting married almost 20 years ago in Placencia Village, she started her own belly-dancing troupe in Colorado, with whom she has been putting on shows for the past nine years. With years of experience painting the intricate details on the cottage homes in Canada with her sister, she branched out into construction and almost single-handedly built she and her husband’s home in Colorado and designed their home and vacation rental the Silver Leaf Villa
and Cabana in Placencia Village. With a thirst for continuous learning, she took workshops with a world-renowned teacher who has a summer home in Lake City and who also became her mentor. However, with several challenges to take on in her life including the rearing of two of her grandchildren, “art took a back seat” until she discovered the driving force behind her talent. After learning that her mencontinued on page 24
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 12
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Fly Like an Eagle to the Sea with Placencia’s Newest Craze “Can we do that again?”
By Jolie Pollard Breeze Editor pollard.jolie@gmail.com
I
Exploding on the scene at the start of the New Year, skydiving has become the hot new buzz on the strip. While it has undoubtedly secured its spot as the most costly activity lasting just eight minutes or so, brave first-timers might find each nanosecond to be worth every penny for the experience of a lifetime. The new operation called Air Belize Skydiving is run by seasoned professionals in the parachuting sport. President of the company, Jeff Root has completed over 15,000 landings since his first jump in his early 20s in the United States. In addition to Air Belize Skydiving, Root and his partner Teresa Rivers have also Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard immerses herself in a magnificent view of the Placenbeen running a drop zone near New cia Peninsula during a tandem jump with Robert Erdowski. Skydiving instructors working with Air Belize Skydiving have logged thousands of jumps and are certiYork City for 20 years.
’m that person who always wants the window seat on the airplane. (In fact, is there anyone who actually wants the aisle seat?) For a long time it was the closest I had ever been to the clouds. I’ve always wanted to know what it would feel like to touch those fluffy cotton balls, to escape that cage in the sky and immerse As a high-risk activity involving myself in all that glorious blue. airport logistics, certified and exAnd so it was that the chance finally perienced instructors and costly came along right here at home, and equipment, it has taken Root and it was the most exhilirating six min- Rivers four determined years to find utes of my life! an approved location and receive I soared! I flied! And in that moment authorizations and clearance before of pure ecstasy falling from 12,000 finally taking off from the Placencia feet into the world below, the Carib- Village Airstrip.
fied by the United States Parachute Association. (ROBERT ERDOWSKI)
First-time and amateur skydivers will experience tandem jumping with Air Belize Skydiving. In this jump, the client will be harnessed to an instructor in flight and will follow basic instructions. The instructor deploys the parabean breeze gave me a wicked face While skydiving is not new in the chute and lands with the massage and bathed my body in its country as a tourist attraction, and client. Participants can opt minty air. The faint scent of danger international operations make char- to capture all their incredlingered for a few seconds, but I ig- tered visits to San Pedro, Ambergris ible moments in video and nored him. “Stop! You’re distract- Caye in northern Belize, the Pla- photo stills while flying It took four years for Air Belize Skydiving President and parachuting with the Jeff Root and his partner Teresa Rivers to start the ing me from pure BLISS!” cencia Peninsula-based operation nifty hand cam that is at- operation. Root has also been running “Sky’s The Then I saw my home greeting me offers skydivers an unrivalled view tached to the instructor’s Limit” parachuting center in Pennsylvania for 20 below as I floated down with para- of Belize’s coastal and inland trea- wrist or with a fellow fly- years. (JEFF ROOT) ing videographer. chute open above. “I live in this sures. magical place,” I thought. “How “You can see a combination of the Currently, Air Belize Skydiving is available in tourist destinations, participants will complete a waiver lucky am I?!” One naughty pull on multiple colors in the sea. You can landing on the sandy beach in front form before the jump accepting full the hand strap, and I reveled in one see the coral reefs, and you can of the Placencia Hotel whose own- responsibility for any accidents. more adrenaline rush as my tandem see the lush jungles of the Mayan ers have been very supportive and partner and I zoomed down clos- Mountains,” said Root describing allowed the parachuting operation For more information on this thriller to Earth. After a touchdown on the superior view of a sky dive over to store their sky diving plane out- ing new adventure available on the the beach sand right at the edge of the Placencia Peninsula. “It doesn’t side the hotel’s private hangar at the Placencia Peninsula, visit www.airbelizeskydiving.com or contact the the calm sea, I looked at my dare- matter where you turn; it just really Placencia airstrip. owners at 626-9189 or skydive@ devil instructor with a wide grin. is a fantastic view!” As with most action sport activities airbelizeskydiving.com. ▪
The Added Touch is also the distributor of Heavenly Belize and Flavors of Belize!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 14
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 15
PLACENCIA PENINSULA MAPS
Continues on page 18. Visit the Placencia Tourism Center in Placencia Village for a brochure copy of our Peninsula map courtesy of Placencia Communication! We’re located on the main street, across from Scotia bank just behind Re/Max.
From North of Placencia Airstrip to Riversdale Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours Lost Reef Beachfront Suites
From Placencia Water Tower to Airstrip Barefoot Services
Platinum Designs
Tropic Air & Maya Island Air Placencia Airstrip
RFG Insurance
Distance from Maya Beach to the Placencia Hotel area measures approx. 2.5 miles. Ocean’s Edge Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro
Jaguar Lanes
Green Parrot Beach Houses
Los Porticos
Joyce & Frank’s Bed & Breakfast
Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows Singing Sands Inn
Turtle Inn
Splash Dive Center Chabil Mar
Cocoplum Vacation Rentals Cocoplum Resort Community The Villas at Cocoplum Mission Bay Christian Retreat The Maine Stay Cordy’s Beach Cottages Goss Chocolate Palmtree Designs Lola’s Art
Blue Crab Beach House Bahia Laguna Beach Suites Nautical Inn Seine Bight Village
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort Laru Beya Villas Miller’s Landing Wild Orchid Properties
The Flying Pig Casa Nettuno
Quality Products At a Quality Job For a Quality Price! Good News!! We are carrying Intex Pools & Toys! Remember Pool business is our only business! Ph: 652-0891 Fx: 523-3371 plislandpoolsupply@yahoo.com Mon-Fri 8-4; Sat 8-12 nn; Open during lunch! Placencia Village Road. Managers: Carlos and Sue
Visit the Placencia Tourism Center located behind Re/Max Property Center across the street from Scotiabank in Placencia Village for great souvenirs including our official festival merchandise! Open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 16
PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 2015 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Don’t see your listing? It is time to renew your membership or become a new member! Join the largest BTIA Chapter in Belize! Contact Placencia BTIA Membership Officer Jonnell Augustine at 523-4045 or accounts@placencia.com.
ACCOMMODATIONS A Belizean Nirvana belizeanirvana@gmail.com; 5233331 or 625-3301; Evan Hall Arches /The gin7373@aol.com; 479-841-7970 or 623-3286; Ginny Clayton Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows:taylors@btl.net; 5338110 or 602-7768 Bill & Adriane Taylor Belize Ocean Club reservations@belizeoceanclub. com; 533-4500 or 601-5602; Dan Beeman Blue Crab Beach Resort linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com; 523-3544 or 523-3543; Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com 207-326-9099; Costas & Sally Christ Capp’s Inn jbsmfowler@gmail.com 208-437-5740 Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com; 5233561 or 622-7104; Erin Ivy Caribbean Travel & Tours **: info@ctbelize.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081;Veronique & Lance McKenzie Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com 970-963-1099; Midge & Aaron Dallas
Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com;523-3095 or 605-0586; Nicole Harvalik/ Stefano Ragagnin Easy Living Apartments info@easylivingplacencia.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081 Veronique McKenzie Eloise’s Travel Lodge 503-3299; Sonia Leslie Flamboyant /The flamboyantplacencia@gmail. com;628-1143; Angie Markham Finca info@ctbelize.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081; Veronique McKenzie French Louie Caye kitty@frenchlouiecayebelize.com; 523-3228 or 610-3228; Kitty Fox George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse gcgeorge@rcn.com; George Cowdrey Green Parrot Beach Houses* greenparrot@mail.com; 5338188; David Allardice & Leo Ramirez
Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro* info@mayabeachhotel.com; 533-8040 or 627-4718; Ellen & John Lee Maya Lodge maya-lodge@hotmail.com; 6050586; Stefano Ragagnin & Lou McLeod Michelo Flats harbour21@gmail.com; 523-3519 or 626-2518; Michel Ardoullie
Sunset Pointe Condos ewinche713@aol.com; 523-3314; Eric & Janis Winchester Three Iguanas Villa colibrihouse@gmail.com or 605-0586; Stefano Ragagnin & Joe Stark Turtle Inn */** frontdesk@turtleinn.com; 523-3244; Martin Krediet Tradewinds: trdewndpla@btl.net; 523-3122; Janice Leslie
Miller’s Landing* millersplacencia@yahoo.com Villas at Cocoplum /The 523-3010 or 523-3011 BMannsfeld@yahoo.com; Gary & Ann Miller 610-0294 or 628-6447; Boris Mannsfield or Erin Ivy Miramar Apartments info@miramarbelize.com; 523- Whipray Caye Lodge 3658 or 523-3117 or 503-3095; whipraycaye@yahoo.com; 610Ilsa Villanueva 1068; Julian & Beverly Cabral Mirasol Villa info@mirasolbelize.com; 523-3481 or 523-3081;Veronique McKenzie
White Sand Villa eagleray33@gmail.com; 6619516 or 602-9315; Tricia Hernandez
Harry’s Cozy Cabanas cozycabanas@yahoo.com; 523-3155
North Beach/ The debanddave@btl.net; 523-3207 Deborah & Dave Vernon
Yellow Bella yellowbella@alice.it; 605-0586; Stefano Ragagnin
Hatchet Caye Resort* contact@hatchetcaye.com; 5334446 or 523-3337; Dasha Shivers
Ocean’s Edge oceanedge@vl.videotron.ca; 514606-5582 or 514-697-9435 Francine Martel
Yellow House /The info@ctbelize.com; 523-3481or 523-3081;Veronique McKenzie
One World Rentals oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 523-3103 or 620-9975 Claudia Hardegger
Courtenay Coye LLP: ccplacencia@courtneycoye.com; 523-328; Tiphany Gongora
Heaven’s Gate Beach Bungalow info@seasprayhotel.com; 5233148; Jodie Leslie Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com; 6654069; Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll
Casa Nettuno framdani.office@gmail.com; 6051648 Mariuccia Levoni
Jewel of Placencia info@jewelplacenciarental.com 523-3481 or 523-3081; Veronique McKenzie & Joe Garipoli
Casa Palma info@casapalmaplacencia.com 678-1089; Simone de Angelis
Joyce and Frank’s Beach House h2odanzer@aol.com; 629-4285 or 561-389-2550; Joyce Danz
Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com; 5033143 or 630-7811; Jacki Tipton
Laru Beya Villas* info@larubeya.com; 523-3476 or 523-3483; Ian McField
Chabil Mar Villas* information@chabilmarvillas. com; 523-3606 or 523-3611; Pierre Brisbois
Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net; 523-3117 or 5233354; Lydia Villanueva
Coconut Cottage kwplacencia@yahoo.com; 5233234 or 609-4267; Kay Westby
Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas. com; 523-3227 or 607-4448; Barry and Valerie Snowden
Colibri House colibrihouse@gmail.com; 6050586; Stefano Ragagnin & Nicoletta Sala
Mariposa Beach Resort maddentine@gmail.com 610-4473
Singing Sands Inn* info@singingsands.com; 533-3022 or 520-8022; Jean-Marc Tasse
Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com; 623-3286; Jim & Cindy Weller
Casa Del Sol info@casadelsolbelize.com; 5233481 or 523-3081; Veronique McKenzie
Cocoplum Vacation Rentals rentals@cocoplumbelize.net; 623-7774; Aaron Krohn
523-4083; Slavek Machacka
Lost Reef Resort* lostreef@xplornet.com; 610-0816; Lisa D’Amore Maine Stay /The drewtravers@gmail.com; 523-3507; Drew Travers Manatee Inn manateeinn@btl.net;
Paradise Vacation Hotel*/** info@belize123.com; 523-3179 or 523-3256; Alan & Deloris Stamm Pearl Beach House vb53@centurytel.net; 523-3409 or 605-0586; Bud & Betsy Valian/ Stefano Ragagnin Robert’s Grove Beach Resort */**info@robertsgrove.com; 5233565 or 523-4367 Sea Glass Inn* brad_schofield@yahoo.com; 5233098; Brad & Christine Schofield Seaspray Hotel info@seasprayhotel.com; 523-3148 or 615-2925; Jodie & Norman Leslie Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com; 523-3777; John & Marian Chan Silver Leaf yoliebrown@hotmail.com; 970-944-2550 or 970-944-0552 William & Jolanda Brown; Stefano/agent
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW
AUTO RENTALS Barefoot Services: info@barefootservicesbelize.com; 523-3066 or 629-9602 Ian & Megs Yearwood Car Rental of Placencia: powerscandy@hotmail.com; 5233284 or 662-7611; Candy Power CONSULTANTS Guild & Guild Consulting: guildandguild@hotmail.com 523-3251 or 523-3291; Yvette Guild Barefoot Executive, Ltd. barefootexecutiveltd@gmail.com; 523-3291; Yvette Guild HEALTH, FITNESS, SPAS & SALONS BB Yoga Flow: info@bbyogaflow.com; 631-7726; Agnes Balawejder-Busch Siripohn Thai Massage: jenjira01@yahoo.com; 620-8718 or 600-0375; Siriporn Thakham Secret Garden Day Spa: lee@secretgardenplacencia.com 523-3420/624-6096; Lee Nyhus
HEALTH, FITNESS, SPAS & SALONS Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic: toothfairyclinic@gmail.com; 5033736 or 633-0678; Dr. Dalila Vanzie-Krohn Tony’s Gym: tony@belizefit.com 631-7427; Tony Pinder Tree of Life: smallkristine@yahoo.com; 624-5408; Kristine Small NON-PROFIT ORGS Placencia Humane Society: 523-3185 or 604-8676 David Kafka, President INSURANCE AGENTS RF&G Insurance, Ltd. kitty@frenchlouiecayebelize. com; 523-3228 or 610-3228; Kitty Fox REAL ESTATE AGENTS Boris Mannsfeld & Associates: info@RealBelizeEstate.com; 5233063 Boris Mannsfeld & Frik DeMeyere Cocoplum: stewart@cocoplumbelize.net 610-1009; Stewart Krohn CPC Real Estate Solution: info@belizeproperty.com; 672-9000 Dan Dunbar & Michael Young Palmetto Bay Resort: info@palmettobayresort.com; 610-1911; Carlton Watson Placencia Yacht Club: lee@getdusa.com ; 653-0569 or 663-9087; Lee and Gail Dusa Re/Max 1st Choice: david@belizepropertycenter. com;631-9622 or 523-3666; David Kafka Waterfront Real Estate: waterfrontbelize@aol.com; 610-3264;Patrick & Denise Callahan Wild Orchid Properties: sales@wildorchidbelize.com; 5233392; Tom Hitchcock RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT Above Grounds Coffee: keithgmorrison@gmail.com; 6343212; Keith Morrison Barefoot Bar: barefootbarbz@gmail.com ; 523-3515; Cassie & Brice Dial Brewed Awakenings: brewedawakeningsbelize@gmail. com; 635-5312; Ryan & Natalie Dixon Dawn’s Grill ‘n’ Go: grillngo@yahoo.com; 523-4079 or 602-9302; Dawn Pollard De’Tatch Seafood Grill & Barjodiejjyearwood@gmail.com, 503-3385 or 523-4035, Jodie Yearwood
The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 17
Visit issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze or www.facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze RESTAURANTS, BARS CAFÉS & ENTERTAINMENT
SHOPPING & GENERAL PRODUCT & REPAIR
Dragon Fly Moon rongdi.chen@yahoo.com 523-3662; Amy Chen
Master Plumbing: fredwalton53@yahoo.com; 669-1014; Dick Walton
Fantoni’s Kitchen fantoniskitchen@gmail.com, 6304752 Cleeve Westby
MnM Hardware Placencia: duncker@btl.net; 523-3517 or 523-3537; Dora Duncker
Flying Pig/ The theflyingpig.belize@gmail.com; 602-6391; Patrick Gonzalve
Mosquito Coast Trading Co. Ltd.: rjay@btl.net; 523-8141 or 610-1441;Ray Twanow
Jaguar Lanes jaguarlanes@yahoo.com; Scott May
Palmtree Designs: muzamanzie@btl.net; 523-3563 or 603-5143; Marion & Ed Carr
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar info@jdeesplacencia.com; 503-3351; Daisy & Jeremy Leslie
Placencia Mini Storage: celeste1001@live.com; 665-0800 Paul & Celeste Smith
Mango’s on Maya Beach mangosmayabeachplacencia@ yahoo.com; 533-8102 Frank DaSalva
Platinum Designs: hannah@sbplatinum.com; 610-0327; Hannah Cowell
Pickled Parrot/ The: adriana37@aol.com; 636-7068; Lynn and Eugene Upham
Robert Nicolait & Assc. Ltd.:info@watertreatmentbelize.com 523-3149; Lou Nicolait
Placencia Supper Club: info@marcusperigo.com 636-5015; Marcus Perigo
Sunova Beach Gift Shop: zabeyles@btl.net; 523-4060 Gillian Zabaneh
Rumfish y Vino: rumfish@btl.net; 523-3293 or 6666934; Pamela & John Solomon
TOUR OPERATORS, ADVENTURES & TRAVEL AGENTS
Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar: tipsytuna@hotmail.com; 5233089; Salva & Gillian Zabaneh
Air Belize Skydiving skydive@airbelizeskydiving.com; 626-9189; Jeff Root & Teresa Rivers
Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor: tizy.lory@virgilio.it; Tiziana Del Col
Belize Trips: info@belize-trips. com; 610-1923; Katie Valk
Yoli’s Bar: regantrethewey@hotmail.com 625-2763; Yolanda Trethewey
Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours: bunchesoffuntours@ gmail.com; 624-4297; Evin Zabaneh
SCHOOLS (PIA) Peninsula International Academy: peninsulaacademy.org; 631-7648; Selena Lucas SHOPPING & GENERAL PRODUCT & REPAIR Added Touch /The: rrobin@btl.net;223-0054 or 223-1461; Robin McCutheon Art Affair Gallery/The: jenari_13@yahoo.com 604-1906 ot 503-3206 Ernest Garcia & Jeanna Casey Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas: wmertensbelize@gmail.com; 5233625 Wini Mertens & Steve Lobban Cardelli (Shrimp) Farms Ltd.: lact57@yahoo.com; 610-0480; Linda Thornton Doran’s Services: takunchances@yahoo.com; 670-4130; Doran Yount Goss Chocolate: linnbluecrabbeach@gmail.com 523-3544 or 523-3542 Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Lola’s Art Gallery: lolasartgallery@yahoo.com 523-3342/601-1913
Cayequest Tours: cayequest@gmail.com; Mark Leslie; 633-6330 or 664-8699 Daytripper Catamaran: daytrippercatamaran@gmail.com; 666-3117 Destinations Belize: mtoy@destinationsbelize.com 523-4018 or 610-4718; Mary Toy Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club:belize@tradewindscruiseclub. com; 523-3303; Melissa Rea
TOUR OPERATORS & TRAVEL AGENTS
PLACENCIA PENINSULA ANNUAL EVENTS
Placencia Eagle Ray Tours: eagleray33@gmail.com 661-9516 or 602-9315 Tricia Hernandez & Rene Leslie
JANUARY: New Year’s Eve Parties are held at most bars & resorts. Take advantage of dinner & drink specials, party favors & great music! Look out for fireworks! Rotary Club Winter Beach Olympics.Register your team for fun & competitive games on the beach while supporting the Rotary Club of Placencia.
Quest for Adventure in Belize w/ Splash Ltd.: ralph@splashbelize.com 610-1278; Ralph Capeling Splash Dive Center: patricia@splashbelize.com ; 523-3058 or 610-0235 Patricia Ramirez Trip N Travel: lgodfrey@btl.net; 523-3205 or 523-3205;Laura Godfrey INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Celeste, Donna: bodie1949@yahoo.com Cohen, Howard & Karen: howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca; 622-6695
PlacenciaAdventures by Land or Sea: placenciaadventures@yahoo. com; 523-3307 or 622-1886; Ainsworth “Cubby” Leslie
Please note some members offer additional services: KEY: * Restaurant **Tour Operator ***Property Rentals
MARCH: Flaming Heart Ball Featuring The Taste of the Peninsula Sample a wide range of cuisine contributed by participating Peninsula restaurants & home cooks. Proceeds benefit the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department. March 7. APRIL: Easter Break Join the crowds & go wild! Beach hotspots like the Tipsy Tuna holds bikini & physique competitions, eating contests and more throughout the raucous Easter holidays! Squeeze into packed bars and clubs & party all night long to popular DJs. APRIL 2015 Placencia Humane Society’s Furball: A big party usually held at a local bar. Expect live music and great prizes! Proceeds benefit the Placencia Humane Society.
Coston, Debbie: debcoston@yahoo.com; 523-8001 Edwards, Dan & Kim: thislldo.dan@gmail.com; 622-1656 Dial, Mary Ann: madialinbze@yahoo.com; 523-3209 Dusa, Lee & Gail: gail@getdusa.com; 5233500 Fairs, Rick & Brigitte: ridgwood@telusplanet.net; 6286533 Feldman, Babe & Karen: cabf@jasarinc.com; 610-0356 Ford, David: dfordassociates@gmail.com; 6217587 Ferris, Ken: kenneth.ferris@asu.edu; 636-8675 Friedeck, Maureen & Mike: mnm4664@msn.com 604-0796 Fuller, Fred & Jacque: jacquecfuller@yahoo.com; 628-0992 or 629-6429
JUNE: Placencia Lobsterfest A mega beach party like no other in Belize organized by the Placencia BTIA & Placencia Village Council. Celebrate Placencia & its bounty of good food and people. Enjoy live musical performances, kids & family games and take a chance in the legendary Placencia Lobsterfest Raffle. JUNE 19-20-21, 2015 JULY: Rotary Club Summer Beach Olympics. Register your team for fun & competitive games on the beach while supporting the Rotary Club of Placencia. SEPTEMBER: The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day. SEPT. 10, 2015 Saltwater Fishing Tournament. SEPT. 19 & 20, 2015 Independence Day Carnival. SEPT. 21, 2015 Celebrations are held throughout September leading up to Sept. 10 celebrating the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day & Sept. 21, Independence Day. Enjoy small patriotic pageants and parades to large celebrations like the Independence Day Carnival Parade. Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Placencia BTIA’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament where anglers can win large cash prizes totalling up $10,000! OCTOBER: Barefoot Bar’s Halloween Party: Held the weekend closest to Halloween. Join Halloween enthusiasts from Placencia & all over Belize at the biggest Halloween party in the area. Costume prizes, drink specials & visiting DJ. Rotary Spooktacular Haunted House Held on Halloween, this is sure to scare your kids! Expertly set up by the Rotary Club. NOVEMBER: Garifuna Settlement Day. NOV. 19, 2015 DECEMBER: Placencia Mistletoe Ball. End of the World Placencia Marathon and Half Marathon
Joy Tours: joytour@btl.net; 523-3325; Hubert & Karen Young Moorings/The: mooringsbelize@btl.net 523-3351 or 604-2861 Renee Brown
FEBRUARY: Rotary Auction. Support the organization’s biggest fundraiser & bid on impressive donated items on Feb. 7, 2015. Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival. Pick up the ultimate souvenir from Belize’s best artists & check out the local music scene. Organized by the Placencia BTIA. Feb. 14-15, 2015
The Belize Tourism Industry was formed in 1985 to bring together tourism and tourism related interests to meet the challenges of a dynamic and growing industry in Belize. BTIA was intended and continues to develop as the accepted and recognized voice of the tourism industry in Belize and provides an important link between public and private sectors. The Placencia BTIA holds the largest membership in Belize.
HANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS Small 0-10 employees $200.00
Medium 11-50 employees $500.00
Large 51+ employees $1,500.00
HANNUAL PERSONAL MEMBERSHIPS Student Membership Associate Membership Individual Membership Currently enrolled students of a Current fulltime employees of Open to anyone else wishing to Belizean high school or university member businesses support our mission! $100.00 $50.00 $25.00
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 18
A Belizean Nirvana 55-D4 Above Ground Coffee 18-C4 Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas 92-A2 Barefoot Bar 39-D3 Barefoot Services 9-D3 Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club 98-A2 Blue Garden House 88-E2 Boris Mannsfeld & Associates 97-C4 Brewed Awakenings 47-D2 Captain Jak’s Cabanas 52-D2 Caribbean Travel & Tours 8-D3 Casa Del Sol 76-F3 Casa Palma 56-E3 Casa Placencia 81-F2 Century21 BTAL 93-B4 Coconut Cottage 54-D4 Colibri House 55-E3 CPC Reality 43-C3 Destinations Belize 42-C4 Dolce Cabana 64-E2 Easy Living Apartments 57-C4 Eloise’s Guesthouse 58-C3 French Louie Caye 33-D3 George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse 89-E3 Dawn’s Grill 17-C3 Guild & Guild Consulting 10-F2 Harbor Hideaway 88-E1 Harry’s Cozy Cabanas 61-B3 Hatchet Caye 35-E5 Hatchet Caye Office 35-C1 J-Dees Restaurant & Bar 20-D3 Jewel of Placencia 27-C4 Joy Tours 44-C3 Julia’s Cabanas 62-E3 Leslie Tech Service 46-D3 Lydia’s Guesthouse 64-E3 Manatee Inn 65-F3 Maya Lodge 66-E2 Michelo Flats 67-F2 Miramar Apartments 68-E3 Mirasol Villa 69-C4 MnM Hardware Placencia 96-D3 One World Rental 70-C4 Paradise Vacation Resort 71-B3 Pickled Parrot Rest. & Bar 26-C3 Placencia Bazaar 7-D3 Placencia Yacht Club 34-A5 Property Pro Belize 43-C3 Quest for Adventures 47-F2 Ranguana Lodge 30-E3 Re/Max Property Center 39-D3 Rumfish y Vino 43-C3 Sea Glass Inn 56-B3 Seaspray Hotel 79-E3 Sea View Suites 63-C4 Secret Garden Day Spa 4-C3 Secret Garden Restaurant & Bar 24-C3 Silver Leaf 90-E2 Siripohn Thai Massage 8-D3 Southern Environmental Ass. 95-D3 Sunset Pointe Condos 40-A1 Splash Dive Center (Sales Office) 49-D2 Splash Main Office 19-C3 Sunova Boutique 46-D3 Tarpon Caye Lodge 45-E3 Tarpon Caye Main Office 46-D3.5 The Arches 86-E5 The Flamboyant 28-C4 The North Beach 73-E3 The Purple Space Monkey 41-C3 The Shak Beach Café 16-C4 The Yellow House 74-D3 The Village Inn 31-F3 Three Iguanas Villa 86-E2 Tipsy Tuna 40-D3 Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit 17-E3 Toucan Lulu 75-F3 Tree of Life 8-D3
Trip N Travel Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor Whipray Caye Lodge White Sand Villa Yello Bella Yoli’s Bar
51-C4 43-C3 32-E5 82-C3 29-F2 21-B3
www.facebook.com/PlacenciaTourismCenterBelize www.facebook.com/PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival www.facebook.com/ThePlacenciaBreeze www.facebook.com/PlacenciaLobsterfestBelize www.facebook.com/placenciafishingtournament www.facebook.com/placenciamistletoeball Don’t miss a beat!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 19
Tony Declares Placencia “Queen of Caribbean Cuisine” a wide range of regional Indian dishes. I love samosas Over 20 years of meeting with my and it was a reveinternational graduate students in lation to find how the Ticino and Northern Italy, I superbly Daljeet came to love gnocchi. Most Ital- prepared them. ian restaurants in the United States serve southern style food and the Watch sunset over few northern style rarely offer gn- the lagoon while occhi, almost always disappointing. savouring guacaImagine my delight at finding in our mole and margaritas small village that Simone of Dolce at Habanero, which Vita makes gnocchi (and many offers many Mexiother dishes) as well as any I’ve can dishes includenjoyed in Italy. For more Italian ing chicken mole. excellence, savor real fruit gelato at Across the road consult lunar tables Tutti Frutti. in order to dine on During visits to conjugal relatives Robert’s Grove’s in Holland, my favourite meal there terrace while the became Rijsttafel – many small moon silvers the dishes typical of far-flung Indone- lagoon, preferably sian islands. Having long sought while mouth-waterthat dish in the US, it has been ing dishes are preamazing to discover it at Turtle Inn, pared right at your thanks to its Dutch manager, Martin table. Krediet. Tiger Beach Club Head Chef Daljeet Singh prepares tanFor many years I doori chicken. The Indian restaurant is one of several Studying in San Francisco I almost believed that no dining spots that has brought global tastes to the small lived on dim sum and give thanks fish dish could ex- Peninsula. (FRANKIE GAGLIANO) to Amy Chen and all at Dragon Fly cel the turbot preMoon for an excellent selection as pared by Madame Glibert in Paris. appetite and send you off to make well as a number of other Chinese In Placencia there are at least two your own culinary discoveries. Fine dishes. Every Friday, fans line up strong contenders. At the Maya new eating places are opening all for authentic Thai dishes prepared Beach Hotel Bistro, John Lee offers the time. by beautiful Siriphon in her own a delectable nut-encrusted fillet. His All honor and praise to everyone – kitchen. Singing Sands offers zesty lunch time fish and chips rival any owners, chefs, purveyors, waiters, Korean and other Asian dinners in enjoyed in my native England. On dishwashers and you, the indispensexquisite décor. two occasions chefs at Rumfish y able customers – who are joining All lovers of good food are indebt- Vino found me in their kitchen of- together to make our dear village – ed to Frankie Gagliano who flew fering congratulations and tips for “Queen of Caribbean Cuisine!” to India to recruit a master chef for outstanding preparations of snook his new Tiger Restaurant, bringing or snapper supplemented by (all too back Daljeet Singh from a leading rare) perfectly cooked vegetables. – Tony Pierce is a retired political hotel in Mumbai. Every day Dal Hopefully these notes on just some science professor who divides his time Jeet grinds fresh spices to enhance of our restaurants will whet your between Vermont and Placencia Village. me some personal comparisons of favourite dishes.
By Tony Pierce Contributing Writer P. 523-4052
F
or many years travellers of the Caribbean could count on sun and sea, but rarely on an excellent meal. Gradually that dismal culinary scene has changed, especially in a few outstanding destinations. In my experience, supplemented by many conversations and reports, nowhere can visitors to these southern seas be as well dined as in our small Peninsula. Without hesitation, I proclaim Placencia – “Queen of Caribbean Cuisine,” both for superior cooking and for an astounding range of ethnic restaurants.
First and foremost, we are well served by excellent and economical Creole restaurants on Main Street, Placencia Village. Dawn’s Grill, Omar’s Creole Grub, Wendy’s Spanish and Creole Restaurant and on the cove – Cozy Corner, De’ Tatch, The Shak and Yoli’s. For our international establishments, allow
Heads of States Meet in Placencia for Regional Summit The Placencia Peninsula made national headlines in December when the Belize Ocean Club hosted the 44th SICA Summit of Heads of State. “(… ) I welcome you to our beautiful southern shores (…) in doing so I continue a long tradition of Belizean hospitality,” stated Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow at the event’s opening ceremony. Four presidents and the Prime Minister were among the special dignitaries representing six of the eight countries comprising the Central American Inte-
gration System (SICA) at the summit. Some arrived in private jets, which were the first aircrafts to make landing on the partially completed international airport at the site near Riversdale. While the SICA Summit is organized to discuss economic and political matters of the respective countries comprising the group, for the Placencia Peninsula, the event gave an extra boost to the local tourism industry. Many of the dignitaries and their aides supported local restaurants and stayed at different hotels spanning from Maya Beach to Placencia Village. The Belize Ocean Club was especially thrilled to host the event and showcase their recently renovated buildings to the visitors, many of whom expressed a desire to return. The resort’s lagoon side build-
Left: Dignitaries enter the Belize Ocean Club lagoon side Shore House by boat. Above: The hall has marked the Peninsula as a top destination in Belize to host future national and regional events. (ANNA PERIGO)
ing has hosted several major events including the Placencia Mistletoe Ball and most recently, the Belize Electronic Music Weekend dance party. Having a space fit for a meeting of nation lead-
ers, the Placencia Peninsula has now established itself as a destination for many more top class affairs.▪ Article by Breeze Editor, Jolie Pollard.
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Sidewalk Arts Festival Kicks Off Valentine’s Weekend! Continued from front page. from the Peninsula to come together and showcase art of all forms to visitors. It proved itself a successful event for the artists too,who were able to sell their work in a community that was still growing as a prime tourist destination. Other members of that first planning committee who resided in the area included Coral Bevier, Barbara Edwick, Jack Linker, Blanche “Bianca” Barkan-Felsher (deceased), Floriana Corbelli (deceased), Carrie Fairweather (deceased) and Robert Fox. This year’s 12 celebration will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, 2015 along the popular Placencia Village Sidewalk, which runs parallel to the striking coastline. Since 2010 when the Arts Council disbanded, the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association has continued to spearhead the event. th
spot along the sidewalk, and many more are expected to sign up as the weekend draws near. The colourful array of art that will be available for purchase runs the gamut from paintings to jewelry, wooden ornaments, handcrafted soaps, hand blown glass, pottery, hand sewn garments and more.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 20
Following the Art Council’s tradition started at the first event, stunning artwork will also be displayed on the official Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival T-shirt. This year’s design features a colour-
Hanging coconut fish from Placencia Pop Up Art by Annette and Sonny Vernon will be one of many crafts on sale at the festival. (AGNES BALAWEJDER-BUSCH)
bags and much
ful Dali-esque psychedelic drawing by Yolie Brown. The design is similar to one that Brown designed for the Lake City Uncorked Wine and Music Festival held in Colorado this past September. Brown said that in this design, she gave her guitar lady a tropical makeover with a tan. T-shirts will be on sale at the festival for BZ$30 and tanks will be available for BZ$35 each. The Placencia BTIA will be selling festival keepsake postersfor just BZ$15.
(501) 523-3666 / 631-9622
RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize
Visitors to the Festival can expect to find a piece of Belize in much of the art on display. It could be a lionfish tail hanging from a necklace, a bracelet of cohune seeds from the rainforest, soaps using local jungle herbs and Belize’s prized coconut oil, fine home décor created from beautiful local woods, a painting According to organizers Cindy capturing a scenic view of the vilWeller and Jonnell Augustine work- lage or even a hanging coconut fish ing for the Placencia BTIA, over 20 ornament expertly painted by a lo- The entertainment line-up during the weekend includes Emmeth artists have already registered for a cal artist.
Young and the Talla Walla Band,Frank Tate, Pen Cayetano,Fyah Gyal and a performance by the Pannerifix Steel Drum Band. In an effort to recognize the founders of the popular event, the Placencia BTIA is opening up this year’s entertainment schedule for a live poetry session in honor of Carrie Fairweather-Belgrave. The popular and published Belizean poet is a well-known figure in Belize in the arts and tourism. She ran a successful travel agency in New York before moving to Placencia where she owned and operated Serenade Hotel and had family ties. Fairweather-Belgrave had also appeared in several episodes of the Belize Television series, “No Matta Wat.” All poets are invited to share their talent under the entertainment tent. The Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival is one of four major fundraisers for the Placencia BTIA. Other fundraising events in support of the non-profit organization include the Placencia Lobsterfest in June, the Placencia Saltwater Fishing Tournament in September and the Placencia Mistletoe Ball in December. For more information, visit the event Facebook page at facebook/PlacenciaSidewalkArtsMusicFestival.▪ Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 21
DJs Bring Electrifying Beats to Placencia Continued from front page.
The Belize Electronic Music Weekend (BEMW) was the brain child of Marcus and Anna Perigo, founders of Sisimito Records, the first electronic dance music (EDM) label and events production company in Belize. Sisimito Records has already begun to plan next year’s full weekend of parties and are expecting a number of EDM lovers to travel to the Peninsula for the event. “Our DJs have spread the word and told everyone how beautiful this location is and how much fun they had playing here. People are excited,” said Anna.
where EDM fans kept their feet moving until midnight. Among the guest DJs who spun intoxicating beats were Ominous from Puerto Rico who treated the crowd to a live EDM production using a mix of instruments. On Sunday, the music shifted to downtempo at the Deep Chill Pool Party at the Belize Ocean Club where the dancing groove still continued with an endless supply of cocktails and food.
The impressive DJ lineup for the first-time event included talented artists travelling from different Activities started on Friday after- destinations in the world where the noon at a free dock party in Pla- EDM scene has grown into major cencia Village hosted by The Shak tourist attractions. Beach Café where tickets were sold Ominous, featuring Rad and Jonny for the big event later in the night. Cruz of City Living Productions The grand EDM launch took place travelled from San Juan, Puerto along the Placencia Lagoon near Rico. Many EDM fans are familthe northern end of the Peninsula iar with Jonny Cruz, who is also a at the Belize Ocean Club’s Shore producer and has released tracks on House, which recently hosted the several successful labels including Mistletoe Ball fundraising holiday Cocoon, Supernature, Poker Flat, gala for the local chapter of the Be- Souvenir Music and My favourite lize Tourism Industry Association. Robot. The elegant venue was transformed into an electrifying night club at- Traveling the farthest distance for mosphere inside complete with siz- the event was Filipa Lazary (aka zling gogo dancer. Outside Sisimito Golden Ratio) of Ibiza, Spain. She Records created an otherworldly has been featured in the lineup of lounge scene with visuals by Skip huge electronic music festivals acWeaver’s Belize FilmWorks (also commodating thousands such as filming on site), an intimate bonfire the popular Burning Man Festival and a live performance by resident in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, fire dancer, Stephanie Wandke (aka the Coincidance Festival in Playa Fyah Gyal) on the dock extending Del Carmen, Mexico and the Boom into the lagoon. The atmosphere Festival in Portugal. gave birth to many new friendships Also not a stranger to massive elecamong party people from different tronic music scenes was DJ Mar-C destinations who kept the positive who splits her time between Berlin, vibes flowing throughout the week- Germany and Playa Del Carmen, end. Mexico. Mar-C was one of 200 artOn Saturday, the party continued ists who kicked off the New Year at at the southern end of the Penin- the highly celebrated BPM Festival sula at the Tipsy Tuna Beach Bar in Playa. starting at three in the afternoon
Clockwise: Gogo dancer performs inside the Belize Ocean Club Shore House at the opening party for Belize Electronic Music Weekend. Jonny Cruz visiting from Puerto Rico was one of 12 DJs spinning electronic dance beats throughout the weekend. Some people attending the event danced for hours into the early morning. Marcus and Anna Perigo of Sisimito Records pose with Ben Mason of BOC; Sisimito Records are already planning their next party. (LEONARDO MELENDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
Organizer of the legendary Sunjam Festival in Honduras, DJ Luis Maier also participated in BEMW. Maier’s production company the Funtime Society kicked off a threeday dance party in Utila on New Year’s Eve where Marcus Perigo was among the featured artists in the lineup. Margot Lox (Los Angeles, USA) also played at BEMW as a part of her nine-month worldwide tour. Other DJs performing sets for the weekend were Lightyearz (London), Memo Bacca (Nicaragua), Ossy Games (Honduras) and Sisimito DJ Uwe K (Hopkins, Belize).
tronic music lovers from around the world, started just 10 years ago with only 300 people, Sisimito Records maintain that BEMW has modest ambitions for the future. “We want to continue to provide this exclusive feel, and the timing of the party is conveniently connected to BPM, allowing all those electronic music lovers that are already in the area to travel across the border to visit our beautiful country,” said Anna Perigo. “All our visiting DJs were just thrilled and honored to participate in this historic event for electronic music in Belize,” she said. “It was different to play in While some electronic music such an intimate atmosphere, but scenes such as Playa’s BPM Festithey loved the change,” she added. val, which now attracts 50,000 elecFor updates on future EDM events on the Placencia Peninsula, visit Sisimito Records Facebook page at facebook. com/sisimitorecords.▪ Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 22
Mariposa Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant Takes Flight Continued from page 9. holiday dinners, and wine tasting events. On New Year’s Eve Mariposa hosted a special prime rib dinner followed by an evening beach party, complete with appetizers, drinks, live music, and a bonfire to celebrate the New Year. The restaurant and bar at Mariposa are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and their menu includes a variety of regional favorites and locally inspired dishes. For breakfast, guests can choose between eggs prepared any style served with hashbrowns and toast, or light and fluffy pancakes, Eggs Benedict, or breakfast burritos. Fruit, bacon, or ham can be added as sides. The variety of fruit juices, coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, and espresso are plentiful. For lunch, classic favorites such as burgers, chicken strips, and French dips grace the menu alongside hearty meatball sandwiches, Caesar salads, and sides. Appetizers such as ceviche, bruschetta, nachos, peel and eat shrimp, boneless wings, and fritters provide diners plenty of choices. For dinner, Mariposa offers a variety of pastas, perfectly aged steaks, pork tenderloins, and a chicken dish, as well as locally caught fish, lobster, and other seafood. Diners are encouraged to top any meal off with their choice of cheesecake, TuttiFruitti “Mud Pie,” chocolate mousse, or dessert coffee. With its variety of flavors and choices, Mariposa’s menu appears to offer something for even the most finicky diner. The restaurant, bed and breakfast also has a surprisingly well-supplied bar, offering an extensive selection of domestic and imported beers, Chilean wines, and liquors, including many top-shelf selections of rum, whiskey, gin, scotch, tequila, cognac, and two aged ports. Specialty drinks, such as the curiously named Fire ant Torture, Horny Monkey, Dirty Banana, or Drunken Gecko, are sure to elicit a smile when ordered, and a murmur of appreciation when tasted. Mariposa is also gaining a following for their daily happy hour, possibly due to great prices, or possibly because happy “hour” actually runs from 3– 5 p.m. A few examples of happy hour prices include local beers for only $3.50, local rums and vodkas for $4, and half-price appetizers, as well as discounts on other select imported beers, wine, and liquors. While Mariposa is by design a serene, tropical oasis where guests can relax and disconnect from the pressures of life, the staff is also happy to help their guests arrange any excursionor adventure they may find appealing with local guides. From in-room Thai massages provided by our local experts, snorkeling, fishing, and diving trips, to tours of the nearby chocolate factory, banana farm, or jaguar preserve, and much, much more, Mariposa is always ready to help coordinate adventures for their guests. With its large list of amenities, fine food and drink, tastefully appointed accommodations, and staff ready to accommodate a guest’s every need, it’s no wonder that Mariposa is quickly becoming popular with both residents and visitors to the Placencia Peninsula. The Maddisons thank the following individuals for their support, knowledge and guidance as restaurant and BnB owners in Placencia: “Laura at Office Supply for her gorgeous design of the Mariposa logo, Martin at Turtle Inn, our closest neighbor who runs an incredible resort with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that he shares openly, Ms. Kitty Fox for her inspiration, recipes and support as one of the first restaurant and
BnB owners in Placencia 30 years ago, the Placencia Village Council, the police and fire departments for their support and last but not least all the wonderful people of Placencia, Seine Bight, Maya Beach; restaurant owners, businesses, locals and visitors.” For more information about Mariposa Restaurant, Bed and Breakfast, check out their website at www.mariposabelizebeach.com, give them at call at +(501) 523-4474, or e-mail reservations@mariposabelizebeach.com. Mariposa can also be found on Facebook and Trip Advisor.▪ Left: Mariposa’s pool adds to the serene oasis. (MADDISONS)
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 23
Placencia BTIA Elects New Board for 2015
▫ Stewart Krohn charts destination’s future as outgoing chairman at chapter’s AGM The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association will be showing a new look for 2015. Board elections were held late last year at the Robert’s Grove Conference Room at the Chapter’s 27th annual general meeting. Members were addressed by two top officials from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) as well as outgoing PBTIA Chairman Stewart Krohn, who held the position for four consecutive years.
BTIA Chairlady Dr. Carla Barnett were the special invited guests for the evening. Bevans, who was appointed in April 2014 following a long executive career with Belize Telemedia Limited, updated members on the continuing growth of the industry.
Former councilor Evan Hall was elected as the new chairman and Steve Christensen retained his seat as vice chairman. Local pastry chef and cook Cleeve Westby, owner of Fantoni’s Kitchen in Maya Beach, was the newly elected board member joining the team as councillor. Westby is also a former staff member of the Placencia Tourism Center, headquarters for the PBTIA where he was in charge of marketing, as well as a key player in the Chapter’s event planning efforts. Other councillors retaining their seats on the board were Salvador “Salva” Zabaneh, Kristine Small and Village Council Chairlady Ilsa Villanueva. Veteran board member, Dave Vernon, continues to serve as board treasurer.
Barnett, a career public officer who has held top spots with both the Belize Government and regional bodies, shared the Newly elected board gathers for group shot. Left to Right: David Vernon, Evan Hall, Kristine Small, government’s com- Steve Christensen, Ilsa Villanueva, Cleeve Westby and Salva Zabaneh. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY) mitment to advancof Norwegian Cruise Line’s private pertise and critical revenue streams ing the industry citing the impleport at Harvest Caye. Krohn also to manage the leadership of an inmentation of BTB’s Master Plan to informed the membership that af- creasingly unique and valuable achieve sustainable tourism. ter meetings with the Peninsula’s tourism destination. ▪ Following Barnett’s presentation, respective councils, the BTIA will Article by Breeze Editor, Jolie Pollard. Former Chairman Stewart Krohn seek to collaborate with was quick to point out the BTB’s legitimate efforts to mitfailure to follow that same Mas- igate the negative effects ter Plan which specifically recom- of the cruise ship project. mended no mass cruise tourism in Krohn also championed southern Belize. Krohn updated the his incessant call for members on the BTIA’s court case keeping authentic touragainst the Department of Environism on the Peninsula and ment (DOE) for its alleged failure urged members to be BTB Director Karen Bevans and to follow procedure in its approval involved in the community. He also expressed his hope that the respective Village Councils would work together to solve the Peninsula vilStewart Krohn highlighted urgent issues left to be tion received three computers while lage boundary issue and addressed by the organization in his final speech as the Domestic Violence, Traffic and work to acquire the ex- chairman. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTO.) Tourism Police Units and the station’s appointed national online database system manager, each received one computer. The U.S. Embassy also donated a printer and a scanner to the station.
U.S. Embassy Donates Computers to Placencia Police Station
By Kayla Flowers Contributing Writer kaylaflowers936@yahoo.com
The United States Embassy has donated 12 brand new computers to the Placencia Police Station to assist officers with better filing of reports and documents for nationwide police briefings. Embassy representatives visited the station on Saturday, Jan. 31 to present their donations. According to Inspector Dennis Miles, each unit of the Police Department has received a computer. The Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) at the Placencia Police Sta-
The donation is a second advancement for technology at the Placencia Peninsula police headquarters. Recently the Belize Police Department had equipped the station with cameras and monitors, which allows the Inspector and Sergeant to watch over cellmates and officers at work. During the weekend of the U.S. Embassy’s donations, training was also conducted to teach officers how to record more efficient reports. The inspector says the new improvements should be a significant enhancement for current reporting procedures and will improve the filing of records in the national Police Department’s database. ▪
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 24
Placencia Rotarians Form Junior “Interact” Club Eighteen teenagers from the Placencia Peninsula have stepped up to perform community service on behalf of the Rotary Club of Placencia. The new Interact Club was formed in late 2014 and held its official charter ceremony on Jan. 31.
Members of the junior club have already demonstrated their commitment to Rotary’s mission. In December, board members organized a bake sale at the Placencia Village Council’s Christmas boat parade at the Placencia Municipal Pier where they raised over $250. Funds raised at their various events will help they with their planned projects to help the village. Members of the club are between the ages of 12 and 18. Governming members are Andrea Chirinos (president), Donovan Kaige Tejani (treasurer) and Alyssa Faux (secretary.) Chirinos says the clubs has great projects planned for 2015. ▪ Article submitted by Interact.
Designer of Sidewalk Fest Art Channels Years of Creative Energy into Masterpiece continued from page 11.
Rotary’s new junior club members gather after official charter ceremony at the Placencia Community Center. Club President Andrea Chirinos says the club plans to work on several community service projects in 2015. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY)
tor had found Brown to be that one student who painted intuitively after 40 years of teaching over 4,000 others, Brown said she felt an immediate shot to her ego, but then “a total release of ego.” “I have always
approached my creative pursuits as a medidation and felt that they came not from me, but through me, so I could not take credit for it,” she said.
Calling it a case of synchronicity, Brown said she then began to receive commissions to design festival posters. She is designing the continued on page 26
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 25
New Inspector Seeks to Upgrade Policing There’s a new “sheriff” in town. Since Inspector Mark Flowers left the Placencia Police formation to lead the Gang Supression Unit based in Belize City, a new commanding officer has been tasked to lead policing efforts on the Peninsula, and he has already made some notable changes. Inspector Dennis Miles, originally from Roaring Creek Village near Belmopan, started his new job on the first of September. The inspector accepted the appointment by the Belize Commissioner of Police following a long and successful career working nationwide in various capacities including detective and prosecutor. Miles said he enthusiastically joined the Belize Police Force in 1993 at just 18 years of age following a brief stint as a postman in Belmopan. Since then he has successfully scaled the ranks of the department working as constable, corporal, sergeant and inspector. He has held positions in high profile sections of the Police Department such as the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigations Branch and holds a Certificate in Criminal Law from the University of the West Indies. Although the Placencia Peninsula has a far lower crime rate than the inspector’s previous posts, Miles has been busy assessing needs for improvement at the Placencia formation and implementing new initiatives and crime prevention programs.
Since taking charge of the Placencia Peninsula in September 2014, Inspector Dennis Miles has already stepped up policing efforts.
Peninsula where officers interact directly with residents to discuss policing and reporting procedures and to also collect surveys on residents’ concerns, opinions and suggestions. The first Meet and Greet was conducted in Seine Bight on Jan. 27 and another is being planned for Placencia. The activity will be conducted several times in each community throughout the year. According to Miles, burglaries and domestic violence are among the major issues to address on the Peninsula. Cognizant of the tendency for burglaries to take place near beach front properties, Miles has increased patrols in those areas and cautions residents who like to leave doors open. As for finding a way to P.C. George Fernandez is the Placencia Peninsula’s new traffic officer. The post is address the sensitivity of domestic one of two created by Inspector Miles who also saw the need for a domestic violence violence incidents, Miles says he unit, which is being led by P.C. Tabitha Mes, below. (JOLIE POLLARD) plans to accommodate the new unit in its own private space on the police compound for the privacy of those concerned.
Since taking the reins, he has created two new posts at the Placencia Village station. P.C. Tabitha Mes is now the first Domestic Violence Officer on the Peninsula and P.C. George Fernandez is in charge of handling growing vehicular congestion and other concerns as Traffic Officer in addition to delivering Additional plans for improvements include completing the all summonses. rehabilitation of the Seine Bight Recognizing a need for proactive station, which was recently measures for youth in Seine Bight, closed due to inhospitable conMiles has successfully revitalized a ditions, and requesting assiscadet corps in the village which was tance from the Government of first initiated by Community Polic- Belize to convert living quaring Officer P.C. Claudius Cardinez. ters above the police station in The group includes 47 young males Placencia Village into critically ranging from ages eight to 17. Ac- needed office space. Miles has cording to Cardinez, Miles and the also restored a frayed relationmanaging officer of the Placencia ship with the Placencia People’s Police station, Sergeant Pedro Ical, Coalition group led by Norman have offered crucial support to the “Dudu” Leslie, which exists to program. The young cadets meet coordinate community assistwice a week to learn discipline in tance for the Placencia Police as line with police academy training. well as address any community In addition to restoring the crime concerns with the department.▪ prevention initiative in Seine Bight, Miles has also launched a new “Meet and Greet” program on the
Officers collect opinions on policing from Seine Bight Village resident Elivs Duncan. The “Meet and Greet” activity is one of Miles’ new initiatives to bring the police and the community closer together. (CLAUDIUS CARDINEZ)
Domestic Violence Officer P.C. Tabitha Mes borrows a desk in a small office space shared by Seargent Pedro Ical and Inspector Dennis Miles. The inspector says he is working Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard. to address the critical need for office expansion at the station and is hoping to receive authorization to move offices to the second floor of the station, which currently serves as residential space. (JOLIE POLLARD)
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 26
Youth Center to Raise Funds at Arts Fest Children between the ages of five and 14 will be delighted to discover The Outlet Youth Center’s tent at the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival. Volunteers working with the local non-profit have been working tirelessly to design creative
chairman, Dave Vernon, the nominal fees charged to participate in projects at the booth will assist the youth center with their daily activities in the village. Vernon says the center has been busy since the New Year started offering programs
opt to be creative with a selection of pre-drilled bottle caps that they can use to make wind chimes, dream catchers and whatever else they choose, said Vernon.
falling under five different themes including sports, art, music, education and nature scout. The homework club alone in the education category serves close to 30 youths after
grand raffle, which the youth center will be drawing on Sunday at their booth. Vernon says he and fellow board members have been soliciting prizes from local businesses including resorts and restaurants.
Anna Muslar supervises children taking advantage of programs offered at The Outlet Youth Center in Placencia Village after school hours. Proceeds from the nonprofit’s art and raffle tent at the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival will support the youth center’s operations and purchase materials and equipment such as footballs for the youth learning the sport (right). (ALINE HABIB)
fundraising projects that will keep young festival goers engaged with the art world and give their parents and guardians a little free time too. According to The Outlet’s board
Designer of Sidewalk Fest Art Channels Years of Creative Energy into Masterpiece continued from page 24.
Parents can also support The Outlet by purchasing a chance in a
The Outlet Youth Center was founded in by Aline Habib and Anton Leslie. In addition to Vernon and Habib other board members include Gilschool hours. lian Eyles-Zabaneh of Tipsy Tuna, The Outlet’s booth will be stocked Jenria Lozano of the Placencia Vilwith individual canvas panels pre- lage Council, Ellis of Belize Bank, pared for children to paint with an Lovey Eiley of St. John’s Anglican assortment of colors. They can also Memorial Anglican School, Claudiart for the upcoming Belize Mind, Body, Sports Festival at the Belize Ocean Club in April and in August she will be the featured artist at a prestigious gallery in Colorado.
Brown says she is humbled at the response she has received from the Placencia Peninsula community and fans of the Sidewalk Arts Festival.
us Cardinez of the Placencia Police and Shalini Cawich, a grant consultant. The Center currently employs Anna Muslar, who shares her time as a volunteer at St. John’s, and Ciara Vernon to coordinate activities. “We are certainly serving our pur-
pose to be an outlet for healthy and constructive activities in the village for youth,” said Vernon who recognized that children had previously felt alienated in a tourist destination that catered primarily to adult recreational desires. “But we need the help of volunteers to keep us going,” he added. In addition to volunteers, those willing to support The Outlet can also donate materials such as paints, canvas and sports equipment.▪ Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard.
You can find Yolie Brown leading Zumba dance parties at the Tipsy Tuna on Friday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard.
PENINSUL A CL ASSIFIEDS LIQUOR LICENSE AD
Notice is hereby given that Doug Ingersoll is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Thunderbirds Marine Boatyard in Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
PUBLIC NOTICE The registration title for the boat vessel “TRACY” belonging to Ivan Leslie of Placencia Village was lost. A new registration form as required by Part III of Harbors & Merchants Shipping Act, Chap. 234 of the Consolidated Laws of Belize Revised Ed. 2000 has been requested.
LIQUOR LICENSE AD Notice is hereby given that Frank DaSilva is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Mango’s in Maya Beach, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
PUBLIC NOTICE The registration title for the boat vessel “QUEEN ANN” belonging to John Ramirez of Seine Bight Village was lost. A new registration form as required by Part III of Harbors & Merchants Shipping Act, Chap. 234 of the Consolidated Laws of Belize Revised Ed. 2000 has been requested.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 27
Santa and Helpers Mark 10th Year of Toy Giveaways
T
he holiday season on the Placencia Peninsula was in full force starting a few days prior to Christmas Eve and leading up to New Year’s Day. Talent shows, a Christmas parade, Garifuna Jankunu dancing, Creole bramming, restaurant dinner specials, night club parties, church services, a toy giveaway and a colourful boat parade coupled with fireworks kept the season cheerful and alive.
up with close to 300 other children on the Placencia Village basketball court to greet Santa and his elf and later have Santa give you what you
According to Eiley, a generous gift from the Rotary Club of Edmonton in Canada greatly assisted with this year’s program. Eiley and Wade
While many adults enjoyed the revelry of the season, for the children on the Peninsula, there was something especially magical about it all.
event have been coordinating the program for 10 years. The ladies have received overwhelming support from businesses, individuals and organizations including the Rotary club over the past decade. A few helpers have also stuck around for some time too. One of Santa’s helpers has been visiting the basketball court for the event since she was there to receive her first gift from the man in the red suit. “It was a doll with long curly hair,” recalled 14-year-old Kenima Tucker, who was just four when the event was launched. After learning Santa was a mythical tale, Kenima then evolved into a prized volunteer. This year she was around to see her younger siblings receive their presents.
Perhaps it was Santa Claus (aka Steve Wade with a real ‘white-ish’ beard) or maybe it was Santa’s elf (aka Marie Wetzel). It could have Tracey Eiley and Kathy Wade say been the thrill of annoying adults they are most appreciative of all the and torturing their pets with a resupport they have been given for lentless popping of firecrackers or Dorian Morales poses with Santa and Elf just before he discovered their program and look forward to watching the sky blow up into a de- he got what he wanted. (JOLIE POLLARD) adding that special cheer for chillightful blend of colors at the Pladren during the upcoming seasons.▪ who possess a remarkable ability to cencia Village Council boat parade wanted for Christmas. organize 300 sugar-rushed children Article by Breeze Editor Jolie Pollard at the Municipal Pier. That is exactly what happened to in one gathering at a toy giveaway It could have been the chance to five-year-old Dorian Morales who sing (or scream) their favourite says he is going to be a police ofChristmas Carols on stage inside ficer when he grows up. Thanks to the Placencia Community Cen- Santa’s helpers, Tracey Eiley, Kathy ter in front of patient and tolerant Wade and dozens of volunteers and grownups. Or for the young toddler, donors, Dorian was one of an estiit could have been that most fasci- mated 600 children on the Placennating moment of staring with eyes cia Peninsula who received a gift wide open at the young Jankunu during the ladies’ annual toy givedancer sporting his colourful head- away program. When he opened wear, strange mask and jingling up his present and saw a policeman cowry shell anklets and shuffling outfit and accessories, Dorian’s face and hopping his feet to the sound of lit up and quickly began enforcing the Garifuna drums. Then there was his newly found authority on the the village parade with the big red bleachers. fire truck, the motorcycle that had An approximate total of $5,000 in transformed into Santa’s sleigh and cash and presents allowed the womthe young female dancers moving en to create an extra memorable in synchronicity. experience for the children living Whichever event it might have in Placencia Village, Seine Bight been, one thing is for certain, there Village and Riversdale, as well as Kenima Tucker poses with her younger siblings. The teenager hasn’t was probably nothing such as lining children of local police officers and missed a single toy giveaway. Tucker now volunteers at the event. (JOLIE POLLARD) nearby banana farm workers.
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LIQUOR LICENSE AD Notice is hereby given that Joeline Collinvitti is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Joel’z Sports Bar in Seine Bight Village, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
LIQUOR LICENSE AD Notice is hereby given that John K. Morgan is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Morgan’s Bar in Seine Bight Village, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
LIQUOR LICENSE AD Notice is hereby given that Efnar Cobarrubia is applying for a Hotel Liquor License for the year 2015 to be operated at Belize Ocean Club in Maya Beach, Stann Creek District, under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 28
PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
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One World Rentals: Eight beautiful, comfortable and immaculate studios and apart-
ments around an attractive courtyard . Cable TV, free wireless internet access, air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, fully screened, hammocks. Located in the heart of Placencia (behind the “Rumfish” restaurant) close to the beach, shopping and restaurants. www.oneworldplacencia.com. Contact Swiss owner Claudia Hardegger at 523.3103 or 620.9975. Email: oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com. MC, VISA accepted. Rates from US$49 plus tax.
Paradise Resort: Has most of the amenities & all the luxury of a large hotel. We are located on the ocean front. 12 A/C rooms. On site full service restaurant & bar, spa by the sea, all eco tours, diving, snorkeling, fishing, roof top Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi, dive shop, gift shop, kayak and golf cart rental. Maya & Tropic Air agent. Email:info@belize123.com or give us a call at 523-3179/503-3479 Website:www.belize123.com Ranguana Lodge: Five private ocean view cabins located right on the beach in the heart of Placencia Village: We have 3 private air-conditioned beach cabins each w/ 2 Double beds, fans, large refrigerator, coffee makers, private bath w/ hot/cold shower, private balcony w/ a hammock. We also have two other cabins with full kitchens, 2 double beds, fans, private bath with hot & cold shower & tub, private balcony with a hammock. Beach Palapas, beach chairs. Tropic Air agent, Gift shop. Phone/fax at 011-501-523-3112, E-mail: Ranguana@btl.net website: www.ranguanabelize.com Tradewinds: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea & the Mountains of Belize! 9 Cabanas
w/ private bath, hot/cold, 2 double beds, fans, coffee maker (coffee provided), refrigerator & veranda w/ hammock. Tel: 523-3122; Email: trdewndpla@btl.net
North of Airstrip: Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows: Two bungalows in Maya Beach. Full kitchen,
queen bed, sleeper sofa, h/w, fans, Wi-Fi, comp. kayaks and bikes. Contact: taylors@btl.net. 533-8110. www.barnaclebills-belize.com.
2-room guest cabanas, private bath in each room, and verandas facing a glorious Belizean sunrise. Hearty family-style meals are served in our thatched roof restaurant and “Sea Urchin Bar”. Enjoy the natural unspoiled beauty of the coral reef surrounding the caye, chock full of beautiful tropical fish of all shapes and sizes, rays, sharks, turtles, crab, and even the occasional manatee, all nurtured by the abundant mangroves on the southern half of the caye. Owner and renowned fly fishing guide Julian Cabral and his wife Beverly will make your stay a memorable one. PHONE: 501-608-8130, CELL: 501-610-1068, EMAIL: whipraycaye@yahoo.com, WEB: www.whipraycayelodge.com
DINING South of Airstrip De’Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar: Serving the very best in Seafood and Local
Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed... on Wed)7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call: 503-3385
Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor on
the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. Ph: 523-3335 Email: wendylemus02@hotmail.com
North of Airstrip: Green Parrot Restaurant: On the beach at Maya Beach. Our chef changes the menu daily and features a wide variety of local and international cuisine. We feature seafood and tropical dishes. For reservations call 523-2488. Email: greenparot@btl.net Habanero Mexican Restaurant & Bar @ Robert’s Grove: Lagoon side Fiesta time! Casual and fun Habanero serves up Mexican food w/ a Belizean flair. Now open from 12 noon – 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565!
Green Parrot Beach Houses: Maya Beach: 6 mahogany beach houses, loft bed-
Jaguar Lanes Bowling and Café: Casual Dining in cool AC, 2 big TVs, Pizza, Burgers, Pulled Pork, Crunchy Tacos, Nachos, Homemade Desserts, Daily Drink Specials, and more!!! Credit Cards accepted.
Miller’s Landing: Natural Belizean cabanas, lush tropical gardens, clean secluded beach, pool & thatch bar, P. 523-3010 or millersplacencia@yahoo.com
Quarterdeck Restaurant & Bar @ Laru Beya Resort: International Fine Dining with Belizean flair. Experience delicious meals, fabulous cocktails and fantastic service combined with spectacular ocean views. Breakfast served from 7 to 11 am. Lunch served from 12 to 2 pm. Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. Dinner served from 6 to 9 pm. For reservations call 523-3476.
rooms, fold out sofa, kitchenette & bath on main floor. 2 bay leaf thatch cabanas w/ garden showers & private beach. Tel/FAX: 523-2488; E-mail: greenparrot@btl.net; Website: www.greenparrot-belize.com
Laru Beya Resort: Paradise has an address... Luxurious beachfront accommodation
with a top-rated restaurant on site. All bedrooms have A/C, ceiling fans, fridges, coffee & tea making facilities. Suites (1 to 3 bedrooms) have fully fitted kitchens. Ocean-facing infinity pool. Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Free use of Hobi-cat, sea kayaks and bicycles. Miniature golf course located on the landscaped grounds. Daily tours, snorkeling & diving trips and other excursions arranged. www.larubeya.com. info@larubeya.com. Tel: 523-3476 & Fax: 523-3483
Singing Sands Inn: Enjoy the delicious cuisine and ambiance of the Bonefish Grille. Our open-air, full service restaurant located on the beach, specializes in traditional Asian, as well as Italian and French influenced dishes. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials as well as Happy Hour Menu. Open 7 days a week. For reservations or more information call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands.com.
Singing Sands Inn: Located on a beautiful stretch of Maya Beach featuring 6 private,
menu and wine cellar. One of Belize’s most consistent restaurants quoted Fodor’s 2010 edition. The Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565!
thatched cabanas with own bath and patio as well as 2 garden view flats. Bonefish Grille full service restaurant and bar on-site serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with daily specials and Happy Hour 4 – 6 pm. Gorgeous landscaping. Swimming pool with relaxing deck area. Free Wi-Fi available. Bicycles complimentary for guests. Kayaks, pedal boats and golf cart available for rent. Tel: 533-302. Email: info@singingsands.com Website: www.singingsands.com
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Placencia’s most complete resort. Beachfront
accommodations w/3 restaurants: Seaside, Habanero & Sweet Mama’s & French bakery & deli; 3 Pools, Conference Center, Tennis Court, Gym, FREE Wifi, Gift Shop, Full Service Dive Center, Marina, Gas and butane station. Kayaks, Windsurfers, Hobie Cats and bikes. Kayak, Paddle Boat and golf cart rentals and sales. www.robertsgrove.com, info@robertsgrove.com. For more info cal us @ 523-3565! At The Cayes
Ranguana Caye: Ranguana Caye is a 2 acre island located right on the reef with 3
rustic cabanas and a view that will blow your mind! Food, drinks, Moorings and all the Caribbean Breeze you can handle are available. Prime Diving and Fishing location. Come for a day, a night or more. Reservation day trips or lodging call 523-3565. Robert’s Caye: Robert’s Caye is just 10 miles from Placencia (1/2 hour by boat) a one acre island with 4 charming cabanas built partially over the water. Each cabana is outfitted w/ a king bed, full bathroom, hot and cold running showers, and a private terrace with hammocks. A small restaurant and bar, also built over the water, serves three meals daily. An deal setting for honeymooners and sportsmen alike, this “swept away” island paradise is surrounded by crystal clear water. The nearby flats are renowned for fishing as well. Kayaks and snorkeling gear are complimentary to is island guests. Come for a day, a night or more. Reservation for day trips or lodging call 523-3565.
Whipray Caye Lodge: Whipray Caye is a magical private island in the heart of some
of the best fly fishing flats in the world. This caye has room to roam, with two spacious
Seaside Restaurant @ Robert’s Grove: Romantic Fine Dining with a world class
Sweet Mama’s @ Robert’s Grove: Belizean restaurant serving breakfast ($8), lunch ($10) and dinner ($12). Open Monday - Sunday, 7 AM to 8 PM. Whipray Caye Lodge: See accommodation for info about our restaurant and bar.
CHEERS - Peninsula Bars Barefoot Bar: Open every day 11:30 am - midnight! Located on the Beach - the party never stops! Live music Thurs - Sun nights. Happy hour, lunch hour beer specials, largest drink menu around, full moon parties & more! Creative lunch/dinner specials. Barefoot Bar is all about Stiff Drinks - Tasty Food - Good Times! Tel: 523-3515. Follow us on Facebook! J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm. And live music every Friday’s. Tel :523-3412
COFFEE Above Grounds Coffee: Tel: 634 3212. Shaded Cool Spot. Supporting Small Independent Producers. Shade Grown Organic Guatemalan Coffees & Tea (Hot or Iced) Fresh Juices, Bagels, Banana Bread, Bulk Coffee. High speed Wi-Fi. Main Road, Past football field, South end of the Village. Open Daily, 7am- 4pm, Monday thru Saturday. Sundays, 8am-Noon.
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Placencia Village Council’s boat parade was full of X-mas cheer with smiling families, colorful boats and bright fireworks. Main Street was also festive during the annual Christmas Eve Parade where participants boasted their creative floats such as Nora and Beau’s prize-winning Santa’s motorcycle sleigh. (MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY & LEE NYHUS)
The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 29
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 30
PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
SHOPPING Art n Soul Gallery: Original artwork from Belize’s BEST artists! OPEN 9 a.m. - 6
p.m. every day. On the world famous sidewalk just steps from the new pier! P. 503-3088
Goss Chocolate: Goss Chocolate and cocoa powder made and sold only in Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole vanilla bean. Sold in grocery stores, gift shops, hotels and restaurants on the Peninsula and throughout Belize. Sorry, no factory tours! P. 523-3544, www.Goss-Chocolate.com, BTL 2013 Yellow Pages, Facebook winner 2013 World Chocolate Awards for Goss White with Vanilla Bean.
Green Parrot Gift Shop: The in-place to shop on the Peninsula. Featuring a wide variety of Belizean, Guatemalan, & Central American crafts.
Lola’s Art Gallery: Located in Seine Bight Village 1 ½ miles north of the Placencia Airstrip. Look for our sign near the football field south of the village. The peninsula’s first art gallery with original Belizean art by Lola. 8am-6pm. 523-3342 & 601-1913
Wallen’s Market: Serving Placencia with fresh produce, dry goods, & specialty
items. Wholesale/retail. Tel: 523-3128; Hardware Tel: 503-3316 or 523-3523; Pharmacy Tel. 523-3346. email wallensmarket@yahoo.com Serving the Peninsula for over 25 years!! Located across from the sport field.
TOUR PROVIDERS:
Sandhill Ltd.: Sales and rentals of kayaks, pedal boats, golf carts. Rentals by hour, daily or weekly. Telephone 523-3061 or 533-4017 for more information. Email info@silbelize. com. Website www.silbelize.com
Singing Sands Inn: Rentals of reliable golf carts, bicycles, kayaks (including clear bottom), two person catamarans, snorkel gear and pedal boats by the hour, half day, full day or weekly. Located in Maya beach. Call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands.com.
SPA & MASSAGE: Sea Spa @ Robert’s Grove: Now offering Thai Massage, our Sea Spa is manned by
professional therapists each w/ their own unique style. Treatments include; Several massage styles, Facials, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs/Polish, Reiki Energy, Sunburn Special, Coconut Hair Rinse and of course Manis & Pedis for Barefoot perfect feet! All treatments offered in our newly appointed oceanfront spa, at the end of our 250 ft pier or in a rooftop setting w/ panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea! For more info call 523-3565!
Siripohn’s Thai Massage: Therapist from Thailand - Thai Massage, Essential Oil, Swedish, Jet Lag, Back & Shoulders, Foot Massage, Body Treatments, & Facial Treatments. Open 10 am to 6 pm. Call 620-8718 or 600-0375, email: jenjira01@yahoo.com - Kob Khun Ka.
WEDDING PLANNING:
Robert’s Grove Dive Center: Feeling adventurous?? Our PADI 5 star Dive Center offers daily snorkeling, diving and certification courses and boasts some of the tastiest lunches, best tour guides in the country, and ‘The Dorado’ our 48 ft. Pro Dive Boat! Nitrox and specialty Dive Courses available. Inland, Fishing, private charters, Whale Shark, Manatee, Monkey River and Inland tours also on the Tour Menu for more info call 523-3565!
Robert’s Grove Beach Resort: Located on the Placencia Peninsula, a romantic offthe-beaten-path destination on the southern coast. Robert’s Grove is an intimate five-star resort that is ideal for Belize Beach Weddings, whether you want private ceremony for just you and your partner or if you want to bring family and friends. Contact our wedding planner Ms. Lea Itzab: lea@robertsgrove.com or call us at 523-3565
Singing Sands Inn: Offers inshore or offshore fishing excursions right off of our dock! Join us on our 31’ Cape Horn for a fantastic day of angling action. We can arrange any tour whether inland or water including Monkey River, Mayan Ruins, snorkelling, diving, and much more. Call 533-3022 or email info@singingsands.com
FREE COMMUNITY LISTINGS:
Splash Dive Center: Selected Tour Operator of the Year by the Belize Tourism
Board. Fully equipped scuba retail store and 5 Star PADI Dive Center. Our 5 dive boats visit several dive and snorkel destinations daily. We teach scuba diving from beginner to pro level. Our air conditioned vans and licensed guides will take you to Maya sites, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, ziplining, cave or river tubing, or the Monkey River jungle. Call 523-3080/3058 or e-mail Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com. See www. splashbelize.com for more info.
Trip N Travel: Saltwater & Jungle Adventures. P. 523-3205 Email: lgodfrey@btl.
Churches: Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula: Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men’s and Women’s Bible Study - 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie for more information: 523-3362 Ministries of the Son of God Church, Seine Bight Village: Wednesday Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net Placencia Lighthouse Worship Center: Sunday School at 9 a.m. Services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays.
net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Supply.
Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:00 a.m. Seine Bight Village. Lay ministers. Catholic (lay) - Mrs Dora. Williams Tel# 523 3527 or 523 3564 Worship Center: Bible Study – Wednesday 7:00 p.m. – until. Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pst. Moore - Tel# 523 3333
SERVICES
Seventh Day Adventists: Services Fridays at sunset; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Lay ministers. U. Torres - Tel# 503 2270
Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit: We have a small CrossFit Gym. By appointment only.
St. John’s Memorial: Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church: Sunday services at 8:00 a.m. .
www.belizefit.com Phone: 631-7427
Addiction Support:
Placencia Office Supply: INTERNET, Printing, Stationary, SMART – GimmeDal-
ALCOHOLIC ANOYMOUS/Placencia Rule 62 Group: Friday, 5:30 p.m. & Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Placencia Village Health Center; P. Jackie @ 620-2848; Wednesday @ 12:30 p.m. @ yellow house in Seine Bight. P. Steve @ 610-1399. $10 Lunch.
la, Sales, Collections. P. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com
Muzamanzie Photography: Contact us for wedding photographs, portraits, web & brochure images. P. 523-3563 or 603-5143 email: muzamanzie@yahoo.com
REAL ESTATE: CPC Real Estate Solutions: Your trusted real estate broker in Belize. We have over 20 years experience helping clients with their real estate transactions and take pride in assisting you with your property purchase. Please visit our office next to Tuttifrutti or call us at 672-9000 or visit: www.belizeproperty.com Sandhill Ltd.: Property and vacation rental management services customized to
fit homeowners requirements. Rental homes available for short and long term lease. Telephone 523-3061 or 533-4017 for more information. Email info@silbelize.com. Website www.silbelize.com
GETTING AROUND: Car Rental of Placencia: 1 mile north of the Placencia Airstrip. Largest car rental on the Peninsula. SUVs and Golf Carts. Call: 523-3284 or 625-9573 or 662-7611. A drop location for donations for the Placencia Humane Society.
PLACENCIA NAR-ANON/Narcotics Anon Family Groups: For those affected by someone else’s addiction. Placencia Health Ctr. Saturday at 5:45 p.m. P. Lyra @ 664-8699 Community Numbers: Placencia Village Council: 523-3396
Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 Placencia Sanitation: 523-3273 Placencia Post Office: 523-3104 Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554 U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Deborah Coston, 624-6483 Taxi & Delivery Services: Mr. Clark: 621-1031 Noel: 600-6047 Christon: 629-4307 Walter: 622-3194 Bailey: 636-7863 Keylone: 668-9395 Mr. Linarez: 607-2518 Liria: 623-4836
Choko: 632-0980 Brittney Gibson Delivery: 651-8393
Transport Services: De Express Boat: P. 626-8835. Departs Placencia Shell Dock- 9:30 a.m. Arrives Big Creek 10 a.m. Departs - 11:00 am. Arrives Puerto Cortez, Honduras, 2 pm. at Laguna. Return trip – Monday: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras 10 am. Arrives Big Creek 12 noon. Departs - 1:30 p.m. Arrives Placencia 2 pm. Tel: 523-4045. Tickets available at the Placencia Tourism Center for BZ$120. Hokey Pokey Boat: P. 523-2376. Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: 6:45a.m, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m, 5 p.m and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays). Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: 6:30 a.m., 7:30a.m., 8a.m., 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 p.m, & 4:30 p.m. Ritchie’s Bus: 523-3806. Regular Bus: Placencia → Dangriga: Monday thru Saturday: 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.; 12:45 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sundays: 7 a .m.; 2:30 p.m. Dangriga → Placencia : Monday thru Saturday: 11 a.m.; 2 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. Sundays: 11 a.m.; 6 p.m. Express Bus: Placencia—> Belmopan —> Belize City: Monday thru Saturday: 6:15 a.m. Express Bus: Belize City—> Belmopan —> Placencia: Monday thru Saturday: 3:30 p.m,Visit: www.ritchiesbusservice.com for more info!
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ January-February 2015 ‖ Page 31
PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE
PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
HEALTH EMERGENCIES:
Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328
Belize Emergency Response Team: 223-3292
Independence Medical Center: 523-2167
Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326
Breeze Tip! Save these numbers in your phone!
POLICE:
Placencia Tourism Police: 503-3181
Placencia Police Station: 503-3142
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 626-0667
Seine Bight Police Station: 503-3148 Maya Beach Police Station: 634-7051
SUFFERING FROM STRESS? ANGER? GRIEF? ANXIETY? DEPRESSION? PLACENCIA WELLNESS CONNECTION CAN HELP! The Placencia Wellness Connection was designed to improve the Health and Wellbeing of individuals and families struggling with mental health issues (extreme stress, anger, unresolved grief, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia). Through free structured workshops and organized support groups, the Placencia Wellness Connection will provide: • An opportunity for sharing techniques and tools that improve wellbeing, as well as building social support. • It will be a confidential, safe place for you to be honest about your condition and its impact on your life. It will keep you from feeling isolated, and help you to feel cared about. • It will empower you to face your situation and help validate that you are OK as a person despite your illness or problem. The maximum group size will be 12. Meetings are held inside the Placencia Community Center on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. If you are interested in learning more about the groups, or would like to join a group, please call: Diane Robateau at 621-9912 or e-mail robateau5@aol.com
PLACENCIA TOUR GUIDE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Ainsworth Leslie Alex Small Alrin Muschamp Amin Neal Andrea Villanueva Apolo Caliz Aretha Paleyo Arthur Vernon, Jr. Arthur Westby, Jr. Arthur Westby Sr. Bernard Leslie, Sr Bertrand Cuevas Brian Young Sr. Bruce Godfrey Bruce Leslie Bryan P. Benguche Carlton Young, Jr Celso Mora Cirilio Chun Claude Vernon Clint Villanueva Conrad Villanueva Dale Godfrey Dan Santos Daniel Cabral David Ortiz David Vernon Denbeigh Arzu Devin Lozano Diego Coc Doren Leslie Dorianny Perez
651-0584 662-0738 669-5831 635-7000 602-2148 634-0950 667-8755 669-0387 604-5564 523-3321 667-8356 634-3225 631-5971 625-4478 627-8820 663-5818 634-3493 668-6702 669-0387 634-8476 630-2795 669-1412 622-0998 632-9104 620-6755 600-6044 602-9825 669-9872 625-0191 622-4011
Doyen Gardiner Doyle Gardiner Dwayne Young Earl Godfrey Eddie Usher Edlin Leslie, Jr Edwin Carr Egbert Cabral Egbert Popper Jr. Elroy Burgess Eloy Cuevas Elroy Burgess Elroy Tucker Emelly Miralda Emmanual Villanueva Eric Forman Ernest Garcia Eusebio Bonell Eworth Garbutt Eyanick Pop Faygan Villanueva Florencio Shal Fransisco Alvarado Francisco Linarez Gareth Longsworth George Eiley Gilbert Garbutt Jr. Glenford Eiley Godfrey Arzu Grayson Sierra Hank Rhamdas Harold Neal
605-4061 600-2318 631-1953 660-1574 670-1485 626-0003 626-6810 620-5974 626-6138 632-4580 661-2363 622-2811 667-4200 627-4816 664-8121 625-3110 667-4708 610-1018 631-3601 635-0120 668-4298 660-4613 670-3781 605-9845 604-0488 669-8745 630-2843 605-7631 630-7995 635-9262
Hubert Young Ian Cuevas Ian Vernon Ivan Leslie Jr. James Leslie Jason Westby Jeremy Garcia Jes Bech Jonathon Gabourel Julian Cabral Kenley Williams Kenroy Eiley Keon Leslie Kevin Modera Kimani Leslie Kirk Mayen Lennox Palacio Leopold Garcia Leopold Leslie Leslie Faux Leonel Tucker, Jr. Linda Garcia Lincoln Garbutt, Jr. Lisa Carne Louis Godfrey Lowell Godfrey Luis Galdmez Lyra Spang Malcolm Young Mariko Wallen Mario Sanchez Marisha Betancourt
601-0273 666-1469 661-5014 632-4291 631-9349 635-3938 670-0498 608-7871 610-1068 630-5672 629-3602 628-8817 660-1561 604-6337 665-2247 623-0575 604-4466 604-3477 627-2136 631-5807 665-8383 623-6122 635-0126 668-6474 664-8699 607-7029 652-0605 666-2797 635-0770
Mark Leslie Maxwell Canelo Melissa Cabral Melvin Arevalo Monique Lamb Nick Pollard Omar Sierra Orlando Betancourt Orlin Ipina Pablo Mendoza Patricia Ramirez Patrick Parks Prince Gongora Rafael Villanueva Randolph Faux Randolph Villanueva Rebecca L. Cabral Rene Leslie Rhawn Godfrey Sean Faux Shaun Young Shawn Young Sydney Lopez Sr. Sydney Lopez Jr. Stephen Faux Stephen Lopez Vance Cabral Walter Garbutt Warren Garbutt Winston Garbutt Zane Westby Zeferino Mes
633-6330 631-9614 632-9662 621-4254 631-7790 624-7168 604-0882 631-5661 623-5645 610-0235 601-7459 630-3064 635-5107 667-6208 635-0017 604-4087 602-9315 625-4478 637-4420 631-9347 632-8399 653-2196 667-3503 653-2311 632-9127 622-7339 623-1789 610-1040 601-8172 623-7966 635-9256
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