MARCH 2012
The Placencia
REEZE “The Peninsula Paper”
Please Take One.
Est. 1999
Traveling to Placencia for Easter? See Page 4 for what you need to know.
Placencia, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
Peninsula Voters say NO to Offshore Oil
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
When an effort by a coalition of environmental groups to put the question of offshore oil exploration to an official referendum was rejected by the Belize government, the environmentalists were undeterred; they held an “unofficial” referendum and the results were impressive, both nationally and locally. Of the 520 registered voters in Placencia and Seine Bight who participated in The People’s Referendum on February 29, 94 percent said NO to offshore oil exploration and drilling, while only seven (six percent) said YES. One spoiled vote was counted at the Seine Bight polling station. The Placencia Peninsula results closely parallel national tallies where 28,208 (96 percent) said NO to offshore oil exploration and drilling and 799 (four percent) said YES. “It was a solid NO coming out of this region and seeing the same opinion echoing from the rest of the country – I think the results were overwhelming,” said Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Director Adrian Vernon. Vernon sits on the executive committee of the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, who organized the referendum along with
Oceana Belize. “Overall, the results tell us that people of Belize see that they don’t want their jewel to be harmed, no matter if they live inland or on the coast like the people of Placencia,” added Vernon.
dum and were required to show their voter’s identification card or any valid identification card (e.g. driver’s license, social security card or passport). Volunteers at the polling stations were equipped with lists of names of registered voters. Please see People’s Referendum on page 5.
Placencia and Seine Bight held two of 51 polling stations opened countrywide. Only individuals who are registered to vote in the Belize national elections were able to participate in the referen-
Karate Kids!
Annual Fundraiser Dishes Out Cuisine From Local Kitchens
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Tania Emmanuel greets Lynn O’Brien at the De Lite Café station inside Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar. An impressive crowd got “A Taste of the Peninsula” at the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Please see PENINSULA VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS LIGHT UP THE NIGHT on page 6.
Nyah Young and Erica Howarth test for their yellow belts in the Placencia Community Center with visiting senseis from the Belize Shotokan Karate Association. Find out who earned their yellow belts on page 25.
The Placencia Breeze - March 2012 - Page 2
The Placencia Breeze - March 2012- Page 3
Discovering Scuba with Avadon Divers By Jolie Pollard
Welcome A Letter From the Editor Scantily-clad, sexy ladies. Halfnaked buff men. Thumping Caribbean jams. Yup! Easter is around the bend! And, I ready fuh bash – me and hundreds of other Belizeans who book a couple of months in advance to secure their spot on our beautiful Peninsula.
PBTIA Executive Director, director@placencia.com
I share the excitement of many other locals who await friends and family traveling the length and breadth of Belize to participate in the biggest party Placencia sees each year. As we prepare for the crowds, making sure we’re well stocked on drinks and food and our hotel rooms are clean, we want to let the Easter Bashers in on a few things about our community.
Ron Spilman
Placencia BTIA staff members at the Placencia Tourism Center can now fill you in on our underwater world.
W
e hear and boast about it all the time. Belize – top scuba diving destination in the world! We frequently bump into divers around here on the Placencia Peninsula as they do everyday terrestrial things like eating at restaurants, drinking a cold Belikin, shopping for groceries … But since Sunday, March 11, we look at these fellow homo sapiens in a totally different light. We feel as though we have been granted copies of the golden keys to their special secret society, and we can’t help but feel a little ashamed of ourselves that it took us this long to explore this glorious world right in our own backyard. Placencia BTIA’s Front Desk and Membership Officer Apolo Caliz and I joined a team of divers on Avadon’s beautiful “Ava Josette”, admittedly feeling slightly intimidated as they handled their equipment like champs and chatted about their gazillion dives. “Is this your first time?”, inquired a young teenage American girl who spent a good part of the boat ride laying out on the bow of the boat completely unfazed as we sped over choppy seas. “You’re going to love it!” This was her fourth trip to Belize, and she’s even dived the blue hole. I quickly realize that these wetsuit people are looking out for us, but I haven’t even entered the water yet and just the sight of all the tanks sitting alongside the onboard seating area has my heart racing. Avadon Dive Instructors Jerome Williams and James Andrews have been checking in regularly. Then, James leads us to the bow to go over a quiz we took in the Avadon office earlier that day. It all made sense, but I needed to be in the water to really get that flip chart. The dive boat anchors in a shallow area of the South Water Marine Reserve – the largest marine reserve in Belize – after cutting through gorgeous turquoise waters. Jerome gears us up with our vests, our weight belts and our fins and Dive Master Trainee Patrick Parks hands us our masks. I was nervous, but I went for it and broke some waves. I was in. Flippers, tank, vest and all. “I’m alive. Okay. This isn’t so bad.” I look over at Apolo, and he doesn’t seem scared at all even though I was the one who didn’t hesitate for a second to accept this Discover Scuba invitation. Jerome reviews the basics we covered in the flip chart with James, but I ask him to repeat himself many times just to calm my nerves. I’m aston-
ished by his patience. We go underwater, breathing through our regulators. Jerome with his new puffy face, instructs us to remove the regulator. This wasn’t something that we would necessarily have to do during our dive, but an essential safety exercise in Discover Scuba. Apolo goes before me and succeeds on his first attempt Jerome awards him a firm handshake. I wasn’t as cool. I gave Jerome the “something’s wrong” hand signal, and we return to the surface again and again. Poor Jerome. I couldn’t trust that if I let this contraption out of my mouth while underwater and exhale and reinstate the contraption into my mouth, that I would actually live to see another day. I thought about retreating to the boat and chickening out, but I took every last bit of courage in me and forced myself to let go of the fear and trust my new best friend, the regulator. I was awarded a handshake too! We passed this important initiation into the world of scuba and after we learned how to breathe underwater – even in a scenario where we would need to replace our regulators, it was smooth, graceful ... well, somewhat graceful flipping and plenty of “okay” signals. Later the boat takes us to a deeper location in the Reserve, and we stayed near to Jerome. We saw brilliantly colored and animated marine organisms up close and personal – all I could think is, “How will I ever enjoy snorkeling as much after this?!” At one point I felt I could engage in a long conversation with a massive grouper staring at me from inside his comfy sponge coral. We saw huge lobsters that were surprisingly aggressive, reaching out at us with their antennae while defending their coral homes. We also spotted several of the notorious lionfish who recently stole passports to enter the waters of Belize. Then, the coveted moment we were hoping for … a beautiful loggerhead turtle swims out of the blue. It was magical, and I kept my eyes on the endangered creature for as long as I could, making sure to capture its image in the permanent storage compartment of my brain. They own this place. This is their dominion. The entire experience is so humbling. Time passes quickly underwater. We started our adventure at 1 p.m. and after our breathing exercise, our first dive and snack breaks on scrumptious coconut carrot cake from Dangriga, Apolo and I were getting ready for a night snorkel off South Water Caye ...
Belizeans are famous for a strong sense of pride, but having been visiting Placencia for the past 26 years and having been living here for the past eight months, I have to say the pride in this community here is like none I have ever witnessed before. While some of us have our differences, at the end of the day we all come together to support a common cause: be it, chipping in to help someone undergo surgery, assisting the children of a deceased parent, supporting an event benefiting the local tourism industry … Placencia people care about their 12-mile-long scratch of land and its surrounding waters with all their heart. And we ask you to keep that in mind as you enjoy what we have to offer during the Easter holidays. Throw away your trash. Respect our business owners. Be patient with our bartenders and servers! Tip well. Most importantly, bash it up! Peace and be safe! Jolie Pollard, director@placencia.com
Finding Vibrant Nightlife ... Underwater By Apolo Caliz PBTIA Front Desk and Membership Officer, frontdesk@placencia.com If you thought that underwater adventure by day is fascinating, you must do a night snorkel. There are creatures lurking around at night that you will not have the privilege to see during the day. Avadon Divers Snorkel Guide Reina Eiley made me see the underwater life in a whole new perspective. I used to believe that at night, everything went to sleep – but I was wrong. It’s nothing like that – everything is so much more exciting and alive. I saw these little mini translucent palm trees in the water that go underground when they are touched. I later learned they are called feather duster worms. All the micro organisms that we miss during the day are much more visible like the tiny little glowing creatures that swarmed around us like fireflies. This is definitely a trip I will recommend to anyone who is interested in exploring our pristine World Heritage Site.
FEATURE YOUR TOUR IN THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! Let our team join your weekend trip and help us get the word out! Call us at 523-4045 or e-mail info@placencia.com
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 4
Hundreds Expected to Visit Placencia for the Easter Holidays: All Hotels Booked! Many Belizeans are preparing for their Easter Holiday, which starts on Good Friday, April 6 (for some on Holy Thursday) and continues until Easter Monday, April 9. Following long-time tradition for many families from all over the country, most of them are planning to head our way. Hotel rooms have been booked, buses have been chartered and local businesses on the Peninsula are busily preparing for the crowds. Expect to find the stretch of beach from Cozy Corner, past Tipsy Tuna to DeViners covered with beach bodies. Most of the fun will be concentrated at the Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar for their 10th Annual Easterfest. Love FM – the most widely broadcast radio station in Belize – will be joining and co-hosting the grand beach party. The event will feature an impressive lineup of party DJs including popular Belizean DJs: DJ Tambran, DJ Money, DJ Z, DJ Scrape, as well DJ Kareem from Los Angeles. In addition to the bashment music, games, prizes and surprises, Tipsy will again host the highly anticipated swim suit competition. While next-door Cozy Corner typically entertains beachgoers with a few racy shows as well, this year they have decided to focus their energies on providing delicious food and cozy accommodations to visitors. Along the buzzing stretch of beach sand, De Viners Restaurant and Bar will also be dishing up food to famished partiers, as well as chill live music for those who want to take the intensity down a few notches. After partying on the beach all day on Saturday, April 7, don’t bother changing out of your swimwear because the Barefoot Bar along the main road is having its next Full Moon extravaganza with a Beach Party theme.
EASTER INFO •
Really want to be a part of the Placencia fun, but have no where to stay? Bring your camping gear! It is totally legal to sleep on the beach, but you are completely responsible for your welfare … and bon fires are NOT allowed on the beach.
•
For visitors traveling to Placencia from Independence Village, the Hokey Pokey has you covered! Boats will be running all day long throughout the Easter holidays.
•
Buses from Dangriga to Placencia on James Bus Line will be running regularly on Holy Thursday and Easter Monday. Schedules will change from Good Friday through Easter Sunday. Call James Bus Line at 702-2049.
Gillian Zabaneh
Easter 2011: Crowds gather on Tipsy Tuna’s patio to watch swimsuit contest.
The Placencia BTIA wishes everyone a safe and fun Easter holiday!
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 5
The People’s Referendum: Peninsula Votes NO Continued from Page One Placencia Village resident and Monkey River native Alrin Muschamp who works as a tour guide and fisherman, voted NO at the polls. “We know the negative impacts of a potential oil spill. Our future depends on a healthy environment and a healthy reef,” said the father of six. Forty-four-year-old Placencia Native Jacqueline “Betty” Neal also voted NO. “I don’t want to see our water with all those oil rigs. It would look ugly … If we hit oil and we have an oil spill, it would mess up our reef and our seafood,” said Neal who owns BJ’s Restaurant and Amir’s Inn. Vernon cautioned that just impacts of initial testing could be harmful. “There are lots of sea life that can’t stand the charges and the vibrations. We don’t know the problems that can impact the structural integrity of the coral reef.” The People’s Referendum came at the heels of the rejection of a petition calling for an official referendum by the Government of Belize. The reason given for the rejection was that eight thousand signatures on the qualifying petition were invalid because they did not match the signatures on the signer’s voting cards, some of which were ten years old. While the People’s Referendum organized by the non-governmental organizations was not officially recognized by the Government of Belize, Vernon doesn’t see the need for the newly reelected government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow to “reinvent the wheel.” He added, “I think the prime minister is reasonable enough to not let the people down and respect their voices.” The PCSD collaborated closely with the Placencia Chapter of the BTIA to encourage voters to participate in The People’s Referendum. The PBTIA would like to thank all businesses who gave their employees time to vote.
How BREEZY Are You? TAKE OUR QUIZ ON PAGE 30!
Frankie has the solution to your real estate question!
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 6
Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Light Up the Night By Cindy Weller
The Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department sends out a very special THANK YOU to the following major sponsors of A Taste of the Peninsula:
Event Organizer, jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com
Rotary Club of Placencia
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Crowds of visitors and Peninsula residents supported the 5th Annual Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department’s 5th Annual Flaming Heart Ball.
Under a full moon on Saturday, March 10, Tipsy Tuna Seaside and Sports Bar on the beach hosted the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department’s (PVFD) 5th Annual Flaming Heart Ball. Enthusiastically received last year, PVFD repeated the theme A Taste of the Peninsula and invited professional chefs and people who love to cook to showcase their specialty dishes. The result was an amazing array of mouthwatering delights – twice the number of dishes at our 2011 event – all donated to support PVFD.
stays, services, original paintings, handmade jewelry, gifts, and cash prizes in support of PVFD. In an effort to reduce the use of disposable plastic, PVFD provided our guests with metal flatware and biodegradable plates, and discouraged the use of disposable plastic cups by providing reusable souvenir drink cups. We’re grateful for the donations and discounts that made this effort possible while reducing the impact on our fundraising efforts.
Keeping things lively all evening, the entertainment never stopped. A number of our talented local artists and bands took turns on stage – individually, in their respective groups, and mixing it up from time to time jamming together.
PVFD sends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors who so generously donated products, cash, staff, and venue, as well as the many volunteers from the Rotary Club of Placencia, volunteer firefighters, businesses and villagers who worked tirelessly before, during, and after the event.
Music genres included classical Spanish guitar, blues, folk rock, dance rock, local drumming, and electronic world beats. All the bands and artists graciously donated their time and performances in support of the volunteer firefighters.
Last but not least, our deepest appreciation goes to all who attended A Taste of the Peninsula making it such an overwhelming success. We’re learning as we go, and each year the party just gets better and better!
Eagerly anticipated each year, the raffle builds enthusiasm well before the event as prizes start coming in. Despite the increasing frequency of raffles to benefit local causes, our business community generously stepped up with a wide variety of valuable meals, adventure trips, overnight
All proceeds from A Taste of the Peninsula benefit the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department – a group of dedicated volunteers who train together regularly, and who over the past 5 years have answered the call repeatedly to extinguish local fires. ▪
Bowen & Bowen, Ltd. and Tropic Air And to the following businesses and individuals for their generous product, discount and cash donations: Artful Dodger Atlantic Bank Belize Ink & Toner Belizean Nirvana Harbour Hideaway Dock Rental Manatee Inn Mosquito Coast Ice The Placencia Hotel Placencia Supermarket The Villas at Cocoplum Wallens Market WHEN YOU NEED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!
DIAL : 626-0667
GOSS CHOCOLATE ORGANICALLY GROWN
MADE IN BELIZE
AVAILABLE ON THE PENINSULA: Placencia: Wallen’s Market, Everyday Grocery, Nang Kee Market, Sunova Beach Gift Shop, Tutti Frutti Gelato Shop, Michelo’s Café, Turtle Inn, Chabil Mar Villas, Placencia Grocery, Ming’s Superstore, Lu Store, Above Ground Coffee Shop, Gecko Home Art, Crocodile Gift Shop Maya Beach: Sue & Kenny’s Mini Market, Erin Incredible Edibles, Jaguar Lanes Restaurant & Bar Seine Bight: Lola’s Art, Danube Restaurant, Moorings, Robert’s Grove, Western Horizon Grocery & Restaurant, Peninsula Store, and Blue Crab Beach ~ ~ Home of Goss Chocolate 523-3544 Also available in Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Spanish Lookout, Corozal, Orange Walk, Dangriga, Hopkins, Punta Gorda, Goldson International Airport, Ft George Tourism Village
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 7
A Taste of the Peninsula Thanks our musicians for donating their time and talent!!! ALL PHOTOS BY MUZAMANIZE PHOTOGRAPHY
Belizean Fusions: Amal, Natsy, Randalph and Emmeth playing Afro-fusions.
Graham rocked out on guitar with Blue Rhino (Fred, Mark and Beau) and The Usual Suspects (Steve, Mitch and Beau).
Just Us: Fred, Julie and John playing Folk Rock. Beau blew the didgeridoo while performing along with Coco Loco: Emmeth and DJ Marcus playing world electronic beats.
Mark (Blue Rhino & Usual Suspects) plays harmonica alongside Mitch. Aaron playing Classical Spanish Guitar.
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 8
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 9
Winners at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School, Seine Bight Village: Std. VI G: Dorian Williams Std. V: Casey Christensen Std. IV M: Dujon Huwlett Std. III C: Jadon Foreman Std. II F: Davin Lopez Inf. II L: Deanna Williams Inf. II W: Eloy Matura Inf. 1 R: Tory Ramirez
STUDENT OF THE
MONTH Winners at St. John’s Memorial Anglican Primary School in Placencia Village Infant 1 G: Dorisa Perez Infant 2 S: Kanye Leslie Infant 2 W: Alina Ferrel Std. 1 F: Keyla Ovieda Std. 2 B: Mishawny Arthurs Std. 3 E: Enomie Rowland Std. 4 T: Leah Cal Std. 4 L: Luis Ojedo Std. 5 S: Carla Lopez Std. 6 T:Shane Vellos
In collaboration with educators at the two primary schools on the Placencia Peninsula, the Student of the Month Program recognises one student from each classroom who exemplifies good behaviour and demonstrates academic excellence. Each student is presented a certificate by their respective teachers in front of their peers at a special ceremony during campus assembly. Parents are encouraged to motivate their children to strive for this special honour! The Placencia BTIA would like to thank all THE teachers who took the time to select winners and Principals Mr. Ogaldez and Ms. Martinez for their time and effort with organizing award presentations. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 10
MARCH 2012
The work behind the scenes under the management of RG will not go unnoticed. The grounds at Robert’s Grove are extensive and require constant attention. When guests see the tidiness of the grounds, it is many times forgotten how much hard work and attention to details this requires. Mariano Co exemplifies the work ethic and team spirit that RG embodies. He is very introverted, but loved by all; thus, the title of February 2012 Employee of the Month. Go Mariano!!!
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 11
Placencia BTIA’s Updated List of Licensed Tour Guides as of March 2012 Alvarado, Francisco Bech, Christian Benguche, Bryan Bonnel, Eusebio Cabral, Daniel Cabral, Egbert Cabral, Julian Cabral, Mark Carr, Edwin Castellanos, Wayne Chan, Clodia Chun, Cirilo Coc, Diego Cuevas, Eloy Cuevas, Ian Eiley, George "Benji" Eiley, George Eiley, Kenroy Eiley, Marisa Reina Faux, Sean Faux, Leslie Faux, Randolph Forman, Eric Ferrel, Christain Garbutt, Alexander Garbutt, Bertrand Garbutt, Eworth Garbutt, Clive Garbutt, Gilbert Jr Garbutt, George Garbutt, Jeremy Garbutt, Kylon Garbutt, Percival Garbutt, Terry Garbutt, Walter Garbutt, Warren
2012-Nov. 11 2012 - Nov 18 2012 - May 5 2012 –Nov 11 2012– Feb 7 2012 - Feb 11 2012 - Mar 22 2012 - Aug 9 2012 - Mar 11 2012– Nov 8 2012 - Mar 11 2012 - Mar 1 2012– Mar 14 2012 - Oct 3 2012 - Mar 14 2012 - Feb 11 2012 - April 5 2012 - May 13 2012 - Mar 21 2012 - May 13 2012 - Nov 11 2012 - Feb 21 2012 - Dec 14 2012 - Aug 31 2012 - Jan 28 2012 - April 23 renewing 2012 - Mar 19 2012 - Dec 8 2012 - April 12 2012 - Feb 11 2012 - April 5 2012 - April 30 2012 - Feb 11 2012 - April 23 2012 - Jan 4
Garbutt, Wellington Clive 2012 - March 19 Garbutt, Winsley 2012 - May 20 Garcia, Leopold 2012 - Mar 4 Gardiner, Doyle 2013 - Jan 9 Godfrey, Dale 2011 - May 13 Godfrey, Earl 2012- Jan 28 Godfrey, Louis 2012 - Feb 11 Gongora, Prince 2012 - Mar 11 Gordon, Percival 2012 - Apr 30 Gordon, Raymond 2012– Feb 3 Hernandez, Ana 2012– Mar 14 Herrera, Miguel 2012 - Jan 10 Ical, Juan 2012 - Nov 11 Katzenberg, Chad 2012– Mar14 Leslie, Ainsworth 2012– Jul 31 Leslie, Bernard renewing Leslie, Bruce renewing Leslie, Corey 2012– Jan 30 Leslie, Doren 2012 - March 14 Leslie, Ivan Sr renewing Leslie, Mark 2012 - Jan 4 Leslie, Rene 2012 - Dec 20 Leslie, Russell 2012 - Jan 28 Linarez, Francisco renewing Longsworth, Gareth 2012 - March 14 Lopez, Stephen 2012 - Feb 12 Lopez, Sydney 2012– Jan 28 Lozano, Devin 2012 - April 3 Mayen, Kirk 2011 - Dec 11 McNeil, Anne-Marie 2012 - Sept 26 Mes, Basilio 2012 - March 3 Miralda, Emely 2012– June 25 Modera, Kevin 2012– Jan 28 Muschamp, Alrin 2012 - April 5 Muschamp, Evaristo 2012 - Dec 21 Neal, Harry 2012 - Jan 10
Pau, Juan Pollard, Nick Ramirez, Patricia Rhamdas, Hank Tucker, Elroy Vernon, Arthur Vernon, David Vernon, Ian Vernon, Levi Villanueva , Andria Villanueva, Clint Villanueva, Faygon Villanueva, Rafael Westby, Zane Williams, Alfred Williams, Andre Williams, Jason Young, Brent Young, Carlton Young, Dorian Young, Dwayne Young, Hubert Young, Shawn Young Stephen Zuniga, Alfonso
2012 - Sep 13 2012 - March 14 2012 - March 14 2012-Apr 4 2012 - March 14 2012– Mar 23 2012 - March 14 2012 - Oct 22 2012 - March 14 2012 - Nov 11 2012 - April 3 2012 - April 5 2012 - Nov 4 2012 - March 14 2012 - March 14 2012 - May 20 2012 - Jan 14 2012 - Apr 30 2012– Apr 23 2012– Apr 23 2012 - Aug 18 2012 - April 5 2012– Aug 11 2012– Apr 28 2012– Sept 25
Please note that some licensed guides might not appear on this list. Feel free to contact the Placencia Tourism Center at 523-4045 for further information. This service is provided by the Placencia BTIA in partnership with the Placencia Tour Guide Association and the Belize Tourism Board.
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 12
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The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 13
The
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 14
Placencia BTIA Members
BUSINESS NAME A Belizean Nirvana Above Ground Coffee Ah-Kinchil Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas Atherly, Lindsay Avadon Divers Ltd Bachmann-Fairs, Brigitte Bahia Laguna Beach Suites Barefoot Bar Barefoot Services Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows Beachfront Suites Belize It Pick N Drop Belize Sailing Charters Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club Belize Trips Belize Ultralight Flying Adventures Blue Crab Beach Resort Blue Garden House Blue Lagoon Apartment Boris Mannsfeld & Associates Brown, Felisha Caballero, Alexis & Lloydia Capeling, Ralph Captain Jak’s Cabanas Car Rental of Placencia Caribbean Travel & Tours Carpenter, Nick & Kim Casa At Last Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape Casa Del Sol Casa Nettuno Casa Placencia Celeste, Donna Century21 BTAL Chabil Mar Villas Coconut Cottage Cocoplum Cocoplum Vacation Rentals Cohen, Howard & Karen Colibri House Cordy’s Beach Cottage Coston, Debbie CPC Real Estate Solution Danube Austrian Restaurant De Barcelona Beach Tapas Bar De Viners Decked Out House Destinations Belize Dial, Elysia Dial, Mary Ann Dianni’s Guesthouse Dusa, Lee & Gail Easy Living Apartments Eloise’s Travel Lodge Fat Boyz Pizza Feldman, Babe & Karen Finca French Louie Caye Fuller, Fred & Jacque Gabor, Deborah Galipeau, Cheryl Garden Cabanas George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse Glessner, Virginia & Fox, Jay Glockhamer, Heidi & Fasano, Steven Go Tees Goss Chocolate Green Parrot Beach Houses Grill N Go Guild & Guild Consulting Harbour Hideaway of Placencia Harry’s Cozy Cabanas Hatchet Caye Resort Heaven’s Gate Beach Bungalow Hess, Tina Hideaway Caye Hughes, Sharon J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar Jewel of Placencia Joy Tours Joyce and Frank’s Beach House Julia’s Cabanas Keck, Pamela & Karl Kingfisher Adventures Laru Beya Villas Las Amigas Leslie Tech Services Levoni, Mariuccia Lola’s Art Lost Porticos Villas
Phone: 523-4045 - Email: info@placencia.com Website: www.placencia.com or www.placenciabreeze.com
EMAIL belizeanirvana@gmail.com keithgmorrison@gmail.com chillin@ah-kinchil.com wmertensbelize@gmail.com vanlindsay@comcast.net info@avadondiversbelize.com ridgwood@telusplanet.net bahialaguna@mail.com barefootbarbz@gmail.com info@barefootservicesbelize.com taylors@btl.net beachfrontinbelize@gmail.com ian.sumners9@googlemail.com info@belize-sailing-charters.com belize@tradewindscruiseclub.com info@belize-trips.com firstbufa@hotmail.com sales@bluecrabbeach.com info@belizecottagerentals.com dark_landlord@hotmail.com bmannsfeld@yahoo.com felnbz18@hotmail.com clloydia@yahoo.com r_capeling@yahoo.ca theluckyerin22@yahoo.com powerscandy@hotmail.com info@ctbelize.com bananavida@gmail.com casa-at-last@xplornet.com info@casabeyabelize.com info@casadelsolbelize.com gentilegigante@yahoo.com casaplacencia@live.com bodie1949@yahoo.com brinehart@centurty21belize.com information@chabilmarvillas.com kwplacencia@yahoo.com stewart@cocoplumbelize.net rentals@cocoplumbelize.net howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca colibrihouse@gmail.com cfgringo@hotmail.com info@belizeproperty.com restaurant@danubebelize.com angela@upevents.es devinersbelize@gmail.com inquiry@deckedouthouse.com mtoy@destinationsbelize.com elysiadial@gmail.com madialinbze@yahoo.com diannisbelize@yahoo.com gail@getdusa.com; info@easylivingplacencia.com
PHONE 523-3331 634-3212 523-8017 523-3625 523-8112 503-3377 523-3248 523-4091 523-3515 523-3066 523-8010 606-1521 632-5000 523-3138 523-3303 610-1923 635-5319 523-3544 207-326-9099 627-7900 610-0294
523-4038 610-1278 523-3561 523-3284 523-3481 520-3021 523-3630 970-963-1099 523-3481 605-1648 503-3143 670-2034 523-3606 523-3234 610-1009 623-7774 622-6695 605-0586 523-3341 523-8001 672-9000 610-0132 666-4680 666-1777 503-3017 523-4018
523-3209 523-3159 523-3500 523-3481 503-3299 669-9880 cabf@jasarinc.com 610-0356 info@ctbelize.com 523-3481 kitty@frenchlouiecayebelize.com 523-3228 628-0992 gringainbelize@gmail.com 628-7004 chgalipeau@yahoo.com 523-3329 colibrihouse@gmail.com 605-0586 gcgeorge@rcn.com vivij@earthlink.com heidisteve@cox.net 664-5802 manager@gotees.net 223-4660 sales@bluecrabbeach.com 523-3544 greenparrot@mail.com 523-2488 grillngo@yahoo.com 523-4079 guildandguild@hotmail.com 523-3251 jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com 623-3286 cozycabanas@yahoo.com 523-3155 contact@hatchetcaye.com 533-4446 info@seasprayhotel.com 523-3148 hideawaycaye@yahoo.com sharonh235493@yahoo.com heidi@heidi11.com info@jewelplacenciarental.com joytour@btl.net h2odanzer@aol.com juliascabanas@juliascabanas.com kkeck11@yahoo.com info@tarponcayelodge.com info@larubeya.com info@lasamigasbelize.com info@leslietech.com mariuccialevoni@hotmail.com lolasartgallery@yahoo.com reservations@losporticos.com
665-4069 628-0916 503-3351 523-3481 523-3325 561-683-3899 503-3478 520-4057 523-3323 523-3476 523-3117 523-3323 602-3602 523-3342 523.3227
CELL or FAX 625-3301
610-3843
629-9602 602-7768
635-5319 523-3543
622-7104 662-6711 523-3081
523-3081 630-7811 523-3611 609-4267
627-3150
624-8637 610-4718 628-7926 523-3081
523-3081 610-3228 629-6429
651-4622 670-8288 523-3542 523-3291 523-3155 523-3337
523-3081 561-683-3899 523-3225 523-3322 523-3483
601-1913 523-3226
CONTACT PERSON Evan Hall Keith Morrison Kevin Madore & Maya Krammer Wini Mertens & Steve Lobban Lindsay Atherly Anne-Marie & Phillip McNeil Brigitte Bachmann-Fairs Doug & Madalon Richardson Cassie & Brice Dial Ian & Megs Yearwood Bill & Adriane Taylor Maricia & Robert McMahon Ian Sumner Rob & Kim McDaniel Melissa Rea Katie Valk Tito Roveda Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Costas & Sally Christ David Whyte Boris Mannsfeld, Frik & Tonya Felisha Brown Alexis & Lloydia Caballero Ralph Capeling Erin Ivy Candy Power Veronique & Lance McKenzie Nick & Kim Carpenter Dewey Harshbarger Midge & Aaron Dallas Veronique McKenzie Franco Gentile & Mariuccia Levoni Jacki Tipton Donna Celeste Bradley Rinehart Synescio Coh Kay Westby Stewart Krohn Aaron Krohn Howard Cohen & Karen Kotansky-Cohen Stefano Ragagnin & Nicoletta Sala Cordelia Ford Debbie Coston Dan Dunbar & Michael Young Herbert Kollmann & Simone Gareis Angela Suarez and Julio Estallo Christine Salmon, Kimberly & John Viner Linda Burrow Mary Toy Elysia Dial Mary Ann Dial Ruth Turner Lee & Gail Dusa Veronique McKenzie Sonia Leslie Bill Harding Babe & Karen Feldman Veronique McKenzie Kitty Fox Fred & Jacque Fuller Deborah Gabor Cheryl Galipeau Stephano Ragagnin George Cowdrey Virginia Glessner & Jay Fox Heidi Glockhamer & Steven Fasano Isabel Goldberg Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson David Allardice & Leo Ramirez Dawn Pollard Yvette Guild Jim and Cindy Weller Harry Eiley Dasha Shivers & Fiona Macfarlane Jodie Leslie Tina Hess Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Sharon Hughes Daisy & Jeremy Leslie Veronique McKenzie & Joe Garipoli Hubert & Karen Young Joyce Danz Julia Leslie Pamela & Karl Keck Charles Leslie Ian McField Lydia Villanueva & Geri Salsig Charles Leslie Jr. & Ycela Alpuche MAriuccia Levoni Lola Delgado & Liz Locke Ron & Sandra Steele
SHOP AT THE PLACENCIA TOURISM CENTER! GOING FAST! FAST! FAST! SIDEWALK ARTS FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS Adults: $30 Kids: $25 PAST EVENT T-SHIRTS ONLY $10!!! Also check out other fundraiser T-shirts benefitting the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department, The Peninsula Shotokan Karate Class and the Placencia Moorings Project! POPULAR ITEM! Heavenly Belize: $99 Impress your house guests with this coffee table book showcasing unique aerial shots of Belize. Comes in beautiful gift bag! FEATURED BOOK! “Treehouse Perspectives: Living High on Life” by Christina and Kirby Salisbury: $32 “Living light on little became a way of life when the Salisburys moved their family into a tree house in Belize” … We also carry …. FIELD GUIDES, MARINE GUIDES ROAD MAPS, USED BOOKS POSTCARDS … AND LOADS OF FREE INFORMATION!!!! Planning trip to Honduras? Buy your tickets to Puerto Cortes with us! $120 one-way. OPENING HOURS: 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS CALL: 523-4045 or e-mail info@placencia.com
BREEZE ON THE SCENE Volunteers participate in The People’s Referendum on Offshore Drilling at the Seine Bight Polling Station ... Steve Fasano from Maya Beach holds his double bass at De Viners ... Barefoot Bar’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration saw a guy in a morph suit and a bag pipes player! … Don’t mess with the Karate Kids. They’ll get you! … Placencia Volunteer Fire Department’s Kathy and Steve Anglinwade enjoy themselves at the Flaming Heart Ball. Kareem dishes out yummy food … Event Organizers Cindy and Jim Weller get ready to prepare raffle drawing. Guests danced the night away at Tipsy Tuna! … DeLite Café’s cool bunny rolls impressed!
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 18
Placencia BTIA Members cont. Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net 523-3117 Lynn Jackson & Doug Simons travlnjack@btl.net 523-3117 Manatee Inn manateeinn@btl.net 523-4083 Marechal, Jeanne revjeannem@gmail.com 626-5567 Maya Beach Hotel info@mayabeachhotel.com 520-8040 Maya Dream Beach House mayadreambelize@yahoo.com 523-3148 Maya Lodge maya-lodge@hotmail.com 605-0586 Maya Playa mayaplaya@btl.net 523-8121 Mes, Basilio admin@exoticabelize.com 624-1470 Michelo Flats harbour21@gmail.com 523-3519 Miller’s Landing millersplacencia@yahoo.com 523-3010 Miramar Apartments info@miramarbelize.com 523-3658/3117 Mirasol Villa info@mirasolbelize.com 523-3481 Mission Bay Christian Retreat cbelize@btl.net 523-3654 MnM Hardware Placencia duncker@btl.net 523-3517 Moorings Belize Ltd. mooringsbelize@btl.net 523-3351 Mosquito Coast Trading Co. Ltd. rjay@btl.net 523-8141 Nautical Inn nifrontdesk@yahoo.com 523-9535 Ocean’s Edge oceanedge@vl.videotron.ca 514-606-5582 Ocean Pro info@oceanprobelize.com 630-8855 One World Rental oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com 523-3103 Ooga Booga Fun Club 628-1250 Palmetto Place info@ctbelize.com 523-3481 Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@btl.net 523-3563 Papaya Boutique papayaboutique@gmail.com Paradise Vacation Hotel info@belize123.com 523-3179 Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development info@saveourpeninsula.org 523-3587 Placencia Adventures by Land or by Sea placenciaadventures@yahoo.com 523-3307 Placencia Bazaar beachbazaar@yahoo.com 523-4309 Placencia Humane Society maryann.inbz@yahoo.com 523-3406 Placencia Mini Storage arbonabzrealty@yahoo.com 636-0566 Placencia Tennis bobbelize21@gmail.com 626-4015 Placencia Yacht Club potoker@gmail.com 970-209-7251 Platinum Designs hannah@sbplatinum.com 610-0327 Property Pro Belize frank@belizeproperty.com 523-3292 Ranguana Lodge ranguana@btl.net 523-3112 Re/Max Belize Property Center david@belizepropertycenter.com 631-9622 Robert’s Grove info@robertsgrove.com 523-3565 Robert Nicolait and Associates rnabelize@yahoo.com 523-3149 Rumfish y vino rumfish@btl.net 523-3293 Seahorse Dive Shop seahorse@btl.net 523-3166 Seaspray Hotel info@seasprayhotel.com 523-3148 Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com 523-3777 Secret Garden Day Spa lee@secretgardenplacencia.com 523-3420 Secret Garden Restaurant thesecretgardenrestaurant@live.com 523-3617 Silver Leaf yoliebrown@hotmail.com 970-944-2550 Singing Sands Inn info@singingsands.com 533-3022 Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com 620-8718 Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net 523-4306 South Environmental Association info@seabelize.org 523-3377 Spectarte Gallery spectarte@gmail.com 533-8019 Spilman, Ron spilmangw@gmail.com 600-8374 Splash Dive Center patricia@splashbelize.com 523-3058 Sunset Pointe Condos ewinche713@aol.com 523-3314 Taylor, Rand rndtylr@yahoo.com 661-9398 Taylor, Winston wftaylorii@yahoo.com 623 7971 The Added Touch rrobin@btl.net 223-0054 The Arches mrisk@trecinc.net 479-841-7970 The Flamboyant flamboyantplacencia@gmail.com 628-1143 The Maine Stay drewtravers@gmail.com 523-3507 debanddave@btl.net 523-3207 The North Beach The Placencia Hotel & Residences info@theplacencia.com 533-4110 The Shak Beach Café theshakbelize@yahoo.com 622-1686 The Villas at Cocoplum BMannsfeld@yahoo.com 610-0294 The Yellow House info@ctbelize.com 523-3481 Three Iguanas Villa colibrihouse@gmail.com 605-0586 Toucan Lulu reservations@toucanlulu.com 628-8474 Tony’s Gym tony@belizefit.com 631-9622 Tradewinds trdewndpla@btl.net 523-3122 Tree of Life Massage Studio smallkristine@yahoo.com 624-5408 Trip N Travel lgodfrey@btl.net 523-3205 Turtle Inn frontdesk@turtleinn.com 523-3244 Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor tizy.lory@virgilio.it Village Inn info@thevillageinnbelize.com 523-3481 Waterfront Real Estate waterfrontbelize@aol.com 610-3264 Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar wendylemus02@hotmail.com 523-3335 Westwind Hotel westwind.hotel@gmail.com 523-3255 Whipray Caye Lodge whipraycaye@yahoo.com White Sand Villa jeangabebze@yahoo.com 604-7471 Wild Orchid Properties tom@wildorchidproperties.com Yellow Bella yellowbella@alice.it 605-0586 Yoli’s Bar regantrethewey@hotmail.com 625-2763 Yount, Doran & Kim takunchances@yahoo.com 670-4130 Z-Touch Day Spa yselazab@hotmail.com 523-3513
523-3354
520-8040
626-2518 523-3011 503-3095 523-3081 651-9300 523-3537 523-3206 610-1441 514-697-9435 620-9975 523-3081 603-5143 670-3665 523-3256 622-1886 628-7926
628-1250 523-3112 523-3666 666-6934 523-3166 615-2925 609-3104 970-944-0552 634-6973 600-0375 523-3395 620-6649
223-1461 523-3519
520-4112 628-6447 523-3081
523-3205 253-3081 523-4016 610-1068
Lydia Villanueva Lynn Jackson and Doug Simons Slavek Machacka Jeanne Marechal Ellen & John Lee Jodie Leslie & Wanda & Roger Snell Stefano Ragagnin & Lou McLeod Chuck Meares Basilio Mes Michel Ardoullie Gary & Ann Miller Ilsa Villanueva Veronique McKenzie Don Palmer Dora Duncker Renee Brown Ray Twanow Dr. Roger & Gail Blair Francine Martel Ramona Sengespeick Claudia Hardegger Francis Gagliano/ Max Mullins Robert Fox Marion & Ed Carr Alan & Deloris Stamm Adrian Vernon & Mary Toy Ainsworth “Cubby” Leslie Annette & Sonny Vernon Mary Smith - President Ruth Turner & Fred Arbona Bob & Lida Rodgers Michael Potoker Hannah Cowell Frank Gagliano Joy Leslie David Kafka Lou Nicolait Pamela & John Solomon Brian & Ardie Young Jodie & Norman Leslie John & Marian Chan Lee Nyhus Randy & Sabrina William & Jolanda Brown, Stefano/agent Jean-Marc Tasse Siriporn Thakham Stan & Mary Smith Nellie Catzim Jenny Wildman Ron Spilman Patricia Ramirez Eric & Janis Winchester Rand Taylor Winston Taylor Robin McCutheon Mark Risk Angie Markham Drew Travers Deborah & Dave Vernon Marco Caruso & Elena Cuellar Magda Morales Boris Mannsfield or Erin Ivy Veronique McKenzie Stefano Ragagnin & Joe Stark Paul Fanning Tony Pinder Janice Leslie Kristine Small Laura Godfrey & Fiona Macfarlane Martin Krediet Tiziana Del Col Veronique Mckenzie Patrick & Denise Callahan Wendy Lemus George & Lisa Westby Julian & Beverly Cabral James Grover &Jeanie Gabourel Tom Hitchcock Stefano Ragagnin Yolanda Trethewey Doran & Kim Yount Ysela Zabaneh
The Placencia BTIA would like to thank all our renewing members! Haven’t renewed your 2012 membership yet? Stop by the Placencia Tourism Center by March 31 to help us continue our mission to develop a robust and professional membership association, which promotes, advocates and represents the interests of its members for the benefit of the tourism industry.
The Placencia Breeze March 2012- Page 19
Wait… There’s More to Gladden Spit Than Whale Sharks! By Rachel T. Graham Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Gulf and Caribbean Sharks and Rays Programme, rgraham@wcs.org
I
t’s March again and for many in Belize and abroad, the calendar marks the annual return of whale sharks to Gladden Spit. Eager to stop in at the Barrier Reef’s premier shark dining spot to feed on the spawn of cubera and dog snappers (Lutjanus cyanopterus and L. jocu respectively), whale sharks arrive from other parts of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico to feed on eggs less than one mm in diameter. Satellite and acoustic tagging of whale sharks conducted between 2000 until 2011 revealed that Gladden Spit is a key stop over point for mainly juvenile male whale sharks. These animals are moving from one key dining spot in the Western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to another. In fact, tagging studies have shown that the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that encompasses Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico is a migratory corridor for the world’s largest fish, which they travel along feeding on pelagic sprat in Honduras to snapper spawn in Belize and plankton and tuna spawn in Mexico. From there the animals either return south or voyage into the Gulf of Mexico or over to Cuba.
populations and by doing so can help ecosystems such as the coral reef to maintain resilience against climate change and degradation. They accomplish this in part by enabling herbivorous fish to maintain their population levels and clean the reef of stifling macroalgae. When there is too much macroalgae new corals have nowhere to settle and contribute to maintaining coral cover. Several studies conducted primarily in the Pacific have shown that areas of high shark abundance correlates not only with healthier and more widespread coral coverage but also with high abundance of other large fish species including jacks, groupers and snappers.
So to better understand our sharks in Belize and the role that marine reserves play in providing protection, we expanded our broadly collaborative Belize operated and based shark research conducted over the past 14 years, to encompass a range of coastal and reef associated sharks and rays. Species included in our studies include: Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, great hammerWhat many people don’t heads, Caribbean sharpnose know though is that the sharks, blacktip sharks, tiger conditions at Gladden sharks, Southern stingrays Spit’s natural underwater (diamond shape and most theater orchestrate a dizzycommonly seen), eagle rays, ing diversity of animals longnose stingrays (brown, other than the world’s largshaped like a southern stingest fish. The cast of greats ray but possessing a sharp include at least 27 species snout), Caribbean whiptail of medium to large size stingrays (large round and fish that spawn at the site grey), and even the more and no less than 14 species ocean going silky sharks, of other sharks and rays. which are often found swimOnce Belize protected the ming with schools of tuna as whale shark critical feeding well as the transiting whale habitat at Gladden Spit in sharks. Our study conducted 2000, conferred national in southern Belize in partnerprotection on whale sharks ship with the Fisheries Dein 2003, and also protected partment, the Forestry DeTony Rath partment , tour-guides, fishers, 11 of the country’s fish spawning aggregation sites, Dr. Graham and Belizean students in “Kids Meet Sharks” program funded by the Whitley Fund for the private sector and the nonwe turned our attention to Nature, get up close and personal with small tiger shark by Calabash Caye. governmental organisations: the many other species of Southern Environmental Assosharks and rays that have received little attention in the country. Populations of ciation (SEA), TIDE and SATIIM, included the South Water Caye Marine sharks and rays globally are in dramatic decline due to overfishing with a high Reserve (MR), Gladden Spit and the Silk Cayes MR, Port Honduras MR, -end figure of 73 million sharks fished annually and depletions of over 90 per- Paynes’ Creek National Park, the Sarstoon and Temash National Park and the cent for several species in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Few know that Sapodilla Cayes MR examined catch per unit effort (number of sharks and Belize has hosted a shark fishery over the past few decades. From the 1960s rays captured per 100 hooks per hour) inside and outside of the marine reto 1993, the fishery initially provided celebrants of the Lenten period prior to serves. We found a significantly higher abundance of sharks and rays inside Easter with salted dried shark fillet; however, mounting demand from the the protected areas versus outside suggesting that marine reserves bestow proAsian fin market has seen greater pressure and extraction of these fishes. The tection for sharks regardless of levels of enforcement, which vary between dried fins are processed to make shark fin soup, a cultural delicacy, but which MRs. The protective aspect is also partly due to the fact that these marine reis also known to contain high levels of methyl mercury. This potent and dam- serves possess a common ban on the use of nets and longlines, the primary aging neurotoxin is also prevalent in the meat of at least 11 shark species in gears used to catch sharks. Belize suggesting that it is better to eat panades made out of finfish. There are still many questions regarding the status of sharks in northern BeThe ecological role that sharks and rays play differs according to the species lize, a transboundary area with Mexico. studied. But sharks and rays are generally recognized to help to regulate prey Please see GLADDEN SPIT’S MARINE DIVERSITY on page 20.
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 20
Gladden Spit’s Marine Diversity Continued from Page Nineteen Following on the success of the Southern Belize Shark and Ray study, we began a long-term study of the sharks, rays and turtles at Lighthouse Reef Atoll in 2007 and conducted a pilot northern component to our Southern Belize Study in 2010 that identified what appears to be the first bull shark nursery ground in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This year we broadened the pilot project to a full-scale project that encompasses the coast of northern Belize to the Barrier Reef and out to Lighthouse Reef Atoll. We expanded our tools to use baited remote underwater video cameras (BRUVs) and in water transects. BRUVs literally work like the commonly used terrestrial camera traps used to study species such as jaguars. Using a set amount of time on the ocean’s floor and bait, these installations tell us how many sharks and rays visit different sites, offering comparisons of abundance and diversity between habitats and areas with and without protection. Our in-water transects have already provided us with excellent insights into the areas of highest ray and turtle densities according to different habitats and protection levels (e.g. inside or outside of MRs). Synthetically, these studies will provide us with a countrywide status of sharks and rays and information on their relative abundance and diversity, their demographics, feeding behavior and favored habitats. During the course of the Southern Belize shark and ray study, we also uncovered a shark fishery conducted primarily by fishers from neighboring countries as well as information that nurse sharks and rays were being increasingly targeted as the larger more commercially valuable sharks were harder to find. This information, along with increased outreach to the public on the long term value of living sharks and increased pressure on the government to curb fishing pressure on sharks, led to a first round of legislation in 2011 that bans the fishing of nurse sharks and limits the number and size of nets deployed in unprotected areas.
Rachel T. Graham
One of the best ways to foster changes in attitudes towards sharks is by enabling people to see them up close and personal. Through our research and Kids Meet Sharks program funded by the Whitley Fund for Nature, we have brought over 75 Belizean students, 14 teachers, 23 Belizean biologists and marine reserve rangers and 53 fishers to meet sharks and rays up close and personal. For a taste of one of our educational trips with Belizean 10-12-year-old students who meet sharks and rays for the first time, do look us up on You Tube (Kids meet sharks 2011) or via our project web site (www.belizesharks.org). We have our work cut out for us to elucidate the world of sharks and rays in Belize and promote their effective conservation. You can help! Take a moment to visit our Belize Shark Project web site (www.belizesharks.org) and view our award winning documentary “Where have our sharks gone?” and log sightings of sharks or rays that you may have made during your snorkel and dive trips. And of course, if you have seen and photographed whale sharks, please upload your information and photos onto ECOCEAN’s site (www.whaleshark.org).
Rachel T. Graham, a Belizean national, is the recipient of the Whitley Gold Award – one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for grassroots nature conservation. She was awarded in 2011 by Her Royal Highness Princess
Graham has dedicated 20 years of her life to saving endangered species like the whale shark.
Caribbean Whiptail Stingray or Chupare cruises along the bottom of the ocean floor in Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.
A public perception survey conducted with Belizeans throughout the country last year revealed that Belizeans hold mixed feelings towards sharks, somewhat scared of them but also understanding that these animals are necessary alive for the good of the reef and country. Few Belizeans eat shark, which is a good thing considering the high methyl mercury levels found in over 177 samples that we tested from 11 different species. Most importantly is that regardless of age or sex, occupation or location, the majority of respondents felt strongly that sharks and rays should be protected.
We look forward to hearing back from you and until then: Happy Sharking (and Raying!) ▪
Anne at the Royal Geographic Society in central London. The award supports her conservation work to protect 'top predators' like sharks that maintain the diversity of the entire reef ecosystem as well as maintaining the star attractions for the tourists who visit Belize’s beautiful reef.
Spit Marin
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 21
Placencia Community Supports King Henry’s Family By Marion Carr Placencia Peninsula Community Support Organizer, muzamanzie@gmail.com The Placencia Peninsula community is a close community network and when a member needs assistance, people come together to make it happen. Barbecue joint owner, Henry Anderson Jr., fondly known in Placencia Village as “King Henry” suddenly passed away on February 20 from diabetes complications. He left behind his common law wife Dixia and three young children. Henry was a communityminded man who had always been involved in
local events and enjoyed philosophical conversations with anyone who had time to sit and chat. Following his passing, Lee Nyhus, a family friend, suggested organizing a fundraiser to assist the family with paying outstanding bills, supplementing costs needed for the children’s schooling and to keep King Henry’s barbecue business running under Dixia’s leadership. To assist King Henry’s family, Placencia Peninsula Community Support (PPCS) – an organization established in 2011 to organize fundraisers supporting community members in need – held a barbecue fundraiser on March 4 where a raffle was also drawn. Thanks to the many cash donations, food donations and proceeds from the raffle and BBQ sale, almost $3,000 was raised to help the family. Outstanding utility bills have been paid, and Dixia has been able to restock the barbecue stall to resume business. The remaining funds will be used towards future utility bills and the children’s schooling.
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PPCS Volunteers Joelle Godfrey and Ciara Vernon serve food at fundraiser.
When something like this happens in the community, it’s a bitter sweet moment. The community lost not just a
family man, but a real character from the village, but the sweetness comes from witnessing the strength of community support to his remaining family. This fundraiser, which was put together in less than a week and a half following Henry’s passing would not have been as successful as it was without the complete support of the people and businesses which make up the Peninsula’s community. We would like to thank the following people and businesses who donated cash, raffle prizes and BBQ supplies for the fundraiser: Lolas Art, Habeneros in Caye Caulker, The Secret Garden Day Spa, Ally’s Guest House, PMM Placencia Mooring Masters, Rumfish Y Vino, Jagz Auto Rental, Charly's gifts, Leslie Tech Services, Tarpon Caye Lodge, D Lab, The Treasure box, The Art Affair Gallery, Tuttifrutti, Grill & Go, Placencia Tourism Center, Goss chocolate, Confetti (Belize), Blissfulsage Foundation-Edlin Leslie Sr. Hospice, Dangriga Handbags, Papaya Boutique, One World Rental, Andy A Reimer, Fat Boyz Pizza, Sunova Beach Gift Shop, Tipsy Tuna Beach & Sports Bar, Changes, Barefoot Bar, Above Grounds Coffee House, Robert’s Grove Beach Resort & Ocean Pro Belize, Brigitte Bachmann-Fairs, Veronique McKenzie, Danilee Cadle, Secret Garden Restaurant, Cindy & Francisco Linarez, Linnie & Steve Page, Penny Dial, Barefoot Bar, David Perez, Clive’s Vegetables, Peninsula Store, Placencia Store, LJ Store, Linn Wilson, Everyday market, Remax - Dan & Antony, Wallens Market, Cindy Weller, Myrtle, Lee Nyhus, Radiance Ferrel, Consuela Eiley, Jaqueline Richie, Rum Fish Y Vino, Robert Clare, Lisa Hendershot-Harding, Sinfully Sweet Cake Shop... Please see King Henry Fundraiser, page 22.
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 22
King Henry Fundraiser
nesota. By this time, Henry's family had all moved to Minnesota, so that only Henry remained in Belize. He then met Dixia with whom he created another family including his step daughter, Carolina and his two sons, Henry and Isak. This family called Placencia home and Henry was in the process of developing his business as a great grill chef at his "King Henry's BBQ". Henry has always struggled with diabetes after being diagnosed at aged 13, at John’s Hopkins in Washington D.C.
Continued from Page Twenty-two
The Placencia Breeze/ MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
King Henry’s son looks up at his big sister at the fundraiser. Proceeds from the event assisted their family with utility costs, their schooling, and to keep the family business running.
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“King” Henry Anderson barbecues on St. George’s Caye.
Mosquito Coast Ice, Placencia Village Council, Chen & Jane Eiley, Karen Young and Laura Godfrey. Many thanks to the following people and businesses who tirelessly sold raffle tickets –- a major feat with the draw less than a week after tickets became available: Natasha August, Albina Ortiz (Karina’s clothing), Secret Garden Spa (Lee), Placencia Tourism Center, Placencia Tourism Business Organization, Rain or Shine delivery (Lisa), Fat Boyz Pizza (Bill), Papaya Boutique (Aline), Kathy Anglin-Wade, Placencia Bazzar (Nette), & LJ Store. And for all who volunteered their help on the day of the barbecue fundraiser: Lee Nyhus, Marion Carr, Robert Clare, Steve Wade, Kathy Anglin-Wade, Lisa Williams Macias, Ciara Vernon, Joelle Godfrey, Jen Godfrey, Tessa Eiley, Lloydia and Dr. Alexis Caballero, Dalton Eiley, Sr., Rotary Club of Placencia members and Ms. Louise Wade Sr. JP who drew the raffle. For providing some light musical entertainment for everyone attending the fundraiser: Angela Suarez, Steve Fasano and Mitch Thorndike. If we missed anyone, your help was just as appreciated. As you can see from the number of names, an overwhelming number of people supported this event and it’s easy to miss someone. ▪ Biography from Henry’s funeral service: Henry the man behind King Henry’s BBQ: Henry Darley Anderson or Henry Jr., was the second child and first son born to Dr. Henry D. Anderson and Mrs. Stephanie Gegg Anderson on March 26, 1976 in Kingston, Jamaica. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Nassau, Bahamas as the civil unrest in Jamaica had escalated dangerously. Eventually, the family re-located to Dangriga, Belize, Dr. Anderson's hometown. There, Henry grew up with his older sister, Fayemarie, and two younger brothers, Aaron and Teres. Henry would go to the same school as his father, his grandmother, Rose Marie Kuylen and his great-grandfather Aurelio Kuylen, Sacred Heart School. He then attended Ecumenical High School but after his first year, his family moved to Washington DC to serve as diplomats at the Embassy of Belize. Henry would then attend St. John's High School in Belize City, then Suger Montano in Guatemala City, when his family once again served as diplomats in Guatemala at the Embassy of Belize. He would finally graduate in Louisiana where he had moved to be with his sister and Uncle Norris Anderson. Henry then moved to Minnesota where he met his wife Andrea with whom he had his first son, Nyreh. He also became a step father to Kiara Malone, Andrea's first child and only daughter from a previous union. He and his family moved to Belize, but it proved very difficult, and his wife and children soon returned to Min-
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The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 23
Parts & vehicles available anywhere in Belize!
CAPTAIN SHARK’S REPRESENTATIVE IN BELIZE BRAND NEW GOLF CARTS! Rent, Own, Lease Options Available Featuring the Precedent Villager Kayaks · Bicycles Automatic Scooters · Electric Cars Placencia, Belize ·Located North of Scotia Bank Phone: 622-7104 · Phone: 628-6447 www.captainjaks.com
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 24
COMMUNITY briefs Rotary Club of Placencia February proved to be a busy month for the Rotary Club of Placencia as we continued with our twice a month Bingo games, held our annual auction, continued planning on several projects, and had some fun at one of our Firesides. BINGO The first Bingo game of the month was held on February 2 as a large, enthusiastic crowd gathered for a chance to win some money and help out their community. The lucky winners were Barbara, Ken, Martin, Adrian (3 time winner), Doug and Celia (split pot), Susan and Adrian’s mother (sorry we didn’t catch her name), and Bill. The winners of the jackpot game were Adrian’s mother and Jean who, despite not covering their cards in 49 numbers or less, still split a prize of well over $100. The crowd was even larger for the February 16 game as the word spread that the progressive jackpot had grown to $2300. The winners were Therese, Miriam, Steve, Diane and Adrian (split pot), Leslie, Bill, Miriam and Nazle (split pot), Maretha, and Alli. The progressive jackpot game winner was Pamela, who took home over $100 but left the pot to grow for the next game. We wish to thank everyone that comes out to support our Club, Kathy Anglin for calling most of the games, and J-Dees for providing the venue. The next game will be on March 1 (games are on the first and third Thursdays of each month) where the progressive jackpot will be worth around $2500, so, make sure to come early and get a good seat for the fun. FIRESIDE The first Fireside of 2012 was held on February 4 at Greg and Wanda’s house as Rotarians and their spouses, significant others, and guests gathered for an evening of fun, good food (each guest brings a dish to share which always results in an abundance of outstanding food), fellowship, and entertainment. This Fireside proved to be a special treat as internationally known musician Bill McElaney was here on his annual visit from Ireland and Belize’s own Peter “Titiman” Flores (Belize’s Culture Ambassador) combined their considerable musical talents to entertain those gathered with a mix of Irish, Garifuna and American music that proved music is truly universal. We thank all that attended the Fireside, Greg and Wanda for hosting, and especially thank Bill McElaney and Peter Flores for providing an evening of music that everyone will remember for a long time. We also wish to thank Alice for making her appearance since it just wouldn’t be a party without Alice. AUCTION Saturday February 11 saw a large crowd gather under the big tent at the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival for the Rotary Club of Placencia’s annual Auction. The bidding was lively and was, once again, directed by auctioneer and fellow Rotarian Bill Butcher as well over $9,000 was raised to go towards projects in the community. We wish to thank the BTIA and the Village Council for working with us to make a time and venue available, the people that came out and bid so generously on the items donated, and those that donated including (we apologize in advance for any that we miss here): Turtle Inn, Paradise Resort, Joe Carlson, Placencia Bazaar, Maya Beach Hotel, The Aguada, Los Porticos, Lost Reef, Singing Sands, DeLite Café, Mango’s, Insurance Corporation of Belize/Caribbean Cabinet and Furniture, Lola’s Art, Goss Chocolate, Blue Crab, Patricia Celenza, Avadon Divers, Casa Placencia, MnM Hardware, Fat Boyz Pizza, Rain or Shine Delivery, J-Dees Restaurant, Grill n Go Restaurant, Above Ground Coffee, Hatchet Caye, DeViners Restaurant, Kingfisher, Barefoot Services, Anton Leslie Tattoo, Sandra Steele, Habaneros, French Louis Caye, Hot Mama’s, The Tooth Fairy, Barefoot Bar, Secret Garden, David Kafka (ReMax), Greg Delafuente, Art Affair Gallery, Boris Mansfield and Associates, Tutti Frutti, Wendy’s Restaurant, Nite Wind, The Shak, Internet Café, Ocean Motion, Art & Soul Gallery, Z Touch, Wallen’s Market, Splash Dive Shop, D’Tatch, Omar’s, Joy Tours, Treasure Box, Rumfish, Kathy Anglin, David Perez, Pine Lumber, Laru Beya, Cardelli Shrimp Farm, Added Touch, Chabil Mar, and Bob Edmonds. The generosity of these donors and the willingness of bidders to actually bid more than the estimated value of some items is what makes our work in the community possible. This has proven to be our largest fund raiser of the year and we hope to make next year’s Auction even bigger and better. ONGOING/UPCOMING PROJECTS AND EVENTS Work is continuing on several school related projects on the Peninsula, primarily with the Rotary Club of Edmonton West, Canada, including additional work at the Seine Bight Preschool, the summer reading program and, possibly, some additional scholarships for next year. We are also continuing planning work on the Annual Senior Lunch in May and the construction of some picnic tables and benches for the ball field and the beach.
PENINSULA SHOTOKAN KARATE CLASS SCHEDULE Held every other Wednesday and Friday In Placencia Community Center: Classes start promptly at 4:30 p.m. For more information and registration, contact: Robin McCutcheon, 610-4787 Wednesdays
Fridays
March 28 April 11 April 25
March 30 April 13 April 27
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 25
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Ginny Howarth
Peninsula Shotokan Karate Kids led by Sensei Robin McCutheon stand in front of visiting members of the Belize Shotokan Karate Association. The Karate Kids tested for their yellow belts on March 17 in the Placencia Community Center and continued training the following day on the rooftop of the home of Salvador and Gillian Zabaneh. All students succeeded with earning their yellow belts! As pictured above from left to right: Victor Zabaneh, Izak Leslie, Nyah Young, Casey Christensen and Erica Howarth. CONGRATULATIONS!
PLACENCIA HUMANE SOCIETY FUNDRASIER BAREFOOT BAR · April 14, 2012 · 6PM til10. 50/50 drawing, grand prize, door prizes, no admission.
EASTER EGG EXTRAVAGANZA!!! APRIL 5 on the beach in front of Tipsy Tuna! STARTS AT 11 A.M. All school-age kids are welcome! Color eggs on the beach! Win best decorated Easter hat contest! There will be many more games and prizes!!! CONTACT TRACEY EILEY AT 620-8003 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP! EGG DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED!
PLACENCIA ASSASSINS GAME SCHEDULE
BINGO WITH THE ROTARY CLUB OF PLACENCIA FIRST & THIRD THURSDAYS EVERY MONTH J-DEES RESTAURANT 6:00 PM SHARP CASH PRIZES PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT CHECK US ON FACEBOOK PLACENCIA ROTARY
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
VS.
25 - March
4:00 p.m.
Marshalleck Stadium
1 - April
4:00 p.m.
Toledo Union Field
Paradise Freedom Fighters
8 - April
4:00 p.m.
Placencia Football Field
Belmopan Bandits
15 - April
4:00 p.m.
Placencia Football Field
San Ignacio F.C.
Hancook Verdes
COME OUT AND HELP YOUR COMMUNITY APRIL 5 & 19 OUR CLUB As anyone who has regularly read these articles can see, the Rotary Club of Placencia has accomplished much in our Community with a small, but growing, number of members. We encourage anyone that wants to help out to join us at one of our meetings (Tuesdays at 12:30 PM at Yoli’s, lunch is $10) and find out what is planned. We work hard at times, but, the rewards are the satisfaction of helping to make our community a better place while enjoying the fellowship of others with the same goals. We also have fun while we are working and have several social events a year that add up to a worthwhile and rewarding experience. Please consider joining us, the more of us there are, the more we can accomplish by working together.
LARRY MATTHEWS
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 26
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Commissioner of Police Meets With Peninsula Residents On Thursday, March 22, Peninsula residents packed the Placencia Community Center to communicate their concerns about the issue of crime on the Placencia Peninsula to new Commissioner of Police David Henderson. Henderson travelled from his Belmopan Police Headquarters to the Peninsula to attend the urgent meeting called by the Placencia Village Council following a perceived increase in crime on the Peninsula. Henderson said that a restructuring of the local police department is needed and that a review of Placencia Police personnel is ongoing. He informed attendees that the post of top cop on the Peninsula will be upgraded from sergeant to inspector, and they have already identified a candidate who will be appointed shortly. In addition to the appointment of a new inspector, Commissioner Henderson also assured the meeting that much needed vehicles would be assigned to the area to augment the less than adequate single motorcycle that now serves the 12-mile-long Peninsula. Also in attendance were Officer in Charge of the Tourism Police Unit Diane Hall and the Belize Tourism Board’s Coordinator for the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) Raymond Mossiah. The two received accolades from the audience when Mossiah mentioned that the TPU has already made a down payment towards the purchase of a boat intended to assist the TPU with local coastline patrols. According to Mossiah, the TPU will operate the vessel in collaboration with the Coastguard and local non-governmental organizations such as Southern Environmental Association (SEA). Hall added that she and Mossiah have been working proactively, carefully looking at their budget and trying to find new ways to deter and fight local crime. In response to whether a police checkpoint would be installed along the northern section of the Placencia Road, as recommended by the Peninsula 20/20
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
initiative, Commissioner Henderson said, “We will be looking at it.” ▪ Want to contact the commissioner? Dial: 822-2224 or 610-6603.
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Placencia Tourism Business Organization Director Lloydia Caballero poses questions to the Commissioner.
Learn more about your Peninsula. Read the 20/20 Report. Visit www.placencia.com and download your copy.
The Placencia Breeze – March 2012- Page 27
Grawbowski Fundraiser for St. John’s Preschool, Successful By Ewa Grabowski Volunteer, ewabelize@yahoo.com This year was another great year at the Arts Festival. Lots of kids drawing – those gel pens sure were enjoyed!! We got lots of very bright pictures. We had fantastic calendars that the kids made at the school. All the teachers really did a great job to get each child to participate, and then worked hard to glue all the pictures on the calendar. The silent auction for the artwork donated by Ana Osegueda, Africa, Miguel, JoAnn, Mia, as well as some of the jewelry donated by Barb McNab, and Mocha lattes donated by Above grounds, raised $280.50 for the pre-school. Ana is in high school, and Africa lives on a boat from Guatemala, so both made the extra effort.
BlueBelize Guesthouse & Tours Is seeking a live‐in General Manager for a popular Punta Gorda seaside guesthouse. The candidate must have the following attributes and qualifications: • Over 20 years of demonstrated commercial and personal property management • Demonstrated handyman skills (electrical/plumbing/construction) • Computer and internet literate (Excel, Word and web browsers) • Excellent professionalism and people skills • Demonstrated self‐direction and vision to grow the business • Must be able to travel internationally and possess a passport, a clean driver’s license and no criminal record. Mature candidates (over 40 yrs old) are preferred. Remuneration will be based on profit sharing. Send CV, 3 references, and letter of interest to Info@bluebelize.com by 30 March 2012. Please do not call. Only those invited to interview will be contacted.
The calendars and donations raised $930 for St. John’s. The total is $1,212.50! Africa showed us how to recycle cans, and we made paperclip holders, or little containers that can be used for spare change, etc. It’s great to get cans collected in the village and to make something out of them. We even got the principal and teachers making them. We want to thank the whole gang who helped make this possible. First, BTIA for the booth and tent. Then to Print Belize in Belmopan who printed the calendars and gave us lots of paper for a great price. Thanks to Principal Martinez, both for getting all the teachers to help, organizing the painting at the school, and also for coming out to the festival to help us. Thanks to teachers, Sabal, Logan, Bol, Eiley, Torres, Tillett, Flowers, Westby, Smith, Guiterrez, Bermudez, Vernanon, James. We appreciate all the time they took for the artwork at the festival. Next, the important part, all the kids who came out and painted and helped to do all sorts of things. A special thank you to Ana, Africa, Miguel, Wilson, Kenima, Mia, Giovanna and Victor. We had some helpers who donated their time. Miss Wanda who was there both days, Miss Ewa, Miss Betty, Danah and her daughter, Mr. Roger, David “Ras” and Baha. The kids collected cans and thanks to Carelton and Tutti-Frutti for the prizes for collecting the most cans, which were won by Thalia, Giovanna, Shana, and Africa. Wilson also got a prize for the most artwork sold. He was a great help. Miss Dawn from Grill and Go allowed us to use her place to do some of the artwork. Thanks to my mother Mrs. Grabowski, my sister Barb and brother-in-law Jack, and friend Kathy who donated the money and supplies to make this project possible. Also thanks to Miss Janice as J.P. for counting money.
www.easetaxburden.com Belize Business Solution Experts! • • • •
• • •
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CONTACT: Sales Management Team 16 Albert Hoy Avenue, Belama Phase 1, (P.O. Box 2284) Belize City, Belize Tel: (501) 223-2077 Cell: (501) 610-5166 US Tel: (954-323-8314)
As usual I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone, but you are all greatly thanked for all that you did to riase all the money. We will have the calendars for sale at Above Grounds Coffee House. They only cost $5. All the funds will be going to the school.
LOTS FOR SALE WITH SLIPS
We buy and sell used boats and motors. Captain Shark’s Boatyard. 226-4157 or 610-4470
MICHAEL POTOKER potoker@gmail.com placenciayachtclub.com P.O. Box 66, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
HOUSE FOR RENT
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact: 670-3665
Central Placencia‐ Fenced in yard 2 Story /2 Bedroom House (Only 1‐2 persons) $850BZ + utilities Call: 523‐3063
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 28
ACCOMMODATIONS South of Airstrip
Spectarte Bed and Breakfast: located in Maya Beach, delightful and Comfortable. Call 533-8019 or e-mail spectarte@gmail.com featuring full Los Porticos Villas: Luxury 2 BR villas, kitchens, washer/dryer, A/C, cable TV, wireless internet & some of the most stunning views on the Placencia peninsula. King and/or queen beds. Sleep sofas & roll away beds available. Spacious bathrooms, some w/ whirlpool tubs. Freshwater pool and pool bar/lounge area. Complimentary bicycles for guests. Golf carts and kayaks available for rent. Gift shop on site. Located ¼ mile south of Placencia Airstrip and 1 mile north of Placencia Village. Call 523-3227 or email reservations@losportico.com for availability & rates. One World Rentals: Eight beautiful, comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments around an attractive courtyard . Cable TV, free wireless internet access, airconditioning, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, fully screened, hammocks. Located in the heart of Placencia (behind the “Rumfish” restaurant) close to the beach, shopping and restaurants. www.oneworldplacencia.com. Contact Swiss owner Claudia Hardegger at 5233103 or 6209975. Email: oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com. MC, VISA accepted. Rates from 49US$ 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: 5 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 Seaspray Hotel: Come share a piece of our barefoot paradise located right on the beach with all the ambiance of the beautiful Caribbean Sea right to the touch of your toes 20 rooms various style,1seaside cabana, w/great amenities, located amongst our tropical garden. Hot/cold water, refrigerator, ceiling fans, coffee makers, open air decks, private porches, AC, TV and Kitchenettes( in selected rooms) the original Placencia “house of blues” De Tatch is also located right on premises, with internet and e-mail service available, as well as all village and country wide information. Centrally located to all gifts shops, restaurants, and local business, come make us your Caribbean home away from home.Tel: 523-3148 Fax: 523-3346. Email: seaspray@placencia.com or seaspray@btl.net, www.seasprayhotel.com The North Beach: offers luxury suites in our sea view villa with full kitchens, living areas and configurations from one to five bedrooms. Each suite has air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable t.v. & phone. Located north end of the sidewalk-walking distance to services. The perfect spot to enjoy Placencia Village. Contact us at phone 523 -3207, e-mail info@thenorthbeach.com. or visit www.thenorthbeach.com Toucan Lulu: 5 cabanas located in quiet northern end of the village on the main sidewalk. A few minutes to shops & restaurants. 3 cabanas sleep up to 4, 2 cabanas sleep up to 6. All have beach access & verandas for enjoying the fresh sea breezes. Check out our web site at www.toucanlulu.com , email reservations@toucanlulu.com, or call Kathy at 501 628 8474 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
the
Barnacle Bill's Beach Bungalows: 2 secluded bungalows on the beach in Maya Beach. Full kitchen, queen size bed, sleeper sofa, h / w , a n d fans. Complimentary kayaks. 5 night min. Tel/fax: email: 533-8110; taylors@btl.net; Website: www.barnaclebillsbelize.com
Blue Crab Beach Resort: Set on 5 acres from sea to lagoon, offers 4 beachfront A/C rooms and two thatch cabanas. Home of Goss Chocolate. Tel: 5233544; Fax: 523-3543; Email: sales@bluecrabbeach.com Green Parrot Beach Houses: Maya Beach: 6 mahogany beach houses, loft bedrooms, fold out sofa, kitchenette & bath on main floor. 2 bay leaf thatch cabanas w/ garden showers & private beach. Tel/fax: 523-2488; Email: greenparot@btl.net; Website: www.greenparrot-belize.com Miller’s Landing: Natural Belizean-style cabanas, lush tropical gardens, clean secluded beach, pool w/ thatch bar, Wi-Fi, comp. breakfast, comp kayaks, bikes, restaurant w/ healthy specials daily, awesome pizza 523-3010 Singing Sands Inn: Located on a beautiful stretch of Maya Beach featuring 6 private, 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: 533-3022 Email: info@singingsands.com Website: www.singingsands.com The Inn at Robert’s Grove: Placencia’s most complete resort. Beachfront accommodations w/2 Restaurants Seaside and Habanero, 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! The Placencia Hotel: A lavish Caribbean escape with European flare, The Placencia Hotel is a one of the most spectacular and pristine ocean front property in Belize. The newest and luxurious resort boasts 90 first class accommodations starting from Sea front Villas to Condominium Suites. Finest restaurants, with exquisite cuisines, first class service and amenities to indulge every vacationer’s dream. The exclusive private beach and the easy access to the main land will let you discover a world of opportunities from one location. Tel: 533-4110 or email: info@theplacencia.com.
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 29
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 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
MEALS 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 Pickled Parrot Pizza Bar & Grill: Thatched restaurant serving seafood, homemade PIZZA, burgers, salads & daily specials. Great tropical blender drinks & ice cold Belikin. Open Noon - 8pm Mon - Sat Tel: 6242651 Open 17years in the heart of the village! Home of the Ten 'Dalla' Lunch &the infamous "Parrot Piss"! 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 Dawn’s Grill n Go Restaurant: Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Daily specials feature Belizean favorites like escabeche, stewed gibnut, roast chicken w/rice n beans. Try curry, Creole or garlic seafood or grilled pork chops w/ sweet & sour sauce & more for dinner! Ph: 602-9302. Located along Main Road b/w Carol’s Cabanas & BTL, corner of Kubaaly Street.
The “Inn” Spots - North of Placencia Village DANUBE Restaurant, EAT – DRINK – RELAX in a romantic atmosphere. A/C indoor, lounge area outdoor. Austrian and International Specialties, fish and vegetarian dishes, great desserts, large wine menu & cigars. Dice your FREE Belikin beer between 4:30-6pm. Open MON - FRI from 4 : 3 0 p m . P h : 6 1 0 - 0 1 3 2 , visit restaurant@danubebelize.com, www.danubebelize.com Delite Café at Maya Beach. Get cracking with a delicious early bird breakfast or come for our full menu, soups, roast beef sandwiches, designer bocas ,decadent desserts and daily specials made with fresh natural produce. Licensed restaurant with cultural and waterfall rooms just perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. open 7am to 4 pm closed Wednesdays. Spectarte Art and Garden Gallery 533 8019, 604 8910 or 629 3286 for information and reservations. 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 5232488. 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 – 10pm. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565! Quarterdeck Restaurant & Bar at Laru Beya presents “Belizean Buffet Night” from 6:30 pm- 9 pm…with Live entertainment… Complimentary pick up and drop off within Placencia Village & Maya Beach...For reservations call 523-3476. 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 5333022 or email info@singingsands.com. The Inn At Robert’s Grove: Seaside Restaurant @ Robert’s Grove – Romantic Fine Dining with a world class menu and wine cellar. One of Belize’s most consistent restaurants quoted Fodor’s 2010 edition. The Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7am – 10pm. Dinner Pick-ups available 523-3565! The Placencia Hotel: Largest pool in Belize, complete with swim up bar and restaurant area. Main Dining Room in Air Conditioned, beach front building, with outdoor dining also available. Third restaurant and bar area at the end of The Great Pier. Four thousand foot pier head accommodates guest in the lap of luxury. Open every day. Beach Bar 10a.m.-7p.m. Pier Bar 10 a.m.-10p.m. Main Dining 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Call 520-4110 for pick up of any number over 4 guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whipray Caye Lodge: see accommodation for info about our restaurant & bar.
CHEERS -
Placencia Peninsula Bars Barefoot Bar: Open everyday 11:30 am - midnight.! Located on the Main Road - 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 The Placencia Hotel: Three restaurants and three bars to better serve you. Margarita Monday with at least 10 different margaritas to tempt your taste buds!! Poolside open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pier Head bar 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Main Bars 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Drinks menu, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. happy hour on local rum mixes at Pier Head Bar, Ice Cold Belikin and a variety of Blended Mixes. Credit cards accepted. Phone 520-4110 for reservation for pick up of groups 4 or more.
Coffee Shop Above Grounds Coffee. Fresh roasted Guatemalan coffees, baked goods and juices. Shaded deck in a jungle setting. Across from Wendy’s Restaurant in the village. Daily 7am-4pm except Sundays 8am-noonFree high speed Wi-Fi with purchase, Skype friendly. Tel: 634 3212
Gift Shops & Art Galleries 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: In Seine Bight Village open from 7am-6pm. Phone 523-3342 Los Porticos Villas - Gift shop features Belizean arts and crafts, clothing, books on Mayan history and Belizean cooking, maps, postcards, footwear, cold drinks and much more. Call 523-3227 for more information. Placencia Bazaar Gift Shop - simply the best! Original pottery, jewelry, arts and crafts...everything from souvenir spoons to Bazaar Art. Maya Island Air Agent. Located on the main street, next door to Scotia Bank. Summer hours: Open (most!!) every day 9am-1pm and again from 4pm-7pm and by appointment! Tel 523 4309. Spectarte Art and Garden Gallery offers a cornucopia of art from Belizean artisans and designers . A delightful experience. 533 8019 closed Wednesday
TOUR PROVIDERS Avadon Divers: Dive into Belize w/ our full service PADI Dive Centre in Placencia, just south of the airstrip. We have 5-Star all-inclusive packages for dive & snorkel trips that include new SCUBAPRO equipment. Our spacious 46' Newton Dive Special Boat features a restroom & fresh water shower. Our Instructors teach scuba for kids from ages 8 to 80 ☺, advanced courses & dive pro levels. We also offer jungle, cave & Mayan ruin adventure tours. E-mail: anne-marie@avadondiversbelize.com Website: www.avadondiversbelize.com Call us at 503- 3577 or 523-3577. The Placencia Hotel: tour operators specializing in snorkeling tours, inland excursions, Monkey River, fishing, Scuba Diving, Island to Island Kayaking, Maya Ruins, Cave Tubing or Fly fishing . We do special charters as well. We offer all new equipment, local guides and quality service. Call 520-4110 for booking. Fax: 520-4112, Email: info@theplacencia.com Website: www.theplacencia.com
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 30
Dive & Tour with Robert’s Grove – 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! Seahorse Dive Shop: Offers SCUBA Certification, snorkeling, fishing, river trips & charters. Call Brian Young (office) 523-3166; (home) 523-3356; Email: seahorse@btl.net; Website: www.belizescuba.com 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 Splash Dive Center - PADI Proud Member. Experience Belize w/ Splash! Ph: 523-3058/3080 or 620-6649. Email patricia@splashbelize.com visit www.splashbelize.com
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 5233565! 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 The Placencia Hotel: Our 90 rooms can easily accommodate your weddings quest, family and friends. The Placencia Hotel boasts the largest selection of on-site wedding and reception locations. You can choose from our spacious pool deck, extensive beach, scenic and spacious pier deck or
SERVICES
Chocolatier Goss Chocolate Goss Chocolate & cocoa powder made & sold exclusively in Belize. 100% organically grown Belizean cacao, Belizean cane sugar, whole vanilla bean. Now sold in fine stores, hotels, & restaurants on the Peninsula & throughout Belize. ph 523-3544 www.GossChocolate.com
Food Markets 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.
Internet Access Placencia Office Supply: INTERNET, Printing, Stationary, SMART – GimmeDalla, Sales, Collections. P. 523-3205 or plaofficesupply@gmail.com
Photography Muzamanzie Photographs – contact us for wedding photographs, portraits, web & brochure photographs. Tel# 523-3563 or 603-5143 email: muzamanzie@yahoo.com
BREEZE QUIZ! Bring us the right answers and get a free t-shirt at the Placencia Tourism Center! Limited Supply. First Come, First Serve!
Real Estate CPC Real Estate Solutions - is 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 the tourism office or call us at 672-9000 or visit: www.belizeproperty.com
1. What is the name of the musical instrument that Beau played at the PVFD 5th Annual Flaming Heart Ball when he joined DJ Marcus and Emmeth Young on stage? ANS: ____________________
The Placencia Hotel : Beachfront & Beach view condominiums, Lagoon and Canal Front lots and homes with private boat docks in our planned, gated community, offering full service and amenities. Full on site management and rental through The Placencia Hotel for all of our property options. Please call 533-4110 or 520-4112 or email madeleine@theplacencia.com to meet with our agents and view our piece of paradise! Website: www.theplacencia.com
2. Which creature fascinated Apolo Caliz during his nighttime snorkel with Avadon Divers? ANS: ______________________________
Airlines Maya Island Air, the safer alternative to air travel in Belize, announces its new San Pedro Sula, Honduras route. Questions?? Call 523-4072. Maya Island Air...because we do more!! Tropic Air: The Airline of Belize. Over 180 daily scheduled flights throughout Belize. Charters to remote and exotic places. For reservations call 523-3410.
Rentals - ( Golf Carts, Auto, Bicycles) Sandhill Ltd: Rentals of reliable golf carts, bicycles, kayaks, and pedal boats. Hourly, daily or weekly rates available. Call 523-4017 or email info@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.
Shipping Service BelizeShip.com- Your buying and shipping service from USA to Big Creek Port or by air contact: belizemail@comcast.net or USA 404.988.1300
Spa, Massage & Physical Therapy The Placencia Hotel: Our third floor lookout is the perfect spot to have your massage done!! We offer Swedish and Shiatzu Massage, facials, manicures & pedicure. Our treatments can be tailor made to suit any request. For reservation call 520-4110.
3. What is the name of the DJ from Los Angeles playing at Tipsy Tuna’s Easterfest? ANS: ________________________ 4. How many species were included in Rachel T. Graham’s shark research over the past 14 years? ANS:____________ 5. Who was awarded Student of the Month from Std. IV L? ANS: _________________ 6. What is the name of the place in Guatemala City where King Henry’s parents served as diplomats? ANS: ___________________ 7.How many 1/4 page ads are in this issue of the Breeze? ANS:_________________
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 31
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PLACENCIA BREEZE? The Breeze offers an annual mailing subscription! Within the country of Belize: $20.00Bze per year (12 Issues) Within the USA & Canada: $30.00Bze ($15.00 US) per year (12 Issues) *Price includes Shipping and Handling*
(PLEASE PRINT) Name:
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(Cash or Check ONLY) Checks should be payable to the PLACENCIA TOURISM CENTER Please mail your subscription and payment to: The Placencia Breeze Placencia Tourism Center Pt. Placencia Stann Creek District Belize, Central America
For Your Information Courtesy of Placencia Tourism Center (Headquarters of the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association)
BUS TRANSPORTATION
PLANE TRANSPORTATION
RITCHIE’S: 523-3806
TROPIC AIR: 523-3410 MAYA ISLAND AIR: 523-3472
Placencia → Dangriga: Monday thru Saturday: 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.; 12:45 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sundays: 7 a .m.; 12:45 pm; 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.; 4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m.
Visit the Placencia Tourism Center for bus schedule from Dangriga to Belmopan and Belize City. Also check with us for ADO bus schedules to Mexico.
BOAT TRANSPORTATION HOKEY POKEY: 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, 2:30p.m, & 4:30p.m. D’EXPRESS: 626-8835
OTHER COMMUNITY NUMBERS Placencia Village Council: 523-3396 Placencia Water Board: 523-4036 Placencia Post Office: 523-3104 Seine Bight Village Council: 523-3660 Seine Bight Water Board: 523-3554
Placencia Police Station 503-3142
Officer in Charge: Sgt. Benguche, 633-8287 PC #1109 Jeff Augustine: 665-2972 PC #80 Dorian Chee: 630-4890 SC Omar Castillo: 661-1523
Placencia Tourism Police Office 503-3181
Placencia (Shell Gas Station) → Big Creek (Immigration)→ Puerto Cortez, Honduras: Every Friday at 9:30 a.m. *** Tickets Sold at Placencia Tourism Center; $120 Bze each.***
Officer in Charge: Yadira Jones, 665-3756
EMERGENCIES
IN CASE OF FIRE
Belize Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326 Located behind the school, Placencia Village. Opening hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. After these hours, Dr. Alexis Caballero will see only extreme emergencies such as Heart Attack, Stroke, Asthma Attack, Accident, and Severe Allergy Reaction. Note: • Weekdays and weekends after 5 p.m., Dr. Alexis works by appointments • only. Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328 • Independence Medical Center: 523-2167 •
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
POLICE PLACENCIA: SEINE BIGHT POLICE: KATHY ANGLIN: PHILLIP MOLINA:
503-3142 503-3148 626-0667 503-3222
POLICE: Placencia Police Station: 503-3142 Placencia Tourism Police: 503-3181 Seine Bight Police Station: 503-3148 Independence Police Station: 523-2022
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 626-0667
Fireman stationed at the Placencia Police Station
The Placencia Breeze– March 2012- Page 32
ADVERTISE IN THE PLACENCIA BREEZE! The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 2,000, as well as a large online web audience. The paper is distributed to resorts and guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks, and other local businesses. The Breeze is available at the Philip Goldson International Aiport and all airstrips in Belize. Attractive advertising discounts are available for BTIA members and quarterly advertisers.
E-mail info@placencia.com for a copy of our rate and size sheet.
PLACENCIA LOBSTERFEST · JUNE 22-24, 2012 CALLING ALL ARTISTS!! COMPETITION FOR BEST T-SHIRT LOGO STARTS NOW!!!!! E-mail: info@placencia.com
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