B
The Placencia
“The Peninsula Paper”
Bounce into our full Lobsterfest 2012 Wrap-up! Starts on Page 15
Please Take One.
Est. 1999
Placencia, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
KAINA MARTINEZ: BELIZE’S OLYMPIC STAR HOPES TO INSPIRE YOUTH FROM SEINE BIGHT By Jolie Pollard PBTIA Director, director@placencia.com Twenty-six-year-old Kaina Martinez from Seine Bight Village represented Belize in the 2012 Olympics and proved to the world that she is a worthy competitor. Kaina showed an impressive performance in the 100-metre dash, one of the most popular and prestigious events at the games, viewed by millions.
Source: Belize Olympic Delegation
Kaina Martinez shines at the opening ceremonies in London wearing her eye-catching uniform designed by Welsh designer Jeff Banks.
The Placencia Peninsula star wowed her fans when she breezed through her preliminary Heat on the morning of August 3 and placed second in her group scoring a time of 11.81 seconds. Later that evening in London, her running time of 11.89 sec-
onds was not enough to beat her competitors in Heat 7, but the very close race had all viewers on the edge of their seats. Of all the running times scored in the seven Heats that Friday, Kaina’s running time did beat China, Belarus, Congo, Togo, Malta and Gambia’s. The winner of Heat 7, Murielle Ahore of Côte d'Ivoire, scored a running time of 10.99 seconds. Later in the finals, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce won her second consecutive gold medal with 10.75 seconds. “Though I am not so thrilled about the time, which was not my personal best, personally, I know I did a great job, not only as an individual but as the first Please see KAINA, page 2.
New Police Inspector Promises Action and Requests Community Support sergeant to inspector in recognition of the area’s growth and importance as a PBTIA Director, director@placencia.com tourism destination. The move was one A new commander for the Placencia Pen- of the key recommendations of the Penininsula’s Police formation has been ap- sula 2020 initiative finalized last Decempointed. He is Inspector Mark Flowers. ber. Police Commissioner David Henderson upgraded the Peninsula’s top post from Inspector Flowers has succeeded previous commander Sergeant Norman Benguche and is now leading the force at the Placencia Police Station. Flowers commended Sergeant Benguche for his work on the Peninsula noting that the officer carried a heavy load.
By Jolie Pollard
Placencia Continues to Offer More Dining Options! See Page 9
De Barcelona Tapas Bar
Delectable “Croquetas” is one of several traditional Spanish dishes being prepared by Chef Julio Estallo at De Barcelona Tapas Bar in Placencia Village.
INSIDE HIGHLIGHTS: Seine Bight Day … Pg. 3 PBTIA Intern’s Travel Feature … Pg. 6 Breeze Cuisine: De Barcelona … Pg. 9
The 47-year-old inspector says he is elated and honored to hold his newly appointed post. “This is an opportunity to put into
“I don’t care about being popular. I am here to do what is right and provide the services people deserve.” - Inspector Mark Flowers practice some of the things I have learned over the years.” Flowers was born in Belize City and was raised in Santa Elena, Cayo. After graduating from Belmopan C ompr eh en si ve High School, he Please see INSPECTOR FLOWERS, page 9
Breeze Cuisine: Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill … Pg. 11 Breeze Cuisine: Sweet Mama’s … Pg. 12 The Electricians … Pg. 14
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Lobsterfest Wrap-up … Pg. 15 Placencia Rotary Club News … Pg. 21 Peninsula Vocational Training Program … Pg. 21
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 2
KAINA Continued from page one. Belizean female to make it to another Heat in the Olympics,” asserted the athlete. Kaina joined two other Belizean athletes in London at this year’s Olympics: Kenneth Medwood and Edderyms Sanchez. Sanchez was eliminated on July 30 after holding out for 19 seconds against the highly ranked Hungarian Judo expert, Miklo Ungvari while Medwood, who has spent his life training in Los Angeles, placed fifth in the men’s 400-metre hurdles. While Kaina was proud to represent Belize in London, she was especially proud to represent her tiny village of Seine Bight. “Most people tend to have a sense of belief that Seine Bight is mostly about youths in criminal activities or social crisis, so for me to represent the village … I am thrilled! People will be forced to know that something good comes from that village because it is full of talent.” Source: Calvary Chapel of Placencia
Kaina describes herself as a highly motivated, determined and focused person and gives much credit to her faith in God and her mother who raised her as a single parent and was a good athlete herself. She started her athletic career as a student at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Primary School in Seine Bight Village. The school made history in the 1999-2000 school year when they won all national primary school championships in volleyball, I did it and so basketball, softball and football – Kaina Martinez can you. I am was a key player in every single category. By earning nothing better. the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title on both the The difference softball and basketball team, she also won two high is my mind … school scholarships. just focus, be She says her primary school athletic coach, Erol goal-oriented, Ramos, taught her how to stay humble as a winner. be courageous “That goes a long way in being a great athlete in and be determany ways,” she said. mined to reach Her introduction to track and field did not begin until success and she enrolled in Independence High School, which is located just a short boat ride from the Placencia Pen- be one of the insula. She won medals for both the junior and senior greatest who high school championships and received an award for started from “Best Female Athlete.” nothing.
Kaina Martinez speaks with children who have signed up for her camp in Seine Bight.
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Since then she has cultivated her talent mainly on her - Kaina Martinez own; yet she has successfully competed internationally while balancing her schooling at the University of Belize (where she received her Associate degree) and her current post in the Belize Coast Guard. Kaina also took two years off in college to work as a secretary for the Seine Bight Village Council and for other private establishments working as a front desk clerk. “Out of the 10 years I have done track, I have managed to only receive 12 months of coaching in separate years and times,” she noted.
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Her first year of coaching guidance was a four-month camp in Belize with Ernest Morris for four months in 2004. Then a full seven years later, in 2011, she spent four months training under Coach Patrick Dawson in Jamaica through a scholarship sponsored by the Belize Amateur Athletic Association and facilitated by the Belize Olympic Committee. The experience allowed her to travel to San Jose, Costa Rica where she won three gold medals and set two records at the 22nd Central American Senior Track and Field championships winning the 100 and 200-meter dashes, as well as the 4 x 100-meter relay race. She received a medal for “Best Performing Athlete.” In April this year, the national champion and Central American record holder reported to the Olympic training camp in El Paso, Texas where she worked for four months with Coaches Frank Munene, Collin Thurton and Pierre Davet Mahieu. But there was one more thing Kaina Martinez needed to squeeze into her schedule before heading to London. Just two days after returning home from El Paso in July, and with careful and strict budgeting of her own personal finances, she organized a special track and field camp for children in Seine Bight. This was her third attempt as a hurricane warning had sabotaged her plans in 2010 and her need to earn income and develop her career in the Belize Coast Guard in 2011 forced her to postpone until 2012. The track and field camp is dear to her heart, and the idea arose when Kaina was considering giving up her athletic career and devoting her time to help others develop theirs. Her training in Jamaica, however, convinced her that she had potential and that she can chase after all of her dreams.
Source: Calvary Chapel of Placencia
Participants in Kaina’s track and field camp stretch on the Seine Bight football field.
Kaina sees it as her duty as an ambassador in sports to help open doors for younger Belizeans. “I want them to have it easier than I did working endlessly and determinedly by myself most of the time to make my dreams a reality ... My main goal is not only me anymore. I want to live in hope that our young athletes have more opportunities to explore their talents and go beyond Belize and Central America.” A total of 120 inspired children from the village showed up to the Seine Bight Village football field for Kaina’s camp. Kaina is the first home grown person to initiate such an activity in her village, and the overwhelming participation was a rewarding experience she says she will always treasure. She is hoping to make it an annual event, so she can extend the program to even more children. “My message to them was that they are all winners when they have the courage to do and compete. Being recognized or being crowned champion is just icing on the cake because nobody loses unless they don’t try.” Kaina said she later realized that some of the children understood that it is not an easy road being an athlete in Belize and that they could relate to her own struggles. Kaina appreciates all the support she has received so far from the Placencia Peninsula in her athletic career but acknowledges that it could be better. “For all I have accomplished, I usually get a ‘Good job, we are proud of you,’” she said. “And it’s usually the same people time and time again who support my fundraisers. I think I need to be more aggressive and ask for more support … Maybe I should go out and beg,” she added jokingly. Kaina does want to make special mention, however, of the following people from the Peninsula who have helped her: Lee Nyhus of The Secret Garden for providing complimentary massages, Megs Yearwood for “constantly reminding me of how much I can do”, Marion Carr “who often gives me motivational insights,” Anna and Jim Mensie of Calvary Chapel, her sister-in-law Trinell Smith and her mother Gregoria Alvarez-Arzu. She also wants to thank Laru Beya Resort for assisting with providing healthy snacks for children in her summer camp, her six dedicated volunteers, her family and “Papa Roy” for his assistance with purchasing school supplies for the children as a token of appreciation for their attendance. “I do hope the children acknowledge that success is basically in their minds and despite limitations, everything is possible. I did it and so can you. I am nothing better. The difference is my mind … just focus, be goal-oriented, be courageous and be determined to reach success and be one of the greatest who started from nothing.” ▪
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 3
Seine Bight Prepares for Full Weekend of Activities
Beer drinking contest Swim suit contest Water melon eating contest Lots of Food & Drinks on Sale!
Seine Bight Day Concert kicks off at 7 p.m. with Lumalali Bedi Drumming Group from Seine Bight Winners of the 2010 Jankunu contest Sunday, August 19: ALL NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT UNTIL DAYLIGHT! Venue: On the beach in front St. Alphonsus Church under the Belikin Tent. All live entertainment with Selecta Bantan, DJ Allo and DJ Gilly The Seine Bight Village Council along with associated partners are gearing up for an action-packed celebration of Seine Bight Day starting August 17 through to the 19th.
Friday, August 17: Venue: In the heart of Seine Bight Village in front of the Old Reservoir Grand opening of Seine Bight Day 2012 at 6 p.m. Jankunu Contest for kids Battle of the drums for junior and senior drummers Block party on the Placencia Main Road with musical ambassadors Selecta Bantan & DJ Gilly Friday Night Madness (Passa Passa) under the Belikin Tent. Dance to the cultural sounds of the Sweet Pain Band until morning. Saturday, August 18: Venue: On the beach in front St. Alphonsus Church under the Belikin Tent. All live entertainment with Selecta Bantan, DJ Allo and DJ Ritchie Action kicks off at 7 a.m. with Peninsula Challenge Baba drinking contest Coconut husking contest Hudut eating contest Iron man competition Egg toss Slow and fast wind dance off Balloon toss Ice cream eating contest Hot dog eating contest Soft drink drinking contest New Rebels show time
Action kicks off at 10 a.m. All Day Beach Bashment Dorey Challenge Kids show-off competition Coconut Husking Punta Contest Sea Volley Ball Competition Swimming Contest Greasy Pig Live Entertainment with the New Rebels Band
US Embassy Aids Placencia Peninsula Special thanks to the US Embassy in Belmopan from the entire Placencia Peninsula! The US Embassy in Belmopan recently approved a grant submitted by the Seine Bight Community Vocational Training Program (SBCVTP). The focus of the US Embassy’s grant program was Crime Prevention. A major objective of the SBCVTP is crime prevention through vocational training. The amount of the grant is currently set at BZD$180,000. For more information about this grant, the SBCVTP and the US Embassy’s role in the program: E-mail: seinebight@gmail.com or call Francis Palacio 628-4938, Nervy Oliver 628-6515, Frank Gagliano 628-1250 Please see page 21 for more information on SBCVTP.
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SATURDAY - SUNDAY SEPT. 8 & 9, 2012
BEST BOAT/GRAND SLAM LARGEST BARRACUDA LARGEST KINGFISH LARGEST JACK
EXTRAORDINARY FISH: LARGEST DORADO LARGEST WAHOO LARGEST TUNA PRE-REGISTER BEFORE SEPT. 1, 2012 AND PAY: $150 per boat $50 per angler $35 per junior angler For more info and contest rules, contact: Placencia Tourism Center 523-4045 or info@placencia.com
Frankie has the solution to your real estate question!
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 6
Traveling With Tourists Offers New Insight on a Familiar Place By Roneisha Williams PBTIA Summer Intern, info@placencia.com I have been to Monkey River several times with my family growing up in Mango Creek Village. Every time I go back, it just becomes sweeter and sweeter. During my two-week internship with the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA) at the Placencia Tourism Center this summer, a family of four approached the front desk asking for advice on tours. After speaking with Jolie Pollard, the executive director, it sounded like she won them over with the Monkey River tour. A couple days later, Miss Pollard told me that I would be going on one of these tours with Trip N Travel, so I can experience the local tourism industry operations in the field and outside the Placencia Tourism Center. I was surprised to see the same family on the boat! While I had been going to Monkey River with my relatives, this was my very first time taking the trip along with international tourists.
When we were returning to our boat, we were treated with a special surprise. We saw jaguar paw prints in the mud! Our tour guide told us that the jaguars tend to come out early in the morning and in the night. As we headed back up the river, we also spotted a big iguana. After a full morning of watching wildlife, our guide took us to the village for lunch at Mrs. Alice’s restaurant where we ate rice and beans, stew chicken and potato salad. It was delicious and this was my first time eating there. After lunch, the tourists asked me questions about the different foods on our lunch plate and told me how great the meal was. “We love Belize for their delicious foods,” said one of the tourists. Going back to Placencia, we saw a manatee! I think it was playing with us as we would see it swim around the boat, disappear and them come back again time after time. I think that manatee would have played tricks on us all afternoon, but we had to go back to Placencia. I want to thank Mr. Evaristo “Evar” Muschamp and Trip N Travel for that magnificent and unforgettable adventure and the Placencia Tourism Center for always giving wonderful information on tours so that everyone can get to learn more about our beautiful and wonderful Belize. ▪
As Miss Pollard had advised, I introduced myself to the group and got to know them. On our way to Monkey River they just kept smiling. They were all excited to be in Belize and learning about our country. On our way to Monkey River, we got to see all kinds of birds, and we learned a lot about them. We made a short stop in the village to order our lunch and to take a look at some hand-made Belizean products. Next, up the river we went! We couldn’t wait to see the monkeys, but we kept seeing more and more birds. They were beautiful. Then we saw four crocodiles, three turtles and a lot of crabs, big and small as we got closer to the river bank. We were excited to make our way out of the boat and start hiking in the jungle to see the monkeys. Just after we were walking and walking, we heard the monkeys howling. We looked up and saw three of them! It was great just looking, taking pictures and laughing. One of the girls in our group was blind and she said she could hear them. I wished that she could see them, but I was glad that she was happy just hearing them.
RONESIHA WILLIAMS
Tourists hike through the jungle in Monkey River Village.
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The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 9
BREEZE CUISINE
PBTIA Spotlight
New Restaurants on the Peninsula: De Barcelona Tapas Bar, Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill and Sweet Mama’s
By Jolie Pollard PBTIA Director, director@placencia.com
De Barcelona Tapas Bar It’s a hot summer night at De Barcelona Tapas Bar. Angela Suarez has her hair down and is wearing a fiery red dress. She is taking a break from the kitchen and the bar and graces guests in the candlelit courtyard to sing several soulful and jazzy selections in her native Spanish tongue and English. She is accompanied by resident guitarist Steven Fasano and drummer Beau Santillan.
Angela Suarez is in control of the sangria and the entertainment at De Barcelona.
Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Suarez – an accomplished singer and her husband Julio Estallo, former owner of a sports events company have joined other expat restaurant owners who are introducing exotic cuisine to the Peninsula. The couple describes their menu as showcasing the best tastes from Catalonia as well a few samples from Southern Spain. They are the first to offer tapas, a wide variety of appetizers in Spanish cuisine.
golden crunchy globes. Try the popular Spanish side dish “Patatas Bravas” (fried potatoes in special spicy sauce.) Estallo even bakes his own Catalan bread, which pairs very well with seared tuna crusted with toasted sesame seeds in the dish “Pincho de Atún.” And everything on the tapas menu can be enjoyed along with a glass of Suarez’s refreshing homemade sangria prepared with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Items on their tapas menu are priced from $5 to $12. Bite into “Croquetas de Gambas/Langosta” (shrimp or lobster balls), creamy bits of heaven enclosed in
Suarez is the daughter of a chef who operates his own restaurant in Barcelona. Her father trained her husband who takes time to create all the Spanish
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
INSPECTOR MARK FLOWERS Continued from page one. joined the Belize Police Department as a constable at 16 years old. Throughout his 31-year policing career he has worked in immigration, criminal intelligence and investigation, a rapid response force called the Dragon Unit, as well as serving as the aide-de-camp to Former Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel from 1993 to 1998. In 2005, he spent seven months in Taiwan completing a course in International Scientific Investigation. Flowers has held several leading administrative positions in Belize. His most challenging experience to date was serving as the Deputy Director of Prison Services in Hattieville where he was responsible for over 1,000 inmates and 127 prison officers. Flowers formed the first quick response team at the Belize Central Prison reducing incidents of violence and riots. The inspector has led police stations in the towns of San Ignacio and Benque Viejo, Del Carmen, has served as an administrative assistant at the Ministry of National Security, as the Deputy Head of the Crime Scenes Unit of Belize and as the Deputy Head of the Joint Intelligence Coordinating Center in Belmopan. He was also instrumental in solving a very serious criminal case affecting the tourism industry during which he developed a close relationship with the Guatemalan Police Department. Most recently, Flowers worked in Commissioner Henderson’s office as a staff and support officer in Belmopan. Since taking control of the reins in Placencia in July, the inspector has been patrolling the Peninsula, meeting with people in all communities and making great effort to attend all meetings. “I want to be a part of every situation,” said Flowers. The inspector says effective policing requires a closer relationship between
delicacies in the kitchen. While they have never run a restaurant before, Estallo says he has always enjoyed being in the kitchen and was often cooking for friends in Spain. It’s to his credit that they made the move to Belize in July 2011. Estallo says he recalls being enraptured with Belize when he learned of the country’s independence in 1981. “Since then, I’ve always wanted to come.” When the Spanish economy suffered a major downfall in the recession, he and Angela decided it was time to make a major move. Please see DE BARCELONA, page 11.
the police and the local community. He has been organizing the Voluntary Special Constable Program, the Citizens on Patrol program, the Auxiliary Police Unit and a neighborhood watch program. “We want all people to become part of the police … We can’t be everywhere all the time, but we can have representatives working on our behalf all-around-the-clock.” Flowers acknowledges that Placencia’s biggest problem is lack of confidence in the police. “I want to keep corruption and dishonesty away from this organization … I don’t care about being popular. I am here to do what is right and provide the services people deserve.” He has already started training sessions with local police officers addressing day to day details such as professional conduct on the phone. He has also been making daily check-ins on reports and diaries. Flowers says he wants to transform the peninsula community from a reactive one to proactive body. “I want to stop crime before it reaches the police. We want to do this with zest, zeal, enthusiasm and professionalism.” The new inspector acknowledges that Placencia presents unique challenges to security being accessible from air, land and sea. “We have to patrol all areas and monitor all incoming and outgoing traffic … Policing is no longer the same. We have to adapt to changing times.” In addition to crime fighting and training initiatives, the inspector is also committed to beautifying the Placencia Police Station. “We must have a good working environment in order to deliver quality work.” He welcomes community members willing to assist with this endeavor. “This is not rhetoric – no longer lip service,” he assured. Inspector Flowers can be reached at 632-5341. ▪
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 10
JUNE 2012
The front desk department at Robert’s Grove is an area right in front of everyone, but at the same time often overlooked. This can be a very challenging environment to work in. Constant attention to guests as well as dealing with other staff in a calm, professional manner is a task on hand; Floret exemplifies such demand. A young, vibrant, hardworking and jovial individual. She is always ready and finds the energy to have our guests and staff laughing at her humorous jokes. She is a valuable member of the Robert’s Grove Team. Robert’s Grove takes this opportunity to name her June 2012 Employee of the Month. GO Beauty!!!
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BREEZE CUISINE DE BARCELONA
Continued from page nine. Aside from Julio’s fascination with Belize, perhaps it was fate that brought the Spanish couple along with their eldest son and triplets to the Placencia Peninsula, which was named by the Spaniards who travelled the coast of Southern Belize. And now Placencia families can taste a heritage they never knew. Barcelona Tapas Bar opens throughout the week for lunch (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and also serves entrees ($12-$25) including paella and succulent porkchops, as well as delicious
The Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill The Purple Space Monkey is back! New owner Nick Symons aims to retain the spirit of the quirkynamed establishment while moving it forward to a new generation. The restaurant first opened on the Peninsula on New Year’s Eve 1999. It was the only internet café on the Peninsula and carried the only espresso machine around for some time. It has persevered through damage suffered from Hurricane Iris in 2001 and a destructive fire in 2006. Founder Jake Roberts sold the restaurant to Ruben Hinojosa in 2007 who boosted entertainment offerings, quickly turning the venue into one of the Main Road’s popular social hubs. Symons says he’s been visiting the Purple Space Monkey since 2003 and when Hinojosa offered the restaurant for sale, he was on the “next plane out of London.” While the original logo hasn’t changed, that purple alien monkey peering at you from a round spaceship
desserts like “Mayan Chocolate Cake” made with rich organic Belizean dark chocolate. Look out for tapas specials like “Mulitos de pollo al gusto del Chef” (chicken drumsticks to the Chef’s style), which has a crisp skin as that of peking duck and is served with a very delicious sweet and tangy sauce. Listen to Angela perform latin, jazz, pop, blues, bolero and more with Steve Fasano on guitar and Mr. Beau on the djembe drum on Thursday and Sunday nights. And if you’re in the mood for dancing, visit the restaurant on Friday nights for Fiesta Latina and take advantage of free salsa, cumbia and merengue lessons. ▪
window is now prominently displayed on the wide zinc rooftop. “The whole structure has been heavily refreshed,” said Symons, who has been marketing his new restaurant with his purple and yellow fashion accents, and even a purple and yellow bicycle long before the Monkey’s re-opening on June 29. It’s a busy Friday night at the open and airy establishment boasting local wood finishings and custom -made, woven Jippi Jappa lamp shades. Locals and tourists of all ages can be heard laughing and carrying on conversation while soft dub reggae music plays in the background and wait staff duly attends to the customers. The menu at the Purple Space Monkey Bar and Grill is fresh, global and modern. Symons has collaborated closely with Chef Rick LaBonte to offer different twists on locally available ingredients. Labonte brings a worldly 22 years of chef experience to the Purple Space Monkey. He has led kitchens in French, Sicilian, Costa Rican and Japanese fine dining restaurants as well as the kitchens for
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
New Purple Space Monkey owner Nick Symons hands menu to Peninsula musician Beau Santillan.
both guests and staff at the Placencia Hotel and Residences. “You will still find the hamburger and fish fillet on Rick’s menu,” said Symons, “but it will have a spicy element to it that you won’t find elsewhere.” For dinner, local and international pair together beautifully on a plate of “Four Eyes” ($36) – 8 oz. USDA sirloin steak and Spiny Caribbean lobster tail Please see PURPLE SPACE, page 13.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 12
MARETHA MCCULLOCK & STEVE CHRISTENSEN SEINE BIGHT VILLAGE PHONE# 501-523-3555 FAX# 501-523-3553 EMAIL: ccf@btl.net
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OPENING HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY 7:30 AM TO 5 PM SATURDAY 7:30 TO 12:00PM ALSO AGENT FOR: SEND MONEY COUNTRYWIDE! Placencia Corozal Town Corozal Boarder Orange Walk Town Ladyville Belize City Belmopan San Ignacio Town Dangriga Town Independence Punta Gorda Town
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 13
BREEZE CUISINE PURPLE SPACE
Continued from page nine. served with baked potato and sour cream and an impressive medley of fresh and tasty sautéed local vegetables including baby squash and onions, carrots, okra and tomatoes hand-picked by the chef. And if lamp chops, a sirloin, rib-eye, New York strip is not your fancy, the seafood offerings include Grouper Cakes ($24) – local grouper mixed up ‘crabcake style’ on a salad of mixed greens, chickpeas, tomato, super fresh papaya and avocado and a peperoncini-caper tartar, as well as “Baked Lobster Tail”, “Red Snapper Fillet” and “Fish and Chips.” And for lunch, Purple Space fans will advise that you go for the “Medianoche Cubano” ($12) – a Cuban marinated and roasted pork loin with sliced
ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard served on a hot pressed grinder roll. The chef also has all breakfast lovers covered from the healthy “Earthy Crunchy” ($10)— yogurt topped with homemade granola and fresh fruits to the satisfying “The Hangover” ($14) – eggs with home fries, bacon, ham or sausage and wheat toast to the sweet “Banana Bread French Toast” ($12), which is served with maple syrup. Among these goodies, pastas ($24-$28), soups ($12 -$14), fresh salads ($16-$20) and even made-toorder sushi rolls ($12-$16) are bound to keep you in your seat. In addition to a menu offering “new taste sensations” and a fully-stocked bar managed by former Pickled Parrot Bar and Grill bartender, John How-
arth, Symons says his customers will be able to enjoy live entertainment including soft live music and even live talk shows and stand-up comedy. Symons, a former UK network TV comedy producer, who worked on the award-winning UK comedy series “Fry & Laurie” starring “House” lead star Hugh Laurie, is eager to integrate his professional past into his new venture as restaurateur. “I’ve been talking to some big names such as Rich Hall,” said Symons, who has proposed to the host of the American TV show “Whose line is it Anyway?” that he share a few laughs with Placencia. The new Purple Space Monkey Bar and Grill opens from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the week, Sunday through Saturday. Look out for “Karleoke” Night and Trivia Quiz Night — a weekly fundraiser for the Placencia Humane Society. For more information, contact: Nick Symons at 620-2140.▪ The concept of Sweet Mama’s incorporates Robert’s Grove’s continuing investment in its employees. Robert’s Grove is always looking for ways to empower staff members and Sweet Mama’s is an example of that as Hidy, Abigail, and Ishelle have been given the management of the restaurant and are in charge of making it profitable.
The Placencia Breeze/MUZAMANZIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hidy Baltazar, Abigail Westby and Ishelle Witty are leading the Belizean food experience at Robert’s Grove.
Sweet Mama’s Restaurant (Press Release)
Travelers come to Belize not only for the beautiful country and pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, but also to taste the varied local cuisine from the many cultural groups that inhabit this unique paradise. Robert’s Grove Beach Resort owner JeanMarc Tassé recognized the need for a Belizean style restaurant on the resort property and the idea for Sweet Mama’s restaurant was born. July 6 marked the opening of Sweet Mama’s
Hidy and Ishelle both come from Dangriga and together, they have over 13 years experience at Robert’s Grove. They both started as dishwashers, and then displaying their passion for cooking, were later promoted to line cooks and bakers. Abigail is from Placencia Village and joined Robert’s Grove over five years ago as a staff cook at Habanero Mexican Café. She was also in charge of creating tour lunches for all of Roberts Grove’s excursions. Abigail brought Robert’s Grove over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry cooking at other hotels and restaurants on the Placencia Peninsula.
Belizean Restaurant at Robert’s Grove. Placencia BTIA Chairman Stewart Krohn was on hand for the opening along with Jean-Marc and a host of guests, local residents and staff already in line to taste delicious Belizean food.
Sweet Mama’s has been an immediate hit with guests who can’t help but be enticed by the aroma of barbecue wafting across the property. Come see Abigail, Ishelle, and Hidy to experience true Belizean cuisine at Belizean prices!
Originally the staff kitchen where hundreds of meals were prepared daily, Sweet Mama’s has been transformed into a colorful, casual place to eat true Belizean cuisine. Guests can mingle with staff while they enjoy barbecued chicken and pork or a tasty local stew prepared by kitchen cooks Hidy Baltazar, Abigail Westby and Ishelle Witty.
Sweet Mama’s is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with take- out available. Call 523-3565 for information on menu and specials. ▪
BREEZE CUSINE SPOTLIGHTS MEMBERS OF THE PLACENCIA CHAPTER OF THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION. JOIN PBTIA TODAY! CONTACT: INFO@PLACENCIA.COM OR 523-4045.w
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 14
Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic would like to inform the general public that Dr. Dalila Vanzie Krohn will be on
Maternity Leave until January 2013.
Dental services will be suspended during this period; we apologize for the inconvenience. Additionally, we look forward to introducing additional clinic days in the coming year!
THE ELECTRICIANS Thanks to Ben Williams and 15-year-old Amanda Cabral, the daughter of his wife Radiance Williams, Placencia is now equipped to expand its events on the beach. Commissioned by the Placencia Village Council, the electrician duo installed permanent, all-weather proof electrical circuits needed for the food court area at this year’s Lobsterfest. Prior to Lobsterfest 2012, organizers used temporary electric installations at the beach events. “They weren’t as safe as could be,” said Ben. The new permanent installations, he says, will save the village a lot of money in the long run. The new permanent electrical circuits were installed in concrete power pedestals providing both power and water supply, as well as aesthetics. Ben, who carries 28 years of experience in electrical work, has been teaching Amanda the trade for a year. “She pays attention to what’s going on,” he said. Amanda is the only woman enrolling in Ben’s “Electrical Code, Calculations, Theory and Safety Course” being held at the Water Board Office in Placencia Village. “It’s a trade not anyone can do. It’s hard labour, but with education, they can even become electrical engineers,” said Ben.
PUBLIC NOTICE The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby inform electors that in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9 Part V section 59(1), “transfers from one divisional register to another divisional register” commences on July 1 st 2012 until August 31st 2012. The purpose of this annual activity (exercise) is to allow those persons who have relocated from one Electoral Division to another who may wish to transfer their registration into that new division. To facilitate the process, electors are encouraged to bring along their Voters Identification Card or any other picture identification such as: “Passport, Social Security Card or a Driver’s License” and ‘a utility bill’ in the elector’s name to assist the offices in the verification of addresses given. Signed: Francisco G. Zuniga FOR CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER Elections & Boundaries Department Charles Bartlett Hyde Building Mahogany Street Extension
P. O. Box 913, Belize City Telephone: 501-222-4992/4042 Fax: 501-222-4991 Email: electbound@btl.net Website: www.elections.gov.bz
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 15
Large Crowds Celebrate Placencia at Lobsterfest 2012
Story by Jolie Pollard and photography by Ed and Marion Carr, Muzamanzie Photography. (People gather at the beach during Saturday’s Placencia Rotary Club Duck Race.)
The 14th annual Placencia Lobsterfest proved to be a memorable occasion for festival goers. A drama-free crowd roamed the festival grounds throughout the threeday weekend against a backdrop of calm seas and blue skies while indulging in Placencia’s best gastronomic offerings and a dynamic entertainment lineup. The year’s largest annual community fundraiser was successful for collaborators, the Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA) and the Placencia Village Council (PVC) and many vendors who depend on proceeds to sustain their organizations and respective businesses during the summer season. Organizers credit the festival’s triumphant outcome in large part to supportive sponsors and volunteers. A Running Start and Historical Milestone Prior to hitting the food stands and bar, many Lobsterfest fans chose to wake up at the crack of dawn on Friday and support the 6 th annual Battle Cancer Walk in spite of a countrywide black out and raging storm that lasted throughout Thursday night. Of the record-breaking 115 registered participants this year, 25-year-old, Tropic Air employee, John Guzman of Seine Bight, was the first to reach the finish line. And age did not stop the eldest participant, 74year-old Myrtis “Cunchie” Villanueva, from completing the route which started at the football field in Seine Bight Village and ended at Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar in Placencia Village. According to organizer Raquel Battle, who also coordinated free skin cancer screenings that weekend, this year’s participation in her cause has increased significantly from previous years. And later that morning, the Placencia Fishermen Cooperative celebrated its 50th anniversary honoring longtime and founding members, featuring guest speakers and presenting its newly elected committee. Notable awards were presented to Carlton “Jak” Young for his dedicated service to the cooperative, Ms. Wilma Leslie for working with the coop since its inception and Bruce Leslie for his outstanding service. John Guzman gathers with members of the Leslie family and holds his first place trophy after Friday morning’s Battle Cancer Walk. Wilma Leslie celebrates her recognition from the Coop with a cold beer! Earl Godfrey, Leopold Leslie, Thurman Turner, Kurt Godfrey, Ian Small and Lowell “Japs” Godfrey, Sydney Lopez, Jr., were announced as members of the Placencia Fishermen Cooperative Committee.
Cooking Up a Storm Vendors began setting up their cooking stations from Friday afternoon and dished out a wide variety of tasty food throughout the weekend. Over 20 food booths representing restaurants and home kitchens from all over the Peninsula as well as few outside eateries showcased attractive menus at the festival. Visiting from Colorado, Mariah Odom tried lobster tacos, garlic herbed lobster and red curry lobster. “The seasoning is different from what I’ve had before, and everything was so delicious!”
Please see LOBSTERFEST, page 16
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 16 PLACENCIA LOBSTERFEST 2012 Endless Music and Many Surprises Live musical performances started on a soft note on Friday evening with golden oldies by Jim and Anna Mensie of Truckee Graphite. But the night ended with a hot beach dance party to the club sounds of local djs Entourage Movements, comprised of DJ Flames, DJ Kyat and DJ Skrape, as well as guest djs, DJ Aron and DJ Woody from More FM. Longtime festival goers said it was the most eventful Friday night in Lobsterfest history! Starting on Saturday, the Pan Tempters Steel Band kept the Caribbean flow going throughout the rest of the weekend playing sweet melodies, which nicely complemented the food, beach and tropical spirits. Cranking up the entertainment dial, the St. Alphonsus Jankunu Group quickly became a crowd favorite after performing a soulful show of traditional Garifuna song and dance.
The St. Alphonsus Jankunu Group was a crowd favorite. Special thanks to Cocoplum!
After sundown on Saturday, The Black Guayabera Tour from Belize City featuring Jenko Veli, Nello Player and The Remaining rocked the beach with electric guitars, drums, violin and urban poetry. In the middle of an energetic performance, Jenko Veli took a break to announce the Placencia Village Council’s fireworks show, which sent bright colorful sparks into the clear sky, which glittered over the sea wowing captivated onlookers. The Black Guayabera Tour opened for Placencia’s very own Inner Vibrations who owned the stage and put on one of their best performances yet along with guest artist and Belize Cultural Ambassador Titiman Flores. Crowds gathered for a free show under the main tent dancing to punta, soca, reggae, calypso, cumbia and more local favorites until a rain storm poured down at 2:30 a.m. “We’ve always wanted to headline Lobsterfest,” said Inner Vibrations front man, Rudy Emmanuel to the crowd. “This is a big night for us!”
Organizers secured The Pan Tempters Steel Band for the weekend thanks to Chabil Mar!
Local Peninsula blues and rock musicians donate time and talent to the festival.
PVC booked local djs Entourage Movements to keep the music flowing. Spectarte Art Gallery owner Jenny Wildman dances!
Sunday evening’s entertainment showed everyone that the party wouldn’t stop until it was over. Popular peninsula blues and rock musicians Graham Berrie, Beau Santillan, Mark Finnegan and Steve Fasano along with classical guitarist Aaron Krohn, who made a surprise appearance playing electric guitar, sent out positive vibes with an inspired jam session as the day’s events wrapped up. Later, the dancing kicked off again when Kenny G and The New Creation Band took the stage and played until midnight. The audience was treated to yet another surprise when well known Belizean personality Santi Castillo, who also happens to be the newly elected Hon. Santino Castillo, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, joined his former musical sidekicks from Santino’s Messengers on stage for a rousing rendition of “Suavecito”.
Thanks to Maya Beach Hotel, Robert’s Grove and other sponsors, organizers offered diverse sounds at the fest such as Jenko Veli , Nello Player and The Remaining.
Kitty Fox and Placencia’s RF&G Insurance brought Kenny G and The New Creation Band to close the in grand style on Sunday.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 17 PLACENCIA LOBSTERFEST 2012: Advancing Social and Environmental Causes (Photo Essay Continues on Page 29)
As a major tourist attraction, the Placencia Lobsterfest was used an opportune event for various organizations to promote several important community initiatives. The Placencia Humane Society, Blissful Sage Foundation, The Placencia Volunteer Fire Department, The Placencia Fishermen’s Cooperative, The Placencia Optimist Sailing Club, The Placencia Rotary Club, The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Southern Environmental Association showed a strong presence at the show grounds. The organization creating the most immediate impact over the weekend was the Southern Environmental Association (S.E.A.) who held the second Lionfish Tournament on Sunday. Competitors collectively caught 979 predatory lionfish totaling 605 pounds in just one day! The Placencia BTIA also made efforts to promote environmental sustainability offering a complimentary water station for anyone who purchased a biodegradable “Barefoot Perfect” squeeze bottle. Hatchet Caye’s Walter Garbutt collects prize from SEA Executive Director Nellie Catzim. Hatchet Caye won 1st, 2nd and 4th place prizes for the most pounds and largest number of lionfish, as well the smallest lionfish. Avadon divers collected 3rd prize for largest lionfish.
Following Hatchet Caye and Avadon Divers by pounds of lionfish were: Robert’s Grove, Splash Dive Center, The Placencia Hotel and Turtle Inn.
PBTIA’s Apolo Caliz sells raffle tickets and Barefoot Perfect eco-friendly water sipper. Proceeds help to support the organization during the summer months. Blissful Sage Foundation representative promotes cancer prevention and care.
PHS Chairman and PBTIA Board Member Doran Yount works to protect Peninsula pets.
Children in the Placencia Optimist Club enjoyed perfect weather for safe sailing.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 18
LOBSTERFEST 2012 SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN! The Placencia Chapter of the BTIA and the Placencia Village Council would like to thank the following businesses for making Placencia Lobsterfest 2012 a success! Our Gold Sponsors: Bowen & Bowen, Ltd. and Robert’s Grove Beach Resort with Singing Sands Inn Our Silver Sponsors: RF & G Insurance, Chabil Mar, SMART, Maya Beach Hotel, Wild Orchid, The Belize Tourism Board, Leslie Tech and the Belize Telemedia Limited Help Us Make Next Year’s Festival
Other Major Sponsors: Home Protector Insurance, Papaya Boutique, Turtle Inn and The Added Touch Placencia Village Council’s Sponsoring Companies: Belize Brewing Company, Ltd.; L & R Fine Rums/Old Master , Out Island Construction and Development, Ltd.; Hegar’s Vision Center – Belmopan and Belize City; Captain Jak’s Cabanas and Golf Cart Rentals, Placencia Fisherman’s Cooperative; A Belizean Nirvana and Mosquito Coast Trading Co.
Even Better! Want to share feedback on Placencia Lobsterfest 2012? Please send an e-mail to director@placencia.com. We welcome all your comments and suggestions.
T-shirt Sponsors: The Belize Bank, Wild Orchid, Doran’ Services, Barefoot Services, Hatchet Caye Resort, The Placencia Hotel, Barefoot Bar, DTourz, Seahorse Dive Shop, Peninsula Community Crime Watch, Robert’s Grove Beach Resort and Singing Sands Inn, Tarpon Caye, The Moorings, Los Porticos Villas, Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro, Atlantic Bank, Splash Dive Center, SailChkm8, Serenity, The Added Touch, Re/Max and Bowen & Bowen, Ltd. Raffle Sponsors: United Airlines, The Placencia Hotel, Tarpon Caye Lodge, Tropic Air, TUI/The Moorings, Lydia’s Guesthouse, Hidden Valley Inn, The Villas at Cocoplum, Robert’s Grove, Goss Chocolates, Hatchet Caye Resort, Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club, Barefoot Bar, A Belizean Nirvana, Subreeze Suites, D’Express, Avadon Divers, Mirasol Apartment, Seahorse Dive Shop, Turtle Inn, Barefoot Services, Platinum Designs/studio H., Paradise Resort, Radisson Fort George Hotel, Spectarte Art Gallery, Casa Del Sol, Eagle Ray Tours, Laru Beya, Caribbean Travel & Tours, Secret Garden Massage & Day Spa, Lola’s Art, David Kafka/ReMax, Miller’s Landing, One World Rental, Above Grounds Coffee, Whipray Caye Resort, Tutti Frutti Gelateria, Danube Restaurant, Mosquito Coast Ice, Joy Tours, Placencia Office Supply, Papaya Boutique, Andrea Miksic/ FINCA, Easy Living Apartments, De Barcelona Tapas Bar, Character Boutique, Dawn’s Grill ‘n’ Go, Go-Graphics and Fat Boyz Pizza. Volunteers: Tracy Eiley, Althea Schable, Arthur Eiley, Stephanie Wandke, Lisa Wandke, Elvis Jones, Wilber Rivera, Atlantic Bank Manager Emmanuel Castaneda and staff, Belize Bank Manager Eliseo Rosado and staff: Charlene Smith, Blanca Alavarez, Irvin Neal, Kenny Garcia, Dominique Guzman, Pauline Linarez, Carline Jacobs; Scotia Bank Manager Naomi Anderson and staff: Sandy Betancourt, Tamara Alpuche, Sandy Betancourt; Michael Alpuche, Jasmine Anderson, Lyra Spang, Barefoot Bar Staff: Ellie Dial, Brice Dial, Cassie Dial, Doyen Gardiner, Daniella Cardinez, Tatianna, Vincent Guzman, Blanca Echeverria, Laura Godfrey, John Mullarkey, Lisa Carne, Marley Wade, Deborah Vernon and PBTIA Interns Emrice Linarez and Sylvia Samuels.
WINNERS OF THE PLACENCIA BTIA
LOBSTERFEST 2012 RAFFLE **************************************************************************************** *
1 round trip ticket to any destination in the USA from United Airlines + $200 cash from The Placencia Hotel (Jeanne Marechal) Tarpon Caye's Caribbean Splash Day Excursion for 10 people From Tarpon Caye Lodge. (Bruce E. Leslie) 1 round trip ticket to Belize City on Tropic Air + $100 cash from Lydia’s Guest House (Dawn Pollard) Day sail for 8 aboard TUI/The Moorings catamaran with case of beer and soft drinks (Beverly Vernon) 2-night stay for 2 at Hidden Valley Inn + $100 cash from The Villas at Cocoplum (Charlie Howarth) Saturday night beach BBQ at Robert’s Grove Seaside Restaurant + 1 box of Goss Chocolates (Tricia Villanueva) 2-night stay for 2 at Hatchet Caye Resort + $100 cash from Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club (Valerie Godoy) 2 roundtrip tickets from Placencia to Puerto Cortes, Honduras on D’Express (Kathy Anglin)
Please see WINNERS OF PLACENCIA LOBSTERFEST 2012 RAFFLE page 20
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 19
WINNERS OF THE PLACENCIA BTIA LOBSTERFEST 2012 RAFFLE ***************************************************************** Continued from page 19.
2-night stay for two at A Belizean Nirvana (Ryan Westby)
An assortment of fishing supplies, a $50 Value from David Kafta, Re/Max (Tessa Eiley)
1-night stay for 2 at Sunbreeze Suites (Eddie Caliz)
Dinner for 2 from Dawn’s Grill N Go (Walter Garbutt)
Discover Scuba Diving for 2 from Avadon Divers (Zidane Zidane)
Tapas Dinner for 2 from De Barcelona Tapas Bar (Yoli & Regan)
Two-night stay for six at Mirasol Apartment (Teresa Godfrey)
Snorkel for 2 from Eagle Ray Tours (Candy Powers)
Dive or snorkel trip for 2 from Seahorse Dive Shop (Margaret Romero)
2 night stay for 2 from Easy Living Apartment (Kenia Ovieda)
One-night stay for two at Turtle Inn + 1-day golf cart rental from Barefoot Services (Raquel Battle)
$75 gift certificate redeemable at Go Tees/ Belizean Style Shoppe from Go Graphics (Belize City) (Brenda Squires)
$100 Bar Tab and 2 t-shirts from Barefoot Bar (Jenny Landen) $25 gift certificate from Above Grounds Coffee (Nick Pollard 3rd) $25 gift certificate from Above Grounds Coffee (Vance Cabral) $25 gift certificate from Above Grounds Coffee (Vance Cabral) Salaam Designer Dress, $140 Value Andrea Miksic/FINCA (Skip Weaver) One-day golf cart rental from Barefoot Services (Laura Godfrey) One Box Goss Chocolate from Blue Crab (Lorenzo Testa) $50 Cash from Caribbean Travel and Tours (Charles ‘Babe’ Feldman) 2-night stay for 2 in villa suite from Casa Del Sol (Ycela Alpuche)
2 night stay (must pay for transportation and meals, amenities available for guests) from Hatchet Caye Resort (Vickie Honea) 2 night stay (must pay for transportation and meals, amenities available for guests) from Hatchet Caye Resort (Doyle Gardiner) $50 cash from Joy Tours (Raquel Battle) Dinner for 2 at Quarterdeck Restaurant from Laru Beya (Lyamm Parham) 9 X 12 painting of Choice from Lola’s Art (Rachel Turner) Pool Day with Pizza from Miller’s Landing (Juan Caudicio) One night stay from Miller’s Landing (Jenny Wildman) Keep it Cool party pack, 1 dozen bags of purified ice, from Mosquito Coast Ice (Jeanne Marechal)
$50 gift certificate from Character Boutique (John & Maria Voogel)
$50 cash from The North Beach (Dan Banet)
$50 gift certificate from Danube Restaurant (Stewart Krohn)
2 night stay at studio apartment from One World Rentals (Doran Yount)
$50 gift certificate from Danube Restaurant (Lee Nyhus)
$50 gift certificate from Laundromat or gift shop from One World Rental (Summer Buis)
A night out (worth $100.00) from David Kaka, Re/Max (Wayne Church) New Dakota Ladies digital watch, a $50 value from David Kafta, Re/Max (Zelma McCoon)
$50 cash from Papaya Boutique (Marydell Burgess) 2-night stay in an ocean front room from Paradise Resort (Lee Nyhus) Dinner for 2 at Paradise Resort (Lyra Spang) $50 gift certificate from Placencia Office Supply (Da Juan Mon) Free consultation for interior or exterior design (Limited to Placencia Peninsula) from Platinum Designs/ Studio H (Warren & Jarella) 2-night stay for 2 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel (Sello) Mexican Buffet for 2 at Habanero’s Mexican Café from Robert’s Grove Beach Resort (Leslie Faux) 1-Indian head massage from Secret Garden Massage and Day Spa (Ian Pollard) 60 minute massage from Lee Nyhus at Secret Garden Massage and Day Spa (Carlton Jak Young) Underwater photograph on Canvas signed by artist from Spectarte Art Gallery (Wanda Holt) Maya Gold 2012 original acrylic from Spectarte Art Gallery (Avington Ramirez) 1 night stay for 2 from Sunbreeze Hotel (San Pedro) (Wini & Steve) $25 gift certificate from Tutti Frutti Gelateria (Doyle Gardiner) $25 gift certificate from Tutti Frutti Gelateria (Avington Ramirez) $50 gift certificate from Tutti Frutti Gelateria (Andrea Chirinos) 2 night stay from Whipray Caye (Linda Garcia) 1 personal pizza and a soda from Fat Boyz Pizza (Steven Young) One bottle of wine (Valued at $75) from RumFish Y Vino (Dawn Pollard) Dinner for 2 (Valued at $100) from RumFish Y Vino (Daisy Leslie) One Night Stay for 2 from The Farm Inn (Lee Nyhus) Dinner for 2 with bottle of wine from Yoli’s Bar (Ryan Westby) One night stay for 2 at the Surfside Escape with complimentary gift basket of assorted beverages from The Surfside Escape (Olga Duarte Garcia) ▪ Contact the Placencia Tourism Center: info@placencia.com or 523-4045
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 20
CAPTAIN SHARK’S REPRESENTATIVE IN SOUTH BELIZE
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 21
Placencia Rotary Club Kicks Off New Fiscal Year By Maretha McCullock PR Director, Rotary Club; maretha_mccullock@yahoo.com HANDING OVER CEREMONY Rotary’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. This year’s official ceremony was held at Laru Beya Resort in Seine Bight Village June 30. The Mistress of ceremony was Ms. Maretha Mccullock, who led us with the Rotary Prayer and our National Anthem and Mrs. Lydia Villanueva who welcomed our Rotarians, family and friends. The event started off with a farewell speech by the Outgoing President Mr. Steve Wade. He welcomed Jim Weller our New President for 2012-2013. Mr. Weller outlined his plans for his Rotary year and introduced Rotary’s new board members: Past President/ Director of Rotary Foundation – Steve Wade, Secretary/ Director of Club Administrative – Wanda Stakutis, Treasurer – Sandra Steele, Director of Service Project- Greg Valiton, Director of Public Relation – Maretha Mccullock, Director of Membership – Sonny Vernon. This year Rotary theme is “PEACE THROUGH SERVICE”. Our District Governor for District 4250, which includes Honduras, Guatemala & Belize is our very own Mr. Andre Lopez from the San Ignacio Rotary Club. Our Assistant Governor is Mrs. Judith Williams who also graced us with her presence at our Handing Over Ceremony where she explained that she will do her best in helping our Club grow in whatever way possible. The Rotary International President is from Japan and his name is Sakuji Tanaka. A new member was also inducted that evening by our Past District Governor Mr. Paul Hunt who welcomed Mrs Lynn O’Brien into our Rotary team. The evening was full of laughter and great company as we ate and concluded the evening with a prayer by Mrs Lydia and a thank you address by Sandra Johnson.
Bingo is still being held at J Dee’s Restaurant every other Thursday. First game will be played at 7 p.m. sharp with a Jackpot capped at $500.00; fifty three balls will be called for you to win the jackpot. July 05, 2012 was our First Bingo after our huge Jackpot of $3300.00. For that night we had winners such as Mrs. Alma who won the fist and second game, Ivan the 3rd game, Lindy the 4th game, Mr. Ken won the 5th,6th & 7th game, Miriam won the 8th game and Amy won the 9th & the Coverall game. No one won the Jackpot which is at $500.00 with 63 balls called. Bingo has been a fundraiser for Annual Projects such as: The Summer Reading Programme, Scholarship, Dictionary Labels, Haunted House, Senior Luncheon and Cancer Walk. We want to thank everyone for your continuous support of Rotary Bingo fundraiser. See you “Every Other Thursday” ladies & gentlemen. Cash prizes and good times! WHEELCHAIR DISTRIBUTION The Belize City Rotary Club has provided many people in need, with Wheelchair country wide for the past years. Our very own Mrs. Lilly Anderson has now benefited from this donation. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Belize for donating this Wheelchair to Mrs Lilly. If anyone is in need of a Wheelchair kindly contact a Rotarian.
LOBSTERFEST 2012 DUCK RACE One again Rotary hosted its Duck Race on June 23 at the Placencia Lobster Fest 2012. The event was very successful. As per usual, the crowd gathered at the beach front to watch the yellow rubber duckies being tossed into the sea as the waves washed them across the finish line. The first five ducks were the lucky winners of cash prizes and of course, whichever kid got to sneak off with a rubber ducky. The proceeds from this event went towards the purchasing of equipment for the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department The winners for the Duck Race were: 1st – Ally Smith, Placencia - $250.00
ONGOING EVENTS
2nd – Will Stevenson, PG - $100.00
Summer Reading Programme- held the first 2 weeks in August in Seine Bight Village at St. Alphonsus R.C Primary School.
3rd – Sandi Johnson, Placencia - $75.00 4th – Dorothy Flores, Seine Bight - $50.00 5th – Ilsa Villanueva, Placencia - $25.00 On that same day at 1:30 pm we also had a small ceremony where a newly refurbished garbage truck was handed over to The Placencia Village Council. BINGO Bingo has always has been a spectacular evening of fun! For the month of June, the Big Jackpot of $3,300.00 BZ was “WON” by Mrs. Sandra Steele and Shamari Tejeda. Don’t be disappointed Bingo Players we have another Jackpot in place for another Lucky Winner!
We will be giving a report in the next issue of the Breeze. OUR CLUB As a new Rotary year begins under the Theme “PEACE THROUGH SERVICE”, we will continue to support our Community and Service our Community in whatever way we can. We continue to meet at t Yoli’s Bar, every Tuesday at 12:30pm. As our Rotary International President 2012- 2013 Sakuji Tanaka said, “Service Above Self is more than just a motto. It is a way of life, one that will make any life richer and more meaningful. Service Above Self reminds us that none of us can live for ourselves alone. A life lived in isolation is empty and without joy. But when we live for others — when we focus on our role as part of our family, our community, and all humanity, then we begin to realize our own place in the world.” These were his words, people, so let’s work together and make Placencia Peninsula a better place. Join Rotary today and be part of this great achievement. ▪
Peninsula Vocational Training Program Takes Form (Press Release) A vocational training program organized by members of the Seine Bight Village Council and volunteers from various peninsula communities has gone from concept phase to reality in a relatively short period of time. Plans to create the program were first presented at a public meeting held at the Seine Bight Cultural and Community Center on May 19, 2012. The concept evolved in response to the findings of the 2011-2012 Peninsula 20/20 study identifying Peninsula community needs. The general proposal was met with support and enthusiasm from most in attendance and valuable suggestions were made by several local resident. The overall scope and focus of the program were influenced by these contributions, which helped in fine-tuning a grant application that had already been in progress. That grant application, which required applicants to be addressing areas where crime was of concern,, was approved. In July 2012 the US Embassy at Belmopan announced the grant award and this program would not be at this stage without their funding, support and direction. Some elements that helped the Seine Bight Community Vocational Training Program (SBCVTP) qualify for this subsidy are strict financial controls, complete transparency, an excellent facility to house the program and pledges of support from numerous local businesses and NGOs. One major objective of the program is crime reduction through vocational training. The program invites participants from the entire Peninsula. The target student group includes anyone wishing to Please see VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM, pg. 22
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 22
Placencia BTIA Members 2012 BUSINESS NAME EMAIL A Belizean Nirvana belizeanirvana@gmail.com Aba Ubafu (One Power) seinebight@gmail.com Above Ground Coffee keithgmorrison@gmail.com Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas wmertensbelize@gmail.com Avadon Divers Ltd info@avadondiversbelize.com Barefoot Bar barefootbarbz@gmail.com Barefoot Services info@barefootservicesbelize.com Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows taylors@btl.net Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club belize@tradewindscruiseclub.com Belize Trips info@belize-trips.com Blue Crab Beach Resort sales@bluecrabbeach.com Blue Garden House info@belizecottagerentals.com Boris Mannsfeld & Associates bmannsfeld@yahoo.com Captain Jak’s Cabanas theluckyerin22@yahoo.com Car Rental of Placencia powerscandy@hotmail.com Caribbean Travel & Tours info@ctbelize.com Casa Beya/Sea Grape Escape info@casabeyabelize.com Casa Del Sol info@casadelsolbelize.com Casa Nettuno framadani.office@gmail.com Casa Placencia casaplacencia@live.com Celeste, Donna bodie1949@yahoo.com Century21 BTAL brinehart@centurty21belize.com Chabil Mar Villas information@chabilmarvillas.com Charly’s Gifts charlysgifts@gmail.com Coconut Cottage kwplacencia@yahoo.com Cocoplum stewart@cocoplumbelize.net Cocoplum Vacation Rentals rentals@cocoplumbelize.net Cohen, Howard & Karen howard.cohen@sunnybrook.ca Colibri House colibrihouse@gmail.com Coston, Debbie CPC Real Estate Solution info@belizeproperty.com Danube Austrian Restaurant restaurant@danubebelize.com De Barcelona Beach Tapas Bar angela@upevents.es De Viners devinersbelize@gmail.com Decked Out House inquiry@deckedouthouse.com Destinations Belize mtoy@destinationsbelize.com Dial, Elysia elysiadial@gmail.com Dial, Mary Ann madialinbze@yahoo.com Dolce Cabana nharvalik@gmail.com Dusa, Lee & Gail gail@getdusa.com; Easy Living Apartments info@easylivingplacencia.com Eloise’s Travel Lodge Feldman, Babe & Karen cabf@jasarinc.com Finca info@ctbelize.com French Louie Caye kitty@frenchlouiecayebelize.com Fuller, Fred & Jacque Gabor, Deborah gringainbelize@gmail.com Galipeau, Cheryl chgalipeau@yahoo.com Garden Cabanas colibrihouse@gmail.com George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse gcgeorge@rcn.com Glessner, Virginia & Fox, Jay vivij@earthlink.com Glockhamer, Heidi & Fasano, Steven heidisteve@cox.net Go Tees manager@gotees.net Goss Chocolate sales@bluecrabbeach.com Green Parrot Beach Houses greenparrot@mail.com Grill N Go grillngo@yahoo.com Guild & Guild Consulting guildandguild@hotmail.com Harbour Hideaway of Placencia jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com Hatchet Caye Resort contact@hatchetcaye.com Heaven’s Gate Beach Bungalow info@seasprayhotel.com Hess, Tina Hideaway Caye hideawaycaye@yahoo.com Hughes, Sharon sharonh235493@yahoo.com J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar heidi@heidi11.com Jewel of Placencia info@jewelplacenciarental.com John Ford dba Cordy’s Beach Cottages fordco@hotmail.com Joy Tours joytour@btl.net Joyce and Frank’s Beach House h2odanzer@aol.com Koster, Liliana lilianakoster@yahoo.com Kingfisher Adventures info@tarponcayelodge.com Laru Beya Villas info@larubeya.com Las Amigas info@lasamigasbelize.com Leslie Tech Services info@leslietech.com Lola’s Art lolasartgallery@yahoo.com Los Porticos Villas reservations@losporticosvillas.com Lost Reef Resort lostreef@xplornet.com Lydia’s Guest House lydias@btl.net Lynn Jackson & Doug Simons travlnjack@btl.net Manatee Inn manateeinn@btl.net Mark Risk dba The Arches mrisk@trecinc.net Maya Beach Hotel info@mayabeachhotel.com Maya Dream Beach House mayadreambelize@yahoo.com Maya Lodge maya-lodge@hotmail.com Maya Playa mayaplaya@btl.net Mes, Basilio admin@exoticabelize.com Michelo Flats harbour21@gmail.com Miller’s Landing millersplacencia@yahoo.com Miramar Apartments info@miramarbelize.com Mirasol Villa info@mirasolbelize.com Mission Bay Christian Retreat cbelize@btl.net MnM Hardware Placencia duncker@btl.net Mosquito Coast Trading Co. Ltd. rjay@btl.net Nautical Inn nifrontdesk@yahoo.com Ocean’s Edge oceanedge@vl.videotron.ca Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development info@saveourpeninsula.org Placencia Bazaar beachbazaar@yahoo.com Placencia Humane Society maryann.inbz@yahoo.com Placencia Mini Storage arbonabzrealty@yahoo.com Placencia Tennis bobbelize21@gmail.com Placencia Yacht Club potoker@gmail.com Platinum Designs hannah@sbplatinum.com
PHONE 523-3331 628-1250 634-3212 523-3625 503-3377 523-3515 523-3066 533-8110 523-3303 610-1923 523-3544 207-326-9099 610-0294 523-3561 523-3284 523-3481 970-963-1099 523-3481 605-1648 503-3143 670-2034 523-3606 523-3323 523-3234 610-1009 623-7774 622-6695 605-0586 523-8001 672-9000 610-0132 666-4680 666-1777 503-3017 523-4018 523-3209 523-3095 523-3500 523-3481 503-3299 610-0356 523-3481 523-3228 628-0992 628-7004 523-3329 605-0586 664-5802 223-4660 523-3544 523-2488 523-4079 523-3251 623-3286 533-4446 523-3148 665-4069 628-0916 503-3351 523-3481 523-3341 523-3325 561-683-3899 663-8680 523-3323 523-3476 523-3117 523-3323 523-3342 523-3227 606-7262 523-3117 523-3117 523-4083 523-3519 520-8040 523-3148 605-0586 523-8121 624-1470 523-3519 523-3010 523-3658/3117 523-3481 523-3654 523-3517 523-8141 523-9535 514-606-5582 523-3587 523-4309 523-3406 636-0566 626-4015 970-209-7251 610-0327
CELL or FAX 625-3301
629-9602 602-7768 523-3543 622-7104 662-6711 523-3081 523-3081 630-7811 523-3611 607-3884 609-4267
624-8637 610-4718 605-0586 523-3081 523-3081 610-3228 629-6429
651-4622 670-8288 523-3542 523-3291 523-3337
523-3081 627-3150 561-683-3899 665-5779 523-3322 523-3483 601-1913 607-4448 523-3354
520-8040
626-2518 523-3011 503-3095 523-3081 651-9300 523-3537 610-1441 514-697-9435
628-7926
CONTACT PERSON Evan Hall Frankie Gagliano Keith Morrison Wini Mertens & Steve Lobban Anne-Marie & Phillip McNeil Cassie & Brice Dial Ian & Megs Yearwood Bill & Adriane Taylor Melissa Rea Katie Valk Kerry Goss & Linn Wilson Costas & Sally Christ Boris Mannsfeld, Frik & Tonya Erin Ivy Candy Power Veronique & Lance McKenzie Midge & Aaron Dallas Veronique McKenzie Mariuccia Levoni Jacki Tipton Donna Celeste Bradley Rinehart Synescio Coh Charles Leslie jr./ Ycela Alpuche Kay Westby Stewart Krohn Aaron Krohn Howard Cohen & Karen Kotansky-Cohen Stefano Ragagnin & Nicoletta Sala 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 Nicole Harvalik / Stephano Ragagnin Lee & Gail Dusa Veronique McKenzie Sonia Leslie 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 Dasha Shivers & Fiona Macfarlane Jodie Leslie Tina Hess Kimberly & Dustin Ingersoll Sharon Hughes Daisy & Jeremy Leslie Veronique McKenzie & Joe Garipoli John & Cordelia Ford Hubert & Karen Young Joyce Danz Liliana Koster Charles Leslie Ian McField Lydia Villanueva & Geri Salsig Charles Leslie Jr. & Ycela Alpuche Lola Delgado & Liz Locke Barry and Valerie Snowden Lisa D’Amore Lydia Villanueva Lynn Jackson and Doug Simons Slavek Machacka Mark Risk 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 Ray Twanow Dr. Roger & Gail Blair Francine Martel Adrian Vernon & Mary Toy Annette & Sonny Vernon Mary Smith - President Ruth Turner & Fred Arbona Bob & Lida Rodgers Michael Potoker Hannah Cowell
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 23
Placencia BTIA Members 2012 BUSINESS NAME EMAIL One World Rental s oneworldplacencia@yahoo.com Palmtree Designs muzamanzie@btl.net Papaya Boutique papayaboutique@gmail.com Paradise Vacation Hotel info@belize123.com Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development info@saveourpeninsula.org Placencia Adventures by Land or by Sea placenciaadventures@yahoo.com Placencia Humane Society takunchances@yahoo.com Placencia Mini Storage arbonabzrealty@yahoo.com Platinum Designs hannah@sbplatinum.com Quest for Adventure in Belize w/ Splash Ltd. Ralph@splashbelize.com Ranguana Lodge ranguana@btl.net Re/Max Belize Property Center david@belizepropertycenter.com Robert’s Grove info@robertsgrove.com Robert Nicolait and Associates rnabelize@yahoo.com Robert Rodgers dba Placencia Tennis bobbelize21@gmail.com Seaspray Hotel info@seasprayhotel.com Seaview Suites placenciaseaview@gmail.com Secret Garden Day Spa lee@secretgardenplacencia.com Silver Leaf yoliebrown@hotmail.com Singing Sands Inn info@singingsands.com Siripohn Thai Massage jenjira01@yahoo.com Smith, Stan & Mary stanmary@btl.net Southern Environmental Association info@seabelize.org Spectarte Gallery spectarte@gmail.com Spilman, Ron spilmangw@gmail.com Splash Dive Center patricia@splashbelize.com Sunset Pointe Condos ewinche713@aol.com Taylor, Rand rndtylr@yahoo.com Taylor, Winston wftaylorii@yahoo.com The Added Touch rrobin@btl.net The Flamboyant flamboyantplacencia@gmail.com The Flying Pig theflyingpig.belize@gmail.com The Galley Restaurant & Bar grillngo@yahoo.com The Maine Stay drewtravers@gmail.com The North Beach debanddave@btl.net The Placencia Hotel & Residences info@theplacencia.com The Purple Space Monkey The Shak Beach Café theshakbelize@yahoo.com The Surfside Escape Resort info@surfsideescape.com Three Iguanas Villa colibrihouse@gmail.com Toucan Lulu reservations@toucanlulu.com Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit tony@belizefit.com Tradewinds trdewndpla@btl.net Trip N Travel lgodfrey@btl.net Turtle Inn frontdesk@turtleinn.com Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor tizy.lory@virgilio.it Vern’s Kitchen Village Inn info@thevillageinnbelize.com Westwind Hotel westwind.hotel@gmail.com Whipray Caye Lodge whipraycaye@yahoo.com White Sand Villa jeangabebze@yahoo.com Wild Orchid Properties tom@wildorchidbelize.com Witter, Madalon & Richardson, Doug bahialaguna@mail.com Yellow Bella yellowbella@alice.it Yount, Doran & Kim takunchances@yahoo.com Z-Touch Day Spa yselazab@hotmail.com
PHONE 523-3103 523-3563 523-3179 523-3587 523-3307 503-3177 636-0566 610-0327 610-1278 523-3112 631-9622 523-3565 523-3149 626-4015 523-3148 523-3777 523-3420 970-944-2550 533-3022 620-8718 523-4306 523-3377 533-8019 600-8374 523-3058 523-3314 661-9398 623 7971 223-0054 628-1143 602-6391 523-3133 523-3507 523-3207 533-4110 620-2140 622-1686 523-3630 605-0586 628-8474 631-7427 523-3122 523-3205 523-3244 523-3481 523-3255 604-7471 632-8767 523-4091 605-0586 670-4130 523-3513
VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM Continued from page 21. develop skills that will help them prepare for the current mainstream job market on the Peninsula. Projected participants include the unemployed, at-risk youth, school drop-outs and employed people looking for better job opportunities. Courses will be delivered by paid, qualified instructors (mostly) from within our community. First-term courses will include Basic Construction Skills, Housekeeping and Hospitality, Traditional Arts and Crafts and Start a Small Business. Numerous other courses will be added as the program continues. Classes are scheduled to begin in mid-October 2012. Typical classes will be small and involve between eight and 12 students. The school year will be divided into three 12 week trimesters followed by a five-week break. Most classes will meet twice a week and average 2 ½ hours per class. The five-week break period will be used to assist graduates with finding jobs, work with employers to monitor progress and recruit new students for the following trimester. SBCVTP invites participation from the entire community. Your ideas are welcomed and your input is valuable. The success of this program will depend largely on how well we can work together to take advantage of this great opportunity. For more information: E-mail: seinebight@gmail.com or Call: 628-4938, 628 -1250 or 628-6515 ▪
CELL or FAX 620-9975 603-5143 670-3665 523-3256 622-1886 670-4130 628-7926 523-3112 523-3666
615-2925 609-3104 970-944-0552 634-6973 600-0375 523-3395 620-6649
223-1461 602-9302 520-4112
635-7539 523-3205 667-0459 253-3081 523-4016 610-1068 622-3853
CONTACT PERSON Claudia Hardegger Marion & Ed Carr Aline Habib Alan & Deloris Stamm Adrian Vernon & Mary Toy Ainsworth “Cubby” Leslie Doran Yount, President Ruth Turner & Fred Arbona Hannah Cowell Ralph Capeling Joy Leslie David Kafka Lou Nicolait Bob & Lida Rodgers Jodie & Norman Leslie John & Marian Chan Lee Nyhus 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 Angie Markham Patrick Gonzalve Nick Pollard Drew Travers Deborah & Dave Vernon Marco Caruso & Elena Cuellar Nicholas (David) Symons Magda Morales Brian Mandziak Stefano Ragagnin & Joe Stark Paul Fanning Tony Pinder Janice Leslie Laura Godfrey Martin Krediet Tiziana Del Col Verna Marin Veronique Mckenzie George & Lisa Westby Julian & Beverly Cabral James Grover &Jeanie Gabourel Tom Hitchcock Madalon Witter & Doug Richardson Stefano Ragagnin Doran & Kim Yount Ysela Zabaneh
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 24
Placencia Peninsula Maps From North of Placencia Airstrip to The Plantation
From Placencia Water Tower to Airstrip Platinum Designs
Lost Reef Resort
May
ir
ic A Trop
Beachfront Suites
a Is
land
Placencia Mini Storage The Placencia Hotel & Residences
c Pla
Placencia Tennis
Traveling north to Maya Beach will take you to the Plantation area approximately 2.5 miles
enc
p stri r i ia A
RFG Insurance Agent Avadon Divers
Placencia Tennis
The Placencia Road
Ocean’s Edge Los Porticos Maya Beach Hotel Green Parrot Beach Houses Joyce & Frank’s Bed & Breakfast
Barnacle Bill’s Beach Bungalows Singing Sands Inn
Turtle Inn
Maya Playa Resort
Please note the distance between Blue Crab and Maya Playa Resort is approximately 3 miles
Seaview Properties Splash Dive Center, Ltd.
Ah-
Chabil Mar
Cocoplum Vacation Rentals Cocoplum Resort Community The Villas at Cocoplum Mission Bay Christian Retreat
Casa At Last
The Maine Stay Cordy’s Beach Cottage Goss Chocolate
Palmtree Designs
Blue Crab Beach Bahia Laguna Beach Suites Nautical Inn
Seine Bight Village
Lola’s Art Danube, Austrian Restuarant Ocean Pro Placencia
The
P
The Moorings Belize
Caribbean Cabinets & Furniture The Inn at Robert's Grove Laru Beya Villas Miller’s Landing Playa de Piratas Properties Seakunga
Casa Nettuno Wild Orchid Properties
Placencia Airstrip Barefoot Rentals
Get your Placencia Mooring Masters T-shirt NOW at the Placencia Tourism Center And Sunova Beach Gift Shop Profits help protect our Barrier Reef . SPONSOR THE BEST TEAM IN BELIZE!
25/08
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 25
A Belizean Nirvana 55-D4 Above Ground Coffee 18-C4 Artful Dodger Sail & Canvas 92-A2 Barefoot Bar 38-D3 Belize Sailing Charters 99-C4 Belize Tradewinds Cruise Club 98-A2 Blue Garden House 88-E2 Blue Lagoon Apartments 80-D3 Boris Mannsfeld & Associates 97-C4 Captain Jak’s Cabanas 52-D2 Caribbean Travel & Tours 8-D3 Casa Del Sol 76-F3 Casa Placencia 81-F2 Century21 BTAL 93-B4 Coconut Cottage 54-D4 Colibri House 55-E3 CPC Reality 43-C3 Destinations Belize 42-C4 De Barcelona 21-D3 DeViners 19-E3 Dianni’s Guesthouse 56-B3 Easy Living Apartments 57-C4 Eloise’s Guesthouse 58-C3 French Louie Caye 33-D3 Garden Cabanas 60-B3 George Cowdrey’s Guesthouse 89-E3 Grill & Go 17-C3 Guild & Guild Consulting 10-F2 Harbor Hideaway 88-E1 Harry’s Cozy Cabanas 61-B3 Hatchet Caye 35-E5 Hatchet Caye Office 35-C1 J-Dees Restaurant & Bar 20-D3 Jewel of Placencia 27-C4 Joy Tours 44-C3 Julia’s Cabanas 62-E3 Kingfisher Adventures 45-E3 Las Amigas 26-E3 Leslie Tech Service 46-E3 Lydia’s Guesthouse 64-E3 Manatee Inn 65-F3 Maya Lodge 66-E2 Michelo Flats 67-F2 Miramar Apartments 68-E3 Mirasol Villa 69-C4 MnM Hardware Placencia 96-D3 One World Rental 70-C4 Paradise Vacation Resort 71-B3 PCSD 47-E2 Placencia Bazaar 7-D3 Placencia Yacht Club 34-A5 Property Pro Belize 43-C3 Ranguana Lodge 30-E3 Re/Max Property Center 39-D3 Rumfish y Vino 43-C3 Seahorse Dive Shop 48-D4 Seaspray Hotel 79-E3 Sea View Suites 63-C4 Secret Garden Day Spa 4-C3 Secret Garden Restaurant & Bar 24-C3 Silver Leaf 90-E2 Siripohn Thai Massage 8-D3 Southern Environmental Association 95-D3 Sunset Pointe Condos 40-A1 Splash Dive Center 49-C4 The Flamboyant 28-C4 The North Beach 73-E3 The Shak Beach Café 16-C4 The Yellow House 74-D3 The Village Inn 31-F3 Three Iguanas Villa 86-E2 Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit 17-E3 Toucan Lulu 75-F3 Tree of Life 8-D3 Trip N Travel 51-C4 Tuttifrutti Ice Cream Parlor 43-C3 Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar 15-C4 Westwind Hotel 78-D4 Whipray Caye Lodge 32-E5 White Sand Villa 82-C3 Yello Bella 29-F2 Yoli’s Bar 21-B3 Z-Touch Day Spa 6-D3
35
17
21
55
35
SAVE YOURSELF THE HASSLE. APPLY FOR YOUR 2013 LIQUOR LICENSE AT THE PLACENCIA TOURISM CENTER.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 26 Placencia Humane Society Public Notice
August 3, 2012 To All Concerned Citizens: The Placencia Humane Society is very concerned about loose animals on the Peninsula. We are seeing more healthy and well-cared-for pets being hit by cars, attacking tourists and running loose.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Beautiful 2 story house inclusive restaurant on ¼ acre, tropical garden, prime business location, north of airstrip for SALE. US$425000. Call +501/610-0132
Liquor License - Notice is hereby given that Patrick Gonzalve is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License for the year 2012, to be operated at THE FLYING PIG, Seine Bight Village, Placencia Peninsula, and Stann Creek District, under the intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
As you may know, San Pedro and Orange Walk are conducting controversial “Animal Eradication” programs where hungry stray animals fall victim to poisoned food. These poisons are authorized by the Ministry of Health. This is a very painful death for animals and is not selective in nature. In these communities, if your pet is loose for just a day, it can die of this horrible death. Animal eradication may also pose threats to other living creatures attracted to poisoned food including birds, raccoons, iguanas, cats and anything that may be in need of a meal – perhaps even a child. The Placencia Humane Society does not condone this practice in the least. We have met with our local police force and the Placencia Village Council before to stop Animal Eradication from taking place on the Placencia Peninsula. IT IS UP TO YOU, THE CITIZEN, THE ANIMAL OWNER TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS. PLEASE READ THE “ANIMALS ACT.” ("If you have any questions, please contact Placencia Humane Society at Placencia-pets.org or contact your local Village Council Representative.)
Please know that the decision to implement Animal Eradication on the Peninsula is out of our hands as the Placencia Humane Society has no jurisdiction in this matter. It is up to the Police and the Ministry of Health to decide under the direction and advice from the respective village councils. BUT WE ASK YOU TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND HELP US HELP THE ANIMALS. Please know that the Placencia Humane Society is trying very hard to meet with the village councils and respective chairmen along with the police and our new Inspector Mark Flowers. If you see them, please state your displeasure and disagreement with Animal Eradication. BE RESPONSIBLE PLEASE. FOR YOUR PET’S SAKE. Thank You. Sincerely, The Board of Directors Placencia Humane Society
Placencia BTIA’s Updated List of Licensed Tour Guides as of July/August 2012 Alvarado, Francisco Bech, Christian Benguche, Bryan Bonnel, Eusebio Cabral, Daniel Cabral, Egbert Cabral, Mark Carr, Edwin Carne, Lisa B. Castellanos, Wayne Chan, Clodia Chun, Cirilo Cuevas, Eloy Cuevas, Ian Eiley, Englebert D. Eiley, George Faux, Leslie Forman, Eric Ferrel, Christain Garbutt, Alexander Garbutt, Bertrand Garbutt, Darrel A. Garbutt, Eworth Garbutt, Gilbert Jr Garbutt, Walter Garbutt, Warren Garcia, Leopold Gardiner, Doyen Gardiner, Doyle Godfrey, Earl Gongora, Prince Ical, Juan Leslie, Ainsworth
2012- Nov. 11 2012 - Nov 18 2013 - May 5 2012 –Nov 11 2013 - Feb 7 2013 - Feb 11 2012 - Aug 9 2013 - Mar 11 2013 - Mar 19 2012– Nov 8 2013 - Mar 11 2013 - Mar 1 2012 - Oct 3 2013 - Mar 14 2013 - May 22 2012 - April 5 2012 - Nov 11 2012 - Dec 14 2012 - Aug 31 2013 - Jan 28 Renewing 2013 - Mar 29 2012 - Dec 4 2012 - Dec 8 2013 - April 23 2013 - Jan 4 2013 - Mar 4 2013 - Mar29 2013 - Jan 9 2013 - Jan 28 2013 - Mar 11 2012 - Nov 11 2012 - Jul 31
Leslie, Bernard Leslie, Bruce Leslie, Edlin Leslie, Doren Leslie, Ivan Sr Leslie, Mark Leslie, Rene Leslie, Russell Linarez, Francisco Longsworth, Gareth Lopez, Stephen Lopez, Sydney McNeil, Anne-Marie Mendoza, Pablo A. Miralda, Emely Modera, Kevin Mora, Celso J. Muschamp, Alrin Muschamp, Evaristo Neal, Harold P. Neal, Hubert Pau, Juan Ramirez, Patricia Shal, Florencio Tucker, Elroy Usher, Eddie Vernon, Ian Vernon, Levi Villanueva , Andria Villanueva, Clint Villanueva, Conrad Villanueva, Rafael Westby, Arthur A. Jr. Westby, Zane
2012 - Dec 22 renewed 2013 - Jan 17 2013 - March 14 2012 - Dec 8 2013 - Jan 4 2012 - Dec 20 2013 - Jan 28 2012 - Dec 22 2013 - March 14 2013 - Feb 12 2013 - Jan 28 2012 - Sept 26 2013 - Feb 28 2012– June 25 2012– Jan 28 renewed 2012 - April 5 2012 - Dec 21 2012- Jan 28 2012, Dec 30 2012 - Sep 13 2013- March 14 2013 - Jan 30 2013 - March 14 renewed 2012- Oct 22 2013 - March 14 2012 - Nov 11 2013 - April 3 2012 - Dec 14 2012 - Nov 4 2012 - Dec 28 2013 - March 14
Westby, Jason R. 2012 - Dec 8 Williams, Alfred 2013 - March 14 Williams, Jason 2013 - Jan 14 Young, Dwayne 2012 - Aug 18 Young, Shawn 2012– Aug 11 Young Stephen 2013– Apr 28 Zuniga, Alfonso 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.
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact: 670-3665
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 27
PLACENCIA PENINSULA GUIDE PAID LISTINGS. TO ADVERTISE CALL 523-4045 OR E-MAIL INFO@PLACENCIA.COM
ACCOMMODATIONS
www.robertsgrove.com, info@robertsgrove.com. For more info cal us @ 5233565!
South of Airstrip
The Placencia Hotel: A lavish Caribbean escape with European flare, The
Spectarte Bed and Breakfast: located in Maya Beach, delightful and Comfortable. Call 533-8019 or e-mail spectarte@gmail.com
One World Rentals: Eight beautiful, comfortable and immaculate studios and apartments around an attractive courtyard . Cable TV, free wireless internet access, air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, fully screened, hammocks. Located in the heart of Placencia (behind the “Rumfish” restaurant) close to the beach, shopping and restaurants. www.oneworldplacencia.com. Contact Swiss owner Claudia Hardegger at 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
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 Barnacle Bill's Beach Bungalows: 2 secluded bungalows on the beach in Maya Beach. Full kitchen, queen size bed, sleeper sofa, h/w, and fans. Complimentary kayaks. 5 night min. Tel/fax: 533-8110; email: taylors@btl.net; Website: www.barnaclebills-belize.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: 523-3544; 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; E-mail: greenparrot@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
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 frm 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.
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 South of Airstrip De'Tatch Seafood Beach Grill & Bar -Serving the very best in Seafood and Local Cuisines. Open Mon-Sunday (Closed... on Wed)7am until 10pm for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (daily and nightly lunch & seafood dinner special). Come Enjoy the Perfect View (beach front), Great food, Great drink and Music to sooth the soul. Internet & Wireless also available. For Info or Take out orders please call #503-3385
Wendy’s Creole Restaurant & Bar: Fine dining in A/C comfort or outdoor on the Patio. Specializing in Spanish & Creole. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7am - 10pm. Located on the Main Road. Visa & MC accepted. Ph: 523-3335 Email: wendylemus02@hotmail.com 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 Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill: Fun for all the family! Good eats, drinks, cocktails and exclusive purple and yellow ice cream. Don’t be a stranger. Come say hi to the monkey : ) Call: 620-2140
North of Airstrip
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
DANUBE Restaurant, EAT – DRINK – RELAX in a romantic atmosphere.
The Inn at Robert’s Grove: Placencia’s most complete resort. Beach-
Delite Café at Maya Beach. Get cracking with a delicious early bird
front 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.
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 4:30 pm. Ph: 610-0132, restaurant@danubebelize.com, visit www.danubebelize.com
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 reserva-
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 28 tions.
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 533-3022 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 533-4110 for pick up of any number over 4 guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Whipray Caye Lodge: see accommodation for info about our restaurant &
structors teach scuba for kids from ages 8 to 80 ☺, advanced courses & dive pro levels. We also offer jungle, cave & Mayan ruin adventure tours. Email: 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 533-4110 for booking. Fax: 533-4112, Email: info@theplacencia.com Website: www.theplacencia.com
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 Trip N Travel: Saltwater & Jungle Adventures. Tel: 523-3205 Email: lgodfrey@btl.net. Located on Main Street & Bruk Pat in Placencia Office Supply
SERVICES
bar.
Chocolatier
CHEERS
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
-
Placencia Peninsula Bars Barefoot Bar: Open everyday 11:30 am - midnight.! Located on the Main
Health & Fitness
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!
Tony’s Gym/Belize Fit We have a small CrossFit Gym. By appointment only. www.belizefit.com Phone: 631-7427
J-Byrd’s: Local Bar by the Seaside docks. Open daily from 10am to 12pm.
Food Markets
And live music every Friday’s Tel :523-3412
Wallen’s Market: Serving Placencia with fresh produce, dry goods, &
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 533-4110 for reservation for pick up of groups 4 or more.
Coffee Shop
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
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.
Muzamanzie Photography – contact us for wedding photographs, portraits, web & brochure photographs. Tel# 523-3563 or 603-5143 email: muzamanzie@yahoo.com
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 6729000 or visit: www.belizeproperty.com
Lola’s Art: In Seine Bight Village open from 7am-6pm. Phone 523-3342 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. closed Wednesday
533 8019
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 In-
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 533-4112 or email madeleine@theplacencia.com to meet with our agents and view our piece of paradise! Website: www.theplacencia.com
Airlines Tropic Air: The Airline of Belize. Over 180 daily scheduled flights throughout Belize. Now flying nonstop to Honduras on Mon, Wed & Fri. 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
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 29 Games and Prizes (continued from page 17.) Kids were well entertained with two giant bounce houses on site as well as a toy Mecca at the Placencia BTIA booth. And the grand attraction on Sunday evening was a giant Lobster piñata which was viciously beaten then smothered by dozens of children grabbing loads of sweet goodies. Meanwhile, under the main tent the adults were well occupied with Old Master’s Rum Punch Competition and The Shak Beach Café’s Flaming Hot Jerk Chicken Wing Eating Contest.
Right: Volunteer Nikki Johnston plays with kids enjoying toys donated by Papaya Boutique at the PBTIA Booth.
On the beach, families watched floating rubber ducks cruise towards the finish line in the Rotary Club’s Duck Race to see the winning catch in the Largest Lobstah Competition. Wrapping up games and prizes on Sunday evening was the announcement of the mega winners of the Placencia BTIA’s Lobsterfest Raffle and winner of the silent auction of the original Lobsterfest 2012 T-Shirt Design by the Sierra brothers.
Bounce house fun all weekend long!
Earl Godfrey wins Wallen’s Market Big Lobstah Competition!
First-time competitor Maria Evans of Paradise Resort wins Old Master’s Rum Punch Competition organized by Wende Bryan, Denise Williams and Martin Westby.
Contestants’ tasty entries on display. 2nd Place: Leda Rogers; 3 rd Place: Avi Martinez, Maya Beach Hotel. Consolation Prizes: Allie Smith and Winnie Mertens. Best Presentation: Denise Williams
Above: All smiles for Placencia Village Councilor Ilsa Villanueva who wins fifth place in Placencia Rotary Club’s Duck Race. (See more Rotary News on page ___ for all winners.) Right: Contestants take on The Shak Beach Café’s Flaming Hot Jerk Chicken Wing Eating Contest. Below Far Right: The heat proves too much for this young teenage boy who attempts to enter the competition. Below Left: Tony Pinder of Tony’s Gym presents prize to Lisa Harding, winner of the Lobsterfest Fitness Challenge. Below Center: Women attempt their luck at the legendary Placencia BTIA Lobsterfest Raffle.
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 30 boats. Hourly, daily or weekly rates available. Call 523-4017 or email info@silbelize.com.
BANKING
Singing Sands Inn: Rentals of reliable golf carts, bicycles, kayaks
Atlantic Bank Ltd: Opening Hours Monday -Thursday 8 am - 3 pm & Friday 8 am - 4 pm. ATM Services: Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, & Plus. Phone: 523-3431.
(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 5333022 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.
Sea Spa @ Robert’s Grove – Now offering Thai Massage, our Sea Spa is manned by professional therapists each w/ their own unique style. Treatments include; Several massage styles, Facials, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs/Polish, Reiki Energy, Sunburn Special, Coconut Hair Rinse and of course Manis & Pedis for Barefoot perfect feet! All treatments offered in our newly appointed oceanfront spa, at the end of our 250 ft pier or in a rooftop setting w/ panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea! For more info call 523-3565! Siripohn’s Thai Massage: Therapist from Thailand - Thai Massage, Essential Oil, Swedish, Jet Lag, Back & Shoulders, Foot Massage, Body Treatments, & Facial Treatments. Open 10 am to 6 pm. Call 620-8718 or 600-0375, email: jenjira01@yahoo.com - Kob Khun Ka.
Wedding Planning 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 thatched pier restaurants, dramatic and spacious third floor viewing deck or adjacent beachfront chapel, whichever is the perfect choice for you. We also offer our own on site full service Wedding Planner/Special Event Coordinator Tara Westby– Hotel Coordinator Please call: 520-4110, Fax: 520-4112 or email; info@theplacencia.com or tara@theplacencia.com Website: www.theplacencia.com
CHURCHES St. John’s Memorial - Placencia Anglican (Episcopal) Church:
Sunday services at 8:00 a.m. .
Ministries of the Son of God Church - Seine Bight Village Wednesday Bible Studies -6:30 pm, Thursday Youth Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Friday Youth Night - 6:00 pm, Saturday Adult Choir Practice - 6:30 pm, Sunday Service - 8:30 am & Sunday Night Service - 6:30 pm. Reverend Don Palmer. Phone 523-3301 or email cbelize@btl.net
Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula (Plantation Chapel): Meeting in Seine Bight Village. Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Sunday School provided). Wednesday: Men's and Women's Bible Study - 6:30 P.M. Friday: Youth Group - 5:30 P.M. Non denominational Church - Call Pastor Jim Mensie for more information: 523-3362
Seventh Day Adventists: Services Fridays at sunset; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Lay ministers. U. Torres - Tel# 503 2270
Seine Bight Catholic Church: Services Sundays 8:00 a.m. Seine Bight Village. Lay ministers. Catholic (lay) - Mrs Dora. Williams Tel# 523 3527 or 523 3564 Worship Center: Bible Study – Wednesday 7:00 p.m. – until. Services: Sunday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Non Denominational - Pst. Moore - Tel# 523 3333
GETTING AROUND De Express Boat: P. 626-8835. Departs Placencia Shell Dock- 9:30 a.m. Arrives Big Creek 10 a.m. Departs - 11:00 am. Arrives Puerto Cortez, Honduras, 2 pm. at Laguna. Return trip – Monday: Departs Puerto Cortez, Honduras 10 am. Arrives Big Creek 12 noon. Departs - 1:30 p.m. Arrives Placencia 2 pm. Tel: 523-4045. Tickets available at the Placencia Tourism Center for BZ$120. Hokey Pokey Boat: P. 523-2376. Placencia (MnM Dock) → Independence/Mango Creek: 6:45a.m, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m, 5 p.m and 6 p.m. (except on Sundays). Independence/Mango Creek → Placencia: 6:30 a.m., 7:30a.m., 8a.m., 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30p.m, & 4:30p.m. Ritchie’s Bus: 523-3806. 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. ADO: Leaves from Belize City at 7:30 p.m. to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico. Tickets must be purchased at bus terminal in Belize City. Tropic Air: P. 523-3410 Maya Island Air: P. 523-3472
Belize Bank Ltd: Opening Hours Monday -Thursday 8 am - 3 pm & Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm. ATM Services: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express. Phone: 523-3144. Scotiabank Belize Ltd. Opening Hours Monday -Thursday 8 am - 2:30 pm, Friday 8 am - 3:30 pm, & Saturday 9 am - 11:30 am. ATM Services: Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, & Plus. Phone: 523-3277.
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 U.S. Warden, Stann Creek Rural: Deborah Coston, 624-6483
EMERGENCIES Belize Emergency Response Team: 223-3292 Placencia Medical Center: 503-3326 Seine Bight Medical Center: 523-3328 Independence Medical Center: 523-2167 Placencia Police Station: 503-3142 Seine Bight Police Station: 503-3148 Placencia Tourism Police: 503-3181 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 626-0667 PLACENCIA RULE 62 GROUP • ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS 9:30 A.M. SUNDAYS - OPEN MEETING AT THE PLACENCIA HEALTH CENTER. FOR INFO: 670-1255, 610-1441, 628-1143
PLACENCIA NAR-ANON (Narcotics Anonymous Family Groups)
The Placencia Breeze ‖ July/August 2012 ‖ Page 31
PENINSULA HAPPENINGS FESTIVALS • LOCAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINTMENT • GAMES • FOOD/DRINK WHEN TUESDAYS
LOCATION
Courtesy of the Placencia BTIA
EVENT
Habanero’s Mexican Café and Bar (Seine Bight)
All you can eat Mexican Buffet! Come try our Tequila Lime Pie. 7 to 9 p.m. Dinner Pick-ups available. P. 523-3565.
Yoli’s Bar (Placencia)
Rotary Club of Placencia meets at 12:30 p.m. P. 625-2763.
WEDNESDAYS
Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Live Music w/ the Entertainers. Reggae, soca, salsa, punta and more. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. P. 5233515
THURSDAYS
De Barcelona Tapas Bar (Placencia)
Live Jazz Music with Angela Suarez, Steven Fasano and Beau. 7 to 9 p.m. P. 660-0837
Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Live Music with the Persuaders. Starts 7 p.m. Reggae, Easy Rock, some 70s + more! P. 523-3515
Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill (Placencia)
Karaoke with Karl Lovell! Win Cash Prizes! P. 620-2140
Dawn’s Grill & Go (Placencia)
Fried Chicken Fridays for Lunch. (And regular lunch and dinner menu) P. 523-4079
Barefoot Bar
Barefoot Bash. Live music w/ the Inner Vibrations. 8:30 p.m. to midnight. P. 523-3515
The Placencia Hotel (North Maya Beach)
Karaoke starting at 8 p.m. P. 520-4110
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar (Placencia)
Karaoke starting at 8 p.m. P. 503-3351
Quarter Deck Restaurant at Laru Beya Resort (Seine Bight)
Live music with Steve Fasano from 6 to 9 p.m.
De Barcelona Tapas Bar (Placencia)
Latin Night! Free salsa, cumbia and meringue lessons! 660-0837
Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Barefoot Horseshoe Tournament at 4 p.m. Cash + Bar Tab Prizes. P. 523-3515
Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Live Rock + Alternative music with Da Man in Da Shadz. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. P. 523-3515
Robert’s Grove (Seine Bight)
Poolside Beach BBQ Buffet, 7 to 9 p.m. Live entertainment. Dinner Pick-ups available. P. 5233565.
Habanero’s Mexican Café and Bar (Seine Bight)
Paella Night. Complimentary glass of House Sangria for each diner. 6 to 9 p.m. Pick-ups available. P. 523-3565
Purple Space Monkey Bar & Grill (Placencia)
Trivia Quiz Night! Benefit for the Placencia Humane Society! Win Prizes! P. 620-2140
Yoli’s Bar (Placencia)
4 p.m. Placencia’s Famous Ring Game. P. 625-2763.
Barefoot Bar (Placencia)
Tropical Vibes Reggae Jazz Infusion. 6 - 10 p.m. P. 523-3515
J-Dee’s Restaurant & Bar (Placencia)
Live music with Ben Bol and Orlando Betancourt from 8 p.m. to midnight. P. 503-3351
De Barcelona Tapas Bar (Placencia)
Live Jazz Music with Angela Suarez, Steven Fasano and Beau. 7 to 9 p.m. P. 660-0837
Danube Restaurant (Seine Bight)
Dice for your Belikin beer between 4.30-6pm: eg Dice “1” and pay just $1, dice “2” and pay just $2… or be lucky and dice “6” and get your Belikin beer for FREE. This special is available with a snack and/or dinner only. DANUBE is located just 100 yds north of Robert´s Grove. Open MON – FRI 4:30 - 6 p.m. Ph: 610-0132, restaurant@danubebelize.com, visit www.danubebelize.com
Habanero’s Mexican Café and Bar (Seine Bight)
Sunset Happy Hour. 5 to 7 p.m. $10 Margaritas. $4 Beers. $4 Local Rum drinks. Cocktails on the lagoon after a hard week’s work. P. 523-3565
Robert’s Grove
Seaside Happy Hour and bar snacks. 4 to 6 p.m. $5 Local Beer and Rum Drinks. P. 523-3565
Quarter Deck Restaurant at Laru Beya Resort (Seine Bight)
Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m.
FRIDAYS
SATURDAYS
SUNDAYS
EVERYDAY
PUBLISHER: The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (PBTIA) DISTRIBUTION: The Placencia Breeze is available free of charge at the Placencia Tourism Center, the Philip Goldson International Airport, nationwide airstrips and resorts, guesthouses, restaurants and bars, gift shops, banks and other businesses on the Placencia Peninsula. The Placencia Breeze has a print circulation of 2,000, as well as a large online web audience. PLACENCIA BTIA/PLACENCIA BREEZE STAFF: Jolie Pollard, Executive Director and Editor in Chief; Apolo Caliz, Front Desk and Membership Officer and Assistant Editor VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER: Muzamanzie Photography PLACENCIA BTIA BOARD: Stewart Krohn, Chairman; Steve Christensen, Vice Chairman; David Vernon, Treasurer; Anne-Marie McNeil, Secretary; Beverly Cabral, Ex-Oficio; Doran Yount, Ruth Turner and Aline Habib PRINTER: The Reporter Press, Belize City, Belize The Placencia Breeze The Placencia Tourism Center Placencia Village, Stann Creek, Belize Phone: 523- 4045; E-mail: info@placencia.com or director@placencia.com; URL: www.placenciabreeze.com or issuu.com/theplacenciabreeze
SPEND YOUR SUMMER VACATION IN PLACENCIA! BELIZEAN RATES AVAILABLE! Contact the Placencia Tourism Center at 523-4045 or info@placencia.com