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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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Putting Their Hearts into Positive Changes for Residents and Tourists

by tacogirl 30/07/2018
written by tacogirl 30/07/2018
Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter

When it comes to living in a young country, we must keep in mind that its challenges are unique, because it still carving a path into the modern world and still very “wild west” at the same time. Take a moment and imagine what Canada or the USA was like when they were only 36 years old. Both were faced with greatly different challenges than they are today. 

It is not easy to navigate the “obstacle course” as the country and individual areas grow, especially on Ambergris Caye, the top vacation destination in Belize. The island is definitely a grassroots place where groups of community and business members have the ability to forge new territory and “move mountains” if they choose to.

As a girl who loves thinking outside the box, I have been very impressed with the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter (SPBTIA), currently led by Tamara Sniffin and populated with many great San Pedro businesses and individuals. You may remember I was over the top excited about the Belize Tourism Industry Association Membership Mixer held upstairs at El Divino. That was when their large heavy metal garbage removal part of their ongoing sustainable waste management plan was officially announced. This is being headed by volunteer member Dianne Lawrence and an intern from the US.

It is no secret we have a garbage problem on this island. Many of us have been photographing and videoing it for a very long time – myself since 2007. A big round of applause to the SPBTIA for coming up with an intelligent creative solution to put our youth on the task. I also applaud the faculty at San Pedro Junior College for embracing the idea and running with it. They saw how learning to process large-object garbage removal for the entire island could be easily adapted into the college curriculum. 

Impressed Again by the SPBTIA

Once again the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter is showing their capability through the process of setting clear-cut goals to benefit the community and thoughtfully work towards turning them into reality.

The SPBTIA has been actively listening to and recording data from people’s input and concerns in regards to what would benefit the community. Using this data they were able to work with officials and help them see what changes need to be made and why.

  • In order to lobby for better responses to the needs of our community as it pertains to criminal activities, the San Pedro BTIA officials and volunteers have been working with GOB cabinet members. So far they have reached out to Minister of National Security, John Saldivar; Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Manual Heredia; along with San Pedro Mayor, Daniel Guerrero; the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams and Officer in Charge Henry Jemmott.
  • Sponsored by the San Pedro Chapter of the BTIA, and the National Belize Tourism Industry Association this past June, “For the Love of San Pedro,” rally was a great success in regards to fighting crime and getting concerns out in the open.
  • As of July 2nd, the San Pedro Fire department also benefits from a new Officer in Charge, Gladstone Bucknor thanks to members of the SPBTIA along with other local officials for making it happen. 
  • The SPBTIA aided the National BTIA to have successfully lobbied for changes within the Ambergris Caye police force. Newly selected Officer in Charge, Reymundo Reyes started his position on July 2nd. In addition, a new magistrate will begin her duties on August 1st, 2018.

Other Crime Fighting Initiatives

Individuals that volunteered for the Special Constable Program are in the process of being contacted by the SPBTIA organization. They will be taught and overseen by Reymundo Reyes. The goal is to have the community working alongside the police force to improve safety on Ambergris Caye.

They are actively working on forming sustainable neighborhood watch groups in areas without and especially ones in need. The SPBTIA and Ambergris Caye police force is also reaching out to support existing neighborhood watch programs.

Strength in Numbers

When acting Membership Coordinator Jackie Feldman reached out to me the other day, I told her that I was not sure whether I would be able to attend the meeting or not but I was definitely behind the organization and willing to help promote it.

If you love Ambergris Caye and I know that is a huge group of you, then please do what you can to show your support for the SPBTIA. With a track record as above, it is pretty much guaranteed that future initiatives will also be successful. This group knows how to work together, take action and make great things happen.

Four ways you can help no matter where you are

Working hard for both residents and stakeholders to strengthen tourism on Ambergris Caye and countrywide Belize, both the BTIA and the SPBTIA appreciate all the support they a getting. From the community right on up the line as Government officials welcome their ideas and assist on plans for building a safer country. This is an organization worth helping and below you will see a few ways to do it.

1. Stay informed about their initiatives and successes by liking the BTIA and SPBTIA Facebook page.
2. Go to BTIA website to learn more about the group efforts countrywide by chapter, and see how the membership fee for joining the San Pedro Chapter will benefit the island.
3. Attend the meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, July 31st) at 7:00 PM at El Divino Restaurant located at Banana Beach Resort.
4. Become a member of the BTIA. There is clearly strength in numbers, the membership form is on the website or you can join at the meeting on July 31st. Requirements to join: Desire assist crime-fighting superheroes, love Belize and want to support all the amazing work mentioned above. 

Additional information on the BTIA

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that operates within Belize to help bridge the gap between tourism interests and the challenges that the industry may bring to communities. As an NGO, the BTIA is a volunteer agency and is separate from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

Featured Image

Pelican picture submitted by Dave Strothmann from Colorado. Taken on his 2018 trip with his wife. He is an avid bird photographer when vacationing on Ambergris Caye.

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Fighting Crime on Ambergris Caye
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Corey Holm
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I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Carol Taylor
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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