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Susan Carter – Carib Pro

by tacogirl 23/08/2010
written by tacogirl 23/08/2010
Caribe Pro

As I mentioned in last Friday’s post about  Wine de Vine wine night I met Susan Carter Manager of  Carib Pro. I found her very interesting and asked if she would like a Spotlight on tacogirl – not only did she graciously agree she returned my  questions super fast.

What’s your claim to fame?

I doubt that I have a claim to very much in this life! My mother always says my claim to fame is that I’ve been in 19 hurricanes and typhoons, some tropical cyclones, a few major fires, loads of earthquakes, including an 8.2, and have survived without a scratch. So maybe my real claim to fame is that Mother Nature seems to stalk me wherever I go!

How many different places have you lived in the Caribbean [and where]?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited and worked on every island nation in the Caribbean… and I have lived for longer periods in the Virgin Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico and Dominica.

Puerto Rico
St Lucia
Dominica

What do you find is your biggest challenge living and working in the Caribbean?

If you live and work in the Caribbean long enough, in my case 20 years, most working expats find that they have to continuously develop their skills, experience and knowledge levels so that we can readily flow from one career path to another….this is because the only thing you can count on when working in the Caribbean is that you can’t really count on anything, so you’d better be prepared for a lot of life changes.

Carib Pro Carib Pro

What are your thoughts on being socially responsible in today’s work world?

I think that it is an absolute essential responsibility for all of us, ownership in particular. However, with the world in its current state, people and businesses are more inclined to be self-centric as everyone is worrying about their own survival and so it unfortunately goes by the wayside or to the back of the line.

How do you feel personally that living in the Caribbean has changed your life?

Lots of lessons have been learned…..such as, living in the Caribbean has taught me that patience, flexibility and a great sense of humor are indeed golden and well needed in everyday life. I have learned to be more humble and happy as I immersed myself in a very simply lifestyle here. Long ago the Caribbean and its peoples captured my heart through its unique beauty and wonderful, diverse cultures all of which resonated with me on a personal level. I feel that I’ve evolved in to a better person by being part of it.

How many hurricanes have you been through? What are your top tips for a first timer?

Well, as far as hurricanes I’ve been in three; the worst one was definitely Hurricane Hugo! My advice for a first timer, or anyone for that matter, is to always stay calm and don’t panic. Plus to take it seriously and don’t be off at some “hurricane party” on the beach when you should be home battening down the hatches and getting fully prepared.

[adding my 2 cents a write up from Ambergris Daily on Tropic Air Evacuation Tips]

One book or movie you recommend everyone should read or watch? Both if you like.

One book I have just finished is a jewel! It is The Last Resort : A Memoir of Zimbabwe by Doug Rogers. It is a story about Doug’s parents who own are lodge owners there and how they cleverly manage to cope with the horrid political and monetary downturn in that country while trying to keep the lodge afloat by any means possible.

I most enjoy travel memoirs, the classics and books about visionaries – be it a writer, musician, world leader, artist or spiritual leader…it doesn’t really matter. Visionaries often start out in life just like you and me but somewhere along their particular road there is a fork that they chose to take which leads them to their path of individual excellence and achievement. That fork and how they evolve to who they become always fascinates me.

What are 3 things that can always be found in your refrigerator?

Water, fruit (lots of berries of all types), vegetables (especially broccoli and mushrooms).

If you could be doing anything right now what would it be?

To be even more involved with helping the people of Haiti than I currently am … I’ve been a strong supporter of Haiti and its people for many years now and am always looking for ways to be able to do more. I hope to be able to visit there in the near future so that I can assess how I can be of continuing assistance.

What did you like most about Ambergris Caye?

That’s easy. The people….all the locals as well as the expat’s that I met. Everyone is very genuine and very much in love with their island. I just wish that I had had more time to spend there as I never saw the north end of the island nor did I tour the island’s resorts. I’ve worked within the Caribbean’s tourism and hospitality industry for over 20 years… so I really enjoy touring our regional “hospitality products.” That said, I will rave about the wonderful food I had at the restaurants and really loved my evening at Wine de Vine. Hopefully I can return one day soon and take in much more which will allow me the opportunity to write and publish some articles about the very special Ambergris Caye.

Caribe Pro

Caribe Pro

Caribe Pro

Caribe Pro

Related

tacogirl

Laurie 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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4 comments

RumShopRyan 24/08/2010 - 8:35 pm

Great interview! People like Susan really interest me. They have so much insite and experience, I just want to pick their brain.

Thanks for sharing Tacogirl!
Cheers!

Reply
tacogirl 25/08/2010 - 8:07 am

Glad you liked it Ryan have another good upcoming spotlight for next week a native Californian who made the move here.

Reply
Laura 24/08/2010 - 4:52 am

66 more days! We’ll all be using your taco girl coupons during our stay at Captain Morgan’s. The pictures of the islands above as well as your pix, Tacogirl, make these short days seem so long!

Can’t wait…we are getting so excited.

Reply
tacogirl 24/08/2010 - 7:48 am

See you soon Laura. Capt Morgans a great place to stay.

Reply

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Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
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We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
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I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
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I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
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We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
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It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
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I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

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. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few 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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