Gazing Into the Crystal Ball

I share most of the same sentiments about living on the island that most have expressed, and often wonder what the near future will bring to the aging population of xpats. The comments made by the many to this thread have made a number of things apparent. No doubt, the current status of the health care system in Belize is of concern to many who recognize that their own health may be deteriorating and just how they should deal with it. Some are retired and financially secure and willing to travel to obtain care for a major need. This presumes that time will permit a travel delay to obtaining their treatment. Some will find it financially practical to give up their residency and return home to obtain geriatric treatment or enter an assisted living facility. One question then pops. What does this really mean for the health care of these aging xpats and how will it effect on the overall economy of the GOB?
Consider that fully half of these xpat property owners are financially secure and will remain in Belize to the very end and are willing to travel to obtain geriatric health services. And, that the other half will be forced to give up their residency and property and return home. Are we talking about a big number of people in each of these groups or is it something less than a thousand? Say it's just a thousand throughout the entire country. Now stop time as of today. Then, (the first generation of 500) will, over the next few years, be leaving the country's population and their purchasing power will be lost to the government forever. Suppose these people average spending some $2k/month for groceries, power and "stuff". That represents a large sum of ($$) loss, which will only continues to grow with time. I believe that, if offered the opportunity, these people would remain as a part of the growing population of Belize. But, today these people are being forced out of Belize by the government's policy regarding physicians and health care facilities. Too bad the Medical Tourism program fell apart. When the program was first announced I could envision an explosion in construction of assisted living facilities to accommodate the parents of Wall Street's brokers and half of Miami Beach, each, BIDDING for a room with an ocean view to retire in. I firmly believe that medical reform is the key to growth in the Belize economy. Does any of this make sence?

I'll be happy to discuss my avatar with anyone who knows what it is.