I have a friend here who is very active in community work and has lived here all his life (not gringo). He told me the problem is a generational and changing cultural one. The parents of anyone under 20 are NOT out working day and night. Many of them are out partying. San Pedro changed from a fishing village to a party town - some call it tourism. These adults produced children that they let their parents raise. Now these grandparents are aging and dying and still the parents are not at home instilling values.
The social life here revolves around the bars. Enough said?
I am no longer shocked by the lack of shame that exists here. People lie, cheat and steal and laugh it off if they are caught. People are fired from their jobs for stealing and will come back a month later and ask for a job - no shame!
When people toss out "But what are you doing???" I hire local people to do a lot of little jobs for me. When I ask them what they charge I then tell them what I will pay - which is always at least 10% over what they asked. If someone steals from me I talk to them about it and tell them I will never be able to trust them again and I will tell other people not to hire them either.
If some one cuts in line in front of me I tell them they can't do that, that I am in just as big a hurry and just as important as they are.
I do not have to apologize for being a gringo. I am not a rich gringo but I did rid myself of all my US assets and have invested in a home and life here. There will be no going back for me. I also spend time talking on a one to one with local workers and exchange stories about childhood with them; we need to let them know we are real working people too. I worked all my life and earned what I have and am willing to share my experiences with others and hopefully be an inspiration for a few.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
