AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize "San Pedro Taxes What do you think?" Open Thread

"You are biting the hands that feed you by talking down to the people on this forum..." -- reaper

Comments like this I find incredible offensive to my psyche. The implication here is that if it weren't for the smart transplanted foreigners the dumb Belizeans would not eat. For the record, Belizeans were eating long before tourism became sexy and they will continue to eat even if it happens to die off at any future point. Belize is rich with fertile land and a small population, ensuring everybody can have enough to plant something to eat on.

That said, I have nothing against controlled eco-tourism or tourists, or foreign residents, or even anonymous posters who insult my dignity or intelligence behind the safety of their anonymity. I find the offense offensive, but I separate it from the person.

For some of us locals, no money in the world can pay for our dignity. And that is what reaper is indicating we should do, sell our dignity for $$. I am sorry but this is a glaring display of cultural arrogance on the part of the poster. It would be very demeaning to any Belizean that read it. And I, for one, am offended by it.

So Belize-N-Us, the posters do not have to say the word "dumb" to refer to local Belizeans as dumb. They just say it in crafty and cute little ways. But it is no less offensive.

Just as offensive as the idea of raising the property taxes of poor people to pay for a paved road on N. Side Ambergris (a suggestion made by another poster a few posts up) so rich retirees can get to their mansions and beachfront condos. It ain't right, no matter how you skin it. And no offense meant to anyone. I am just looking out for me and mine.

??? What???

No Wendy, I am reffering to insulting your prospective customers at your hotel. You know,the smart foreigners.
It had nothing to do with Belizeans eating nor selling your dignity for dollars.
And believe it or not, most of the posters here are looking out for you and yours also...

Im looking out for her alright.

Reaper, with all due respect, I appreciate your concern for what it is -- well-intentioned -- and we'll just leave it at that. Suffice to say I've made it this far in life and I am sure I will continue to make it come what may.

Have a great day, y'all!

Please everyone come out and show your support! There is a lot we can do,don't give up, STEP UP.
We need to spend our time looking for solutions not bashing.
Special Community Meeting
TONIGHT
Monday, July 21, 7pm
at the High School Auditorium.
This meeting is being held due to the recent problems with crime that have been
occurring in San Pedro and on Ambergris Caye.
The following people will be
at this community meeting:
Minister Manuel Heredia
General Lloyd Tillet, CEO Ministry of National Security
Lt. Colonel Omar Pullido
Commissioner of Police
Deputy Commissioner of Police
Commander of the Coast Guard.
It is important that as many people
as possible attend this meeting.

WENDY:
I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt as I see you have worked yourself up.
When you assume you know me or my background you are making a big mistake.

I was the oldest of six children and immediately after WWII my parents had to work in the fields to feed us. We lived in a tent and at 9 years old I had complete care of my five brothers and sisters. We were hungry a lot of the time. We live in a lot of one room or one bedroom houses - none had indoor plumbing. The advantage I had was a free education!!!

In high school I lived with a wealthy family as a domestic. These wonderful people taught me that I could go far with hard work, dedication and honesty. I did - paying into the USA Social Security system for 43 years.

I worked hard, got a college education at night and raised two children as a single parent. I took risks and advanced to be the manager of a large department (65 staff in 11 locations one being 24/7). I earned every cent of my retirement!!! I'm retired but not dead and care about this, my adopted country and MOST of the people who live here.

I moved to Belize - completely - I did not leave a door open to return to the US. I am totally committed to this community and have offered the skills I have to those who could use them, if they would.

I have taken some Belizean's under my wing and helped them get a start in a business for themselves. I've spent much time socializing with them and mentoring. They know my background and I tell them "If I could do it so can you." I believe in a helping hand - not a hand out.

I do not live in a mansion but I do have a beautiful condo that I deserve. Those of us who live on the north have fought the bridge and paved roads. It is the San Pedreans who want to "Build a highway so we can drive to Mexico." The Mayoress has a plan to dredge and fill along the lagoon side of the north in order to create this.

So, dear Wendy, use caution when accusing people you don't know. You may be surprised to find, if we sat down for a visit we want the same end result.

Is Corona Steve the Mayoress' consultant? Freeway to Mexico.
How about an update on the meeting. Thanks.

Tax Administration of the Caribbean meet in Belize
There is more talk about taxes tonight coming close on the heels last week's budget presentation, and that is because the 20th General Assembly of the Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrators (COTA) convenes in Belize this week for a four day conference. Belize and sixteen other Caribbean countries are sharing ideas on how to develop systems to improve and modernize tax administration locally and regionally.

Are we ahead of our time here on the message board or what?

That's liberal math for you.