Why Not?

An alarming number of people have browsed (sometimes devoured) this website and decided that Belize is the place for them.  I'm afraid I may be guilty of sugarcoating the facts.  This section will acquaint you with the downside of paradise before you get here.  

(On the other hand, if you're already here, you can agree or take exception.  Puh-leeze, let me know...) 

Disenchantment for Visitors.  Many readers become enchanted with the idea of life in a tropical paradise.  Laying on the beach, "strumming my six-string, watching the tourists, all covered with oil".  WOW!  I could do that.  Well... maybe not.  read on here.

My misgivings.  I love Belize, and I mean to keep right on living here, doing the things I'm doing (unless they throw me out.)  However, there are some things that really need changing, and I will do my darndest to help get them changed.  In the meantime, I want to warn you about them, since they may spoil your stay or change your mind about moving here. To find out more, click here. New:  Well, I left Belize in Sep 2005. You can read all about it here. Newer.  I am increasingly alarmed by crime in Belize, and by the inability of the police to control it.  You should read the STAR here to understand.  

The U. S. State Department has a very frank discussion of Belize, over here.  They concur with most of my misgivings, and their bulletin is required reading for anyone planning to visit Belize. 

The Kipplinger Newsletter.  After reading Bill & Claire Gray's tour blurb, a couple of staffers came down and did a whirlwind tour of (mostly) Belize North.  They didn't talk to us, but they did find some other happy campers.  They themselves were looking for an undiscovered Florida or Arizona in the Third World and they did NOT find it.  Read their account here for a different perspective.  (New: Well, you'll have to subscribe to read it -- or, try your local library!)  Newer:  Actually the letter resurfaced, with a few additions, just a month ago (May 2006)  Here it is, along with my comment.

Political Implications.  Any time anyone criticizes anything down here, a lot of people regard it as a political statement.  Heaven forefend that Sr. Ric takes political sides!  The plain truth is, whenever the government changes hands, a few things get fixed (a good thing) and a lot of things stay the same or get a little worse. I reserve the right to suggest improvements and perhaps criticize things that I think need changing without everyone regarding it as a political statement for the opposition.   Think of me as a "gadfly" (look it up in your newer Funk & Wagnall's)  

You should know.  A lot of truths, good and bad, about Belize.   

Look at everything!   For more perspective on Belize, you should subscribe to the list bz-culture.  Send a message to bz-culture-request@psg.com containing the word "subscribe" (without quotes.)  Tell them Seņor Reek sent you. 

New:  Some Gringos have looked at Belize and then gone someplace else!  For some alternatives, look here.

Newer.  Lan Sluder always tells it like it is, and he implies that Belize is discouraging ex-pats from moving here. You might like to read thru his assessment of the current situation here. 

Newer.  On page three of the Apr 13, 2007 issue of the Independent Reformer, Mary Toy tells you what Belize has become.  

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