From the minutes of the March 25, 2010 Ambergris caye Chamber of Commerce meeting:
Mr. Claudio Azueta attended the meeting to answer questions about the property tax increase. He is on the Appeals Board but until the recent announcement on tax increases there have not been any appeals. The property tax rate has not changed but the assessed values have changed. All property will be charged at 1-1/2% of the undeveloped value and if there is a structure, an additional tax of 2-1/2% of the yearly rental value is charged. Essentially this has led to a 3500% increase in the taxes. Many people are upset about this sudden increase in property taxes. Most people feel that the tax rate is very low and an increase would be acceptable but this is an unreasonable hike. It could also allow selective application of the tax. Mr. Azueta recommended that if you feel that your tax has increased unfairly, write a letter to: Chairman of Valuations Appeal Board San Pedro Town and deliver it to the Town Council Office. This tax increase is being shouldered by those that already pay taxes but there is 3-4 Million dollars in uncollected taxes and no penalties have been assessed for non-payment. Most felt that an attempt should be made to collect these taxes before assessing more taxes on those that do pay. It was suggested that if an outside collection agency was hired to collect the taxes owed that it may be more successful than having the Town Council try to collect them. The current law on the books to deal with non-payment of taxes allows the Town Council to inform the owners that taxes are due, then file in court and after 1 year, the property can be seized. So far, some Chamber members had paid their taxes recently but the rate was the same. Claudio knew of others whose rates had gone up the 3500%. The new tax rates will apply to 2010 taxes.
Our taxes have been very low. We may see a change this year.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Construction news
Construction at Coco Beach continues.
Hotel: The reception area is being finished. Doors and cabinets are being installed. Additional office space was added onto the original reception area. There is still a lot of finish work to be done on the rooms and hallways. No word on whether the fourth floor will be added.
Restaurant: Still a ways to go on the restaurant. Roof is just being poured.
Pool: The pool is filled. Work continues on the rock pile. It will be interesting to see the final look of the slide feature.
Dock: Latest word on the activity building is that it will be a Tuff-E-Nuff dive/excursion office.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Super Bowl
Left to right: Kevin Conlin, Carl Hanson, Pat Perkins, (side view of Al Mosness :) Donna Hanson, Pam Lund, Elaine Conlin
GOOD LOOKING GROUP :))
Super Bowl party was a success! Great food, great company, great game and a winning game pool! It was nice to see everyone.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas gifts for the worker's children behind Coco Beach were a success. Al & Jenine and Kath & I had a wonderful time sharing some joy. We made sure that everyone understood that many owners were behind the scenes helping us out.
Apples are a treat to Belizeans at Christmas time. They are expensive and hard to find. We bought 250 of them and gave all the staff enough for their families and all the construction workers.
There are five families behind Coco Beach and seventeen children. We got all the fathers together and gave them each enough toys so that every child got several. That way the fathers were able to provide for their families.
Everyone was thankful and thanks to all of you who helped us make this a special Christmas for all of them.
On the news side............
The Construction dock in front of Building A is GONE!
Southwind has purchased the Kingsbury Property next door and the construction dock has been moved to that property. The second pool has most of the concrete done and is waiting bottom finish and a little more tile work. I'm thinking the Hotel and Restaurant are another 4 to 6 months away from finishing. The reception center part of it will probably be finished sooner.
Coco Beach hosted a jazz party last night at the pool bar. Happy hour drinks and a live band.
We awoke to a beautiful, sunny Christmas morning. Kath and I wish you all safe travels over the holidays and a very Happy New Year!
Apples are a treat to Belizeans at Christmas time. They are expensive and hard to find. We bought 250 of them and gave all the staff enough for their families and all the construction workers.
There are five families behind Coco Beach and seventeen children. We got all the fathers together and gave them each enough toys so that every child got several. That way the fathers were able to provide for their families.
Everyone was thankful and thanks to all of you who helped us make this a special Christmas for all of them.
On the news side............
The Construction dock in front of Building A is GONE!
Southwind has purchased the Kingsbury Property next door and the construction dock has been moved to that property. The second pool has most of the concrete done and is waiting bottom finish and a little more tile work. I'm thinking the Hotel and Restaurant are another 4 to 6 months away from finishing. The reception center part of it will probably be finished sooner.
Coco Beach hosted a jazz party last night at the pool bar. Happy hour drinks and a live band.
We awoke to a beautiful, sunny Christmas morning. Kath and I wish you all safe travels over the holidays and a very Happy New Year!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Kath and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.
As the Season begins, we are considering the construction workers and their families that live behind Coco Beach and what their Christmas may look like. There are 21 adults and 13 children. Children are ages 1 to 15 years. 10 Boys and 3 girls.
We are going to Belize City in a few days and are going to purchase some toys and food to give out to these families. If anyone is interested in participating in this as a group effort, please send me an email (scubawalk@aol.com) and let me know what you want to do.
Cullen and Kath
As the Season begins, we are considering the construction workers and their families that live behind Coco Beach and what their Christmas may look like. There are 21 adults and 13 children. Children are ages 1 to 15 years. 10 Boys and 3 girls.
We are going to Belize City in a few days and are going to purchase some toys and food to give out to these families. If anyone is interested in participating in this as a group effort, please send me an email (scubawalk@aol.com) and let me know what you want to do.
Cullen and Kath
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
My Daughters Wedding
For all of you that were kind enough to ask about the wedding of my daughter Elizabeth to Kevin Stoll, it was a complete and wonderful success. It is really hard to express how special the whole week was.
Most of the guests arrived at Coco Beach on Sunday, November 15. All the rental units here were full. Many of the guests went on excursions to the jungle to zip-line or visit the ruins on Tuesday. Wednesday everyone hung around the pool most of the day. That night they went to San Pedro for the Bachelorette Party. I have seen video of Liz dancing on the bar at Wet Willy’s. It was quite the party.
Thursday morning, Tuff-E-Nuf, took all of us to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley for some snorkeling. It was a very nice day and their guides did a wonderful job. Lots of music and dancing on the way back. Thursday night we held a cocktail party in Kevin’s penthouse unit.
Friday was a beach and pool day. The Bridal Party met in the afternoon at Belizean Cove to have the rehearsal. Coastal express picked us up at the Coco Beach dock for the Rehearsal Dinner at Sunset Grill.
Saturday morning, Francis Wilson hosted a brunch for the Bridal party at Rendezvous Restaurant. Coleen prepared a wonderful breakfast for us.
The wedding was in front of Belizean Cove Resort.
Liz was beautiful. She is a special woman and it was her day.
Most of the guests arrived at Coco Beach on Sunday, November 15. All the rental units here were full. Many of the guests went on excursions to the jungle to zip-line or visit the ruins on Tuesday. Wednesday everyone hung around the pool most of the day. That night they went to San Pedro for the Bachelorette Party. I have seen video of Liz dancing on the bar at Wet Willy’s. It was quite the party.
Thursday morning, Tuff-E-Nuf, took all of us to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley for some snorkeling. It was a very nice day and their guides did a wonderful job. Lots of music and dancing on the way back. Thursday night we held a cocktail party in Kevin’s penthouse unit.
Friday was a beach and pool day. The Bridal Party met in the afternoon at Belizean Cove to have the rehearsal. Coastal express picked us up at the Coco Beach dock for the Rehearsal Dinner at Sunset Grill.
Saturday morning, Francis Wilson hosted a brunch for the Bridal party at Rendezvous Restaurant. Coleen prepared a wonderful breakfast for us.
The wedding was in front of Belizean Cove Resort.
Liz was beautiful. She is a special woman and it was her day.
The reception was at Capricorn Restaurant. There was a steel pan player and drummer during the meal and a fire twirler that performed afterwards. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Liz and Kevin left Sunday afternoon for Bora Bora to honeymoon. Kath and I wish you all could have been here.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Scroll Down for more info on Coco Beach
Building Authorities answer questions about development
The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize Vol. 19, No. 37 October 1, 2009
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Pictured is the enclosed structure at Coco Beach, which has been approved by the Ambergris Caye Local Building Authority (ACLBA).
Letter of Approval signed by ACLBA Chairman Fidel Ancona. A couple weeks ago The San Pedro Sun reported on Cabinet’s approval of the South Beach Belize development. In an effort to better understand the issue, The Sun asked the Director of the Central Building Unit of the Central Building Authority (CBA) Paul Satchwell a number of questions. According to Chairman of the Ambergris Caye Local Building Authority (ACLBA) Fidel Ancona, Paul Satchwell, approved three structures for the South Beach Belize project. Ancona stated that Satchwell made a sole decision without consulting all of the members of the Central Building Authority (CBA). Ancona further stated that the approval was made without consulting ACLBA and that Satchwell apologized for not having consulted with them. As such, Ancona stated that no kind of construction has started and will not start until the approval is granted by ACLBA. In an interview with The Sun, Mr. Satchwell addressed our questions.
1) Did you approve the construction of the building? As the Director of the Central Building Unit of The Central Building Authority my responsibilities include the review and approval of drawings for proposed structures, so yes I did review and approve the three sample buildings.
2) Was it illegally approved? Definitely not! As the Director of the Central Building Unit of The Central Building Authority one of my responsibilities is to review and approve drawings for proposed structures.
3) Can the ACLBA stop a structure that has been approved by the CBA? The ACLBA like all other Local Building Authority (LBA) act on behalf of the Central Building Authority, but they do NOT have the authority to stop a structure that has been approved by the CBA
4) Does the CBA have any jurisdiction over ACLBA? According to the Belize Building Act 2003, the CBA has responsibility for the entire country of Belize, and the LBA’s represent, and act on behalf of the CBA in cities and towns.
5) Is any member of the ACLBA a member of the CBA? Not at this time.
6) Did you apologize to the ACLBA? Yes I did apologize to Mr. Ancona for not informing him/the ACLBA that the CBA had been asked to review the drawings and determine if the project should be approved.
7) Did you consult with all the members of the CBA in regards to the three structures? There is/was no requirement for me to do so. One of my responsibilities as Director of the Central Building Unit of the CBA is to review and approve proposed structures for and on behalf of the Board CBA.
8) Does South Beach satisfies all the building standards of the CBA? The drawings submitted do, and inspectors from the CBA have inspected the setting out done and that is in conformity with the approved documents.
9) Does South Beach has all their permits in place? The South beach Project has satisfied all the requirements of the CBA for the three sample homes for which they have requested approval.
10) Where does South Beach stand right now? The documents submitted have been reviewed and have satisfied the requirements of the CBA and as such they can proceed with the approved works.
11) Is it true that any project exceeding 10,000 square feet can only be approved by the CBA? Because most, if not all LBA’s do not have the expertise readily available to carry out a comprehensive review of larger projects, it would not be in the best interest of public health and safety for such projects to be reviewed by LBA’s.
12) What is the actual square footage of the South Beach structures? The Newport Structure is 1,540 S.F. and the Palms Court structure is 12,360 S.F.
13) What is the size of the largest project that the ACLBA can approve? The whole issue of if, and how the LBA’s should be limited still needs to be discussed.
The other project that has been of concern is a concrete structure in front of Coco Beach Resort situated north of San Pedro Town. The developers are constructing a concrete enclosed structure that emerges from the sea. The structure, according to Ancona is an attached palapa to a pier. Close inspection reveals that it is not a palapa, but an enclosed structure within the water with its foundation constructed within the water bed. Ancona stated that the ACLBA does not and is not responsible for the approval of “over the water” structures. In a letter date June 4th, 2009 from the ACLBA which was signed by Fidel Ancona and addressed to Mr. Azueta, approves the construction of the pier and open palapa. In order for the structure to be legal, the developers must get the green light from seven entities. These entities are the Ministry of Natural Resources, Department of the Environment, The San Pedro Town Council, Public Utilities Commission, Land Utilization Authority, Fisheries Department and Ports of Belize. Ancona stated that the only role the ACLBA authority plays is to ensure that the enclosed building is structurally sound. In order for the ACLBA to ensure that it is sound, the project must be built “as per sketch submitted to the Physical Planning Section (PPS).” When asked what the sketch entails, Ancona stated that ACLBA did not receive one. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in a letter dated September 13th, 2007, approved the application to “manage an existing pier in front of Coco Beach Resort not exceeding 300 feet long and 8 feet wide.” The letter makes no reference to an attached structure and sketch.
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The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize Vol. 19, No. 37 October 1, 2009
Features: Search Issues Read Back Issues Subscriptions Merchandise Ordering Information
Pictured is the enclosed structure at Coco Beach, which has been approved by the Ambergris Caye Local Building Authority (ACLBA).
Letter of Approval signed by ACLBA Chairman Fidel Ancona. A couple weeks ago The San Pedro Sun reported on Cabinet’s approval of the South Beach Belize development. In an effort to better understand the issue, The Sun asked the Director of the Central Building Unit of the Central Building Authority (CBA) Paul Satchwell a number of questions. According to Chairman of the Ambergris Caye Local Building Authority (ACLBA) Fidel Ancona, Paul Satchwell, approved three structures for the South Beach Belize project. Ancona stated that Satchwell made a sole decision without consulting all of the members of the Central Building Authority (CBA). Ancona further stated that the approval was made without consulting ACLBA and that Satchwell apologized for not having consulted with them. As such, Ancona stated that no kind of construction has started and will not start until the approval is granted by ACLBA. In an interview with The Sun, Mr. Satchwell addressed our questions.
1) Did you approve the construction of the building? As the Director of the Central Building Unit of The Central Building Authority my responsibilities include the review and approval of drawings for proposed structures, so yes I did review and approve the three sample buildings.
2) Was it illegally approved? Definitely not! As the Director of the Central Building Unit of The Central Building Authority one of my responsibilities is to review and approve drawings for proposed structures.
3) Can the ACLBA stop a structure that has been approved by the CBA? The ACLBA like all other Local Building Authority (LBA) act on behalf of the Central Building Authority, but they do NOT have the authority to stop a structure that has been approved by the CBA
4) Does the CBA have any jurisdiction over ACLBA? According to the Belize Building Act 2003, the CBA has responsibility for the entire country of Belize, and the LBA’s represent, and act on behalf of the CBA in cities and towns.
5) Is any member of the ACLBA a member of the CBA? Not at this time.
6) Did you apologize to the ACLBA? Yes I did apologize to Mr. Ancona for not informing him/the ACLBA that the CBA had been asked to review the drawings and determine if the project should be approved.
7) Did you consult with all the members of the CBA in regards to the three structures? There is/was no requirement for me to do so. One of my responsibilities as Director of the Central Building Unit of the CBA is to review and approve proposed structures for and on behalf of the Board CBA.
8) Does South Beach satisfies all the building standards of the CBA? The drawings submitted do, and inspectors from the CBA have inspected the setting out done and that is in conformity with the approved documents.
9) Does South Beach has all their permits in place? The South beach Project has satisfied all the requirements of the CBA for the three sample homes for which they have requested approval.
10) Where does South Beach stand right now? The documents submitted have been reviewed and have satisfied the requirements of the CBA and as such they can proceed with the approved works.
11) Is it true that any project exceeding 10,000 square feet can only be approved by the CBA? Because most, if not all LBA’s do not have the expertise readily available to carry out a comprehensive review of larger projects, it would not be in the best interest of public health and safety for such projects to be reviewed by LBA’s.
12) What is the actual square footage of the South Beach structures? The Newport Structure is 1,540 S.F. and the Palms Court structure is 12,360 S.F.
13) What is the size of the largest project that the ACLBA can approve? The whole issue of if, and how the LBA’s should be limited still needs to be discussed.
The other project that has been of concern is a concrete structure in front of Coco Beach Resort situated north of San Pedro Town. The developers are constructing a concrete enclosed structure that emerges from the sea. The structure, according to Ancona is an attached palapa to a pier. Close inspection reveals that it is not a palapa, but an enclosed structure within the water with its foundation constructed within the water bed. Ancona stated that the ACLBA does not and is not responsible for the approval of “over the water” structures. In a letter date June 4th, 2009 from the ACLBA which was signed by Fidel Ancona and addressed to Mr. Azueta, approves the construction of the pier and open palapa. In order for the structure to be legal, the developers must get the green light from seven entities. These entities are the Ministry of Natural Resources, Department of the Environment, The San Pedro Town Council, Public Utilities Commission, Land Utilization Authority, Fisheries Department and Ports of Belize. Ancona stated that the only role the ACLBA authority plays is to ensure that the enclosed building is structurally sound. In order for the ACLBA to ensure that it is sound, the project must be built “as per sketch submitted to the Physical Planning Section (PPS).” When asked what the sketch entails, Ancona stated that ACLBA did not receive one. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in a letter dated September 13th, 2007, approved the application to “manage an existing pier in front of Coco Beach Resort not exceeding 300 feet long and 8 feet wide.” The letter makes no reference to an attached structure and sketch.
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Copyright © San Pedro Sun. Design by Casado Internet Group
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Construction News
Construction continues and Doug has projected a December completion. The dock building has a roof and should be painted in the next few weeks. The hotel and restaurant shells are done. The pool bottom has been poured and they are working on the sides. Most of the villas have cabinets and woodwork installed and they are doing painting and finish work. I know we will all be thrilled when the construction ends and the fun begins.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Posted in the San Pedro Daily today
The third project that has come under the microscope is the construction of pier a 300 foot in length with an attached 16 feet by 16 feet open palapa in front of the property belonging to Coco Beach Resort Limited. Ancona stated that the project received the green light from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment since September 13th, 2007. The 2007 letter of approval stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment approved the application for permission to “manage an existing pier in front of parcel no. 4764 situated north of San Pedro Town.” The pier should not exceed 300 feet long and 8 feet in width. In the letter issued by the Ministry, no reference is made to any structure attached to the pier. When asked why the ACLBA approved the attached structure, Ancona stated that they approved the project “as per sketch submitted to the Physical Planning Section.” When asked what the sketch entails, Ancona stated that the ACLBA did not receive a sketch nor did the Physical Planning Section have one. When inquires were made by members of the ACLBA in regards to the attached structure, the ACLBA was verbally told about the attached structure being part of a “sketch.” According to Ancona, Coco Beach Resort Limited submitted a second sketch which indicated the attached structure. Ancona stated that the ACLBA did not approve the second sketch. That attached structure is already under construction on the pier. San Pedro Sun
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Owners Meeting
Doug is planning an owners meeting in mid January. The exact date will be sent out in the next news letter. Should be the 15th or 16th. If you have apreference, let Doug know.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The National Anthem of Belize
"Land of the Free"
O, Land of the free by the Carib Sea,Our manhood we pledge to thy libertyNo tyrants here linger, despot must fleeThis tranquil haven of democracyThe blood of our sires which hollows the sod,Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rodBy the might of truth and the grace of God.No longer shall we be hewers of wood.Chorus: Arise! Ye sons of the Baymen's clan,Put on your armors, clear the land!Drive back the tyrants let despots flee – Land of the free by the Carib Sea!Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and boldDrove back the invaders; this heritage holdFrom proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,Through coral isle over blue lagoon;Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;For freedom comes to-morrow's noon.Chorus: Arise! Ye sons of the Baymen's clan,Put on your armors, clear the land!Drive back the tyrants let despots flee – Land of the free by the Carib Sea!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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