Yes Donna, we have some bananas!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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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
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
San Ignancio
We visited San Ignacio for the night and would highly recommend this trip. The Spanish Lookout area is beautiful. Xuanantinich is definitely a site worth visiting. We found this awesome boutique spa and resort called Ka Anna. The rooms are beautiful. The restaurant is enclosed and air conditioned. The food was superb! The rooms are pricey but we were able to negotiate 50% discount since it's low season. They are located about 15 minutes from the Guatemalan border, so a visit to Tikal is easy.
We also checked out another resort. The Mystic River Resort. Located in the jungle overlooking the Macal River. Restaurant was very nice. We didn't try the food. The room are very nice. The resort is VERY remote. They also offer low season rates.
Enjoy!
We also checked out another resort. The Mystic River Resort. Located in the jungle overlooking the Macal River. Restaurant was very nice. We didn't try the food. The room are very nice. The resort is VERY remote. They also offer low season rates.
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Road South
We took a ride south yesterday, where the road ends and found Ras ta farin...it's a very small cabana run by Robert and his nephew (who does massage). Cold beers, rum and delicious bbq chicken (very large serving). Good prices and fun place to hang out.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
July 09 construction photos
Attached are construction photos I took on July 25 before we left. Cullen, I forgot to take a pic of the dock from your porch so reverse this one from my porch. Sorry about the duplicates. My first time or early onset of alzheimers. Carl Hanson A2
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
News
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. The blog has been quiet for a while. Where is everybody and what are you doing? I miss hearing from my friends.
I was wondering if any owners or recent visitors to Coco Beach have tried to use Skype or any other VOIP service from the resort to call the Unites States and if so, were they successful? I heard a rumor that the BTL had blocked VPN's and Skype.
I was wondering if any owners or recent visitors to Coco Beach have tried to use Skype or any other VOIP service from the resort to call the Unites States and if so, were they successful? I heard a rumor that the BTL had blocked VPN's and Skype.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Insurance
I received the following notice about insurance for Building B. I assume that everyone else has received a similar notice for their buildings. Is this billing amount for the total building or just one unit? I emailed Rosalba several weesk ago and have gotten no answer.
RENEWAL NOTICE
Name of Insured
Coco Beach Resort
P.O. Box 1
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Policy Number :
20210DQU00M1
Period:
June 1st, 2009 thru May 31st, 2010
Premium:
$ 4,864.00 BZ
$2,432.00 US
Total Sum Insured $ 2,838,000.00
Policy Type : Fire & Associated Perils including Hurricane
Location: Building “B”, At Coco Beach Resort, North San Pedro Town, Belize
Description
Sum Insured Three storey concrete building used as condominiums (Building B) $ 2,838,000.00
RENEWAL NOTICE
Name of Insured
Coco Beach Resort
P.O. Box 1
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Policy Number :
20210DQU00M1
Period:
June 1st, 2009 thru May 31st, 2010
Premium:
$ 4,864.00 BZ
$2,432.00 US
Total Sum Insured $ 2,838,000.00
Policy Type : Fire & Associated Perils including Hurricane
Location: Building “B”, At Coco Beach Resort, North San Pedro Town, Belize
Description
Sum Insured Three storey concrete building used as condominiums (Building B) $ 2,838,000.00
Monday, April 20, 2009
Good Food
Just returned from a quick trip. We discovered a new restuarant/bar on the north side (north of Palapa Bar). Ak Bol....food is terrific and very inexpensive (salbutas for $1, COLD beer for $2) Owner's goal is to provide good, inexpensive food. Nice, relaxing place to hang out....tell Milio, Brando and "Johnny Cakes" Gloria says hi!
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