Olorin
11/22/2014 16:54 EST
I would like to get any thoughts and opinions from anyone regarding Placencia (and the overall peninsula development generally around it). I know Melissajane is from there, but would welcome thoughts from anyone who has experience or an opinion. Specifically, (a) what are thoughts of the cruise ships coming to the general area (is that a general plus or minus for the Placencia area, as far as for operations of businesses like hotels vs. folks that just live there (who might be happier with less traffic, not more!), (b) is the overall infrastructure improving in Placencia (roads, sewer, banks, new stores, etc), (c) how is the internet and cell phone cost and reliability there?, (d) what is the status the development called The Placencia Belize (that has a very impressive web site, but from other posts it seems like there are lots of developments in Belize with impressive web sites and little or nothing else, so I wondered if this was one of those, or if this development is actually happening with the hotel/airport/marina/golf course it claims to have underway). Appreciate any thoughts on any or all the above questions from anyone.
|
|
bobbyveee
11/22/2014 18:33 EST
Olorin, id forget any 'promises' , weve learnt to go to places where its happened , not were its been promised. Belize has more' sharks' on land than in the seas around. If you truly want to find out, get on a plane and check it out, ive never relied on others opinions, only as guide lines
|
|
|
buckiboa
11/22/2014 18:42 EST
Good advice!
|
|
|
bobbyveee
11/22/2014 21:20 EST
Why doesnt your friend answer them openly on the forum so we can all benefit or see if he might be making sense or not.
|
|
Melissajane
11/23/2014 16:01 EST
Norwegian Cruise Line is developing Harvest Cay just south of Placencia. The plan is for tours to go from Malacate, near Mango Creek, on the mainland, not to Placencia, so under current plans there will not be much additional foot traffic in Placencia. The concern is more environmental and logistical - what will they do with trash/sewage/reef collisions/medical emergencies/Mayan ruins sites overrun/cayes over-fished or too many snorkelers damaging the reef etc.
Overall infrastructure is improving in Placencia and everywhere in Belize - in the five years I have been here there has been a huge jump in the amount of products available including food and household effects. The Placencia peninsula road is new, and arguably one of the best in the country, there is a sewer system being planned (none in existence at the moment), however the taxes are so low in the country the concern is that there is not enough money for maintenance and upkeep. Electric is expensive and unreliable - we have had numerous power outages this last season - as we are relying on Mexico for our power. Internet and cellphone service have improved, but still expensive. Only two cellphone providers - Digicell and Smart, local and international calls are expensive - (local calls are around US0.20c/minute) most people text as this is the cheapest form of communication, most use Skype/facetime/ or similar for international calls. In Placencia there are three internet providers - BTL, Smart and Southern Cable Network. SCN charges around US$75 for 1mb speed, BTL was the same but are in the process of doubling all speeds for the same price.
The Placencia Hotel and Residences - the hotel is complete, some of the residences are complete, some under construction, plenty of lots unstarted. Casino, Golf Course and airport are a long way from being done, and will require a huge injection of money to get started/completed.
Here's a photo of the casino from 2012 - no work has been done since this time. https://touringtwosome.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/p1000602.jpg
|
|
|