Belize Expat Forum

richmcintyre
Joined 2016
Posts: 93

7 years ago

Move and safety considerations

7 years ago

Looking for some veteran counsel from folks living in Belize... odd letter to write, as it is usually the other way around. We knew the country well, and operated a permit flyfishing operation out of Placencia in the 90's (Skip White at Turtle Inn was our partner). I've spent hundreds of hours bouncing in Pangas, and trained many guides. I miss the water (but not the sandflies).

In that sense we were there at the ideal time, right? I don't even recognize Placencia anymore--Kitty's Place, Rum Point, most of the locals gone to Independence C reek-- and would not even for a moment consider retiring there (in our view it has become everything we detest about the combination of US tourism and US/Belizian greed).

We have traveled extensively, and are comfortable in developing countries. Bottom line: we get it and we like it.

As we look for a place to move, Belize is still in us, albeit with some real provisios. The crime rate does worry me-you can say what you want about being aware and smart, but if some guy chops you in a home invasion it is a moot point. That stuff did not happen twenty years ago. I have a friend who was recently beaten and robbed at his hotel in San Pedro (big surprise) and I had years ago met the guy who girlfriend was killed in Corozal. They aren't stand alone stories.

We do not scare easily at all, but do not want to live our lives in fear. We really do not like gated communities, as they cut you of from the culture you are living in. I don't like the thought of sleeping with a machete, although I have.

It seems that it has really gone south in the past 15 years. I spent a month in PG last year and really liked it, but even there you watch yourself. So how bad is it?

I am coming to Corozal and Sarteneja next week to check, the last places the country we not stayed in. I have almost canceled the trip due to the news and blogs I have been reading. Consejo Shores sounds half deserted by people who came for the dream and split. The murders and robberies remain "unsolved." The vibe is tense, and news up here (which we take a with a large grain of salt) is almost universally bad.

So, please help us. Should I come and check it out, or head to Nicaragua or Ecuador instead? Again, I'm looking for veteran counsel from folks who are there.

Our sincere thanks-
Rich McIntyre

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