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Working for a better San Pedro
Mission Statement
Our mission is to make San Pedro a better place to live, work and do business through the promotion of economic, social and civic developments in our community.
Email Us Objectives
Our primary objective is to attract and support businesses in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, while maintaining the ambience of our island. Funds received through memberships and our programs make it possible to address the needs of local businesses and our community.
Links
The Laws of Belize online
Weather Information
General Information about Ambergris Caye
Belizeweb.com
Belizemagazine.com
US Embassy
Belizean Journeys Newsletter
uSite™ by YVOD | 2005 Ambergris Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
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Projects
Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce Projects
February 28, 2005
Dredging
Dredging by barges and tug boats:
There have been many complaints lately about barges and tug boats that are digging channels to be able to unload materials at new docks on the front of the island. Because the powers that be have made it illegal to dredge on the front, there seems to be no other option open to these people than to pay the barges for this service. However, dredging like this is the worse possible way to dredge because it doesn't remove any of the sand but covers all the sea grass around the dredged area and kills it. It never seems to settle and gets churned up very easily when the water is rough. We have pictures of this illegal dredging below and will have Craig Moore of Geology being the guest speaker within the next two weeks to address this problem and find reasonable solutions, such as allowing dredging that only sucks sand and doesn't create clouds of silt. See our photo gallery of
Dredging
Posted by ambergrischamber at 07:59 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2005
Battery Solutions
SUCCESS!
Dear Members,
The very first project undertaken by the Chamber at its inception three years ago has reached a point of success beyond anyone's expectations. With persistence, the assignment and efforts of the Peace Corps volunteers, and the help and cooperation of our town, take a good look at the pictures of what was accomplished. Over 5,000 batteries removed is hard to imagine, but please scroll down to the last picture to see what isn't there.
All that needs to be done now is to "maintain".
The batteries as they were in the town's storage area:
Batteries that were stored on the beach:
Batteries picked up from streets and yards, all over the island:
After searching the town, here is what remains:
Future generations of our children may never realize these efforts made on their behalf, but the love and concern shown by all who joined together to avoid the lead concentrations in their bodies have played a huge role in their ability to learn and be successful, and live happy, healthy lives. Thanks to all of you who helped with money, time, and effort. You have a right to be proud.
"Together, We Can Make A Difference"
Continue reading "Battery Solutions"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:54 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2005
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Luis Dominguez,
General Manager of Captain Morgan's Retreat, along
with Senior Librarian Iracela Acosta, Librarian
Maribel Acosta and Peace Corps Volunteers Rick and
Stephanie Dalton, cut the ribbon declaring the
children's computer lab open at the San Pedro Town
Library.
Continue reading "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2005
Latest Ferry Landing Update
Since our last update, we have moved the rocks as requested by our town officials at a cost of $800. As most of you know, the Chamber can only achieve by getting the consent and approval of our local government. This compromise gives the Town a clear direct crossing for the bridge that is being planned. We thank them for their support, and permission for this project.
Continue reading "Latest Ferry Landing Update"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 10:42 AM
Boca del Rio Bridge
January 29
There has been a plan formulated. Who knows when a bridge will be made? So as a temporary and possibly long-term alternative, it is proposed to build an extended landing (about 30') and re-create the waiting line to cross. There is also some road repairs included in this plan.
We need your support to make this happen. And it can happen in a short period of time if we have the money. The Chamber will match donations up to $5,000. We need approximately about $10,000.
PLEASE contribute to this project. Quicker and easier crossings are desperately needed.
This will include:
Building a new extended Northern ramp, concrete and sloped.
Better small bridge along the way (shown in bottom of picture), but golfcart size ONLY.
Repairs needed in the first 1,000 feet of road.
Please write checks to Chamber of Commerce, with the memo: "For New Landing"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 10:39 AM
Ferry Landing Project
January 28
The Chamber project of building of the new ferry landing has begun!
Since that time there has been renewed prospects for the Town building a bridge. We would like to thank the Mayoress Elsa Paz, and Manuel Heredia for their support and encouragement on the ramp during the interim. The one concern expressed was to make sure that the new landing would not interfere in any plans for the bridge. Hopefully the new landing will create a base for the bridge when it finally happens.
Continue reading "Ferry Landing Project"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 10:26 AM
January 28, 2005
Speed Bumps
Dear Members,
Dear Members,
Many projects are going on at this time. All of last night was spent painting the speed bumps. Also painting the posts and putting on reflectors on each side of the "sleeping policemen". The project started at 1:00 in the morning, and finished by 6:00am. The paint and materials were donated by the Chamber of Commerce. We would like to thank the Mayoress and Town Council for their permission, support, and the use of the orange safety cones. We would like to thank the BoatYard Bar for providing ice, water, and refreshments. Also the BoatYard Marina for providing the tractor, trailer, and equipment.
The following members are to be thanked and appreciated for working throughout the night: Jules Esclante, Rick and Stephanie Dalton, Libby Storey, Tim Budd, Jose Cawich, and Tom Vidrine.
See more images here
Posted by ambergrischamber at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
January 26, 2005
Adopt A Buoy Sponsors
The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who have sponsored a buoy or promised to sponsor a buoy. Many buoys will be in place by the second week of February, 2005. We are still accepting sponsors. Please call the Chamber office at 226-3245 and ask for Jules Escalante to sponsor a buoy.
Continue reading "Adopt A Buoy Sponsors"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 04:08 PM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2005
NEW! Adopt-a-Buoy Program
Recent Developments
Billy Leslie of the Tour Guide Association has stated that as soon as Krystal Shipping slows down enough that they will take the new buoys and put them in place. Because of the weight of the buoys, a Bobcat is needed to lift them and put them in the water. Krystal Shipping has been very busy but hopefully will find enough time to get this operation done soon. Jeanette Meyers, Terry Colbert and Atlantic Bank have all donated $200.00 a piece to sponsor buoys. Thanks so much to them and all others who have donated as well.
Continue reading "NEW! Adopt-a-Buoy Program"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 12:03 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2005
Latest Project Updates
Project Updates as of November 2004:
Click "continue reading" below to find out the latest about:
Town Park
Front Street
Vehicle Census
Statutory Instrument
Battery Project
Airport Traffic Proposal
Town Market Proposal
Public Transportation System
Permit Solution
Overall Traffic and Drainage Proposal
Commercial Port
Parking Proposal
Trash Can Project
Boca del Rio Bridge
Opening of Back Street
Middle Street Paving
Continue reading "Latest Project Updates"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 12:51 AM | Comments (0)
January 05, 2005
Island Vehicle Laws (aka Statutory Instrument)
Recent Developments
The SI has been completed, survived the Public Hearing, and passed the muster of the Attorney General, and is now in a holding pattern. No word on the SI. It is in the hands of the Minister awaiting Parliament approval, and has taken a back burner to major government problems.
Continue reading "Island Vehicle Laws (aka Statutory Instrument)"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 03:00 AM | Comments (0)
Creation of a Port
Recent Developments
View more images here
The port has been completed, and problems and complaints by the barge companies have been addressed. One company has begun using the port. The downtown barge company has been given it's second letter by the Town Council demanding that they move their operation off of the public pier downtown, and locate at the new facility.
Continue reading "Creation of a Port"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 03:00 AM | Comments (0)
Trash Bin Project
View more images here
Recent Developments:
All 35 stands with blue plastic barrels have been distributed. Some businesses have had their cans removed by the Town for locating on town property, but the majority is out of Town central and is functioning. The Town Council has been motivated to purchase numerous smaller decorative receptacles, which are performing nicely.
Continue reading "Trash Bin Project"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:59 AM | Comments (0)
Revitalization of Downtown (aka Town Park Project)
Recent Developments
Presently the Park wall is still fairly attractive. The Town Council has removed most of the palms, and many of the replacement plants did not survive. The 80 planters and palm trees have about a 50% survival rate, and the Chamber will plan on replanting those that did not survive.
Continue reading "Revitalization of Downtown (aka Town Park Project)"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:59 AM | Comments (0)
Creation of a Town Market
Recent Developments
Mayoress has said she wants to complete the lagoon seawall, and Lagoon Street prior to creating a Market.
Historical overview
Creation of one location for street and beach vendors, and providing a new tourist destination.
Begin Date 1/31/03
Major events
Design and Proposal of Marketplace.
Continue reading "Creation of a Town Market"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:59 AM | Comments (0)
Standards for Taxis
Recent Developments
Historical overview
Implementing the Standardization of Fares, Identification of vehicles as taxis, Maintaining complaint records, and Controlling price gouging.
Begin Date 6/1//03
Major events
Meeting with the Taxi Associations
Fare proposal by area
Continue reading "Standards for Taxis"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:58 AM | Comments (0)
Overall Design of Roads for Drainage and Traffic Flow
Recent Developments
The level of expertise and planning does not exist to be able to agree on an overall plan, and follow through with its implementation.
Historical Overview
Creation of a Master Plan to address the transportation system, as well as dealing with the flooding and street drainage.
Begin Date 5/15/00
Major events
Complete Overview Plan for the island
Continue reading "Overall Design of Roads for Drainage and Traffic Flow"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:58 AM | Comments (0)
Providing Public Transportation as an alternative to vehicles
Recent Developments
Although both the ACTCC and Town Council express to heartily support such a system, there is a lack of commitment as to whom gets the permit, and restrictions placed upon such a system make the profitability questionable. They have refused a bus proposal, and decided a golfcart-type trolley would be unsafe. There is not any viable solution at this time.
Historical Overview
Encourage the creation of a public transportation system as an alternative to the growing need for private vehicles, and to furnish low cost travel to locals.
Major events
Creation of a Business Plan
Proposal for extended golfcart trolley
Continue reading "Providing Public Transportation as an alternative to vehicles"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)
Downtown Parking
Recent Developments
The use of the Old Soccer Field is considered a political hot potato, and the present Town Council is unwilling to address the issue.
Historical overview
Provide alternate parking from Front Street as the first step to its closure to traffic.
Begin Date 5/27/03
Major events
Design of Area
Re-Design with Town Market
Continue reading "Downtown Parking"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)
Paving of Middle Street
Recent Developments
The contractors have entered their bids, and the Ministry of Public Works is evaluating the bids before presenting them to the Citizens Committee for final selection. Presently we are informed that the GOB does not have the money available.
Historical overview
Initiating the process to gain government approval to pave Middle Street
Begin Date 11/14/03
Major events
Meeting the Citizens Committee
Approval by the GOB of the project.
Completion of the bids by contractors.
Continue reading "Paving of Middle Street"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)
Front Street Re-design
Recent Developments
The Chamber of Commerce has permission to fill in the planters along front street with flowers. David Hauptli has donated 6 bougainvillea plants to place behind the park bleachers to prevent children from climbing up and over them and look nice. Harriette Fisher has donated 10 young coconut trees to plant along the street. Other plants have been donated as well. The Chamber will purchase soil this week to help fill in where needed and help promote growth of the new plants. Jan Brown is heading up the committee responsible for planting. Many thanks to all who will help in this project.
Historical overview
Re-design of one block of Front Street as a model for changing the entire street.
Begin Date 9/7/02
Major events
Design of the new street.
Permission given for the project
Completion of the project.
Continue reading "Front Street Re-design"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:56 AM | Comments (0)
Island Easter Egg Hunt
There are no recent developments to report.
Historical overview
To provide an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the island.
Begin Date 4/03
Major events
2003 Easter Egg Hunt
2004 Easter Egg Hunt
Continue reading "Island Easter Egg Hunt"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:56 AM | Comments (0)
Effect of Cruise Ships to the Island
Recent Developments
There are no recent developments to report.
Historical overview
Present the general opinions of the islanders, and address the concerns and problems created by the arrival of cruise ship passengers.
Begin Date 2/15/03
Major events
Carnival Line Contract
Continue reading "Effect of Cruise Ships to the Island"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:55 AM | Comments (0)
Vehicle Census
Recent Developments:
Vehicle Census- Neither the ACTCC nor the Town Council has followed through with the maintainace of the ledger as required by law, nor has evolved to the exposed color stickers. The regret is that the Chamber spent $5,000 on the computer program created to maintain the records, and process the annual billing.
Historical overview
Encourage and help the local officials to create and maintain a listing of vehicles on the island, proper collection of annual fees, as dictated by law.
Begin Date 2/26/02
Major events
Purchase of computer program
Design and purchase of stickers.
Procedure and Policy Sheet
Sticker Day
Continue reading "Vehicle Census"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:55 AM | Comments (0)
Boca del Rio Bridge
Recent Developments:
 The Chamber project of building of the new ferry landing has begun!
Since that time there has been renewed prospects for the Town building a bridge. We would like to thank the Mayoress Elsa Paz, and Manuel Heredia for their support and encouragement on the ramp during the interim. The one concern expressed was to make sure that the new landing would not interfere in any plans for the bridge. Hopefully the new landing will create a base for the bridge when it finally happens.
We will be meeting at 2:00pm today with Honorable Heredia to view the location, and discuss plans. Mr. Barry Bowen is in the process of finalizing the bridge plans and cost estimates. We expect to get a copy early next week. Â
    The decision of the Chamber Board of Directors was to continue the project because as we all know, it may take some time for a bridge to actually occur. We will downscale the original plans for the ramp, making it narrower and probably not concrete the top, nor build the concrete bulkhead at the end, using heavy wood and tire bumpers. This works out well since we are still short of funds to complete the original plans. We have spent $5,000 so far on the rocks and fill material, which is still in the process of delivery. With the present pledges and donations, we presently have $4,800 left to spend. We still need any donations that you would consider.
  We would like to thank the following people for their generous donations:
Bill Keller (Casa Teresita)
Bob & Diane Campbell (Campbell's Construction)
Gigi Sharp (Caye Villas)
Mary Hawthorne (Caye Management)
Dave Hauptli (Belize Tourism Association)
Dennis Allen (Caye Villas)
Nick Barton (Debbee's Beach)
Bob Stevenson (El Pescador)
We would also like to thank Casey Moore for discounting his work, and his support. We will be re-aligning the waiting line, and as the news on the bridge progresses, we will be using any "extra" funds on the road itself. Jeff "Sandman" Pierce, whom is constructing Reef Village, has pledged $30,000 worth of sand to coat the top of the road from his development to the ferry. We also would like to thank Tom Vidrine for allowing the use of his property for the "waiting lines" and both the old and new landings. We would also like to thank the police, whom have been doing a better job being present during rush hours.
Historical overview
Mediation of Northern residents and Town Board to achieve a consensus of putting a bridge, and the type size, and limitation of use.
Begin Date 3/7/04
Major events
Proposed design by Northern Residents.
Chamber’s Position Letter
Continue reading "Boca del Rio Bridge"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:55 AM | Comments (0)
Airport Welcome Center
Recent Developments
All approvals have been received, and only the obstinacy of Maya and Tropic Air prevent the building of the Welcome Center. The two airlines have personal issues with each other, and refuse to work together. The taxi association is now interested in promoting the original proposal.
Historical overview
Created to alleviate the traffic congestion at both airport terminals, and improve the first arrival impression of San Pedro. This plan was presented as one area that can be changed to improve traffic flow, safety, and relieve the volume and traffic pressure in a specific area, and fits with an overall development plan.
Begin Date 2/3/03
Major events
Creation of the Plan
Gaining government approvals
Continue reading "Airport Welcome Center"
Posted by ambergrischamber at 02:45 AM | Comments (0)
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Airport Welcome Center
Creation of a Town Market
Effect of Cruise Ships to the Island
Traffic and Transportation
Adopt-a-Buoy
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Speed Bumps
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February 2005
January 2005
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Dredging
Battery Solutions
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Latest Ferry Landing Update
Boca del Rio Bridge
Ferry Landing Project
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Adopt A Buoy Sponsors
NEW! Adopt-a-Buoy Program
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