This is copied from the Chamber meeting minutes from Nov 3.

3) Boca del Rió Bridge:

The honorable Manuel Heredia gave a quick update on the status of the bridge at Boca del Rio. They have already begun preparation for the bridge which should arrive in San Pedro by the end of the month. From then it should take about two more months before it is open. There have been many concerns that this bridge would open up the north road to heavy vehicles. The honorable Manuel Heredia assured Chamber members that the bridge will be for those vehicles that are now crossing on the ferry and for cyclists and pedestrians only.

Malibu, thanks for update, as it was a topic of discussion last night with freinds of mine, who also own prop. up north, who also live here in Tampa Area.

sorry .... Last week i saw a new wooden pier being dismantled right next to the pull ferry. than the next day it was being reconstructed. It was a very short pier but looked like it may possably have something to do with the new bridge project anybody know ?

At 3 this afternoon a truck loaded with pre-stressed concrete pilings followed by a front end loader and a truck full of sand were pulling into the ferry area. A small guard station has also been erected.

Sounds like the infamous bridge is going to happen...
It will be interesting to see how wide and how much weight it will handle when all is said and done.

De bridge, De bridge, I think I see De bridge boss!

sorry but im not a big fan of the new bridge. i would still like to see the pull ferry its unique but i dont live on the north end so cant really say much about it.

Chamber of Commerce Notes:

3) Boca del Rió Bridge:



The Town Board was contacted yesterday by Cadet Anderson from the Ministry of Works and told to stop the construction on the bridge as it was stated that the permit was not signed and approval had not been given.

The plans were to have the bridge for this coming high season. Any delay would be very disappointing. There is already enough controversy on the type and building of the bridge itself. We can only hope that the “powers that be” do not make this bridge a political battlefield. The Chamber has been contacted by several members expressing concern on types of vehicles allowed to cross, and the deplorable condition of the road that presently exists.

What a surprise.

And someone wanted to build a road?

bohica???? whats bohica ...= bend over here it comes again...there you go ...told you so!!!!! some local construction goon will want big trucks to use the bridge...

For some reason, the BRIDGE has toooo many critics not wanting the bridge, and would rather have ferry, and yes, I will miss the ferry very much, as it was a great topic of discussion and conversation piece, when I tell the story of ferry, and SP, but progress will come, and I myself, look forward to the new way of travel to the north. Do not stop the bridge, and all those who look forward to it, please keep the dream alive, and keep pushing for it. Our voices must be heard, those living full time in the North, I urge you to keep the pressure on the City Councel, and Belize Gov. to complete this project as soon as possible, also for this opening Visitor influx, do to devistation in Mexico. No matter what, those who went to Mexico, will be looking for someplace more exciting to visit, and realize we have the paradise right here in Belize. We do not want this to be Cancun, but I would like for some of those to spend money, and help our tax base, and see Real Paradise.

Everyone wants to see a "real paradise" but with that comes a price. A heavy price. In a few years we'll all be here talking about the "old" San Pedro and whatever happened to it.

It's unfolding right before your eyes, just open them and look around.

Wrong Steve, there are not too many critics, this is pure politics. That's how things work here and no matter what good intentions a person may have they must accept that as being part of the price you pay for living in paradise.

I wonder how much "Cadet Anderson's" signature costs? And whose signature will be needed next...

No Bridge.....

Deal with what you cannot control...Mom said

couldn't have said it any better Denny, just imagine what AC will look like in ten years

To be honest casa... I'm really afraid to... I can understand property owners up north wanting this bridge however... it will only serve to raise the price of their investments. The bridge is only a beginning... a paved road comes next.

Anybody remember the San Pedro of yesteryear? I know you do. Think of that, and after you quit bawling....think of that up North. THAT is what the brige will bring. <stern look>

I look forward to a paved road North.
It will happen in due time.
Does anyone remember Hudson Fl. of yesterday, I do, and if we approched this early, we could have made a difference to keep the little town feeling.

In due time, perhaps.

In your lifetime, doubtful

C STEVE
have you read "sick puppy" by carl hiassen?

No, I have not, try and fill me in, as I am wondering where you are coming from.
Thanks.

I noticed, super model, on your profile, How about a picture of you.
You could change my mind

Sick Puppy is so funny and a perfect analogy for the situation

Corona Steve check it out http://www.carlhiaasen.com/books/sick.html

This whole BRIDGE subject seems to bring out the worst in people on this message board. It is truly an emotional issue for some. It seems to have become very political - and we all know what sort of mess that can become! Cool heads and open minds should prevail. Best of luck to all of you.

the day that there is a paved road on AC is the day that i am moving to xcalak.

start packing - already is

Thanks all, my turn to take a step back, and stay out of fray. I have stated my point, and will wait for whatever happens.
Besides, it could be 2 years before I start building. Besides, this is a super hot subject, with lots of views.
I have blown up my picture of ferry, including my aerial photos of the north, and it hangs in my office, for memories.

my observations are that all most every driver on AC is qualified to compete at the Nascar level .lol ( meaning they can dodge every obsticale in their path trucks,golf cars, people). as for the roads on AC i think they are all brick and laid by hand not any asphalt roads like in the states.

We have invested "up north", This is what we think: "WE DON'T NEED NO STIKIN BRIDGE"!!!

If this bridge is built will it have safety features so distraught people can't hurl themselves over the side and down into the deep, dark murky waters below?

Nope. Nothing to stop the tourists and/or locals from hurling away over the side.

probably all that hurling that made the water dark & murky in the first place. bridge or no bridge, all hurling should be done in the privacy of your own bathroom . . .

"Six Lots North Corona Steve" seems to be the only one on this board that wants a bridge across the cut. Is this to increase the property value of his lots or whatever business venture he is into? If indeed it is about business, the bridge would need to be big enough for large trucks. It sounds like it is only going to be large enough for golfcarts which doesn't seem logical, to spend time and money to build a bridge only large enough to allow golfcarts.

il will probally be the first gringo to jump over!

It stands to reason that only people interesting in making money on the north end of the caye are the ones that want this bridge.

Can I ask... is there any residents north of the cut that want the bridge? I mean residents that love AC for it's condition right now... not property and speculating home owners that want the bridge to increase values?

"It sounds like it is only going to be large enough for golfcarts which doesn't seem logical, to spend time and money to build a bridge only large enough to allow golfcarts."

There are several hundred commuting workers that use the ferry each day and the waits can be up to 2 hours (personally experienced). So yes, a pedestrian/golfcart bridge is of value to the community as a whole. A larger bridge would only be of value to commercial enterprises.

http://www.iol.ie/~coolmine/typ/gaa/introhur.html

Need I say more?

Does anyone have pictures of what is actually going on at the cut?

the bridge is pretty much going to happen,so maybe its time to talk about the road,does any one know if there is a legal right of way all the way up north,a decent road,even if only for golg carts or specially designated small vehicles able to carry small amounts of building materials could be very beneficial to all.I agree large vehicles should be kept out north of the cut,so as to avoid the scene in town.

The road stops at Journey's End... mainly because it would cut right in front of their property cutting off their beach. I believe they own the entire land going right up to the water. From what I understand they are not budging on allowing the road through.

I am sure however, somewhere in Belize government there is someone who knows how to push the road through despite the objections. I also believe that JE is building another resort very close to the present one... it may have the same deal about the property right to the water.

Denny: Better come to visit and get up to date on the north road situation.

with a road up north there comes more people exploring around, more trash to be dumped on the side of the road, more theft of peoples belongings , and im sure alot others things i cant think of right now.

hmmm jesse... maybe that's a good idea...

hmmm......

Ok, we are all chipping in for a round trip ticket for Denny, first class of course!

I loved the SP of yesterday, besides fond recollections, it is of no real value. Imagine what Manhattan must have been like, 400 years ago, like who cares?

Ever think of how the locals might feel, whose families walk/drive the streets of San Pedro? I was entertained by interesting conversation the other night, of course at a local drinking establishment. In short, dirt (not sand anymore) roads are nice and all, but they increase sickness and the spread of disease. Not even mentioning the animals, just the idea of people spitting on the road and then inhaling the dust (hard to avoid) while driving to work, EVERDAY! True, paved streets are dusty also, but a lot less and easy to clean at night. Do some research on it (WHO) and see. Most rural areas (low pop) can get away with dirt roads, but as the pop. increases so comes the need for paved roads.

Besides the health factor, it would be nice to jump in a cart and cruise up to Rojo Lounge for a drink (without the fear of loosing your cart in a sludge bog or paying $20 for the hand ferry but I'm sure the bridge will have a toll). Something those that live here could enjoy on a regular basis. Kinda like cruising down to Victoria House for nice meal, without the need for an expensive water taxi. Most here have helped build this island, it would nice to allow those same folks to enjoy it on foot, bike or cart.

Fortunately, the road allowance is behind the beachfront properties, 500'+/- off the beach. Belizean Shores has set a perfect example of how nice such a road can be.

With further expansion of the north side of AC (residential) will come the need for emergency services, police, fire, ambulance. The road and bridge will have this future need built in, from now. Folk can complain now (oooo we're scared) or complain later when their house burns while being looted and die from a heart attack - sorry we could have been there but, oops, no bridge. Even if those with vacation homes are not interested in such a bridge, those who plan to live up north may require it.

So close the doors to more visitors and development or make way for a bridge and road.

FYI - Xcalak has a paved highway to Mahajual. AC will never be like Cancun.

SIN

SIN, thank you for mentioning the fund raiser to buy me a ticket, round trip to Belize. Even tho you mentioned it, it's goes without saying that it would be first class.

Now back to business:
What happens SIN when the road gets to the resort on the north end that goes from beach to lagoon. There is no space for a set up like Belizean Shores.

im a little skeptical about "AC will never be like cancun." ( no offense to you SIN but i think its not a matter of if but a matter of when?).

DS, I only wish I knew. But in certain discussions, the road will be pushed through. Most probably the resort will be issued certain concessions, making up for the loss of land and/or intrusion to the resort. It was also mentioned a certain piece of the lagoon will be filled, I know, expensive. Either way, they'll make something work. The entire scenario was brought up at a planning meeting where it was made sure the propossed development allowed at least 50' for a future road (road, drainage, sidewalks, etc.)

CDA, no offense taken. I always was puzzled why folks either after a short visit or repeated trips make such a statement? Instead of me listing my reasons why such a thing will not happen on AC, I am curious to see why people feel AC will some day turn into Cancun.

SIN

Someone wanted to see what was going on at the cut. Looks like a fine mess :p

wow... backed up traffic, major road construction, cranes... you sure that's not downtown Houston?

What we need is a fundraiser for a street sweeper in town. It would go a long way to reducing upper respiratory ailments.

Finishing the roads in the South end would seem like a higher priority to me. It would be a significant life improvement for all who live on the South end (who vastly outnumber the North end residents, most who don't want a paved road) and for all those who visit.

As far as Journey's End goes I'm betting that if they're smart they've already seen the writing on the wall and have thought about trying to make a deal before one is made for them.

I forward that motion!

I don't think San Pedro will ever be Cancun, which is a good thing, but eventually it probably will be something like Cozumel.

The location of Cancun was selected by computer and created essentially from scratch about 30 years ago, with literally billions of dollars in investment from the Mexican government and from large international developers. The Belize government has invested virtually nothing in San Pedro, and in fact Ambergris Caye is a net exporter of tax revenues to the rest of Belize, and, even today, 99% of investment in San Pedro is from small individual developers.

Cancun City and the tourist zone have a larger population than the entire country of Belize. There are close to 25,000 hotel rooms in Cancun, more than five times the number in all of Belize. The typical hotel in Cancun is about ten times larger than the largest hotel in San Pedro.

Cancun (except right now in the wake of the hurricane) gets about fifteen times as many tourists annually as the entire country of Belize gets.

The fact that even getting to the point of possibly building a bridge across the river channel has taken decades is sorta the living proof that Ambergris Caye will never be Cancun.

On the other hand, Ambergris Caye is becoming more and more like Cozumel. I'd say Ambergris Caye today is quite a bit like Coz 25 years ago. The beaches are similar, the diving and snorkeling are similar, the hotel mix is somewhat similar. Already, San Pedro is getting the cruise ship business that has taken over Coz, and it is starting to get the timeshare and fractional ownership focus that is prevalent now in Coz. It has the same mix of small and mid-size hotels, the same dive/snorkel/beach scene as Coz a couple of decades ago. It'll be a while before the fast-food chains arrive in San Pedro, as they have in Coz, but it will probably happen.

--Lan Sluder

Thanks for picture.....

My ten pence:

Ambergris Caye needs the bridge for the following reasons:

1. The end of that chaos at evening rush hour.
2. It's "Ambergris Caye" not "Ambergris Cayes."

It was one island before some ancient hurricane split it in two.

SIN, you're spot on about the roads. Time to pave.

Lan, you're spot on about this awful government's complete lack of interest in Ambergris Caye. We are probably a 950 percent net exporter of taxes to the rest of Belize. If we could just get invested back into Ambergris Caye 20% of what we send to Belmopan in taxes for a 3 year period purely for infrastructure development we'd have proper roads (all the way down South and all the way North to the dead end at Journeys End), two lovely public primary schools, a well equipped and properly paid police force and probably some left in the kitty for a rainy day.

Lan, once again you need to visit and see the reality here. San Pedro sees very little cruise ship business as it is too far from Belize City. We will never have the daily crowds that Cozumel suffers.

the brightwaters resort,10 miles north of town to my knowledge is getting electrified,does it not follow form,that it requires a right of way for power poles ,which could theoretically provide a right of way for a road to that location and facilitate roads even further north as there is little developement further north, to hinder its progress,every resort from journeys end north would benefit from easy access to their locations.also the old airfield at the northern end could be a great location to fly in tourist and residents alike to reach their homes and resorts from the norther end of the caye.avoiding the congestion in town.any opinions on this thought.

Construction of bridge finally begins!


The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize Vol. 15, No. 44 November 10, 2005


Bridge construction is finally underway, ground has been broken and the project is expected to be complete within three months.

In an effort to make “La Isla Bonita” even more beautiful and accessible, the bridge project is finally under construction, after many years of planning. The newly fabricated bridge will make the lives of many a better one, as there will be easy access to cross to the north side of the island. As a result, the San Pedro Town Council is proud to announce that the bridge project has begun and will be ready for use in the coming months.
According to the Area Representative, Manuel Heredia, “the bridge project is underway and as of Monday, the preliminary work had begun. Although the pre-fabricated bridge has not made its way to the island yet, the structure is said to arrive later this month.” It is made up of hot dipped galvanized steel, with a width of 24 feet and spans approximately 120 feet. The new bridge will include a separated path for bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge is also designed to accommodate a number of golf carts on opposite ends. The fee for golf carts crossing will remain in effect and the fee for bicycles crossing will be minimal. All tolls collected will go towards the building costs of the bridge, and once that expense has been paid the proceeds will go to the beautification of the Ambergris Caye.

In the meantime, work has started and the roads have been blocked, but an alternate road that extends around the river is in place and already golf carts and pedestrians crossing can access the road. The community and tourists alike will benefit greatly with the completion of the bridge, as it will no longer delay anyone wishing to cross the cut. According to Heredia, the project, with labor included, is costing a whopping $300,000. Finance for the project is coming from Barry Bowen and will be paid back at a minimal interest rate. On behalf of the Area Representative Manuel Heredia, special thanks goes to Barry Bowen, for without his help none of this would be possible. The completion date of the bridge is uncertain, but the public will be advised on upcoming issues of the San Pedro Sun.

No, no no!!! PLEASE no US fast food chains in AC!!! So tourists can run to their familiar place to eat vs. experiencing the part of the culture by tasting the phenominal local food!!

I will no longer be able to tease those who ask for subway and mcdonalds by saying "walk a few blocks to the Park where there is a small playground and you'll see a long rectangular place with a thatched roof and 6 different fast food places to eat. You'll find many of your fast food places there!" lol.

I like to go to AC to GET AWAY from the fast food chains, their logos, etc. Mark my words... at the very sight of the first golden arch... you'll know AC is heading downhill.

Does anyone know if there is one of those fast food places in Belize, I have no idea.
When the fast food places come to AC, then we are attracting the wrong people to our paradise.
I have no intention of ever eating at one of those places, if and when they show up.
The Bridge, last word is it stopped again, what a shame, as I have stayed away from this topic for some time now, but have been reading every day, pros and cons. Bridge, No bridge, interesting.
Yes, the power lines will provide a easement for road north, and hope all land owners will chip in and help maintain it. Even with nothing on my prop. I will join in.
I will be in town to celebrate the completion and dedication of the bridge.
Will drink plenty of Belikin, and try One Barrel, as I used to be a rum drinker.

Corona Steve says: "....as I have stayed away from this topic for some time now...."
Let's see, since 11/11, three whole days!!! Everyone knows where you stand on this issue Steve.
The fact is, the bridge will come. The town has recently taken a 50 ft right-of-way by my house (up about 2 1/2 miles). So things are going to change. My hope is that the positives will outweigh the negatives.

Always think positive

There's no good in negative

Tincup, I stayed out of for almost 3 weeks, and came in only when the bridge came back , as a new topic, and have jumped in 3 times, only to support the bridge, as before, and some kind of road to the north. No Negative from this side, only support for controlled dev., trying to keep AC a real place to explore and enjoy.
Have Faith

Not so Steve... if you're looking for change with this new bridge, as you mention, then you're definitely not trying to keep AC a real place... you're changing it.

Denny, It started changing when San Pedro was built, and again when Ferry came to be. New homes and residences were built, and you still like it. Give it a chance, please.
Why so negative, think positive, and with your help, we can make a difference, as to how the next change will impact this paradise.

Steve: You're not gonna change anybody's mind on this issue so why try? There are very strong feelings pro and con. Just leave it alone.

there is a "golden arch" in chetumal, and that is where it should stay other than that i know of zero fast food chains in Belize

ok Steve... I'll give it a chance. I'll give it time.

You're wrong Jesse... see, Steve's almost got my mind changed... almost.

I heard McDonald's in actually building the bridge in the form of their trademarked "Golden Arches"! And Burger King is building the bridge between Bacalar Chico and Mexico.

well the traffic should be very slow going up but watch out coming down the other side. where's the toll booth? in the middle ontop?

anybody ever seen/been to the Burger King in Dangriga ?

Yep, next door to the whore house :rolleyes:

is that what that was?

Where I'm at (north of Journeys End) we follow the rule we think makes sense: If you can provide road access, do it - if not, accept the trafic on the beach.

Our road is going through a subdivision and is actually a private easement, but who cares... Everybody up north should be interested in a road to town. It's called infrastructure and development, and we can't stop it, even if we wanted to.

Things happen. Bridges are being build, and channels are being made. If it hadn't been for tha Mayans digging the channel up north, we would still be an appendix to the Yucatan Peninsula. There might have been a few people back then who protested and said "but that will turn this place into an island". Well, it did, and trust me: In my lifetime there will be another bridge connecting the island to the Yucatan Peninsula with a leg of the "Costa Maya Highway" going to San Pedro.

However, if the bridge is being opened to heavy traffic soon (and trust me, it will) we are facing a serious problem, since the roads will soon be accessable to the trucks only (plenty of Belikin tractors, no doubt), because the damage to the road caused by these heavy machines will make it a nightmare for golf carts and bicycles.

So, without proper planning of the roads up north with contributions from the landowners (yes, throw in a few bucks, you can afford it!) we will just have a bridge to nowhere, or as I would call it: "Bridge Over The River Why".

Well said.

"In my lifetime there will be another bridge connecting the island to the Yucatan Peninsula with a leg of the "Costa Maya Highway" going to San Pedro."

that will be the day that AC goes back to Mexico, and the new cancun is born.

It's a ways off....IMHO

So we are going to be "Cancun" some day?

Interesting because the first two thirds of the island are somewhat developed, Starwood or Marriott would need to buy these very pricey resorts/homes and demolish to build. Seeing that they can't build up (more than 3 stories) they will need to build outwards, allowing them the amount of rooms needed to turn a profit (several hundred to thousands). Takes a lot of space. They wouldn't be able to build much on the lower half of the island (very thin coast to coast). So midway up is good for this new Cancun because north of Rocky Point is just several hundred feet deep as well.

Now there needs to be room for the new international airport, somewhere on AC that doesn't have a Cancun style hotel on it. I don't see Marriott and Starwood flying their people over on 14 seater Cesna's, man it would take all day to fill a 700 room hotel, just one of em'!

So why would they mess with AC, I don't think the big chains ever will and perhaps the above reasons is why they never have. It would make more sense for them to build on Punta Ycacos (just south of Monkey River Village and Punta Negra). Best beaches in Belize and lots of room!! Deep water also - Cruise Ships. Far from established developement - Duty Free Shopiing Zone.

Just my opinion.

SIN

"Punta Ycacos" sailed past there quite a few times and you're right, maybe time to start buying up property. I think one of the cayes just offshore was for sale a while back, there's a good start.

Wilson Caye - 29 acres, still for sale. US750k obo

Hard Luck Charlies Last Resort is still for sale...

well once they build that new 300 hundred room resort on the north end, with a monorail through the jungle (was talked about a few months ago), there wont be much of a difference between AC and Cancun

I have no opium about the bridge. :rolleyes:

Not monorail - bridge tunnel!

there are plenty of differences between AC and Cancun... right off the bat, cancun is one word and AC is two words...

How about a giant catapult??

or a zip line from a tower on the south side to the hammack bar on the north side across the channel.

now c'mon Bill... stop goofing around. We're trying to be serious here. You and I well know that a catapult wouldn't be feasible... they don't make rubberbands that big.

do they?

AC will never be another Cancun. The government will never give enough back to AC to support the required infrastructure.

I think the government is in the middle of a big cover-up here. Ever notice in the word Cancun there is an A and a C? AC, get it?

What does that mean?

I'm not sure SIN, but I am convinced now that it means something.

"AC will never be another Cancun. The government will never give enough back to AC to support the required infrastructure."

What does THAT mean?

SIN

The GOB just sucks all of the tourism $$$ out of AC and doesn't reinvest in any of the infrastructure. AC is GOB's cash cow.

Interesting point.

How much revenue did the GOB collect last year from Ambergris Caye? What percentage is this from total revenue? How much is sent to AC through various Ministries, Departments and sub-ventions?

I do enjoy this blanket statement. It could be true, to some extent. But who can back up this claim?

Central Statistic Office

Since some really do see AC as the GOB's cash cow, what was the cash cow before tourism on AC (when AC was a fishing village)? What mecahnism paved the way, allowing AC and Belize to progress to what is is today?

Some may see and claim to hear the sucking sound. Regardless of how the politicians spend the money, AC's various revenue streams are only a portion of the Nation's overall economy. Which I would consider a far cry from a "cash cow".

How much of every US dollar collected on this island is kept here? What portion of it goes back out to foreign based imports (we don't make much here in Belize)?

Would it be justified to say, "Ok, we are off and running now, thanks, but we can handle it now." Sounds like a teenager. What about when Orange Walk and Corozal had their big money day and the revenue collected supported AC, not to mention Caye Caulker and other outlying islands? Citrus, Cacao and Bananas of the 80's and 90's?

Some points to consider.

SIN

Looks to me like the taxes collected from AC businesses could be at least *proportionately* spent on maintaining and "gasp" upgrading the infrastructure, foliage, streets, drainage, garbage, water accessibility to all residents, etc., on AC, which I don't see that this happens at all. It is unlikely that much if any of the money is supporting any other community or shall we say citizens anywhere in Belize. Its supporting some folks in Belmopan, a select few. Not that this is unusual for any other country mind you.

Where did all the $$ come from to build the airstrip, water plant and distribution system, sewer plant and system, new port and many other GOB projects through the years, both red and blue?

Friends of San Pedro always whine about all the money going away and not coming back. Paradise needs conchshells in the road or it becomes just another painted lady like Cancun. Lack of progress is San Pedro's secret weapon...I wish we would have less progress. The old addage "less is more" seems to apply.

True Jesse and they need to fly into and out of PGIA (expanding) before heading out here (unless using the Marine Terminal).

Not defending the recent events, but Belize is a developing third world country. Some things, now taken for granted, may have been just recently installed (hospital, fire and police stations).

SIN

Sin, just about all imports are taxed by GOB.

Fact is that Ambergris sends lots of money to GOB and that only a small fraction of that re-invested into the island would improve matters greatly. Proper roads, well paid and equipped police, nice new primary school, blah blah blah. The cruise ship tour companies (most owned by GOB ministers and their hacks) have had enough of our money for now.

Proper roads would hardly be enough, Bill, to turn us into another Cancun. But they might make rainy days fun again.

We have nice hard roads here in St Louis...but, they don't equate to fun. My point is that I rather have slow progress than fast...then again, I can stay home on rainy days.

I think Chris' point is that before all the traffic turned the sand into mud and potholes it used to be pleasant to walk around or drive around in the tropical rain.

Yes you can stay at home on rainy days, Bill, but the rest of the island has to go to work and school.

It really is heartbreaking to see tiny children going to school getting splattered with mud even before their day has properly started. And it's just plain embarrassing to see tourists picking their way through the mud and deep holes.

But that's not your problem, is it Bill?

If health and safety are the top criteria to determine spending, then it seems like paved roads would have to be pretty high on AC's list. As high as a bridge, I would guess.

The cobblestone that has been laid in some areas is very nice. To me, those roads do not suggest the impending doom of 'progress', just a community that cares for its environment. Hopefully maintenance is reasonable, and those roads can be kept up.

(I am a visitor, not a resident.)

yes i agree that the cobblestone roads are nice. but AC has had dirt roads for many years and the people have delt with it (health and safety wise).

The Doctors don't agree.

All the vehicles have ruined the beautiful sand streets, not the foot traffic. Oh but everyone had to have a fast golfcart or something bigger and faster. Now the streets are a huge problem.

Visitors do not come to Ambergris for More...we come for Less. Don't destroy the beauty.

We also did not have large trucks, an over abundance of taxis and cars.

Everyone that moved north knew they needed a boat for transportation.

Originally, I think that's why they moved north.

"AC has had dirt roads for many years and the people have delt with it (health and safety wise)."

casa de amor, anytime you're down I invite you to spend a full day with me on one of our shopping days.

On dry days you can experience 8 to 10 hours of driving around sucking in clouds of dust, cleaning your sunglasses of dust every few minutes, dodging cars, trucks, bikes, street sweepers and pedestrians. When our day is done you can take leisurely shower and watch the mud pool around your feet while you dry cough yourself half to death and pick dust boogers from your nose. Don't forget your allergy pills because even if you never took them before in your life you'll now need to take them every day. Some zit ointment is probably in order as well as your pores are so clogged with dust that your face is about to break out in a mass of pustules.

Rainy days are even more special as we drive around trying our best not to splash the pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time you'll experience the pleasure of being splashed by Toyota vans and inconsiderate golf cart drivers. Of course the mud thrown up by our own tires will paint lovely patterns on your clothes. Oops WATCH OUT, sorry about that foot deep puddle we just slammed into. There goes another spring on the golf cart. Damn1 Was that dog poop in that puddle that we just splashed through? Don't worry it'll come off. At the end of the day you'll probably want to invest in a massage at one of our local establishments and I'll get the Doc to write you a prescription for 800mg Ibuprofen for your destroyed lower back.

We’re dealing with the health and safety issues? Give me a break.

Three open Trolleys running from the cut to the southern part of island would be helpful. The price could be very rasonable for the riders, and could get most of the taxi's off the roads. Just an idea.

Simon, may I make a suggestion here? Stay in the business you're in PLEASE... don't ever consider being a Travel Agent.

Yeah, I know, sometimes someone hits a sore spot and I go off.

The upside is that, as a tourist, you're not likely to see even a fraction of the road travel that I do. If you did it wouldn't be much of a vacation.

I can imagine Simon... and people keep forgetting that point.

Hey Simon, I lost a flip flop in some quick sand between the Sunbreeze and Paulie's Pizza during a May shower. If you find it let me know. It's blue.

You gotta go barefoot!

I stepped in one of those 'Laurel & Hardy" type puddles up to my knee cap! Good thing I just blew out a flip flop and not an ACL! But my favorite part of that two minute walk was getting splashed right after by the San Pedro Police pick up truck! Paulie just laughed when I fanally made it in his front door! Everyone that came in after had the same drowned rat look also! Is that section cobblestone now?

Yes, and very nicely done. Still plenty more needs doing though.

Cobblestone it is. Must be something about that corner, I lost a pair of Sebago's there about 2 months ago, came around the corner and they fell out. Turned around to come back and get them and they were nowhere to be seen. I'm sure there's a shoe troll living under the house on the corner.

Wasn't this thread about some bridge they were building?

Dogs...

I did cut the balls off one of those dogs, maybe they stole my shoes to get even?

Sorry, I think I was the one who hijacked the thread. But in my own defense, the bridge and the roads do seem to be intertwined... [dances back to avoid the flames...]

And yes! Dogs! Seen it with my own eyes. Shoe=EndlessFun.

hey Simon sorry to hit your sore spot, and yes i know all about the dust, and about the potholes.Yeah it can get really dusty, and if i dont have any sunglasses on then im sol, especailly when im riding in the bed of a truck.When i was there back in July,we went through Emily and that wasn't much rain for AC, but then do you remember a few days after that we had that tropical depression that came through, and it rained for about 4 or 5 days solid with hardly any breaks. The potholes were the worst i had ever seen them, the road was in horrible condition, (it was practically under water). It was also hard not to wet any pedestrians. It does really take a beating on your body, i understand your feelings completly,. i would like to seem some more cobblestone roads (which i am sure are to probaly come soon in the near future).

What i meant by "they are dealing with it" is that the locals have been living with those conditions for so many years that it is what they expect. but those times are changing and with the growth of population on AC this is a major issue.

On the health issue front, it's my understanding that the "sand" is actually ground up coral and that it wreaks havoc with the lungs - especially in children. Some friends in San Pedro told us that as a result the asthma rates in children are abnormally high. We were told that's part of the reason paving the roads is so important. But when we were there even the newly paved road seemed pretty dusty - so I'm wondering if cobblestoning the streets helps in that arena.

the salt air the blows in from the wind helps asthma alot from what i have heard.

Law, You are quite correct . There is a dramatic increase in respiratory cases. (young and old).You add dog fecal material into the mix and the roads are something akin to a petrie dish. Cobblestone may help a bit but the real answer is limiting the number of vehicles. That subject has been kicked around many times of course. to my knowledge, salt air doesn't help much, and albuterol is pretty expensive.

Guess no one liked my Trolley idea.

A trolley was attempted but overruled by the taximen.

Isn't that like death row inmates voting on whether or not to abolish capital punishment?

How do you spell Monopoly ??

The taximen are a lot of votes

i think they had a big school bus that would give people rides like the taxis but then all the taximen got together and mde them abolish it. If a trolley was to come then most of the taximen would lose there livly hood.

the salt air does indeed help. I know someone very well here who left where they were in the states as in one weeks vacation here their asthma improved. Since living here they have iliminated their meds and asthma has improved a great deal.

casa... I think the taximen are missing the point. All of them would be hired to work on the trolley. There would be Assistants to help people on and off with their baggage... then the Conductor to drive the trolleys... then road maintenance to make sure the roadways were sufficient to ensure a smooth ride. Then The president of the trolleymen's association, etc.

I think this would be a major coup for the taximen... plus they would get a steady income.

oh sorry denny i didn't see the point you were getting too.

No problem casa... all of my ex-wives had the same problem.

any new updates it been about 10 days? (give me the full report)

HEY!

Pigs are flying!!

It IS a cold day in Hell!!!

And a monkey just crawled out of someone's ***.

We're gonna have a BRIDGE folks!!

Wutch all ya'll doubters gots to say now?

Sir Isaac, I'm with you, and we have a bridge,
well almost.
Follow next the rumor over Tiger Woods, and Resort.

New causeway from Sarteneja to Basil Jones:

The Corona Causeway!
This is gonna cut off Mexican Navy access to the base in Chetumal...probably start a war!

WOW am I impressed! Are we looking at AC or Mexico?

and we not 'fraid of no stinkin' war.