I am not on board with your comments rollingstone. I have been to Caye Caulker three times this year and did not run into any of the mooches you describe. It is a delightful place. Like Ron I have dealt with realtors and builders without any major complaints. Please share specifics on those which you spout.

I will however make a comment about San Pedro. I normally spend half a day on AC and my May trip was no different. For the first time I was approached by two pan handlers. A particular lady seemed to have a touching story. I gave her $5 BZD, she said NO I need 10....WTF...go figure. That will be the last story I fall for on AC.

Those of us who care about Caye Caulker are eager to hear specifics about your bad experience here. The Caye got this way because the people here made it a great place to be.
It is small and problems can be managed.
Which "locals" did you have a problem with?

well said

May I interject something that tourists everywhere tend to forget from time to time --- that behaviour is a language.

A certain behaviour in your home country might say - "girl having fun"; wheras the same behaviour in another land might say "girl for sale, cheap" or even worse.

I don't like blaming victims at all. On the other hand, people do need to take responsibility for the results of blatantly/needlessly risky behaviour. Know the culture you visit a little ..... and respect it's limits. If you do that you're 100% more likely to have a safe and special vacation.

Playing devils advocate .............if this one instance had happened in Caye Caulker, Cayo or say..... Dallas what would your reaction have been?

Well said Diane. To paraphrase another poster, dont expect to walk thru town (any town!) waving money and be safe... I see these as the same issues.

i bought 2 parcels on the South Island an haven't contracted to build as of yet.The realtor I used is no lomger on the Island but I found him and his wife very helpful.I hired a lawyer in Belize city and all went well and in a timely fashion.My wife and I contracted to have 1 property sand filled and a small toe wall built around the primiter to hold in the sand.Thats when all the contractors arrived there must have been 10 guys who build houses.I asked to see the houses but all were on the mainland, yea right!we have been going to CC for 10 yrs and compared to the Bronx we find most people there helpful and honest.

Just like anywhere,wherever you go there you are.What are you bringing with you?