I HAD A DREAM – actually a nightmare!

Last night I dreamed that I was walking along a beautiful beach here on Ambergris Caye with two women. I glanced over my right shoulder and saw a big sign that said WAL*MART. I said “Oh my god, they are going to build a Wal*Mar here! One of the women said “Going to?” I looked over my left shoulder and there was the biggest Wal*Mart I have ever seen.

When I mentioned this to my yard man this morning he said “Good! More jobs for us.” Where upon I regaled him with stories about geese and golden eggs (he had never heard that one).

So what triggered this? I have been composing a response to Chris Alnatt’s editorial about street lights from the bridge to Journey’s End. I have to ask Chris why he moved up here recently? And now that he’s here why does he want to change the way all the rest of us live? And, at the same time we are being disregarding, asked to finance this frigging foolish destruction of our environment.

I know Chris and know him to be a rather good business man. However, does he see the north end of the island like a goose who lays golden eggs? Does his desire to sell property taint his otherwise decent perspective?

Let’s look at “PROGRESS.” First a bridge, then four-wheel drive vehicles, taxis, large construction equipment, soon street lights - - -tada! WAL*MART! When San Pedro residents can drive to Mexico (their dream) what will the area they drive through look like?
Their homes will not only have burglar bars, they will have beautiful fences and walls. They won’t have to put up with waving at their neighbors as they speed by in their automobiles. Heck they probably won’t even know the names of their neighbors. No more dogs wandering through their yard. Their beloved pets will be CONTROLLED and kept in the house beside them.

No more dog poop on the beach – heck there may not even be a beach as everyone has built a big sea wall to keep their property from eroding. That also enables everyone to extend their property out into the sea. MORE IS BETTER – especially if it is MINE is the mantra.

Then everyone will need jobs at Wal*Mat, Home Depot, Starbucks, Taco Bell because the reef will be DEAD! The fish will be gone so they will be happy to have Burger King Hamburgers. They will no longer need to eat ceviche, lobster, conch fritters, and fish and chips. Now they will be able to eat great processed foods like the RICH PEOPLE on TV do!

Those who recognized golden eggs when they saw them have bought up all the swamps (actually wet lands) and filled them and sold the shoddily built structures to other greedy fearful people. At last they are safe and secure inside their private fortresses – heck it looks just like _____________, __ (fill in the blank – city and state - that you escaped from to come live in paradise.)

AND – you won’t have to put up with those stinking tourists – they quit coming

Excellent post Harriete! So many times I see people wanting to move to foreign countries for the peace from commercialization and then ask where's the nearest Mickey D's? Over the last few years I have been nearly all-consumed with a home in paradise and fear the Cancunization/Americanization of AC before we can get there. While I understand some locals wanting faster progress and more jobs; I also see the ruin of paradise.

"And now that he’s here why does he want to change the way all the rest of us live?" I'm not speaking to Mr. Alnatt specifically, but don't you find this sentiment to be all too common? I want to live in paradise, but I want my quick and easy too? In the future I just hope that people begin to better define themselves and their motives for moving, before they choose a place such as San Pedro/AC.

Your sentiments are well understood, however you completely ignore the original reason for putting the lights in in the first place.
The spat of muggings that have occurred on that dark unlit road at night have forced the issue. The road north needs to be lit to protect the increasing number of people that are traveling north and the people that already live there. There are plenty of underdeveloped places with low growth forecast to retire to. Ambergris Caye is not one of them. The island has changed dramatically in the last ten years and will continue to change as rapidly if not faster in the future. Its just how it is.

There are many, many ways to handle crime sprees- better lighting only being one of those many. As far as the rapid change of the island; shouldn't much of that be left to the residents to decide? Especially if they will be required to pay for the changes?

I agree with you. The pace of progress should be decided by those that live there. I think the majority of residence want to see more growth because growth equals more oportunities. There are many ways to handle crime sprees and more lighting is definetly part of the equation. Personally I think its sad the way the island has gone, unfortunately pandoras box has been opened. One example is the world class casino opening up just up north. More businesses will follow. Lighting is an element that is needed to accomidate the increase traffic. It is needed and it is coming.

Thank you for an excellent post, Harriette! We are moving to AC (north of the bridge) to escape from Wal-Marts, traffic, Mickey Dee's, and so many other parts of the US cultural experience that we dislike. We are looking forward to the slower pace of life, less focus on consumerism, and less commercialism. I pray that AC does not turn into another Cancun. Although I understand the concern about crime, I hope that if lights are installed, they will not be blaringly bright and will be focused downward so the beautiful night sky and stars can still be viewed.

Why I decided to move north of the bridge is none of Harriette Fisher's (ScubaLdy) business. Thank you.

Now let's look at the history of Harriette in Belize: She came to the island a few years ago and bought a.....gulp!!!.....CONDO, north of the bridge. After a couple of years she decided she didn't want the condo and wanted instead to buy a plot of land and build a house. This she duly did. I think she sold the condo, presumably to another visitor to our shores. Or maybe she didn't sell it and is renting to holidaymakers/tourists. Progress, I suppose.

Now, I want Harriette to answer the following questions:

1. Is anyone forcing you to help pay for the street lighting project?

2. Do you not think you might be chucking stones in a glass house when you curse development North of the bridge but were directly complicit in the construction of a condo, which could not possibly have been built without people like you visiting and buying? What about your subsequent purchase of a lot, clearing of the land and construction of a home? You came here as a single woman a few years ago. One person. Imagine if every man, woman and child on our island was directly responsible for the construction of TWO residences within a 10 year period on Ambergris Caye? That'd be 20,000 condos and 20,000 houses assuming a population of 20,000. But, that's you, isn't it, Harriette? Progress is not OK unless it's yours, is that not the case?

3. Do you not also think that your criticism of efforts to try and make the road north a bit safer for our tourists, residents and your remaining dogs is looking a bit hypocritical given your (justified) complaints about crime on this message board and elsewhere?

It is unfortunate for you, Harriette, that when you bought your second place of residence here on Ambergris Caye you didn't have enough cash to ensure that no-one else could follow you.

In one of your posts you called me a decent sort of chap. Actually I don't need you to like me. I'm really not that nice. But I have pledged $2000BZE (at least) to the street light project. Each light will cost $528BZE for the first years power. After that we hope (and believe) that the government will pick up the tab. 2012 is local elections year. Supply and installation of the lights is free. I am now pledging another $528BZE for a street light that I will dedicate to Harriette.

We need about $75,000BZE to power 140 lights for one year. BEL will do the rest.

Thank you.

WOW, Chris ! Pretty harsh response.

This is better than Jerry Springer!

note to self: never pis off Chris Alnatt

ScubaLdy: I thought your original plan was to build and live on the "eco-friendly" development on Long Caye where you purchased a lot and promoted the virtues of on this message board. I find it interesting that you now choose to live on Ambergris Caye, the number one tourist destination in Belize, and complain about the proposed infrastucture to support the needs and safety of tourists.
The idiocy of that is comparable to someone purchasing and living on the Strip in Vegas, or any other popular tourist destination, and complaining about taxis, lights or anything else that is provided to accommodate the needs of the tourists.
AC has decided, yes the locals, that it wants tourism.
If you want to live here and have your own private community, then buy some land, make it private and have your own restrictions and covenants. Don't expect to live on a public road and act like you are the only one that has a say on what improvements will be provided.

Let me see if I got this straight. Harriette was "directly complicit in the construction of a condo" constructed a home in Trec Cocos, and has plans to construct another home on Long Caye. I think there maybe even be another partial house of her construction somewhere near the house she lives in now but I am not sure. Thats one hell of a lot of developing for someone that is anti development.

I referred to the development on Long Caye as eco-friendly in quotes. IMO, it is destruction of natural habitat that should be a National Park instead of a development to satisfy the greed of developers and those purchasing and supporting it. It appears, hopefully, that it is a failed development, no thanks to those who supported it.
Those interested can check it out and form their own opinion of the development and the true motives of those who supported it.
I referred to the development on Long Caye as eco-friendly in quotes. IMO, it is destruction of natural habitat that should be a National Park instead of a development to satisfy the greed of developers and those purchasing and supporting it. It appears, hopefully, that it is a failed development, no thanks to those who supported it.
Those interested can check it out and form their own opinion of the development and the motives of those who supported it.

http://belizeisland.com/index.php

Someone who builds a house or two for themselves is hardly in the same class as a developer. Harriette is no more a developer than she would be a used car salesman if she sold her old vehicle or two. Besides it's not really what they do but rather the "how" that gathers the developers and the used cars salesmen their high social standing and respect.

Anyone who currently lives on this island needs to realize that Ambergris Caye will continue to grow and change. Despite any one's protests it will not remain exactly the same as when each of us set foot on this giant sandbar called Ambergris Caye, whenever it may have been. You can either fight the changes with all your claws bared or you can help shape the ideas and make the changes more appealing for everyone. Rest assured they will happen...eventually.

Believe me, I would love to have my area the same as it was years ago but it is unrealistic to think it should stay exactly the way 'I' want it.

The thought of fighting streetlights is absurd. On this island you need to pick and choose your battles and having a safer road for tourists and residents to traverse shouldn't be one of them.

But that is just my opinion.

JZB, Excellent reply. "The grass is always greener--" just remember you still have to mow it! When we bought our property 20 + years ago, I never anticipated we would have a Neighborhood Watch to provide security. The upside to that is that we feel safe and have discovered the interaction of our neighbors has given us a new sense of community.
Moving here to escape the problems and changes in whatever country you live in rarely happens, you just get some new frustrations.

Seems the rational thinkers have settled the street light debate. Now maybe we can move onto road maintenance and improvements

How will the yearly billing and maintanence be paid and by whom? Is there any chance that the lights could be solar cell and pay for themselves after they are installed? Or privately maintained by a neighborhood association and/or condo associations in that area?

Lights are a double-edged sword. The lights themselves provide no safety or security only a "feeling" of same which brings people out at night. Much akin to the unintended consequences of straight, paved, well-lit highways and seat-belts - speeding increased because of a "feeling" of safety and invulnerability.

When not well engineered they create shadows (hiding places) and spoil night vision. The glare can be bad not just for people walking the streets but also neighboring homes/condos.

More people out at night doesn't necessarily mean there is sufficient crowd to protect from or deter muggers and rapists - up to a critical mass it only means more targets.

Be careful out there.

I have no dog in this 'fight' other than as a tourist from time to time and as one who promotes AC/SP/Belize as a wonderful place to visit to everyone I know, but all I have is an opinion. The island has and will continue to change either progressively or dare I say, otherwise. It is still very much less developed than any other caribbean destination and for those living there, I can surely understand wanting and needing progress and development to occur, hopefully as well-planned as possible for AC. Chris may be direct in his communication but he is a logical and knowledgeable dude, if a little sassy in his approach :P

Chris is a pretty well informed guy, and rarely on the board do I see him sassy or rude. Think this is something he feels quite strongly about. Most of us who have property on the island have been very concerned about incidents of crime. It is frustrating and can have a negative impact on tourism, which is now the life blood of this island.

I've gone a few rounds with Chris before on unrelated subjects and I respect his sassy, forward modus operandi and find him to be a worthy opponent. Crime on AC must be addressed aggressively, it is not at the point of no return, yet.

Although I see many on here don't agree with what Miss Harriette had to say to open this post, I know she is always planting floral and feeding birds and has a good heart and loves the island. I am not picking sides, just saying I think she is a good woman.

Sassy? Sassy? What kind of way is that to describe the actions of a man? You sound like your talking about the actions of either a young child, a teenage girl or captainjeff not Chris Allnat.

Deepsea, I see you are a recent member OR a long time member who has chosen to change youre 'Name" Are you really a "Man" ?

I GOT IT ! I know who you are !!!!

Thank you for a thoughtful post, C2C. Agreed 100%. I am not against some form of street lighting, but it is not a panacea. As with most things in life, everything isn't always black or white.

Lights don't have to be mounted high on a pole they can be set up lower to the ground. If you set up solar lights at 8 ft. that would illuminate the ground and walking heights and not light the night.

methinks Miss Harriette needs to get laid.

First of all, it really gets my hackles up when someone comes down so harshly on Harriette, especially when it is in no way necessary or appropriate by any stretch of the imagination. People should be free to express their opinion. If you don't agree, you don't have to get ugly and personal. It's not the way things are done in a civilized and healthy debate.

But beyond that, I think this is the most ridiculous statement in the entire string. As long as all we have to do is "hope and believe" that the government will pick up the tab, we shouldn't have to worry about any lights being installed. What a joke!

Solar is a very good idea but at 8', they won't last long. Firstly, I seem to recall a fair number of trees along part of that road that would block the sun or have to be cut down or trimmed regularly. Secondly, street lights are typically mounted quite high to deter vandalism. If they can be reached with a stick or stone, the muggers, if not the kids, will have them knocked out in no time. Finally, as solar lights they'll have resale value and will be stolen by thieves if not vandalized first.
There's a fair amount of knowledge/research required to provide proper safety/security lighting for an area - far more than just throwing up some poles and running wires.

MayaHouse Rental, If the money is raised for street lighting and the lights are up and running in 2011 the government is not going to let them go dark in 2012, an election year.

The good news for those who are opposed to street lighting is that there is every chance sufficient funds will not even be raised. If that happens our tourists and residents will continue to walk, cycle or drive their slow moving golf carts on our unlit main road in the pitch dark at night.

Everything will be OK. They'll be fine. No need to worry.

I agree.

Since I have a house up this way I have an interest in what happens but I am not sure the best course of action. The crime issue is one that must be addressed but I would really hate to see a lot of light pollution. We have gone to ridiculous lengths here in South Florida to keep the lights such that they don't bother the turtles when they hatch. Not sure it works as there is still a tremendous amount of light.

Perhaps the lights could be mounted such that they shine away from the beach side and down as much as possible. I am not sure that we even want a lot of traffic up North at night whether on foot or by golf cart. So, I am conflicted but I will yield to those that have live here and have lived here for a while and support whatever the decision is.

I was being sarcastic, were you?

I agree with C2C.

"There's a fair amount of knowledge/research required to provide proper safety/security lighting for an area- far more than just throwing up some poles and running wires."

It seems there should be a more comprehensive plan to address crime in the area. Simply putting up lights and expecting the government to maintain them doesn't seem like a viable long term solution. Maybe those concerned; meaning those who have property north, could put together a broader plan and include the lighting if that is the consensus.

I recently installed my own security light (sensor activated at night for $ 150bz ) and mounted it on the colunm that holds the meter. Granted, my property is south Ambergris, so I don't know exactly how many properties are inhabited up north, but if everyone who actually wanted street lights put their own light up, it may help the problem. The lights are very inexpensive to run. Just my 3 cents worth (inflation).

kmsqrd

Once BEL has a guarantee of 12 months payment for the energizing of the lights they supply the lights and install them. I believe they have the expertise in this matter.

BEL and not the Government is responsible for maintenance thereafter. The BEL position is that any defective light should be reported immediately and they will swiftly act to carry out repairs. BEL does not get paid for lights that have been reported defective and are out of commission so it's in their interest to carry out repair/replacement without delay.

BEL's business model is that $528BZE per year per light is a profitable venture for them but that a good proportion of that money is set aside for maintenance and does not go towards the electric bill part.

With regards to sensitive areas such as Tres Cocos where the properties are small and light pollution might be an issue, the standard street light used by BEL can be equipped with less powerful bulbs although I do not know if BEL have those in stock.

There has been discussion about street lighting along the road north long before Chris A. moved up to Grand Caribe. But he is highlighting a subject that is definitely a current issue.

Like it or not the island and its public roadways are available for passage for all residents and visitors of the island, regardless of where they live or come from. It is a matter of public safety that street lighting be placed in areas that are well traversed. Lights provide a measure of security as well as convenience.

I live south of San Pedro town and we are fortunate enough to have street lighting. We went through this issue already, we debated this and ultimately, regardless of the desire of many to not place lighting it was ultimately realized that the lighting is not solely there for the convenience of the residents, but also the visitors.

Although street lighting does impede the starlight view, one merely needs to walk 200 or 300 feet towards the sea or the lagoon in order to enjoy a view of the stars. If the light pollution prevents a fantastic view then there are many other pitch dark areas of the island that can still offer full starlit nights.

Although many ex-pats moved here to leave the wal-marts and MacDonald's burger joints, I can think of about 15,000 or so permanent residents on this island that would enjoy and frequent such establishments. Wherever people come from they tend to see amenities or natural wonders elsewhere that they would like to partake in. Personally I can live without a walmart or Mickey D's. Then again I am fortunate enough to be able to travel and enjoy such places when it is convenient for me. Not everybody that lives here can enjoy as much freedom of travel - but they still want to eat a juicy big mac and buy a blouse for $10 Bz along with a beautiful vase for the dining table.

Ambergris Caye is the number 1 tourist destination on the island. IMHO street lighting north of the bridge along the road is an essential element in regards to progress and growth of the tourism industry. Rather than fighting an inevitable issue regarding protection of life and property I would rather fight an issue that could indeed sound the death kneel to this island - off shore oil drilling!

Let's get serious about issues that will seriously negatively impact our lives, livelihood and environment beyond repair.

For those who wish to fight the progress of roads, streets, housing developments, hospitals and sport stadiums - I suggest that you consider finding a gated community where you can live with like minded people. Here on the island we consider the whole caye our home and we should be able to traverse safely and conveniently from point a to point b without stumbling around along dark roads and being attacked by loose uncontrolled dogs.

Many folks that have lived up north have enjoyed an almost private paradise for many years, so I can see why some people feel that the public are beginning to infringe and encroach upon their privacy, but it isn't all private lands and that chapter is closing.

Another hot and related issue has always been police patrols and enforcement. As the access to the north of the island becomes easier, the criminals will move up into that area on a more regular basis too. So with increased need for police patrols another level of privacy is stripped from the residents - but again, if you choose to live in a community these are the issues you need to accept and welcome into your lives.

Progress is here to stay - we can work on molding it gracefully or we can fight tooth and nail and progress will still happen. Roads, lights, schools, traffic, hospitals and building is going to happen so embrace these changes and improvements and help them occur in a practical and sustainable manner.

Let's put our true efforts against threats that can indeed ruin all of our collective lives.

Years ago I sold a lot to a couple that wanted to be conveniently close to town, but be in an area that had not yet developed. So I sold them a lot in a subdivision that didn't have any houses built yet and they built their home. Not long after they moved in they told me that they felt that they needed a few street light in their area. I checked with the power company and was told that the road the new residents were using was a track across private land and to put in a light the real road would need to be cleared. So off to the town board I went and I arranged for the designated road to be cleared so that the street lights could be installed. Not long after the newcomers came to me to complain that the town board back hoe had felled some beautiful trees. I explained to them that the designated road had to be cleared. They went away fuming about the trees - not understanding why they couldn't just use other people's private land as their access to their house. A few weeks later I saw them again and you know what they said.... the power company installed the street lights and they were unhappy because the light bothers them when they are trying to sleep and they didn't want to put up curtains. Phew.

My little moral to this story is that some people are never satisfied. They ask for the stars and moon, you deliver it and they complain that the lighting is too bright and inconvenient.

Island living isn't for everybody. We are all packed into small developed areas of the Caye and we have to learn to live together and sometimes we must put up with a few small inconveniences for the greater good of all.

I’ve thought long and hard about whether I would respond to this thread. I try to never post anything that could be conveyed as controversial until after 24 hours of writing. I went back and fort on the following all day yesterday. Last night I had to ask myself why I wanted to even bother with this. Upon awaking I had decided to let sleeping dogs lie – then I read the latest posts and changed my mind. You may not want to read this – and that is OK by me. My intent is to let you know that for many years I have tried to stand up for environmental issues. My objection to ‘street lighting from the bridge to Journey’s end’ is the agenda behind it. In my original post of course I got silly – future tripping. I just want people to think about the consequences of their behavior and not be blindsided by questionable proposals. So – here I am – How do you like me now. Ha ha ha ha.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - Some very interesting responses.

Hello Chris – I’ll continue to give compliments whether you want them or not. LOL

In answer to the rocks being thrown at my glass house:
I first came to Belize in 1998 and came back at least once every year for eight years before buying on Ambergris Caye.
My first intention to buy here was a deal with Chris Allnat who had planned to build a condo complex south of town. That plan fell through.

In the meantime I did purchase two lots on Long Caye at Lighthouse Atoll BECAUSE of the eco-friendly guidelines in place. I have been an advocate for protecting those and successfully fought the plan to dredge a canal just off shore of the wall into the swamp. This dredging would have done what was planned to be done at South Beach affecting Hol-Chan.

I had never planned to live on Long Caye – I like to go out there and do the diving that is promoted around the world; then come back to civilization. BTW how often do tourists tell you that the diving here on the reef is not what is depicted in all the promotions? Uh huh! Splain that Lucy! Unfortunately a handful of developers now have their fingers in the Long Caye pie and are trying to change the ego guidelines.

I am an active member of Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development.
Why so many people can’t read this correctly baffles me. ACCSD is NOT against development – we simply want development that does not destroy the environment.

I also joined the Chamber of Commerce and advocated for trash cans which we got. Fortunately others, like the Mayor and Bowen & Bowen, got busy and also put out trash containers. We all benefited from this.

Yes, I bought a condo north of the cut when there was a beautiful lagoon along the western side of the cart path bordered by healthy mangroves. Yes, I was verbal in trying to stop Reef Village from tearing out the mangroves and dredging and filling the lagoon.
Yes, I realized that this area is quickly being developed in a density that I choose not to live in.
Yes, I bought a lot in the Tres Cocos area (I bought directly from an owner even though a realtor had shown the property on their web page without permission) and started building a house. The cost over-runs were prohibitive so I have only the lower 1/3 built.

I became active in the North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (NACNW) and have worked with my neighbors to make this a clean safe environment. I headed up the committee that got the children of San Mateo involved in what we called “The Great Garbage Games). Our initial motivation was to make the area where the sky divers were planning to come on their first trip clean and safe. The first year we took out an overflowing dump truck full of trash from the bridge to the Palapa Bar.

When NACNW tried to get the government to do something about the deplorable condition of the “Cart Path” we were told in no uncertain terms that THERE IS NO ROAD NORTH OF THE BRIDGE. Those of us who live up here put in our own time and money to make the CART PATH navigable. Personally I dug drainage ditches.
Prior to the bridge the resorts UP NORTH transported their guests by boat. MANY of the people who bought here continued beach front building and did so mainly because of the quiet nature of the area.

The bridge was built over protest of the majority of the northern residents but we were ASSURED that traffic would be limited to golf carts. ROTFLOL.

When I returned from my hip replacement surgery the end of September last year I moved up to my little place north of the Palapa Bar and leased out my condo.

This place, I call Birdland, was not CLEARED. The bush was removed saving as many trees as possible and I have planted many many more shrubs, vines, bushes and trees then were removed. I have worked diligently to preserve the nature of the place.

Yes, I am an old, fat, gringa living alone and feel totally safe here with my landscape lighting and my one remaining dog. (I’ve lost two to poisoning in the last year). I have a lovely amber light on my entry gate that lights up the cart path without interfering with the night sky. I have three other colored lights spread around the property so I can see when anyone comes onto my property. My dog Pepe also warns me. My neighbors have similar lighting and we watch out for each other (hence the words neighborhood and watch.)

I loose track of exact dates but sometime before Christmas Belize Electric Limited came through and cleared large expanses of jungle along the CART PATH. They were very nice to work with and where ever there was something built they trimmed rather than cleared the access. Then before the lines were finished very large road building equipment came through and built a road. Someone even gave it a name! TROPICANA? The first we who live here heard of it was when signs were put up. So, now I guess it is officially a road.

Just before Christmas, we experienced the caravans of speeding taxis from early morning until late at night. A sign was posted at the bridge saying that the neighborhood watch would maintain the road. We had never been consulted. On the third day, after a loud outcry, some actions were taken and the taxis slowed down. Most of them now wave at me.

The issue about maintenance was promptly taken to what is called “The President’s Meeting” and the sign was removed. (This is a once a month meeting of the presidents of ALL the neighborhood watches with the Mayor, Area Rep. and Officer in Charge of Police.) I would like to say that this group has done more to combat crime than any of the government agencies.

There is so much more needed here to fight crime and street lights would be like putting a band aide on a slashed artery.

Boy – did this get lengthy!

Bottom line is – no one can stop progress – but every person who cares for their fellow man , the future generations and this beautiful planet we are privileged to squat on needs to stand up, show up and speak up to protect and preserve it. We need to question the long term plans of what goes on around us. We need to confront greed and corruption at all levels.

I beg of you to look around this island at the half finished projects, the parcels sold as lots to the hard working locals that are filled with water and sewage at every high tide, the vacancies of rental units and the unsold finished units. What about the ‘developers’ who put up buildings, take the money and leave without finishing the infra structure?

What about the four local San Pedro people who were caught brining in Thousands of dollars worth of alcohol from Mexico, were able to pay the $10,000 fine ON THE SPOT but whose names were never released? What happened to the booty? What happened to the$10,000?

What about the crack houses that are never closed down because they always seem to know when they are going to be raided but the poor day laborer who is repeatedly arrested for a few grams of a leafy substance goes to Hattiville? What happens to the substance?

What about the property owners who never pay their property taxes but the officials refuse to publish their names as “it might embarrass them?

What about the idiots who get stinking drunk, don’t know what they did or where they went but want a ‘safe environment’ in which to do it?

Many years ago a radio show host pointed out that when we have a problem for which we do not have a solution we make up a problem for which we do. STREET LIGHTS ARE NOT GOING TO SOLVE THE CRIME PROBLEM WE FEAR.

I am not saying that AC is any worse than anyplace else – but that does not make it right. Why not work to make it the best OR at least better?

We need to learn to live by the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Wisdom is the toughie here.

I welcome anyone to stop by and visit me and the birds at Birdland.
And thanks to all of you who had kinds words to say about me. I’ll fix you a nice glass of cold rain water.

"There's a fair amount of knowledge/research required to provide proper safety/security lighting for an area- far more than just throwing up some poles and running wires."
As I look out my window in Houston I see security lighting placed high on equally spaced poles. It doesn't appear that a whole lot "of knowledge/research" beyond what it takes to install bright lights high on a pole and spaced every 15 meters run parallel to a roadway is necessary. BEL has done this before.

Proper lighting is part of any equation when your trying to crime free an area. I dont think Cris or anyone else believes that putting in proper lighting is going to crime safe the north end of the island alone. It will definitely will eliminate many points of ambush on the road north. Also it will allow drivers to see whats ahead of them at night to avoid dangers such as an ambush by criminals at night on the road north. This is a huge step in beginning to realistically tackle the increasing crime threat on the north island.


As Amanda says in an earlier post "lets put our true efforts against threats that can indeed ruin our collective lives." What reason agaisnt lighting the road north can possibly be more important than that?

Harriette, very well thought out post. You make some very good points and I respect your opinion. Janet & I very seldom take our golf cart north of our condo at night. But when we do, I have to say it's a very creepy feeling going down that narrow dark road from Legends north and I'm not ashamed to say that I keep "the petal to the metal" as much as I can when we do. IMHO, I think lighting is a huge crime deterrant and in most cases far out performs a security guard. Look what happened at Bermuda Palms just a day or two after they hired a "security guard". About a year ago we replaced the incandescent bulbs on the exterior of our complex with CFL's which give off a great amount of light and last 10 to 20 times longer. However we can walk out on our dock and the lighting doesn't cause any light pollution at all. I think you can tell that I'm for the lighting.

I neither stated nor implied street lighting was the wrong action to take or that BEL didn't know what they were doing. I stated there is more to the action than stringing lights on poles, that you disagree doesn't make it a false statement it only demonstrates what most people believe: put up some lights and the road/walkways will be safer. That's false security and ignorance of documented fact. Further, your statement "it will allow drivers to see whats ahead of them at night to avoid dangers such as an ambush by criminals at night" is patently false. What it will allow is faster driving (subject to the road conditions) that *might* in and of itself reduce ambushing cars on the road.

I can point to many BEL light strings in residential areas that are fine for drivers seeing the road ahead but wrong for security lighting in a residential area.

I'm sure the discussions between BEL and the interested community highlighted what's important and BEL will provide. OK, I hope.

Bottom line as pointed out by others: Lighting is not a panacea but only part of a comprehensive, sustained neighborhood security program. You' likely have better success with that than stopping off-shore drilling.

"I stated there is more to the action than stringing lights on poles, that you disagree doesn't make it a false statement it only demonstrates what most people believe"-
"I dont think Cris or anyone else believes that putting in proper lighting is going to crime safe the north end of the island alone."

GOOD WE AGREE

"it will allow drivers to see whats ahead of them at night to avoid dangers such as an ambush by criminals at night" is patently false. What it will allow is faster driving (subject to the road conditions) that *might* in and of itself reduce ambushing cars on the road. (and dangers such as potholes, crocodiles, small children, , land mines,mud holes ect ect ect)

GOOD WE AGREE AGAIN

C2C thanks for supporting my point

You're very welcome.

Shame on Rykat, and great replies Amanda. Kudos to Harriet for taking the high road, albeit dark or light.

Chunky, mayhap Rykat was making an offer?

Thanks for the kudos.

On a whole other track - I do wish we could all stop making this a more personal matter than it should be. And yes, I know I am as guilty as the rest when it comes to getting emotional and personal about posts from time to time.

his is a community issue - should we or shouldn't we light the street north of the bridge, who will pay for the work, who will maintain it and who will ultimately pay the bills in the future?

Let's leave the petty warfare for the kids to hash out in the school yard. I will do my best to take the high road along with Harriette.

Maybe Collette could do a "Be Kind Belize" for all of us!

please.....

Have met Harriet.......................uh..............no.
But have a surrogate in mind!

That was even more mean, Rykat. Lighten up.

Ryats vulgar comments have even caused me to reevaluate my own stance on this whole lights issue. Exactly what type of people are we turning the lights on for. I think Id rather be mugged.

Thanks Chris for the explanation. Maybe I'm reading your reply incorrectly but it sounds like $528 BZE per light plus electric charges of ___ per kilowatt hour? This seems like a lot of money with no commitment of who would be responsible for future payments i.e. property taxes, neighborhood association fees, etc.

I know nothing of BEL but I would think a business that operates on profit/loss maybe inclined to use the least expensive and most profitable alternative to solve the problem. Which is usually not the greenist or the most attractive. Another consideration is if BEL bills businesses differently than individuals? I ask because some places I have lived billed higher pkh for larger consumers and if this is the case; it has a great bearing on who becomes responsible for the usage charges later.

Also, again correct me if I am wrong; the road in question is not properly built with drainage & grading and such. So there's a very real possibility that the more the north grows, the more likely a more proper road may be installed? How much of the lighting will need to be moved or replaced? I agree that progress is going to happen; but it seems logical that there may be an order that causes the least amount of overall disruption and less doubling of costs?

I appreciate that this sounds a bit snippy-believe me that I do not intend it that way. I am genuinely curious about city planning and the inevitable growth of La Isla Bonita.

Bravo Harriete! I do applaud you for not retaliating. Having been on a small town city council and having been employed by a developer who worked that town for his own purposes; I understand all too well the lure of the almighty buck.

I too am "an old, fat, gringa" and look forward to moving there toward the end of the year. I hope that I can feel safe alone as well, my husband may be several months behind me. Thanks for hanging in there. I for one value all of the insights given here.

http://www.mnn.com/your-home/remodeling-design/stories/5-ways-you-can-reduce-light-pollution

5 ways you can reduce light pollution

This form of pollution contributes to carbon emissions and interferes with animal migration. Take these simple steps to reduce it.

Darkness is as essential to our biological welfare, to our internal clockwork, as light itself. —Verlyn Klinkenborg, Our Vanishing Night

If — like most people — you live in a city, it's unlikely you can see the gossamer expanse of the Milky Way. It's possible you've never spotted it at all. For most urbanites, the nighttime sky is a pink glow broken only by the moon, the brightest stars and passing airplanes.

This is the form of pollution most people have forgotten: light pollution. And while undark skies may not rank in importance alongside the chemical trash we routinely dump into the atmosphere, the continuous, unblinking glare of modern life is not without its impact on wildlife, dwindling energy resources and human health.

What's the big deal about light pollution?
Light pollution is so widespread, so universal, so common to urban life that we hardly give it a thought. Set poetry aside for the moment — the great severing of our ancient connection to the constellations as they wheel gently through night and season. We are still confronted with four specific areas of concern regarding light pollution:

• Light pollution interferes with wildlife migratory and breeding patterns
• Unnecessary outdoor lighting wastes energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
• Glare from bad lighting leads to unsafe driving conditions, particularly for older motorists
• Constant exposure to artificial lighting may interfere with human metabolism and sleep

These problems are sufficiently severe that the American Medical Association voted unanimously to support efforts to control light pollution. The U.S. Congress is expected to take up the issue of light pollution in hearings scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2009.

Here's how you can help curb light pollution

1) Start with the light switch. The cheapest, most obvious and most effective way to reduce light pollution is to start turning things off. While there's a time and place for outdoor lighting — illuminating after dark activities, for instance — many of us burn porch and spot lighting because it gives us a sense of security. In fact, there's little data to support the idea that outdoor lighting reduces crime. Turn on lights when you need them, or use portable lighting. Go dark when you don't.

2) Check with your power company to see if you're paying for outdoor lighting. It's possible you're being billed for that nasty sodium vapor lamp down at the street. Many utilities charge $5 to $10 a month for this service. A quick check of your bill or a call to Customer Service will tell the story. If this turns out to be the case, terminate the charge and ask that the light be removed. Most power companies are happy to oblige.

3) Consider replacing outdoor lights with intelligently designed, low-glare fixtures. Did you know there is a certification body for sky-friendly outdoor lighting? The International Dark-Sky Association evaluates fixtures for low glare and efficiency. Look for the IDA seal of approval on locally sourced fixtures, or seek out a company such as Starry Night Lights, which specializes in low-pollution lighting. They also maintain a blog on light pollution and related issues.

4) Place motion sensors on essential outdoor lamps. Lighting on demand trumps a manual switch or timer. Motion sensitive switches will light up porches and walkways when you need to move around after dark. They'll pay for themselves in fairly short order.

5) Replace conventional high-energy bulbs with efficient outdoor CFLs and LED floodlights. While efficiency lighting won't directly keep all those stray lumens from bouncing around, it will take some of the sting out of your monthly bill and reduce power company carbon emissions. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that CFLs and LEDs are a green light to be sloppy about switching things off. While you're at it, see whether low-wattage, solar powered walkway lamps might replace area lighting. They're inexpensive and practically free to operate.

Now — enjoy the darkness!
You'll be surprised how much squelching a few bulbs around your home improves the view. Why not take this opportunity to get reacquainted with the nighttime sky? You don't need a telescope to see the major constellations, bright nebulas, open clusters, many of the planets, comets, meteors and dozens of man-made satellites and spacecraft.

It's not difficult to learn the ropes. If you're feeling old school, buy a simple star wheel. For easy pointers on nightly backyard observation highlights, try Sky and Telescope's The Week's Sky at a Glance. To spot orbital objects, such as the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and a galaxy of satellites and discarded rocket boosters, create an account at Heavens Above (be sure to customize it for your location). And you can use your computer as a virtual planetarium with Stellarium, a free and full-featured 3D program that runs on Mac, Windows and Linux.

A set of inexpensive binoculars will expand your star-spotting capability. But all you really need is the desire to look up into the wonder of the night — and the blessings of a dark sky.

Oh!! That Chris! Duh, the light goes on...no pun intended.

NY Times Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/greath...CqTTpM2Ci8R/fow

First to the best of my knowledge there is no road. I dont know why we would think the town board would respect our wishes or the law for that matter. Everything is done for those who want to make a profit nothing to do with safety etc. Thats a joke, bad joke. If you think they care just look at GBE and Saca Chispas, San Mateo. Got to get them out and install some folks who respect the law and the environment.
FOR A FACT crime has risen with the road being opened just as Jan predicted and lights will do nothing. They have opened this without regard for law or reason. These are the kinds of decisions that have degraded San Pedro so much. Reef Village, South Beach, Sugar Caye, GBE, Saca Chispas, San Mateo, illegal road north. There are those who will deny till they die but facts are facts just open ur eyes and look around.
The bridge is trashed and can not carry those loads for long. The ONLY reason that happened was to help certain businesses have an unfair competitive edge over others and to allow the govt to have a road for the visiting dignitaries. Some very short sighted folks for sure. We have proven that developing as we do is absolutely not sustainable but we want to continue the same path until there is nothing left and the tourists look for a nicer place that has not been destroyed.
Sorry to offend but facts are facts and bad decisions are bad decisions but can be changed while the facts can not. These are the exact reasons I am running for office. We must save the island and try to restore it to its former grandeur by practicing sustainable development and rectifying these mistakes where possible. Give us a real bridge, police to patrol and a real road and I doubt you would have much complaint at all, as it is only favors a few by lowering their operating costs at the expense of many.

soon as you get that going try the new Chinese windmill powered golf carts too. Will be selling them on the island in November. They do come with XXX size seats for the portly.