Caribbean Villas postpones Gay Pride event
The Caribbean Villas resort in San Pedro, which offered a tourist package marketed internationally as the the biggest Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans-gender (LGBT) pride event in Belize's history, has postponed the even.
Caribbean Villas owner, Peter Lawrence told The Reporter that the event, which was scheduled to be held from September 5th to the 12th was postponed until May 2016 because the resort was unable to have all rooms booked out. According to Lawrence, of the 61 rooms at the resort, 45 were booked out, but as the guests were told that homosexuality is illegal in Belize, 28 of those rooms were cancelled.
Lawrence added, however, that he doesn't believe the church's disapproval of the event in any way detracted would-be LGBT guests. According to Lawrence, he believes that the marketing for the event just wasn't right and subsequently, he has made the proper adjustments and will be marketing to a wider circle of men for the event now scheduled for Maybext year. He said he expects the new effort to be successful when he re-launches the marketing.
He also said that he has received backing from the government and the police department, who have said that there is nothing illegal about marketing and hosting the gathering.
Pastor Scott Stirm, Evangelical Association vice president, who opposed the event from its announcement, however, holds a different view. He told The Reporter that ever since the churches became aware of the event, they have mobilized across the country and led prayer missions to San Pedro. He believes that prayers are responsible for the event's failure.
Stirm said, like Lawrence, they will also be rescheduling for May, mobilizing and praying in opposition of the event, which the church characterizes as immoral.
He urged hotelier Lawrence, instead, to offer similar packages for family oriented entertainment. He added that the church is also praying for Lawrence, that he may have a change of heart.
The Reporter