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Douglas Caballeros
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Ambergris Caye is blessed with rich vegetation and is considered a bird-watching
paradise. One of the best ways to site-see in "La Isla Bonita," from north to
south, is by biking. Not only is this mode of transportation environmentally
friendly it is also a good way to exercise. Many residents go back and forth to
work and also "pedal" their goods this way. Because of our climate and sandy
roads, bikes often need repair and servicing. This week The
San Pedro Sun is pleased to
feature a young man who earns a living providing this service on the island -
Douglas "El Guapo" Caballeros. Douglas was born in the
quiet village of Xaibe, Corozal on February 4 th, 1977 to Maria Elvira Castillo and
Sergio Agusto Caballeros, originally from Guatemala. When he was only a year
old, his family, consisting of six brothers and five sisters, moved to Belize
City in search of a better life. The Caballeros spent only five years in the
city before moving to Dangriga in the Stann Creek District. For the next two
years the Caballeros enjoyed the southern part of the country before they moved
once again - this time to the peaceful island of Caye Caulker where Douglas
attended the local government school. Douglas' parents then returned to Stann
Creek, leaving him and his siblings in the care of their eldest brother on Caye
Caulker. At the age of 12, Douglas moved yet again to Benque Viejo del Carmen in
the Cayo District where he worked as a laborer. Although he was making ends
meet, the young man decided to join his brother in Orange Walk. It was there
that Douglas learned a new trade, assisting his brother who owned a bicycle
repair shop. In 1991, Douglas made up his mind to move to
San Pedro after hearing that jobs with better salaries were available. On
Ambergris Caye he hooked up with a friend and worked as a tour guide assistant.
Douglas then tried his skills as a bartender, first at Tackle Box Bar (now
Shark's) and then at Caribe Island Resort. Two and a half years ago, Douglas
married Silvia Mercedes Solis. This union has produced two lovely children
Kristi (one year, eight months) and Michelle (seven months).
As a married man, Douglas' plan was to start his own
business; one that was capable of supporting a family. Because there was a
scarcity of bicycle repair service on the island, he felt confident that this
would be his best option. Douglas adopted his brother's business name "El Guapo"
and began selling bicycle parts and performing maintenance and repairs. Douglas'
goal is to give his clientele quality work at a moderate price within a limited
time frame. To help out those who have a low budget but are in need of
transportation, Douglas offers second-hand bicycles, which he builds from used
parts. "Sometimes it is very difficult for some people to buy a new bike so I
offer used bikes for affordable prices," Douglas told The San
Pedro Sun. "El Guapo" takes Sundays off
to enjoy family activities; attend church services and go biking. Having lived
in almost every part of the country, Douglas finally feels settled in San Pedro
and calls the island home. A hardworking individual he brings a much-needed
service to those who are environmentally conscious and favor a healthy
transportation option. Through his bicycle repair shop, Douglas "El Guapo"
Caballeros has helped many to enjoy a better "cycle" of life in "Our
Community."
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