, 1942 to Evelyn and Gatin Wilkinson.
Raised in Sugartown, Louisiana, at age 16 he completed his high school education
and moved to Texas City where he worked as a deck hand on a shrimp boat for a
"fish camp" for six months. When Bill turned seventeen he
was accepted into the US Navy in Houston where he excelled in his duties as a
radioman in the submarine communications department. He was first stationed
aboard diesel submarines, the likes of which were used in World War I. In time
he graduated onto newer "subs" such as the kind that carry nuclear missiles. For
eight years, Bill Wilkinson proudly served his country through the US Navy.
Following his career in the Navy, Bill moved to Florida
where he worked as the assistant manager of a local Woolworth's Store for a year
before returning to Louisiana. Back home, Bill started an electrical contracting
business. Fortune was smiling on Bill as he then engaged in investment
properties which included owning a mobile home park, two large restaurants
(8,500 square feet each), an apartment complex and a Century 21 franchise. Bill
handled all of these simultaneously, but unfortunately the economy of Louisiana
experienced a downturn as the price of oil fell. Bill knew it was time to move
and started scouting for the perfect place to relocate. Investigating places
like Panama and the US Virgin Islands, he learned of Belize. After vacationing
for some years in this peaceful Central American country, Bill was convinced
that Belize, in particular Ambergris Caye, would be his next home. "The view
from the plane ride to San Pedro was spectacular - the crystal clear water, the
great snorkeling and the friendliness of its people were the seal of approval on
my decision," stated Bill.
In 1988, having acquired a
piece of "paradise," Bill relocated permanently to San Pedro and began building
his dream, Seven Seas Resort. Bill hired local resident Iraida Gonzalez as his
first manager and on Thanksgiving Day of that same year, he proudly opened the
doors to his first guests. His original concept was to sell timeshares but he
came to realize this plan would need to wait a few years as San Pedro was too
laid back for the idea at that time. What began as a three-room hotel, today
boasts 15 one-bedroom condos. "I hope to expand Seven Seas to 21 condos by next
year," Mr. Wilkinson told The San Pedro Sun. "I
am doing it the Belizean way - little by little," he added.
Through his business and personal love for the community,
Bill has contributed to many town functions and fundraisers but has done so
anonymously. What Bill is known for in San Pedro, is his affinity for law and
order. In 1989, he was one of a few residents who gave birth to the first San
Pedro Crime Committee. "Since there was only one police officer on the island at
the time, some of us got together, bought a handset and a base radio for the
police station, and took turns doing phone duty. If anything would come up we
would immediately radio the police officer," Bill explained. Today, the Crime
Committee has evolved into the San Pedro Citizens Advisory Committee, of which
Bill Wilkinson serves as chairperson. Throughout his years on the island, Bill's
main goal has been to build suitable housing for the police officers of the
island. He says the only thing holding up the project was the land needed from
the government so he could get busy with the fundraising. Bill has been put off
countless times but has still not given up on this project and hopes it will
soon come to be a reality.
Bill shares his island life
with wife Barbara and is the father of two sons, (Timothy and Richard) and
grandfather of four, all residing in the U.S. In his spare time, Bill still
enjoys what attracted him to San Pedro in the first place - diving, snorkeling
and fishing.
Fourteen years have passed since Bill
Wilkinson first moved to San Pedro. Like a true Sanpedrano, Bill has lived those
years unselfishly and continues to do so day after day, doing his part to
provide security and shelter, for the visitors to and residents of, "Our
Community."
