Our Community - Margie Duncan
"Serving up smiles - Margie style"

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 14, No. 11            March 25, 2004

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Margie Duncan

The country of Belize boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world and markets itself as an excellent dive destination. Live colorful coral, stunning marine life, and an awe-inspiring Blue Hole continue to attract underwater explorers worldwide. To add to its amazing appeal, Belize has luscious rainforests with astonishing waterfalls - the best of both worlds. Visitors to the country are amazed by all the flora and fauna that "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret" offers. Not only do they compliment our spectacular scenery, but speak highly of the hospitality offered by its people. One person who astonishes tourists with her magnificent public relations skills is Ambergris Caye's very own Margie Duncan.

    Margie was born and raised in the quiet southern town of Punta Gorda in the Toledo District. Exine Bahadu and Winston Garay welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world on March 17th, 1970 and Margie grew up playing in a big, beautiful, backyard with her three brothers and four sisters. With a smile on her face, she fondly recalls climbing trees in order to pick and savor the many tasty fruits grown there.

    Although Margie's childhood was very laidback, her parents emphasized the importance of a good education. After completing Little Flower Roman Catholic School, she attended high school at Toledo Community College, graduating in 1988.

    Soon after, Margie paid a visit to her sister in San Pedro Town and decided that she would not return to Punta Gorda. However, she heeded her parents' wisdom first and enrolled at St. John's Junior College in Belize City. Margie worked all day at Pete's Pastries as a cashier and attended school at night. "It was very difficult but I kept going for a year," she recalled.

    On one of her visits to Ambergris Caye, Margie realized San Pedro was the place she wanted to live, so she decided not to return to school. Her first job on the island was at the Tai Pei Restaurant as a cashier and waitress. The job proved to be a stepping-stone for her and after working there for two years she was promoted to manager. She found that she enjoyed interacting with her customers: however, she was so busy she could not entertain them properly. After three and a half years, she decided to find another job, which would give her more one- on-one time with her patrons.

    Margie decided to "test the waters" and moved to the Palapa Bar to work as a bartender. "I could not believe my luck. I was mixing drinks while meeting people from all walks of life. I loved it!" she exclaimed. After working there for one year, she received an offer she could not refuse - managing the bar at Paradise Resort.

    Margie's new job proved to be a challenge - inventory, purchasing, accounting - there were plenty of tasks to keep her busy, and in an environment she loved. Aside from the office work that came along with her position, she also managed to be a bartender, which kept her spirits high. Unfortunately, in 1998, Hurricane Mitch blew the bar away and Margie had to find a new job.

    Margie soon accepted a position at Coconuts. Not disappointed by the road her life has taken, Margie now mixes wonderful concoctions for her guests at the hotel's newly renamed bar - The Pirate's Pub. Her hard work, dedication and love for her job quickly earned her a promotion to bar manager.

    Not only has this profession fulfilled Margie's expectations, but it has also gained her wonderful recognition. Earlier this year, she was featured in Magnum Belize magazine for being voted the best bartender on the island, according to an informal online poll at www.ambergriscaye.com.

    Margie's million dollar smile and wonderful personality keep her customers entertained. She commented, "I do it from the heart. Seeing my guests leave with a smile on their faces gives me such a thrill!"

    Margie often visits her hometown of Punta Gorda but stated, "It is a wonderful place to visit but I am in no hurry to move back." In her free time, she tries to get ahead by teaching herself accounting. She also enjoys reading and takes time to have fun with her 13-year-old son, Amin Guerrero. "Between work and my son I hardly have any time off but I still try to find some time to just relax," she said. "I love my job and I don't think I would be happy doing anything else. When the right time comes to move along, I'll know. For the moment, I am very happy and have no complaints," Margie exclaimed.

    Her contagious smile, shining personality, and love of people, have placed Margie in a special place in residents' and visitors' hearts. Always cheerful and willing to lend a helping hand, it is understandable why Margie Duncan is considered the merry mixologist of "Our Community."



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