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Margie Duncan
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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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