My stateside home is in Biloxi, Mississippi

My Belizean home is in Placencia.

Living on the uS Gulf Coast we have experienced numerous hurricanes over the years. In 1968 we had a particularly bad hurricane named Camille.

Even now in 2002 there is still evidence of that storm in the form of bare foundations, empty lots were houses used to be, a tug boat on the opposite side of highway 90 that has since been turned into a souvernier shop, etc, etc.

Placencia is and will be much the same. There will be evidence of Iris for years...that does not mean that it is unsuitable for its main industry which is tourism.

The most visible signs of Iris in Placencia proper is the damaged sidewalk, several houses that are still not repaired and damaged foliage.

A fund raising has been going on for the last two months to raise money to replace the side walk...I understand that they are just about there.

Rebuilding of these damaged houses is ongoing and the less fortunite who did not have insurance or other means to finance their rebuilding are going slowly. As they get a few dollars ahead they do as much work as that little money will allow.

The damaged foliage is being replaced. Thousands of trees, bushes, etc. were donated by a local source to be planted to replace the lost and damaged greenery. With the tropical climate of Belize and the current rainey season these should be really growing.

Everyone is working very hard to get the village ready for the upcoming season and in lots of respects it is already much better than before the storm.

Moorings has opened their office in the village, Olga's grocery has done a little remodeling to try and keep up with Wallen's
airconditioned market, Serenade Guest house has replaced the thatch roof juice bar with a nice big bar, restaurant, new private construction is underway everywhere you look, etc, etc, etc.

There are lots of hotel / motel / cabanas, etc available, 3 grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, restaurants, beach bar's, dinners, ice cream shop, tour operators, dive shops, etc. And..,there are still lots and lots of palm trees on the still beautiful beach.

There is no reason not to visit PLACENCIA.