Mike, recently you have written quite a few posts that I don't wholly agree with - but in this particular case I applaud you and appreciate how you have fairly succinctly laid out the "reasons" why this incident occurred.

News reports state that the village is 10 miles away from the sanctuary so I don't know if kids would wander that far away for a look see of the crocs. But then you mentioned the story about your son - I remember hollering at many people's kids at the WASA pond because they were taunting crocs. One day one of our kids might get seriously hurt because of their curiosity.

I have found that the southern Belize is an amazing beautiful part of the country. The mountains, the forests, the coast line. The people are intriguing and friendly and loving - most of the time. What has stopped me from considering living in that area is the depth of superstition that integrated and infused into the entire web of everyday life. The superstitions and customs are so different from the way I think and live that I know I would not be able to assimilate well enough to become a part of the community. I have always considered that to be my problem, not their problem.

I don't live in Belize because I want to change the place I haven chosen to live in. I want to integrate and grow with the society. San Pedro has been going through a lot of growing pains and as our cultures meld, Caribbean, Central American, Hispanic, Maya, Garifuna, European, Middle Eastern and Chinese as well as other minority groups. We are hitting a lot of road block and we have public forums to educate our community about many subjects. We are making decisions for our future - together. This is why I live in San Pedro. This town may not be perfect, but together we can make it a great place to live and raise our families.

In my line of business I always advice my clients that "what you see is what you get." But I also tell them that with time and effort they can become part of the community very quickly. They can gain respect and support for themselves and their causes. The community in San Pedro is willing to listen to presentations, arguments, suggestions - and many new ideas are adopted.

In many rural areas of the country that may never be the case. Because folks live in settlement, or separated from each other on farms and ranches - the type of community is different.

The harsh reality is that we are in Central America and this is considered the 3rd world for a number of reasons.

I am sorry about what happened at ACES as I love and support the work they that have been doing. But I am not surprised about why and how the events unraveled and resulted.

I think that if ACES were to set up shop here on Ambergris Caye they will settle in and integrate well. And on a selfish level I would be grateful to have someone here that will assure the well being of our resident crocodiles, and who will assist in protecting our children from these reptiles.