Marty
How do you suggest we have a place to exchange information about Long Caye at Lighthouse? I have paid for my wonderful lot and see that 119 lots have been sold so far. Their website (www.longcayebelize.com)has added incredible information and they have opened up new subdivisions.
I know there are people who are not happy about this development and would not like to see such exchanges of information.
Personally, I'd like to connect with others like me and find out what their plans are.
I bought into this project for two reasons - I like the eco-project and want to support this way of life AND the diving is fantastic!
Harriette

I don't know who is against "talking about" Long Caye.

I do think people who buy there without seeing the island or even having been to Belize -- the majority -- don't know what they're in for. Here is a response I sent recently to a person who is looking at buying at Long Caye and who asked my opinion:

>>

I have not been on Long Caye recently. I have been told by those who have that there is little or no development going on there yet. It is also my understanding that most people who have purchased lots there have never visited the island and in many cases have not visited Belize.

Before buying there, I would be sure to keep in mind:

* That the island is in a remote area and that chartering a boat to go there from Belize City will cost several hundred US dollars.

* That the trip to Long Caye from either Belize City or Ambergris Caye takes hours and is often rough, with seasickness common.

* That barging supplies and building equipment, not to mention everyday supplies such as food and water, to the island will be very expensive.

* That only highly experienced local sailors are competent to make the trip to Long Caye. With the reef, shallow water, many coral heads, strong winds and heavy chop, this is NOT an area where amateur or Saturday sailors can safely operate boats. Just a few weeks ago, the Offshore Express, a dive boat with a long history of operation around Lighthouse Reef and operated by an experienced crew sank and was lost in the area near Long Caye.

* I see that the island's Web site estimates a building cost of US$30 per square foot. That figure seems low to me, given that this is the low end of costs for modern construction on the mainland, and that the cost of bringing supplies and workers to the island and maintenance of supplies and workers there would add considerably to the cost.

* That there are no utilities or services on the island and never will be, and that installing individual composting toilets, solar systems, R/O systems and other services will be very expensive, given prices and import duties in Belize and the cost of shipping and transportation.

* That the developer's statement about hurricanes needs to be evaluated carefully.

* That hurricane and other insurance may be difficult to get or prohibitively expensive (check out the increase in insurance rates in Belize since Mitch and Keith).

* The developer's statement about the costs of groceries and other supplies in Belize City and Ambergris Caye needs to be evaluated carefully. Imported foodstuffs are generally 50 to 100% more expensive in Belize than in the U.S. Gas for boats or cars is near US$3 a gallon.

* How will those building on the island be able to protect the house or equipment in the owner's absence? Most expat homeowners in Belize have to have a full-time caretaker to prevent theft.

* Besides Long Caye, it is advisable to look at alternative areas in Belize, such as Corozal Town where real estate is inexpensive and access is easy, or on North Ambergris Caye.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First http://www.belizefirst.com

Lan
I appreciate your input. The issues you raise are exactly why I want to connect with some of the other 118 people who have purchased lots.
I have been to Long Caye. I do know how long it takes to get there and back and how much it costs for each trip. That is one of the reasons I bought a lot there. At this point in time I have no expectations for building more than a platform.
I have checked and "Camping Out" will be allowed while the village is being developed.
I understand that one of the first concessions to go in will be a dive shop -- after the 350' dock is built.
I like the idea that there will be no electricity, sewers, septic tanks, etc.
I am delighted that they will put moorings at the various dive sites so that the live aboard boats that now frequent the wall will stop dropping anchors on the reef.
I still intend to live in A/C with people and all the conveniences. However, I would love to be able to go out there for 5 days at a time (saving 4 two round trips - 2 1/2 hours each way) and dive my brains out.
Eat, dive, dive, eat, dive, nap, eat, dive, and sleep then start all over the next day.
I'd love to hear from others.
Harriette