Map of Caye Caulker drawn by Karate, 1988
Karate was an artist (Belizean-American, I think) who would practice karate moves on the beach when he was visiting. His legal name is Philip Lewis.
He did a black & white painting of our old house in front, was enlarged and was in Atlantic Bank when they first opened where credit union now is. He used one a those pens with all different colored ink, you just turn to color you want, gave me one before he left, I was about 12 years, I treasured that pen, was my grandparents good friend.
He designed some features on some currency and stamps. Popular with tourists girls, one took him home, never came back.
He lived with us in the eighties. He was my caretaker and moved over to Steeles house when he was off island.
He told me the reason they called him Karate was because he only had one shirt when he came and it said Karate. He washed it every day and wore it again. After that he took up Tai Chi on the beach because he had the right shirt.LOL
He stayed with us and worked for us for quite a while. Made several sketches for us. Great artist.
Photograph by Kay Westby
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