James Ritchie

    James was born to Jan and Ian Ritchie in London, England on June 21^st, 1971. At a very young age his family moved from his birthplace to various countries, due to his father's profession as a real estate agent. While growing up, James called several places home such as the Bahamas, Jamaica and Spain. He attended various schools, including a Spanish-speaking one, even though this was not his first language. In 1984 his family's travels landed them in Belize City where they lived for six months. It was during this time they discovered San Pedro and quickly moved here.

    James immediately enrolled at San Pedro High School where he attended first and second forms. Just when he thought he had found his permanent home he was taken back to Belize City by his mother. There he continued his education at St. John's College. It took just one more move to complete his high school years at Corozal Community College in 1989. Upon completion, James happily found himself, once again, back in San Pedro, for he had developed a great love for the island during his first stay. He went to work as a truck driver for a large construction company building the Mayan Princess Hotel for one year. James soon saw an opportunity for his own enterprise in this growing community and opened a small rental business. He hooked up with partner Dulce Wolfe and rented videotapes, motorcycles, bikes and golf carts for two years.

    James immediately made friends with the locals and blended in perfectly. It was during a conversation one day that a friend recommended he take an air condition engineering course, since there was great demand for this type of work in San Pedro. After giving careful thought to this suggestion, he agreed and traveled to New Orleans, USA where he completed a two-year course at Delgado College in Metaire, Louisiana. Immediately after graduation in 1993, he returned to San Pedro to put his new profession into practice. James' skill in this profession came naturally and his work was immediately sought after. He specialized in refrigeration and air-conditioning repair and maintenance and still does to this day. As his business became successful, he wisely saved for plans he had for the near future. After purchasing a piece of land near the airstrip, he invested in a building and leased it to Farm 2U Foods, an agricultural company from Belize City.

    During this time, James' love for San Pedro continued to grow, as did his special love for a certain young San Pedrana. He married Aracelie Marin on June 24^th, 1995 and together they have one son, Justin (3).

    After his tenant's lease expired in 1997, James took back his space and opened Captain Shark's Marine Shop. The reason for this shop, he explained, was the great need for marine equipment and parts since a large portion of local work was based on some sort of watercraft. Today Captain Shark's is your one-stop marine shop with a wide assortment of marine accessories and supplies. Their large inventory comes from Belize City and from various states in the USA. They boast to be the main Yamaha dealer in San Pedro. Because of many requests, James has also included golf cart parts and coming very soon, golf carts for sale.

    James is one of the many people that has chosen to live in San Pedro. His love and respect for this island is displayed daily in his work and during his personal time. He is dedicated to his business and to the daily growth of our island. In return, he is looked up to as a fine member of Our Community.