Our Community - Oswald "Ozzie" Palmer - "San Pedro's own Wizard of Oz"

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 10, No. 9            March 1, 2000

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Ozzie Palmer

Belize has been described as a melting pot of cultures. This is very true and the characteristics of the various ethnic groups combined make us the "Jewel" that we are. In San Pedro there is one person that can be easily identified by his magical smile and friendly character. This week's personality is the true picture of Belizean friendliness. We speak of Mr. Oswald "Ozzie" Palmer.

    Ozzie migrated to Belize from Jamaica in 1977. This alert young person came with high hopes of upgrading his lifestyle and dedicating himself to his new home - Belize. Settling in Belize City, Ozzie first worked in the construction business for the government Housing and Planning Department. This was a good job but at the first opportunity he was given, he moved into the tourism industry, a field he was passionate about. He worked in many renown places, of that time, such as the Melting Pot Disco and Zorba the Greek Restaurants.

    In April of 1981 he moved to San Pedro where he saw that tourism was blossoming and more opportunities for him were readily available. His first job was at Captain Locos (Big Daddy's Disco today) as a bartender. As a newcomer he said he wanted to be known as an outstanding person in the local community. He said he would wear a shirt with his Scorpion zodiac sign on the back. This practice soon got him nicknamed "Scorpio" by his, now, numerous friends. After six months of bartending he was offered a job at the Hide-a-Way Hotel which he accepted. There he started as a bartender/waiter but soon proving to be an avid worker and willing to learn, was promoted to a managerial position. Ozzie was a natural in this business and did outstanding work for the hotel. His friendliness and one-on-one personal business relations with his clients made this place a very popular one. A little over thirteen years later the hotel changed ownership and the owners added new concepts. Ozzie explained, "It's like a game of cards, you never know what to expect." So he ventured out on his own.

    He then tried his expertise in the culinary arts and opened the Classique Restaurant. This restaurant, situated on Middle Street, offered the best in local Creole food as well as American cuisine. But still this was not really Ozzie's forte. He then went into the insurance business but again did not feel the satisfaction he had felt while working in the hotel business.

    In 1995 he was back in action after being hired by Royal Palm Villas (now Royal Palm Beach Club). Today he works as Operations Manager supervising the maintenance and overseeing food, beverage and other aspects of the resort.

     Ozzie's personality is one of a kind and indescribable. Even though he is tied up with his job, he is also known for his always delightful chats with the people of San Pedro. He is the husband of Mrs. Irma Palmer and father of two daughters Shaina and Sofia. He is closely involved in the South-End Neighborhood Watch where he serves as the Vice-President.

    Ozzie has proven that perseverance is definitely the key to a successful future. His friendliness and warm smile, as well as his invaluable knowledge of the tourism industry makes him an asset to Royal Palm Beach Club and "Our Community."



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