Blue Reef developer Jamie Forbes opened the ceremony by stating the primary goal of Blue Reef Island Resort, which is "to try and fit in with the local ecosystem and island culture of Ambergris Caye." He welcomed Mayoress Elsa Paz and the San Pedro Town Councilors, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Ismael Cal, Chief Executive Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs Alan Usher, Father Jim Blount, missionaries and other invited guest that were present for the ceremony.

    Mayoress Elsa Paz addressed the gathering and stated, "we are present here to celebrate and support another significant development in San Pedro". She also stated that tourism has provided jobs and has helped in the infrastructure of our island and pledged the town's continued support of responsible development on Ambergris Caye.

     Father Jim Blount of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church blessed the site, with assistance from Minister Peter Dahlin, presently on a mission from Destin, Florida, USA.

     Blue Reef Developer, Jamie Forbes, has a significant background in real estate and development of beach front resort communities. His brother and partner, Tom Forbes, boasts 26 years experience in the travel and tourism industry. The brothers and their families have been visiting Belize for the past several years, during which time they became good friends with local businessman Ramon Nuñez Sr., as well as his son Ramon Jr. and his wife Josie. According to the Forbes men, the new resort will provide jobs for approximately 25 full-time local employees during construction. In Phase I of the operation, the company plans to employ an estimated 30 employees as well as another 50 after their second resort is completed on Cayo Frances.

     Blue Reef Island Resort will consist of six buildings, which will be divided into thirty-six units to be sold as condominiums and rental units. Each luxurious unit will contain a kitchen, dining room and optional in-room services. In an effort to support local artisans the resort will feature baskets, paintings, carvings and other artwork created by local Belizean artists and crafters. In addition, the property will be filled with lush vegetation, cascading pools and replicas of Maya relics. Blue Reef will provide guest transportation to and from San Pedro. It also  promises to include access for people with physical disabilities.

     Present for the dedication was Architect Lynn Dugas of Destin, Florida, who commented, "The resort's design will incorporate indigenous woods and carvings in order to give it a natural Belizean finish." Also on hand for the ceremony was development contractor in charge of the resort's construction, Mr. Rupert Gabb of San Pedro.

     A catered luncheon arranged by Blue Reef business associate Josie Nuñez followed the dedication, at which time those in attendance enjoyed delicious food and cold beverages.

    Completion of Blue Reef Island Resort's first building "Sunfish," which holds the cornerstone, is scheduled for late December of this year.