New York's Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, who recently announced his intention to run for Governor of New York in the 2006 election, vacationed in Belize along with his family. While in the country he visited Maruba Resort Jungle Spa and while on "La Isla Bonita" stayed at the Journey's End Resort.

    Why should Belizeans care who is the Governor of New York? The San Pedro Sun asked Mr. Spitzer that very question. "Twenty percent of New York City residents were born overseas," explained Spitzer. "Many of them were born in the Caribbean and the major immigrant flow into New York is from the Caribbean, so you see a tremendous Caribbean influence in New York City," he added.

    "There is a symbiotic relationship between New York State and the Caribbean," said Spitzer. He went on to explain that New York provides resources in training, and cash flows back to the Caribbean, "we have so many folks who have come to New York who send money back to their families," he continued.

    Because New York City is an immigrant city, and the state is the center for so many immigrants, Spitzer says New York Government officials, "have a greater understanding of the need for a more collegial relationship, in particular with our Caribbean neighbors because we have such an enormous influx of residents from the Caribbean nations."

    Sitting on the beach outside Journey's End Resort, Spitzer and his family blend with the other visitors to "La Isla Bonita." His children had fun competing in the annual crab races while his wife relaxed and enjoyed a good book. However, if you do an Internet search on Spitzer, you quickly learn about the man when he's not on vacation.

    Eliot Spitzer was named Crusader of the Year by Time Magazine, Businessperson of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and last year was named one of New York Magazine's "50 Sexiest New Yorkers." "We love the strong-jawed, bright-eyed attorney general, a modern-day Eliot Ness who's both tough and charming," the magazine gushed. " It was good for a laugh at home," recalled Spitzer. "My daughters thought it was a big joke."

    CNN wrote that Spitzer has won national and international attention during his two terms as Attorney General with groundbreaking investigations of Wall Street investment houses, mutual fund managers and, most recently, the insurance industry.

    Incumbent Republican Governor George Pataki has not yet announced if he will seek a fourth, four-year term in 2006. The San Pedro Sun welcomes an interview with Pataki should he visit Belize and thanks Mr. Spitzer for taking time from his well-deserved vacation to visit with us.