Roy was born in Orange Walk Town on February 3rd, 1970 to parents Gregorio and Anastacia ( ) Novelo. Roannie was born on March 20th, 1971 to parents Alvaro and Carmen Espejo. The couple attended La Immaculada Primary School and after successfully completing their education at that institution enrolled at Muffles College in Orange Walk. Both graduated from the school on 1988 and after a short stint, at Saint John’s College Junior College in Belize City, the duo returned to their hometown.

    Roy and Roannie tied the knot at an intimate reception on March 31st, 1991. Their union has produced two beautiful children, Cindy Roannie (13) and Roy Benjamin (8).

    Roy’s family’s business, Belicolor, was the couple’s first job where Roannie worked the secretarial aspect of the business while Roy handled the photography and laboratory aspect of it. On August 8th, 1994 after paying a visit in July of that year, the Novelo’s moved to the island to begin a new life. “Roy saw the potential that there was here. We moved and we were welcomed by the residents with open arms from the very first day,” commented Roannie.

    Belicolor, the San Pedro branch, began with their one hour printing and photo studio, located at the corner of Barrier Reef Drive and Pescador Drive, which kept them very busy. 13 years ago Roy realized that the potential was not only in the photo side of his business but on the video aspect of it as well. “The demand was there. The video work to our business was a necessary step,” continued Roannie.

    Today, Belicolor not only has their one hour printing service and their photo studio, but they video and edit your most memorable occasions and do digital printing. “We work with everyone, whatever it is that you need we are here to help you remember your special day,” commented Roannie. “Our busiest times are during the holiday. Every year we have Santa Claus come visit the kids and have their pictures taken with him.” In their free time the Novelo’s enjoy spending quality family time at the beach. “At first adapting to the island was hard, especially for me. Not having any family here was really hard. But the appreciation from the people, it has all made it worthwhile. We do not plan on going anywhere,” ended Roannie.

    Belicolor can be found on Barrier Reef Drive and is open from 8am to 5pm, and from 7:30pm to 9pm, Monday to Saturday.

    Roy and Roannie have become a staple of our island life. Always present at the island’s most special occasions, camera on hand, extra batteries to the side, Roy and Roannie Novelo have captured the best moments in “Our Belize Community.”

Update on Miguel Alamilla (Our Community)

    Since the Our Community article ran in October 28th, 1999, and subsequently on September 14th, 2007, Miguel Alamilla has become a full fledged diving instructor since December of 2002 and is currently completing his Master’s Degree program from the University of Ulster, United Kingdom. To complete his education, Miguel is preparing an independent research project to write his thesis. Today, Miguel is also the proud father of two beautiful girls Kylie Michelle (5) and Rachel Acacia (3).

    Miguel continues his hard work at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and is still protecting the environment in “Our Belize Community.”