Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate’s Fall Conference featured Jim Walberg as one of the presenters.

Twice a year Realtors from all over the world gather at the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate conferences.   This is the group that represents the best Realtors from almost 70 countries with only 1,900 members.  Their Fall Conference just concluded in Philadelphia at the Ritz Carlton.   Their Winter Conference is in Paris in January.

I was invited to be a presenter at the conference by John Brian Losh  – founder of Luxury Real Estate.  My topic was profitable internet marketing using blogging as the tool, because of the results that have been created with Caribbean Islands Realty.  Luxury Real Estate’s blog site publishes  many of my articles each month about what is happening in the Caribbean real estate markets.  ALL of the buyers and sellers that have contracted Caribbean Islands Realty have come from our internet blogsite.  ( The photograher for all of the Luxury Real Estate conferences is Ilya Photography.  Ilya is one of the best in the business.)

During the conference I renewed old friendships and made many new ones with the top Realtors in the WORLD – from Australia, Europe, Canada and the US.  I even wore a tux!!!  It was an inspiring experience to share time and information with such a prestigious group of professionals.  I had not been in Philadelphia since I was ten years old, so it was amazing to walk through the headquarters of liberty for our country.

I took an afternoon off and just walked several miles visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell,  the hall where our first Congress convened, and Thomas Jefferson’s garden where he met with Lewis and Clark before their unbelievable expedition of the Western United States.  I was moved by the courage of our Founding Fathers in spite of their fears.  They did not let fear paralyze their commitment to gain the liberty that all of us enjoy today.

My walk last Saturday in Philadelphia reminded me of the scary times we are in today with the world economic meltdown underway.  Many people are paralyzed with fear and believe there is little to hope for.  My focus is where are the opportunities?  We will figure out how to get through this significant moment in our world’s history.  Do you know why?  Because, we don’t have a choice. 

When I mentioned opportunities all around us, how about an 18% increase in Caribbean real estate sales the past 12 months?  The Caribbean fractional / residence club  properties have even more sales.  How about the great prices for real estate in our local communities?  Remember a past article about fear  - FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real.  So, fear is a bad place to hang out.  If you are thinking of a second or third home in Paradise, today is the day to take action.  Contact me  or leave a comment so we can assist you with your next Caribbean purchase.  Besides gaining a piece of Paradise, we will also have lots of fun!  Until next time…fair winds in the midst of stormy times.

St. Thomas, USVI is the location, and the former Preserve At Botany Bay is the spot!

Caribbean fractionals  continue to be THE real estate choice of thousands of Caribbean buyers. Last week David Burden – founder and CEO of Timbers Resorts  announced that the ultra-luxury resort located on the western tip of St. Thomas will be managed by the international hospitality management group – Jumeirah Group,  which is a member of Dubai Holding.  This announcement was made at the signing ceremony with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah. ( Remember my past article about the Virgin Islands  fractional market? )

“We selected Jumeirah as the ideal hotel company to partner with at this unprecedented resort on the secluded western tip of St. Thomas,” remarked David Burden. “Based on their internationally renowned hotel experience in luxury service, they will be a perfect match for our discerning owners and resort guests.”

Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort is one of the true world-class luxury resort which includes mash potato sand beaches, private coves to explore, a protected coral reefs and a nature conservancy, ultra-fine dining, a beach club as well as a Talise Wellness spa.

Jumeirah Group will manage the five-star luxury hotel of 84 rooms, spread over nine tropical buildings in a very secluded setting on St. Thomas’ western shores. It is scheduled to open in 2011, the 400-acre resort will also include 30 fractional residences, 30 whole ownership villas and 20 grand estates. These full-service residences will be managed by Jumeirah Living, combining the luxury of a prestige hotel with all the privacy and comforts of your home away from home.

Jumeirah Group is also in the midst of ultra-luxury resort developments in Phuket, Shanghai, Argentina, Mallorca, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Jordan, among others.  “We are impressed by Timbers Resorts’ commitment to responsible development and the care with which they intend to develop this protected enclave,” said Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group. “With its secluded location in a tropical environment, the Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort will be true to our “STAY DIFFERENT” promise.”

Timbers Resorts is a world class developer that we have enjoyed working with in serving our client’s needs.  The Timbers Collection is a group of small, private, luxury resort properties in the world’s most sought-after ski, golf, beach and scenic countryside locations.  They include One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado;  Botany Bay Resort on St. Thomas in the USVI;  Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy;  The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona;  Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico;  The Timbers Club in Snowmass, Colorado;  and there latest is The Orchard at The Carneros Inn in Napa Valley.

For further information regarding Botany Bay Resort, or any other of the Jumeirah and Timbers Collection, contact me today!   We are standing ready to serve any of your luxury real estate needs around the world!   I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Viscape University has invited renown bloggers Jim Walberg and Jim Cronin as the seminar’s moderators.  Blog = A citizen journalist writing about things they are noticing or personally experiencing and sharing those with the world through the internet.

Viscape  is the world’s first social marketplace to rent or buy vacation properties on-line!  Because it is a social network focused on vacation destinations they also provide a forum for world travelers to share their stories and resources.  One of the services they provide their Internet social marketplace is Viscape University.  This is their education division that focuses on practical topics for world travelers who are interested in rentals and vacation property purchases.  On October 6^th at 9PM EST they are hosting another one hour seminar.  The topic is Blogging and how it can be THE tool one uses to connect to a social network, but specifically how to use it as an additional profitable marketing tool for your business.

Because of the success of CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com, and RealEstateTomato.com’s blog sites,  Viscape has arranged for the owners of these businesses to be the moderators of a one hour teleconference on this topic.  Jim Cronin and I will be the contributors as we share our experience of how blogging can be the most effective tool possible to connect with people who are looking for the services you are providing.

Jim Cronin’s internet site – RealEstateTomato.com, is built to be a “hub” to assist the real estate community to better understand how to embrace blogging as the center of their marketing efforts.  He recently created “Tomoto University”,  An education and training center for bloggers – from novice to those who are at the top of their game want to go even higher.  Jim moved to California in the mid 90′s as the Senior Internet Marketing Consultant for Z57 Inc. from 2000 – 2006.  He then had the idea of creating a method where he could share his incredible strategies regarding blogging as a marketing profit center for real estate businesses, and RealEstateTomato.com was launched.  Jim has helped thousands of Realtors gain a superior Internet presence by using the tool of blogging on their websites.

No matter if you have been checking out my CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com  site for the last two years, or you just found us, we have become the real estate resource center for the Caribbean, with thousands of visitors from 16 different countries around the world using our services.  And, our readership continues to grow daily.  Our blog site has also evolved into being your Caribbean lifestyle information center with ME – for better or worse,  as your on-site detective letting you know about my favorite stuff to do in Paradise.  Not only is CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com a resource center for Caribbean real estate, we also assist those who want to purchase a piece of their Caribbean paradise.  We represent real estate opportunities from Aruba to the British Virgin Islands.

So…if you want to discover the rules and strategies of blogging as a very profitable marketing tool for your business – whether it is for real estate or for any enterprise, check out this FREE teleconference on October 6^th.   RSVP to RSVP@viscape.com  by October 3rd in order to get the call-in information.  Also, you can start posting your questions  that you would like Jim and I to addressing during your time together with us on the teleconference.  Contact me  if you have further questions about this exciting event.  Until next time…I remain your Caribbean lifestyle detective!

This boutique luxury resort on the Placentia Peninsula is a trendsetter when it comes to its “Green Features”!

Palmetto Bay Resort  is one of the leaders of “green” Caribbean developments in Belize.  This boutique luxury resort has integrated into its build features that other developers are watching closely.  Palmetto Bay Resort has carefully considered its impact on the environment from the earliest planning stages of its development. Some of the features they have implemented are:

• Geothermal cooling and heating technology
• Solar power for outside illumination – pathways, water features, landscaping and the beach
• Grey water systems to recycle water
• LED lighting that will reduce energy costs by as much as 80%
• Indigenous species of plants including fruit trees in the landscaping
• Cisterns to catch and store rain water and act as a renewable water supply for the saline pool, water features and landscaping
• Strategically implemented wind power

This gated project has plans for around 120 full-ownership condominiums.  The initial phase that has just been released has 36 whole ownership Caribbean beachfront condo starting in the low $300s US and they are currently the most sought after resort real estate for sale in Belize. It is just a short two-hour flight from Houston or Miami to Belize where there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property or capital gains tax.  This is a project you may want to put on your list for your piece of Paradise!  They even just announced a fly-in package for people who want to seriously consider this as there next Tropical home.

OK…so how is this for a description of what Palmetto Bay Resort has created?  As you walk into your Caribbean condo you first notice a wrap-around veranda overlooking the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea.  What I immediately do is dump my watch and find my bathing suit.  The temperature is around 85F degrees with a delightful warm breeze, and I then head to mash-potato coral sand.  Then the stress really starts because a decision needs to made;  sunbathe; snorkel, SCUBA dive; drink…because thirst is a dangerous thing; read; nap; eat; schedule a jungle tour checking out how many Tucans I can spot, and many more choices to consider.  Here is the fun part, I get to do it ALL!  My first task is take out the cold beer in the frig and head to a lounge waiting for me on the beach.  All the rest of the remaining choices will show up in their proper order…which, actually, there is no proper order.  This mind set is the way I get to “Caribbean Time” as fast as possible. 

Here is more good news for those you intrigued about buying real estate in Belize.  Belize has made owning real estate very simple and easy with some of the most advantageous offshore investment legislation in the world. The official language in Belize is English, and the legal system is based on English common law. Belize has no capital gains tax, no inheritance, estate or probate taxes and no restrictions on foreign ownership of property. The ease of air travel to Belize from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. is effortless compared to many of your choices for other Tropical destinations.

Finally…you will discover a country of diversity!  It has a very wide variety of ethnic backgrounds that live together in a marvelous melting pot, each adding to the cultural color of the next. Belizeans are some of the friendliest people in the world. They are a cross-pollination of cultures – ancient Maya people, Spanish,  British, African roots, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and Indian influences, AND the official language is still English.  This is one of the special Caribbean destinations that you will want to put on your “must see” list.  Let me now if you want more information about my favorite spots.  Until next time…fair winds!

Casa de Campo Resort is the location of one of best resorts in the Caribbean!

If you have read any of my past postings  about what is happening in the real estate opportunities in the Dominican Republic, you know I am a raving fan!  The DR is not a secret anymore to the world travelers who want an amazing experience of Caribbean culture, luxury resorts, world class golf courses, and GREAT cigars.  The DR is now known for its beautiful beaches and some of the most friendly people welcoming you to their tropical paradise.

“Los Altos”  is a 116 unit ultra-luxury one, two and three bedroom villas and lofts development within Casa de Campo Resort.  They even have a concierge service that takes care of EVERY detail of your Caribbean experience – from booking travel, hotels, transportation, and even grocery shopping so your kitchen is stocked when you arrive. ( Wouldn’t be great if they could rent out this service at our full time homes? )

Here is an example of what is included in the two-bedroom / three-bath / 2,533 sq.ft. lofts:  swimming pool, completely furnished, and even a garage door opener!  This limited edition luxury property is right in the middle of the DR’s best golfing, spa and resort amenities in the Caribbean, and features some over-the-top gardens, and even an optional private pool.  All of the Los Altos villas have breathtaking views of the Dye Fore golf course.  I have heard from many golfers coming off the links that there is not a more beautiful site in golf than to finish a round and watch a Caribbean sunset at the 18^th hole of this course,  which is actually perched at the top of the resort’s highest point!  You will be blown away by this finishing hole.  OK, so what is the price?  How about a fractional ownership price of $200,000, to $795,000 for a full ownership!  WOW!  What an opportunity for a primary home or a part time get-a-way!

AND, Los Altos is located right next to Altos de Chavon, a gorgeous replica of a 16^th century Italian village, with shops, restaurants, and many cultural attractions.  In fact, in the village there is even a 5,000 seat open-air theater!  The concert schedule they are planning is world class!  Casa de Campo Resort has already won the Travel & Leisure Magazine’s   #1 “Family Friendly Resort In The Caribbean!”, plus, the #1 “Golf Course In The Caribbean”!  Casa de Campo Resort is one of the very special Caribbean paradises!  What a place to have your “home away from home”!  Los Altos’ villas and lofts are just a few of over 1,200 private villas at the 7,000 acre resort with outstanding amenities to satisfy clients with the most discriminating tastes.

Owners of Los Altos villas and lofts enjoy ALL of Casa de Campo resort’s amenities and services.  And, there is even MORE!

• Equestrian center!
• Tennis courts!
• Sailing facility!
• World class full service spa!
• Poolside lounges!
• Three championship golf courses; Teeth of the Dog; the Links, and Dye Fore!

And, even MORE!  So, what are you waiting for?  Contact me today  for more information!  The DR has become one of my Top Five favorite Caribbean destinations!  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is exhausted from the work required to bring these great opportunities to your favorite Caribbean website.  OK, so I am just kidding!  This “old dog” is having the time of his life!

“The Waterford” on Grand Cayman is setting a new standard of excellence with Caribbean fractional ownership!

You know that I am not only a fan of fractional ownership in the Caribbean, it has been the hottest real estate purchase options for the past year.  I have let you know about the opportunities in the Cayman Islands in the past, but what is unfolding at The Waterford on Grand Cayman continues to evolve into one of the top luxury properties in paradise.  Grand Cayman is the ultra-chic island in the Caymans.  It has the international shopping, high end nightlife, along with the traditional Cayman-style homes and a rich Caribbean history.  George Town is the on Grand Cayman and it is the capital of the Cayman Islands.  George Town is also the fifth largest financial center in the world!

Grand Cayman real estate is some of the most valuable and prestigious you can find in the tropics.  The Waterford Private Residence Club is Grand Cayman’s newest oceanfront luxury resort at Safe Haven overlooking the islands North Sound with breathtaking views of Rum Point.  The Waterford is offering purchasers of an oceanfront villa for $1,700,000US – pre-construction!  They are also offering 1/8 fractional ownerships starting at $329,000US – pre-construction!  The end result will be one of the most amazing turn key, fully furnished, luxury residence in the Caribbean!

You will not believe luxurious amenities that are included for you and your guests.  Here are a few of them so your imagination can run wild for a moment or two:

• Use of a car during your stay – Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi or BMW
• Boat privileges – a Boston Whaler complete with your very own captain!
• Private jet services are available for booking a direct flight to Grand Cayman!
• Golf and tennis club membership!
• The Waterford Spa – a 5,000 sq. ft. full service spa and fitness center!
• Two sprawling crystal blue pools right along the sandy beach front!
• The Waterford Cigar Room – one of my favorites!
• An unmatched 24 hour concierge, maid and valet services.
• How about a pre-arrival grocery shopping service? Your kitchen will be stocked!

Are you getting the picture?  The Waterford is creating an unforgettable experience for each of their owners.  From the moment you arrive until the moment you depart, you will experience the most pampered lifestyle I have ever seen,  right in the heart of paradise – the Caribbean!  Your staff of professionals are on-call every day to make sure that ALL of your needs are met!  An added feature is that The Waterford staff speaks English, Spanish, French and Italian.

With its prime location on Grand Cayman, The Waterford provides its owners the ultimate Cayman Islands real estate opportunity by combining the advantages of ownership with five-star amenities and luxury resort services.  All of the residences have breathtaking oceanfront views, elegant furnishings, and luxury amenities and services beyond any of your expectations!  If you have ever dreamed of owning your own luxurious vacation villa in the Caribbean then you may want to seriously consider The Waterford Private Residence Club on Grand Cayman.  Contact me TODAY for the next steps to take in order to find out how easy it is to secure your spot in paradise.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

Even though The Bahamas are not the Caribbean, most people still think they are! And…they are one of the easiest islands to get to from the U.S.

You remember one of my last articles about The Bahamas and how they are rated one of the Top Five islands in Paradise. Well, the outer island of Exuma in The Bahamas may be the top pick to check out for fractional ownership today. One of my latest articles was about the challenge that will show up in September to travel to the Caribbean because of the cut backs of American and Continental Airlines. Well, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Belize, and The Turks & Caicos will not be affected by these flight cutbacks because of all the direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe that don’t go through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Plus, the ownership of property is even more advantageous because of the favorable tax haven of these islands nations.

The reason why I am featuring the island of Exuma as an option for fractional ownership is because of what is being offered at the February Point Resort. They have fractional ownership opportunities starting at $350,000 and up for a month or more of a second home in Paradise. The specific aspect of February Point that I want you to know about is the fractional ownership opportunities in BIG villas; 4-bedrooms; 4-baths; 3,400 sq.ft. with air conditioning; 2,100+ of verandas around the villa; an infinity pool; and, 360 degree views of The Bahamas. Plus, the villa has a dock on the azure blue water! Are you ready for this? It also includes an SUV; a 26 foot power boat; a BIG golf cart; membership in The Club at Emerald Bay which includes the use of a Greg Norman designed oceanfront golf course; and you can have access to over 150 properties all over the world to visit through the Resort To Resort membership!

And…there are still a few aspects of fractional ownership to pay attention to. The fractional model at February Point is designed to have each owner purchase specific sections of the year. The first one in gets the prime times. So, if you own a piece of February and you want to visit in August you will need to work that out with your other owners or the management company. Also, how do you manage your personal possessions that you want to enjoy when you are at your fractional ownership villa? There are storage facilities available, and the management company unpacks your stuff before you arrive. But, you only have a limited amount of “stuff” to pack into your storage space, so you definitely know your piece of Paradise is not just yours.

What do I know? But, I believe that there is still an upside appreciation waiting for those that jump into the fractional ownership opportunities at February Point! Great Exuma is linked by a narrow bridge to Little Exuma, which used to be a “Caribbean” backwater. Today it still has fewer than 4,000 inhabitants, but all that is changing. With February Point’s oceanfront settings, the luxury amenities of the resort, the furnishings that come with the fractional ownership of the villas, and the tax advantages of The Bahamas, it is a very appealing option for those wanting to own a piece of Paradise. Until next time…your Caribbean detective remains on duty!

No matter what you may think, Caribbean home buyers are changing their buying patterns because of the OIL CRISIS!

I am a non-stop student as to what is happening within the local and global economies. I am reading, or I am on the internet everyday checking out the latest news. (I do have a booboo on my head in this photo from a sailing accident.) They impact all aspects of real estate – from the Thailand to the Caribbean. Luxury Fractional ownership continues to thrieve because of pricing and ease of management. One of the economists that I read each week is Bob Doll from BlackRock. They are a premier provider of global investment advisory services. Bob writes a weekly perspective as to his take on current economic events. Here are some of his thoughts last week that focus on the impact of oil prices on world economies. Some of you will ignore this article because of the word “economist” next to Mr. Doll’s name, but it does have some good stuff in it.

Bob Doll – BlackRock: ( Mr. Doll is also the Global Chief Executive Officer For Equities, and was the President and Chief Investment Officer of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. BlackRock has $1.36 trillion in assets under management as of 3/30/08.)

The surge in oil prices comes at a bad time for the U.S. and world economies. Consumer spending is already stretched, the housing market remains weak nationally, and the employment picture continues to soften. High oil prices will no doubt detract from overall economic growth, but we would also note that aggressive monetary and fiscal stimuli should provide some offset. Our overall forecast for the economy calls for continued weak, but positive growth. The labor market remains under pressure, but unemployment claims have not increased as much as they typically would prior to a recession, and remain consistent with modestly positive economic growth levels.

To us, the critical oil-related issue is whether higher prices will trigger other inflationary problems, chiefly, accelerating wage growth. To date, there has been no evidence of that, which is one of the reasons we maintain our belief that inflation will behave itself. Headline inflation ( which includes energy and food prices ) continues to be boosted by surging commodity prices, yet core consumer inflation ( which excludes energy and food prices ) remains tame and labor costs have been easing. Looking ahead, we expect that the weak economy could cause inflation pressures to moderate and that headline numbers could come back down to core levels. The long-term case for higher oil prices is still intact. Rising demand in China and other developing markets such as India, coupled with shrinking global supply, means that the ear of cheap oil is, unfortunately, over. We do, however, continue to believe that oil is due for a near – term correction or consolidation.

Putting this all together, we believe that energy prices will correct at some point, that the the U.S. economy will slowly heat over the next 12 months and that inflation will eventually drift lower. Ironically, a muddling economy is probably the best environment for stocks at present. Slow growth will prevent inflation from becoming a problem, while also keeping the economy out of deflationary territory. Markets are benefiting from some other tailwinds as well. Earnings estimates, continue to fall for financial companies, but non-financial earnings remain sound. Valuations remain attractive, and there is still a great deal of cash on the side lines that should eventually move back into the world markets. Our view remains that the S&P 500 low of 1,270 (touched a couple of months ago) marked the bottom for the current cycle, but we also believe tha the S&P hit a temporary ceiling of 1,425 before last week (roughly corresponding to a Dow Jones level of 13,000). At some point, we believe the positive factors we described will allow markets to break through these levels, but predicting exactly when that will happen is, of course, an impossibility.

After a minute or two of reading Mr. Doll’s economic thoughts, remember that the Caribbean real estate markets are still very STRONG. We continue to see an increase in sales in the Fractional world. People are also making real estate purchase choices that are closer to their personal needs, like health care. Let me know your comments on the experience you are having with current economic conditions where you live. Until next time.

NEWS FLASH: The most beautifully planned development in Aruba is about to offer Fractionals!

Tierra del Sol - the only planned community in the Caribbean, with the Trent Jones champion golf course is launching a fractional project to go along with their beautiful development that includes homes, villas, condominiums, golf, spa & fitness, fine dining, and much more.  At the northwest tip of Aruba, has emerged a gorgeous 600 acre community offering a lifestyle to satisfy even the most discriminating of owners and world travelers. With today’s planned lifestyle, Tierra del Sol gives you the opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams just a chip shot away from the green, even if you are not an avid golfer.

This private community offers a remarkable experience within a meticulously planned and highly acclaimed environment. Homeowners and vacationers experience world-class amenities, including fine and casual dining, a full service spa, fitness and full care beauty salon, lighted tennis complex and unlimited greens at a championship golf course, displaying its own challenging version of Robert Trent Jones II - the only professional golf course on Aruba.

The tranquil setting provides a gracious lifestyle amid some of the most beautiful Caribbean views. Custom homes, villas, casitas and home sites accommodate a wide variety of expectations for your personal lifestyle. A homes at Tierra del Sol incorporate distinctive design features, tailored to the desert surroundings and complementing the natural beauty of the landscape, creating an inspiring and tranquil environment within this beautiful private community.

 Body &  Soul is a sanctuary amidst the finest displays of nature. Nourish your body, revitalize your mind and enhance your well being with a journey to vitality.  Pamper yourself from head to toe.  Their spa treatments are designed to ease tension and restore balance to your body and spirit. The spa’s professional staff offers a variety of therapies, including massages, body wraps, skin and body treatments, aromatherapies, hydrotherapy, manicure and pedicure and a newly opened full service hair salon.

 As you know, each time I get off a plane in the Caribbean, no matter what island it is,  the words that go through my brain are, “Welcome Home!”  That is the experience you will have when you arrive at Tierra del Sol.  For more information about pricing, contact me!  Until next time…fair winds.

No matter what the project is in the Caribbean, controversy sometimes surfaces…a summary of their article and a response from South Beach Belize representative - Tom McPeak

San Pedro Sun Article:  South Beach Belize

On May 17th, 2008, an email was sent out to various possible and interested investors around the world. The email carried the headline “Exclusive pre-construction opportunity in beautiful Belize” and was sent by Director for South Beach Belize, Jeff Pierce.

The release states that “This exciting project has earned tremendous response in the very few weeks that the web site has been up. A luxurious gated community featuring a Casino combined with a large hotel, multiple residential properties and Villas plus commercial and recreational venues. We have the support of the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Mayor of San Pedro, the Area Representative and other Ministers and Cabinet Members to insure the success of South Beach Belize. We are located at the southern tip of the island (South Beach) only ten minutes by boat or fifteen minutes by road from downtown or the airport. We are starting construction of the first Villas and Condominiums in the next 30 days. The newly elected government of Belize is very in tuned with growth and expanding the economy. Several of the ministers have visited the site and we have the full support of the government for South Beach.”

Location

South Beach Belize is a proposed development located on the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula on Ambergris Caye, approximately four miles south of San Pedro Town. According to Manager of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Miguel Alamilla, South Beach Belize could have detrimental effects on the ecosystems surrounding the proposed site. Any development that proposes to build anything in close proximity to the reserve would need an EIA prior to proceeding. If the development is not properly monitored as per the specified regulation set by the Department of Environment (DoE) all four zones within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are being placed in danger.

EIA, Clearance and Support

Prior to developing, Director Jeff Pierce was required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment with the Department of Environment (DoE) which falls within the Ministry of Natural Resources. In an interview with Martin Alegria, Chief Executive Officer for DoE, no EIA had been submitted by Pierce, as of press time. On Thursday, May 15th, 2008, Alegria, along with other government agencies paid a visit to the site and verbally told Pierce to cease any and all work being carried out on the project.

So, with no EIA, no support, what will happen to South Beach Belize? Reliable sources informed this reporter that since the verbal “cease construction” stop order given to Pierce on Thursday was not followed through, a formal stop order will now be issued and Pierce may face a fine, as well. When asked if DoE had indeed issued him a verbal stop order, Pierce commented, “I don’t believe so.” He ended the telephone interview by stating that he was to meet with DoE on Thursday, as well as with Minister Heredia.

Tom McPeak’s Response ( Jim Walberg asked the U.S. representative of the South Beach Belize project for a response to this article.)

 All appropriate submittals for development at South Beach Belize are made as required.  As a developer in the Florida panhandle I can tell you that there is a continual stream of submissions before, during, and after the completion of multiple phases in a project.  The timing of some submissions is based on discussions with regulatory authorities, and may vary depending on those discussions.  If a developer cannot solve inevitable public and private challenges as they occur, he cannot develop.  Jeff Pierce is a successful developer in Belize, as measured by the beautiful and financially successful recent project, Reef Village. 

 In any development of this size, there is normally greater publicity (both positive and negative) in the beginning, with a normal diminishing as the project moves forward.  Generally, by the time there is no publicity at all, the prices have gone up and the best lots are sold. However, since the project has only recently been started, you may want to wait until the current matter is settled. 

I welcome your comments regarding the process of developing real estate in the Caribbean.  There are many complicated factors.  I want to always bring to you all sides of the issues facing Caribbean real estate development.  Until next time.