If you’re thinking of selling your property, it may take a little more than choosing a real estate agent to take a few pictures and get your property listed on a website. Some sellers choose a selling price based on what is owed to the bank or whatever they believe someone would be willing to pay, but there’s more that goes into finding the right price for your property in Belize. Matus Real Estate Ltd. offers FREE PROPERTY VALUATIONS when you enter into an exclusive listing agreement with us!
WHY GET A PROPERTY VALUATION?
Property valuations help to ensure that your Belize property is actually worth the listed sale price. A thorough property valuation is supported by current market values and compares what similar properties have sold for in the area. Property valuations depend on several factors like the type of property you’re selling, location, or the amount of equity in your property. They provide an estimate of your property’s value based on a detailed inspection and whether it includes buildings and chattels.
WHEN TO GET AN APPRAISAL?
It is always wise to get a property appraisal done before you finalize your decision to sell your Belize real estate. This will allow you to make an informed decision in regard to pricing. While cost and price can affect your property’s value, it does not determine the actual value, so it is always wise to request a professional property valuation.
HOW TO GET A PROPERTY APPRAISAL IN BELIZE?
An accurate property valuation can help to seal the deal in any property sale. Since no two properties are alike, it is best to leave your property valuation to the expert eye. The experienced team at Matus Real Estate Ltd. will help to get your property valuation done the right way. Call them at +501-615-5886 to arrange your free consultation today!
Today would have been the 60th birthday of Belize’s musical legend – Andy Palacio.
Andy Palacio put Belize on the map and made a permanent mark on the international music scene with his award-winning album Watina. Throughout his career, he was awarded two prestigious international awards – “Best New Artist” at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991 and “World Music Award” at the BBC3 Awards in 2008.
Andy Palacio’s life mission was the preservation of the Garifuna culture and language. He put that mission to the forefront through his music.
He first started out in the popular Punta Rock genre which is an upbeat Garifuna dance music that is infused with synthetic beats and keyboards. However later on he realized that the Punta Rock genre wasn’t for him and that he needed to make music in a form that would keep his Garifuna Heritage alive.
In an interview for Stonetree Records, Andy Palacio speaks of cringing when he looked back at the samplers, sequencers, and instrumentals he was working with in the mid-’90s, adding that he didn’t want to be devoid of technology and become a slave to it. This is why Palacio ensured that the tracks off the Watina album would be filled with messages and symbolism that speak to the need for the Garifuna people and the need to celebrate the culture. He wanted to create songs that were very different than the popular dance-oriented Punta and Paranda music.
Although he’s been gone for more than 12 years (January 19, 2020, marked the 12th year anniversary of his passing), Andy Palacio surely lives on through his music at home in Belize and abroad.
One of the priority campaign areas of this new administration was to develop and share a new strategy for COVID-19 going forward. After a very immediate and intense review along with several consultations, the Minister of Health and Wellness Hon. Michel Chebat, SC on the advice of Cabinet has approved the following recommendations to increase the response for change through specific key areas: Epidemiological surveillance, hospital and lab capacity, medical and pharmaceutical supplies and risk communication and education for behavior change.
Specific recommendations:
1. Improve Surveillance and Testing Capacities
Immediate – implement and scale up the use of rapid test in all district hospitals for symptomatic and close contacts.
Hire additional staff including (ex. laboratory technicians, lab aides, contact tracers and data entry clerks).
Active Surveillance with Ministry of Health teams at private businesses.
Establish testing sites outside of the hospital in accessible areas in urban communities and create two mobile swabbing teams for rural communities.
2. Surge Capacity for Hospital Services
Hiring of additional human resources such as nurses, doctors, specialist heath staff, support staff for deployment to all regional and community hospitals.
Acquisition of additional medical equipment and supplies.
3. National Public Health Measures for Containment
Implement curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. for 21 days effective Saturday, November 28, 2020.
Restriction of gatherings remains at 10 people at general public places, including the immediate household.
Every organization is expected to implement work from home orders and/or staff shift rotation for employees.
Provide food packages and stipend to families in quarantine in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.
Provide hotel for persons who cannot quarantine at home.
Assess housing conditions to determine adequacy for isolation and/or quarantine.
Enforcement of Quarantine Measures in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries.
Provide accommodation and other logistics for health care personnel.
New Health Education Campaign to reach both public and private sector in collaboration with the media and Non-Governmental Organization.
Restaurants without outdoor dining to have takeout and delivery service only.
Outdoor restaurants may offer dining in services by reservation only, for no more than 50 per cent of its seating capacity.
Churches can conduct service but it remains at 10 persons maximum
Bars remain closed.
Gymnasiums are to remain closed.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is eager and committed to work with all sectors to reduce the increasing COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation in the immediate short term and adjust plans as necessary on the advice of its medical team.
Please continue to wear a face mask properly in public, maintain consistent physical distancing and wash and sanitize hands at every opportunity. Be safe and stay at home.
the Garifuna Settlement Day holiday was created by Thomas Vincent Ramos in 1941?
Thomas Vincent Ramos lived from September 17, 1887 to November 14, 1955 where he passed away in his Stann Creek home at the age of 68. Ramos was born in Puerto Cortes, Honduras but later moved and spent most of his life living in Belize. He worked as a school teacher and was known for being a Civil Rights Activist with primary concern being the lack of health and financial facilities to aid the Garinagu living in Dangriga. He formed the Carib Development Society as a way to help the sick and render financial aid to bury their dead. Ramos also fought against the discrimination of the Garifuna people. His most well-known effort was when he lobbied the Governor to establish a Public and Bank Holiday to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna in Belize. His request was granted and Garifuna Settlement Day, which was first known as Carib Disembarkation Day, was first celebrated on November 19, 1941 only in Stann Creek District, then later in Punta Gorda and Toledo in 1943 then country-wide in 1977.
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WSW OR 255 DEGREES AT 3 MPH…6 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1006 MB…29.71 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
There are no coastal watches or warning in effect.
Interests in Nicaragua and Honduras should monitor the progress of this system. A hurricane Watch may be required for a portion of that area tonight or early Saturday.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
At 400 PM EST (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Iota was located near latitude 13.8 North, longitude 74.3 West. Iota is moving toward the west-southwest near 3 mph (6km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through early Saturday. A westward to west-northwestward motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected to begin by late Saturday and continue through Monday. On the forecast track, Iota will move across the central Caribbean Sea during the next day or so, and approach the coasts of Nicaragua and northeastern Honduras late Sunday and Monday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady to rapid strengthening is likely over the weekend, and the system is forecast to be a major hurricane when it approaches Central America.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 mb (29.71 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
Rainfall: Through Wednesday morning, Iota is expected to produce 4 to 8 inches of rain, with local 12 inch totals, across portions of northern Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica. Across Jamaica and southern Haiti, 2 to 4 inches are expected, with local amounts up to 6 inches. Across remaining sections of Central America, the system has the potential to produce 20 to 30 inches of rain with a focus across northern Nicaragua and Honduras. This rainfall would lead to significant, life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding, along with landslides in areas of higher terrain.
SURF: Swells generated by Iota will begin affecting portions of the coast of Colombia, and the southern coasts of Hispaniola and Jamaica during the next day or so. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
As Eta moves on from Central America and heads toward the U.S. Golf Coast, the people of Belize are still reeling from the flood waters that continue to rise in various parts of the country.
Though it’s been four days since Eta cleared the country, many Belizeans are forced to seek shelter in higher areas as the flood waters spread throughout the low-lying areas. This is the case today in the ever-growing area of Belama in Belize City as the flood waters now begin to rise in the canals flowing through the residential community.
Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the flooding in the Belama Phase 3 & 4 community after Eta passes in Belize City.
Hurricane Eta has intensified into a Category 4 storm and is expected to bring devastating winds and storm surge to the coast of Nicaragua, as well as potentially catastrophic, life-threatening flooding rainfall that will last for days in much of Central America.
Eta is centered off the coast of Nicaragua in the western Caribbean and is tracking in a west-southwesterly direction.
Maximum sustained winds in Eta increased from 50 mph to 120 mph in the 24 hours ending 1 p.m. EST Monday. That’s double the criteria for the rapid intensification of a tropical cyclone, which is a wind speed increase of 35 mph or more in 24 hours or less.
Additional strengthening is expected as the center of Eta approaches the coast of Nicaragua through late Monday night and early Tuesday. Eta is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 when it nears landfall in northern Nicaragua by Tuesday.
(The red-shaded area denotes the potential path of the center of the tropical cyclone. It’s important to note that impacts (particularly heavy rain, high surf, coastal flooding, winds) with any tropical cyclone usually spread beyond its forecast path.)
Hurricane conditions are likely in the hurricane warning area of northern Nicaragua Monday night into early Tuesday. Devastating wind damage will occur near where Eta’s eyewall tracks inland.
There will be a destructive storm surge near and just north of where Eta crosses the coast. Parts of northern Nicaragua could see an inundation of 12 to 18 feet above normal tide levels.
Some of the worst wind and storm surge impacts could affect the city of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.
(A watch is issued when tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. A warning is issued when those conditions are expected within 36 hours. )
Eta’s most widespread threat will be heavy rainfall that will last for days well inland across Central America, since Eta is slow moving.
Catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding could occur in some parts of Central America, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Landslides are possible in areas with mountainous terrain.
Here are where the heaviest rainfall totals are predicted by NHC in Central America:
-15 to 25 inches, with locally up to 30 inches in much of Nicaragua and Honduras
-10 to 20 inches, with locally up to 25 inches in eastern Guatemala and Belize
-10 to 15 inches, with locally up to 25 inches in Panama and Costa Rica
-5 to 10 inches, with locally up to 15 inches in southern areas of southeast Mexico
Parts of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands could also see heavy rainfall and flooding from Eta.
Northwest Caribbean Reformation Threat Late Week?
Eta will track slowly across Central America through late this week, however, its long-term forecast beyond that time is highly uncertain.
One possible forecast scenario is that Eta will simply dissipate as it spreads heavy rainfall over Central America.
However, there is increasing computer model forecast guidance that shows Eta’s spin and energy lingering over Central America for a time and then moving back over the northwestern Caribbean. That could lead to a reorganizing Eta or a new system forming over the northwest Caribbean late in the week ahead or next weekend.
Check back to weather.com for updates over the next several days on this possibility and what it might mean for any other land areas in the long-term future. That could include Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and South Florida.
(The lines on this graphic represent several of the many track forecasts from various computer models. This is not an official forecast, but these are used as guidance for creating the projected path. )
November in the Tropics
Tropical development isn’t all that unusual in the western Caribbean in early November.
In fact, several storms have formed in this area over the last 70 years.
Notably, hurricanes Paloma (2008) and Michelle (2001) have formed near Central America and then moved northeastward toward Cuba. Paloma intensified to a Category 4 near Cuba before weakening to a Category 2 at landfall in the country, causing heavy damage in both Cuba and the Cayman Islands. Michelle was one of the most significant hurricanes in Cuban history at the time, causing billions in damage as a Category 4 hurricane.
(Tropical depressions have formed here since 1950)
We should expect one named storm every other November, and one November hurricane roughly every three years. Of course, some years are more active than this while others are quieter.
Historically, most systems that form in the western Caribbean are scooped up by the dipping jet stream over the United States and pushed northeastward over Cuba and the Bahamas and out to sea.
Other tropical systems form in the open Atlantic and around Bermuda or the western Atlantic. These systems are typically spawned by drooping cold fronts in that region or other orphaned low-pressure systems that break off from the jet stream.
By the end of the month, this jet stream makes it increasingly inhospitable for tropical systems to form in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic. Water temperatures increasingly get too cold for tropical development elsewhere in the basin, leading to less frequent systems.
Hurricane Hattie struck Belize on October 31, 1961, killing more than 400 people and leaving thousands homeless. Almost half of Belize City was demolished by the storm.
The storm that would become Hattie had formed two weeks earlier in the Atlantic Ocean and then moved slowly west toward Central America. When it reached the coast of Belize, known at the time as British Honduras, it was a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour and gusts reaching 180 mph. It was the strongest storm to hit Belize to date. With accurate weather predictions still in their infancy, an attempted evacuation was only partially successful.
The barrier islands of Turneffe and Caye Caulker were totally submerged by the storm surge. Hattie then brought a 12-foot surge to the mainland, flattening all buildings near the shore. Stann Creek, a small fishing village on the coast near Belize City, was completely destroyed. Following the hurricane, a village was built on the outskirts of Belize City and named Hattieville.
Due to the devastation of Hattie, the government chose to construct the new capital city 50 miles inland on high ground and safe from tidal waves. Because of the severity of the hurricane, the name “Hattie” was retired and will never be used as the name of an Atlantic hurricane again.
Below are some amazing photos of the destruction in Belize City caused by Hurricane Hattie 53 years ago.
LOOKING BACK TO 1961
Hattie victims line up at Department of Housing and Planning: Office of Central Authority, and Department of Information and Communications.
Old Market in Downtown Belize City
The building in the center was the Royal Bank of Canada, today the Belize Bank. At the rear left of the photo you can see the Supreme Court building with its signature architecture.
The large building on the right with the sign was Belize Estate and Produce Limited.
Not sure where this building was or is in Belize City. Someone has suggested it may be the Peace Corp building… but I really can’t say. Any clues anyone?
Not sure where this one is.
The panoramic scene at the Old Swing Bridge, a crossing still in action…
This building, says CBA engineers Philip Waight and Paul Satchwell, fell down off its posts and ended up partly in the street. Waight’s family home also fell off its posts, he said on The Adele Ramos Show.
This photo is smack downtown in Belize City. The building to the right is Hofius Hardware – to the left is the present-day First Caribbean International Bank on Albert Street.
These men were discussing disaster relief efforts 3 days after Hattie.
On the Barracks… how our ladies did it back in the day and they looked uncomplaining!
Relief via helicopter airlifted to the Memorial Park in Belize City.
All photos and captions courtesy of Adele Ramos: “The Adele Ramos Show” Belize City.
Shower activity continues to become better organized in association with a tropical wave located over the eastern Caribbean Sea. Conditions are conducive for further development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend or early next week as the system moves into the central and western Caribbean Sea.
Belize is advised to keep tracking the storm in the event it shifts direction and impacts the country when it makes landfall.
* Formation chance through 48 hours…high…70 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days…high…80 percent.
Belize is situated on the northeastern cost of Central America. The Belize population is around 397,000 according to Worldometer living in an area of 8,867 sq miles. The official language of Belize is English with Spanish being the second most common language spoken. The English language comes from when the British laid claim to Belize and then defeated the Spanish in 1798. Belize became known as British Honduras and became a British colony in 1840. Independence was not gained until near the end of 1981.
Belize is a rural country that borders both Mexico and Guatemala and shares its shoreline with the Caribbean Sea. The vast Belize Barrier Reef is host to many different forms of marine life and there are jungle areas with Mayan ruins waiting for you to discover them.
There are many things to recommend about a trip to Belize but here are some of the things that you can experience when you are here.
How to get to Belize
The most popular way would be by flying into the Philip SW Goldson International Airport. This airport services five major US airlines. If you are coming from Europe, then there are flights from London Heathrow that connect at Miami.
Tours around Belize
There are many tour operators, and you can check online for reviews and recommendations, but they will all operate similar tours around the country. There are tours available for hiking, visiting ruins, marine life tours and for adrenaline junkies.
If you prefer to go alone then car rental in Belize is easy. Other forms of transport in Belize are buses, taxis, water taxis, local flights, shuttles, and private flights. You will not find yourself stranded. You can even go to the ruins by horseback.
Ruins
The San Ignacio and Wanda Mine tour takes in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Ignacio was once home to Jesuit missionaries who wanted to convert the natives of Central America. Close by is the Wanda Mine that was mined for precious stones by Spanish settlers leaving behind a labyrinth of tunnels.
Xunantunich Mayan ruins tour. This is an extremely popular May site in Belize. It is approximately 80 miles west of Belize City and an organized tour will pick you up from your hotel and return you there again after. It is most famous for the 130-foot-tall temple known as El Castillo or The Castle. This is actually the second tallest building in all of Belize. The city was once prosperous but was inexplicably abandoned by the Mayans around 1,000 years ago. The jungle then took over. Although some areas are still being excavated visitors can enter the city and visit the onsite museum. This tour can also be combined with cave tubing to visit some interesting sites in a different form of transport.
Culture & history
If you want to know more about Belize, then a short tour through some of Belize’s historical sites like the Anglican Cathedral and Memorial Park may be ideal. You will see the architecture that was influenced by the English during the colonial years.
Or how about a traditional drumming lesson? Garifuna people descended from African slaves who were shipwrecked along Central America’s coastline hundreds of years ago. A Garifuna drummer will teach you the basics during this family friendly tour.
Nightlife
There are many good restaurants in Belize serving international and local food. There are bars to get cocktails and cold local beer plus nightclubs for dancing the night away. If you want a casino night then there are a few resorts available too with the usual casino games like poker, book of dead slots and blackjack.
Activities
If you want a bit more adrenaline, then there are cave tubing and zipline tours available. You can horse ride to the Mayan ruins or go on an adventure tour to see Howler monkeys. The Howler Monkey Sanctuary is an hour northwest of Belize City and provides a safe environment for the endangered jungle dwellers.
Other activities and tours include a helicopter ride out to see the Great Blue Hole. This is an incredible site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a huge sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It is 120m deep and the helicopter ride takes in some incredible sites. If all the tours and activities have left you thirsty then try a bar hopping boat tour to let your hair down for a few hours.
Food in Belize
There are many dishes you should try when you visit Belize. Food is drawn from Caribbean, Mexican, Mayan, and local influences and includes such classics as rice & beans, tamales, chimole and ceviche with freshly caught lobster, fish and conch. Conchita pibil is a classic Maya dish that has been eaten for thousands of years and features slow roasted pork and fresh vegetables in a tortilla.
Casinos
Of course, Belize has its share of casinos some of which are located near the beach fronts. They offer traditional table games such as American roulette, blackjack and poker plus dozens of slot machines including blazing star. The casinos can offer a change of pace from the beach, tours, and marine activities. If you prefer to play online, then there are online casinos based in Belize and gambling here is legal unlike some other regions and countries. Relax in your hotel and login to your favorite online casinos. See also no deposit bonus not on Gamstop.
Beaches
It would be remiss not to mention the wonderful beaches you will see when you arrive. The Belize coastline line runs alongside the Caribbean Sea and has magnificent golden and white sanded beaches. Clean and safe to walk on barefoot. Not only that but there are over 200 islands offshore with at least 20 inhabited that can be visited to find your dream beach. This is a sunbather’s dream place.
Summary
Whether you are a night owl, a sun worshipper or an explorer, Belize has something for everyone. You can do something different every day if you wish. You could take on a snorkeling day trip one day and then party at night followed the next day zip lining and tubing with a night at one of the casinos before arriving back at your hotel in the early hours. There is something here for all age groups, single people, couples, and families.
