QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE RETIREES TO BELIZE

Re: residency

TO: 1 recipient

CC: 1 recipient

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I have no idea.  We get a lot of retiree Americans who are runaway criminals with warrants outstanding, who the US Marshals eventually come and get.  The expat population of all nationalities is probably in access of 20% of the population.  Belize is a rural country.  Government services don't work that well.  99% of the roads are dirt, rural.  It is a pioneer country for pioneer types.  It is not a typical USA city environment with those kinds of infra structure and access to things.  If you need the opera, museums, and other things, the place is not for you.  This is a frontier and whatever you choose to do, is going to be challenging and often pioneering.  I run the one and only HIGH RISK HEDGE FUND in the country. ( 2 years old and not profitable yet )  I pioneered tourism here back in the 1960's. Now I pioneer International Financial Trading. Now a big tourist industry worth 25% of government revenue.  Everybody and all the local tv and radio talk shows are filled daily with opinions on how to make the country better.  The country is always broke.  It is an elected dictatorship, politically mismanaged according to Warren Buffet. ( He suggests that any political people who fail to control public debt below 3% of GDP be banned from running for office. ) ( Fat chance! ) If you don't like challenges and the aspect of pioneering without any government assistance, then you probably should go to a big Latin city with a population in the millions.  This place attracts investors on the small scale mostly.  Lots of people are into eco friendly ventures, meaning they are pioneers of some kind.  Myself I like an atmosphere of NO GOVERNMENT interference.  You want to build then build. You want to do something new, do it.  Ask permission later.  There is a sense of patriotism and everybody being in the same boat, building a new nation out of nothing. If you like that sort of thing, then you will like it.

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From: jerry nicholls <jnicksocal2007@yahoo.com>
To: Ray Auxillou <hillviewhacienda@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: residency

Hi Ray;

Thanks for the reply, and I was also woundering, and I hope you will share with me the answer to this question. Why are there so few americans living in Belize? Belize is so beatiful from the pictures I have seen that I'm woundering why more americans have not retired there. I'm thinking that there must be a problem with the goverment or conditions of living there or even something else, like the money problems the goverment has that I have read about.

Hope to hear back from you,

Jerry

From: Ray Auxillou
To: jerry nicholls
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 5:28 AM
Subject: Re: residency

Try Lans Sluder a travel writer on Belize.   He has oodles of that kind of information on his websites.  Far as I know, you would have to have a police certificate from the USA up to the time you left.  You get another one in Belize for the time you have here.  Everything else seems normal.

  http://westernbelizehappenings.blogspot.com

From: jerry nicholls
To: "hillviewhacienda@yahoo.com"
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 5:02 PM
Subject: residency

Hi Ray;

I read your story and got your email address from the bottom of the page. Iam planning on going to Belize this August and hope to find it to be what I have been looking for, for the past few years. Iam retired, sold my house in California, have my money in a bank in Panama.

I have looked into Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador and have not found what I'm looking for, I have read about Belize and it sounds like what I want. If Belize is where I want to live out my life, I want to be prepared, meaning, I want to be ready to apply for residency.

 

The problem I'm faceing is that I don't really understand the process of getting residency there. I understand that I need to live there for one year and renew my visa every 30 days for 12 months then I can apply for residency, is this correct? If so, how do I get my papers ready for residency? Do I go back to the states and get them, [which will take some time] or do I bring them with me, but I understand that they can only be 30 days old, is this true?

 

I guess what I need to know is how do I prepare for my residency there? Can you tell me the stepts I need to take, from first landing in Belize and what I should have with me, to obtaining residency there? This may be alot to ask someone I don't even know, but from all the information I have read, I'm really confused.

 

Thank you Ray for your time,

Jerry Nicholls

UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE GOES COMMERCIAL WITH MICROPROPOGATION SCIENCE.

UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE HAS STARTED A MICROPROPOGATED FACTORY FOR THE MASS PRODUCTION OF PLANTS FOR NEW LARGE AGRICULTURE ENTERPRISES.

  The initial thrust is to be providing sugar cane plants and bananas.  At first this airconditioned industry started off with producing orchids for export.  But lacked the marketing and specie choices to become a success.  The Cubans who use the technology have stepped in and are going to show us how to boost sugar cane types and yields.  This is a fancy science way of mass producing plants for putting into newly cleared and prepared large scale farms.  Bananas and Sugar are the main goals at present.  They use bathing with culture media, in special vessels.  Even growth hormones are used.  UB is looking for a 25 day cycle in production.  An artificial environment is used, and the young cuttings are carefully tended through four phases, before they are suitable to be planted in the fields.  New superior varities can be introduced this way.  The UB camps is at Central Farm for this new venture.

80 year old self sustainable model farm, in BELIZE now run by the third generation.

HANNA'S ECO FARM IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOU CAN DO IN AGRICULTURE IN BELIZE.   THIS FARM IS OVER 80 YEARS OLD.


 The farm found on the bank of the Mopan river near the Xununantanich Mayan temple ruins on the high hill.  Implementing Vertical farming instead of horizontal increased land area, a lot of so called modern ideas, were used here 80 years ago.  They do tree cropping and leguminous trees typically are concentrated proteins with minerals and vitamins for animal feed.  The science behind this farm can be found in the BELIZE AG REPORT MAGAZINE  March / April 2012, Issue 15.  The farm now is maintained by three grandsons.  This is a successful model of a sustainable, integrated farm that is also ecological.  Soils are rebuilt regularly, nature pathways for wildlife are enabled, crop rotation, vegetable production for market gardening, cattle, milk and egg production.  You want to be self sustaining, this is a model you can follow.

NEVER CONFUSE EDUCATION WITH INTELLIGENCE

BELIZE- Anytime government debt exceeds 3% of GDP, the elected politicians are fired and banned from running for office again.

NEW LAW PROPOSED FOR BELIZE:

ANYTIME THE TOTAL DEBT OF BELIZE RISES ABOVE 3% OF GDP, all elected politicians must be fired.  They are then BANNED FOR LIFE from holding elective office in government management, ever again. 

As anyone will tell you that public transportation and public infrastructure is an essential component for the growth of any economy. Weak economies have poor public transportation and the strong economies have subways, metros, greyhounds, turnpikes, bridges, etc. There is no disputing the fact that small population is a hindrance to large growth, but the upside is that a small population should breath manageability. Take Haiti for instance with near ten million people, the large population was a hindrance to them. They have depleted there natural resources such as trees, water, etc. to the point that there lands are barren and the people are living in deep poverty.

I will not be one to be proverbial and say we need to "count our blessings in Belize", because I know as a nation we can do better, if the motives are genuine.

A good transportation system requires substantial capital for it to be viable. The present structure in Belize is a case of getting what you paid for and even then in comparison with other countries what Belizean pay is high. For example to travel 50 miles on a paved road one will pay US$3.50 for a non-stop trip. That trip is still considered cheap by the existing bus company because of the rising cost of fuel and the high bank charges.

But bear in mind that a bus permit for any of the bus lines have a one year life span, which does not allow for any major investment to be made because there is no way a one year contract will allow to pay off a large 10 to 15 year loan. Yet the policy makers refuse to be practical and increase the permit period. It they do however then they can force bus operators to improve on their equipment and service.

ADO in Mexico has been there for donkeys years because they have been given time to recoup their investment and make a profit. No one invest to lose money or because they are in love with Belize. We must get real. The population has nothing to do with Belize's backwardness, it is the backwardness in thinking that have Belize where it is today.

Some will argue that it is still a better place than most, but those in the diaspora see Belize as their pet project, but they will remain in their bigger economy with better public transportation and infrasture.

Life is real, Belize is where it is economically and socially becaue its citizens appreciate it as is. How is that to stir up the minds. Whenever they want the change they will do so, don't worry about their noise.

There you have it my two cents to stir the thought.

Now that we are beyond the political campaigning, how about discussing what in your experience are some of the solutions to force changes in the Belize City society. Regardless of political affiliations, all elected officials must be made to represent the people who voted for them and there should be a demand placed on then to define what will be done (real programs) to instill civil pride, fix the playgrounds for the kids, institute sports into the elementary schools and most important their program to help reduce the level of crime. You now have Merida, Caymans and I am sure many others where they have done something about the crime rate. Maybe somebody should consider getting help from Singapore where you will pay dearly if you commit a crime (any crime) . Time to make all politicians be held accountable or else force a referendum to recall them from their seats. Warren Buffet suggested he can fix the US deficit and it include passing a law that says anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting member of Congress are ineligible for re-election. Similar laws can be proposed to ensure that those who ask for the job of governing, will be held accountable to govern.

I don’t live in Belize so I must respectfully defer to those who live there to implement the solutions they deem appropriate. Let me know your thoughts.

Great discussion - on my way out the door now but I'd like to continue the interesting dialog. One point about Haiti, too many people, not enough land and no natural resources; also sits on an island. One major drawback in Belize, bureaucratic laws. Try to open a bank account as one who lives abroad and you'll fond out. Also, the article that Michael Lindo referred to was in the NY times and I believe I saved a copy . It talked about the bureaucracy and corruption in Belize as compared to Cayman.

--
G. Michael Reid
Citizen of the world

BELIZE GOVERNMENT ON OFFICIAL 5 YEAR AUSTERITY PROGRAM.

BELIZE OFFICIALLY ON 5 YEAR AUSTERITY SPENDING PROGRAM.
       _________________________________________________________________________

  Belize has an unsustainable debt.  Nowadays any infra-structure programs are done either by LOANS, spending future possible earnings, or through GRANTS, the more favored method. 
The only way Belize can get out of this unfavorable financial situation is by GROWTH.
  Growth must come from new export businesses.  Mostly these are envisioned as by agro-processing finished processed food products, or through light manufacturing.  Light manufacturing has it's adherents and some people are interested in export solar panels to Guatemala and Salvador.  Cheap cardboard telescopes have also been mentioned for an internet world market of about 20,000 per month.  Sources of materials, tools and other necessities are the major obstacles. There is no government funding available to bootstrap, jump start, such enterprises.  One such suggestion was made, to hire two Bachelor Degree guys and have them do all the research for Business Plans, Feasability Studies, material sources, equipment sources, Market studies, etc.  Print same in a booklet and distribute quarterly around the nation.
               _____________________________________________________________

  We know of THREE ELECTION SUBJECTS WERE A FRAUD, TO GAIN VOTES.  One was the use of the DREDGE at Caye Caulker to fill about 200 yards of beach reclamation, where actually there is six months work is needed.  Soon as the election was over, the dredge disappeared and was recalled.  Another was the idea of a SURVEY of Rosewood forest resources, which has also been cancelled now the election is over, for lack of money they say in GOB.  At the time ROSEWOOD EXPLOITATION in a raw state was sanctioned by the government against public outcry.
Can't remember the third item.  But AUSTERITY and LACK OF MONEY is hampering the functioning of government.
            ______________________________________________________

  The OPPOSITION PUP are claiming there is no BUDGET for this year yet.  Also that the government has a $15 million shortfall from over spending.
 

THE MYSTERY OF WHY THE UDP GOVERNMENT IS MESSING WITH GUATEMALA AND THE ICJ?

A very concise and effective piece on why Belize should say "no" to the ICJ... From Facebook: Joaquin Magaña Sr. The Unfounded Guatemala Claim over Belize In 1838 – 1839 the United Provinces of Central America broke up giving rise to the new countries of Central America. Guatemala Claimed that Belize was administered by Spain as part of the Captaincy of Guatemala and that they had inherited this sovereignty, as a result of the breakup of the federation. They say Belize was passed to Guatemala, since Belize had been considered part of Peten or Verapaz region of Guatemala. The fact is that there is by far more convincing historical evidence, however, to strongly suggest that Belize was considered by Spain as part of Yucatan (Mexico) NOT of Guatemala; but in any case, Spain never ever occupied Belize. During the 18th century the Spanish attacked the settlement (Belize) many times, and in 1717, 1730, 1754, and 1779 forced the settlers to leave. However, the Spanish NEVER settled in Belize, and the British returned and expanded their settlement and trade. On September 10th, 1798 was the last time that the Spanish attacked. The British side won what became known as the Battle of St. George’s Caye. The Spanish retreated and NEVER again tried to control the settlement (Belize). The truth of the fact is that all attacks on the settlement came from the Captaincy of Yucatan (Mexico) NOT from Guatemala. In 1859 after years of negotiation and under some prodding by the USA, the Anglo - Guatemalan Treaty was signed. It contained 8 articles, the first declaring boundaries as they exist until today. Article 2, 3, 4, and 5 concerned the constitution of a commission to demarcate the boundary. Article 7 which was the reason for the dispute later, called on both parties to establish “the easiest communication (either by means of a cart road, or employing the rivers, or both united, according to the opinion of the surveying engineers), between the fittest place on the Atlantic Coast, near the settlement of Belize, and the capital of Guatemala”. The problem with Guatemala is that its new constitution in 1945, declared Belize to be a part of Guatemala. As from then Guatemala has on several occasions threatened to invade Belize, prompting Britain to reinforce their protecting force in Belize. Guatemala then timidly subsides until future time. The cart road was never built, and after sporadic negotiations over 80 years, Guatemala ended up repudiating the treaty in 1940, claiming that although it appeared to be a boundary treaty, it was in reality a disguised treaty of cession by which Guatemala ceded Belize to Britain. That article 7 represented the compensation to Guatemala and that since it was never fulfilled then the treaty was void and the territory reverted to Guatemala. But here, precisely was where Guatemala’s mistake was; there are experts and historians that agree that Guatemala failed as much as Britain in complying to fulfill their part in that article 7. For that reason Belize remained with the same boundaries as it is today. Belize had become the colony of “British Honduras” in 1862. With these facts in hand it becomes clear that Guatemala’s claim is UNFOUNDED and it clearly shows they lack good faith as well; making them nothing less than a bully. Guatemala nor Spain has ever occupied Belize so they have never had rights over Belize. Guatemala did not even once protect, much less defend their so called sovereignty over the settlement (Belize). On the other hand the Captaincy of Yucatan, Mexico did it five times, but failed on the last attempt. The settlement which eventually became Belize was populated first by the indigenous people, then by the British, then their African slaves and on the latter part by the influx of the other ethnic groups and people that make up Belize today. In 1964 Belize attained full Internal Self Government. Independence was to follow soon. The unfounded Guatemala claim delayed it. Belize needed to internationalize its cause to gain independence with all its territory intact. Not a square centimeter would be ceded to Guatemala was the Belize mantra. Belize had to lobby for international support to become independent. First it was CARICOM, then the Commonwealth, and around the world to lobby for support to self determination. Of great importance and impact was the support of the Non – Aligned Movement. In August 1975, Belize won the movement’s full support for a secure independence and territorial integrity. Finally, in 1980 the USA changed its policy of neutrality and voted in favor of the UN resolution that called for the independence of Belize. It demanded the secure independence of Belize with ALL Its TERRITORY INTACT, before the next session of the UN in 1981. It called for Britain to continue to defend Belize, and on all countries to come to its assistance. 139 countries voted in favor of the resolution, with 7 abstentions and none against, Guatemala refused to vote. It is important to note that UN resolution requested at the same time that the relevant organs of the UN to take appropriate steps “to facilitate the attainment of independence by Belize and to guarantee its security and territorial integrity thereafter”. This thereafter is very important to Belize. In concrete, Belize is not just a piece of vacant land, no; Belize is now a nation where the citizens, the people, had a right to self determination to gain independence. This was approved by the UN and became a reality. UN very clearly and unequivocally stated: to guarantee its security and territorial integrity THEREAFTER. Now the Anglo – Guatemalan dispute is between Britain and Guatemala NOT Belize; Belize is present in the negotiations to guarantee its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The settlement cannot include any land cession of the new independent Belize. The dispute cannot consider any Belizean territory; Belize has nothing to settle with bully Guatemala. My question is: why take the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if UN has declared Belize independent with all its territory intact? Well that’s it. All has been said by UN, and clearly too. After all even if ICJ would declare that Guatemala’s claim is unfounded, is null and void, ICJ has no power to oblige Guatemala to accept that decision. Guatemala, after the case, can still refuse to accept the decision of the International Court of Law and continue claiming Belize if they so wish. Going to ICJ is waste of badly needed money and time. If Guatemala didn’t invade Belize before, or right after independence when they were furiously red hot and humiliated by UN’s resolution, it is very unlikely they will do it now or in the future. If they would dare to invade, they would immediately be expelled by UN as no nation can invade another. So let us not be intimidated by anyone. If we roll “our tails” like a frightened puppy Guatemala will be encouraged to persist in their nonsense. Belt up Belizeans, Belize is definitely not for grabs. Belize is for Belizeans with all its territory intact. Like it or not. Let us stand for our right no matter what. Let Britain and Guatemala settle their differences leaving Belize alone with its existing borders intact. Our territory is not for any sort of negotiation with no one. All of Belize with its existing borders is for Belizeans, period.