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For
a certain kind of person there is a certain kind of place; and for
certain people that place is Belize. Belize - the laid back Caribbean
country of Central America! It's a favorite of those seeking a calmer
lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature. Like a un-planed
2x4 full of splinters, Belize is sturdy, rugged and full of sandfleas,
but it also has it's share of beautiful islands, adventuresome spirits
and rum soaked nights. It's the place we dreamed about as children.
A place where we could do what we wanted without being called in to wash
up for dinner. It's a place where you need to know how to repair your own
car and replace parts of your plumbing with bailing wire and tape. It's
also a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you
can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place
where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the
Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in
Latin America. ...it's not for everyone, but it may be for you. If so,
there's a new eBook that will take you to Belize and help you stay there. |
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| “If the
world had any ends, [Belize] would certainly be one of them. It is
not on the way from anywhere to anywhere else. It has no strategic
value. It is all but uninhabited.” - Aldous Huxley |
Huxley would
be surprised by today’s world. If he were suddenly transported here
tomorrow, he might be on his way to Belize the day after. Perhaps
for the very reasons he stated but with a different value placed on them.
Belize is terrific! Belize is like no where else in the entire world and
there is nothing with which to compare it. It is as Huxley called
it, exactly and to the letter. Ah, but what he said yesterday sounds
so great today.
Belize is everything
Costa Rica is purported to be. For people looking for a young unspoiled
nation, Belize has to be one of the choicest expatriate destinations imaginable.
The language is English. The people are friendly. The government
is an absolute anomaly for Central America. It is a true democracy,
operating under the parliamentary system it adopted from Great Britain
(which until 1981 upheld Belize in colonial status.) There is absolute
freedom of the press. Little, if any serious corruption. An
intelligent attitude towards business and an absolutely astounding respect
for ecology. It is in our opinion a world leader in its efforts to
create a balance between tourism and sound principals of ecology.
There are few countries towards whom we feel a greater degree of respect.
Its tiny population is numerically less than many of the world’s cities.
( Note that while the country of El Salvador consists of approximately
the same land area as Belize, El Salvador contains thirty times as many
people; - - with El Salvado having an overall population of almost six
million people, compared with Belize’s 200,000. ) Yet despite its
small population Belize manages to attract the worlds attention for its
modern attitudes, stable government and respectful treatment of its indigenous
peoples.
Good telecommunications,
a great environment, real estate prices that are significantly lower than
that of Costa Rica, the best diving in the world, the second biggest barrier
reef in the world, a growing off-shore tax haven sector, offshore corporate
services, developing offshore banking practices, a soon to be established
free trade zone, an international airport, a free trade zone at the border
city of Chetumal, close proximity to Cancun, an archeological store-house
of Mayan Ruins (some still not totally explored), a polyglot culture that
lives in harmony, proximity to Mexico and the United States, (the
fact that we can actually drive from Belize to the United States has some
positive values,) a series of Cayes (islands) some of which are available
for purchase at prices that are so reasonable they make you want to pack
your bags and catch the next plane. It is difficult to think of a
better destination for the expatriate seeking a new home in an unspoiled
land.
Human Rights
Practices for 2000 Report - Human
Rights Practices for 2000 Report - Gives Belize fairly high marks.
There is nothing occurring in Belize that raises a red flag in terms of
human rights practices.
Freedom
House - Freedom House -
Gives the following evaluation: Freedom of the press is guaranteed constitutionally,
but the authorities may make exceptions in the interests of defense, public
safety, public order, morality, or public health. There are six privately
owned weekly newspapers, half of which are directly affiliated with major
political parties. The first privately owned commercial radio station began
to broadcast in 1990. Radio call-in programs freely criticize the government
and speak on political matters. There are eight privately owned TV stations.
Though the Broadcasting Corporation of Belize is nominally independent,
the government exerts influence over the BCB's two radio stations through
financial subsidies. BCB studios are used by the government to produce
partisan propaganda. The government is the largest buyer of radio and television
time. Half of the six privately owned weekly newspapers (no dailies) are
subsidized by political parties. Journalists may seek greater access to
official information through the freedom of information act. Freedom
House Rating: Political Rights: 1 Civil Liberties: 1
Note that
no other country in Central America has such an exemplary record regarding
civil liberties and political rights as does Belize. This is commendable!
HDI ranking:
Ranked 63 out of 174 countries The Human Development Index (HDI) ranks
countries according to the following indicators: GDP, life expectancy,
rate of adult literacy and years of schooling. |
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