Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce - closing a chapter

Press Release – Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce - May 5, 2011 - The Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce came into being with the signing of documents on November 7, 2002 and was registered as a Non-Profit Organization December 17, 2002. The first officers were Tom Vidrine, Boatyard; Malcolm Hitchcock, Fido’s; Melanie Paz, Amigos del Mar; Keith Newton, Palapa Ventures; and Debbie Sharko, Iguana Gardens Apartments. We would like to thank these people (and others) for bringing this important organization to San Pedro Town. During the time of organization, a multitude of talented and thoughtful people gave leadership and direction to much needed subjects for our town. Accomplishments were many. They addressed beautification of the town, safety issues on the water and streets, safety of the citizens in working with the Police Department and national issues of importance, among others.

As personal agendas changed, the San Pedro Business Association splintered off to cover issues which they felt they were more in tune with. Mr. Vidrine continued to head ACCC, but a leadership role for a long time takes its toll also. June 2010, Tom decided to step down. He was also leaving the country for an indefinite time. At a moments’ notice, the roll of Acting President was given to me as the First Vice President. Sadly to say, it was during an extremely busy time for me while working on the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Project. My dance card was full; I was not in a position to lead the Chamber. Although we tried to restart it over the last few months, no one else has agreed to take the Presidents’ position and form a new slate of officers. The San Pedro Business Association is, however, discussing merging with the Chamber.

Times have changed and the Chamber is now calling it a day for now. It is a good organization – a prestigious organization – for any town to have. When it is time and the need is there, leaders will again come forth to start anew. A quote from Chris Emmanuel last week was, “Make experience the only success and you will never fail”. He talked about the fact that we all like to win, but sometimes you have to accept losing as winning at times. To “embrace failure and see the wisdom from our efforts……and see the beauty of doing our best in all situations.”

The Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce was a winner. We did our best. Thank you San Pedro.

Very Sincerely Yours,
Jan Brown, Past Acting President

At the final meeting, Rebecca Arceo from the San Pedro Business Association (SPBA) attended and invited members from both organizations to attend a meeting on Wednesday May 11th, 4pm at El Divino. A discussion will be held regarding the possible merging of the organizations into the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.

US Ambassador visits Americans living in San Pedro

The US Ambassador, Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally and his wife Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally, along with Consul Tom Wallis, Ashley C. Barriner – Byrd, Manager, American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit and her assistant Ms. Anna McFadsen, were present at the June 24th Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Blue Water Grill.

The meeting was attended by members of the Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce and approximately 20 US Citizens presently residing on Ambergris Caye who had a chance to meet and greet the Ambassador and his wife, ask questions and receive answers.

The meeting was opened by Mr.Tom Wallis, US Consul, who proceeded to present the Ambassador and his wife. After his presentation, Ambassador Thummalapally shared a little in regards to his political as well as occupational background, information about his family and gave an overview of his functions at the US Embassy.

A major area of concern for members of the US Embassy was the importance of US Citizens to register with the Embassy. Ashley explained to the guests that the reason for the registration is not because the Embassy is seeking to keep track of its Citizens, but rather that they may be better prepared in times of emergency when the Embassy will be expected to mobilize and provide assistance on a mass level to all citizens presently residing in the country.

Also mentioned was a notable change of procedures within the Embassy. It is now necessary for patrons to make appointments to meet with the staff of the US embassy for services. Appointments may be made online at www.belize.usembassy.gov.

The remainder of the one hour meeting was opened to the attendees for question and answer session which the participants took much advantage of. While the meeting was called to an end at 1:00 pm, the Ambassador and his entourage remained at the Blue Water Grill until around 2:30 pm where they were available for questions and answers as well.

Johnny Briceño visits the ACCC

On Thursday, Leader of the Opposition [People’s United Party (PUP)] Johnny Briceño was on a working visit in San Pedro Town. As part of his visit, Briceño addressed the Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce (ACCC) at the Blue Water Grill.

Honorable Briceño addressed various issues including the crime situation in San Pedro, the decline in the tourism industry, the recession in the economy and the reform the PUP is undergoing. Briceño then entertained a number of questions following his address. More details will be in next week's issue of The San Pedro Sun.