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www.placencia.com or www.placenciabreeze.com  May 2006

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Whale Shark Tourism Interaction Guidelines 2006

May, 2006

Tour guides wishing to conduct whale shark interaction tour within the Whale Shark Zone must obtain a license and carry their IDs. All whale shark tours must operate from boats that are licensed.

1. Dive and snorkel tours should be limited to one and one half hour time slots and these will be allocated by lottery, for the entire whale shark season, before the March moon.
2. A maximum of four dive and/or snorkel boats will be permitted inside the buoyed area, with an additional two boats allowed in the larger whale Shark Zone.
3. All boats should check-in with FON Rangers stationed inside the reef before proceeding to the Whale Shark Zone.
4. Dive and snorkel guides are required to provide briefing on regulations to tourists before entering the area.
5. No touching, chasing, or molesting whale sharks will be permitted. All boats will fly the "diver down'' flag when they have divers in the water.
6. Each boat will carry a maximum of 12 clients - divers and/or snorkeled, and/or watchers.
7. For SNORKEL tours a maximum ratio of 8 snorkelers to each licensed snorkel guide is permitted.
8. For SCUBA tours, a maximum ratio of 8 divers to each licensed dive master is permitted.
9. No diver may go past the depth limit of 80 feet.
10. Al1 tourists - divers, watchers and snorkelers - must pay a fee: a mandated fee of $15US for per person.
11. Divers and snorkelers should remain at least 10 feet away in any direction from any whale shark.
12. Dive and snorkel boats must approach all whale sharks at idle speed (not exceeding 2 knots) and maintain idle speed in the vicinity of whale sharks.
13. Boats should remain at least 50 feet from any whale shark.
14. Dive, snorkel and fishing boats should maintain a distance of at least 200 feet between each other.
15. Entry in the water should be no later than 4:00PM and all divers and snorkelers should be out of the water by 5:00 PM and out of the reserve by 5:30 PM.
16. Whale shark fees will be applied 1 March to July 31.
Licensing:
1. Any person who wishes to conduct whale shark tours must have a valid tour guide license, dive master certification (for SCUBA), skin diver certification (for snorkelers) a certificate of graduation from a whale shark course. Boat captains must also attend the whale shark course.
2. Any boat used for whale shark tours must be at least 23 feet and no longer than 48 feet for the 2006 season.
3. Any boat used for whale shark tours must carry oxygen, safety sausages, radio, and lights.
4. The annual fee for boat license is $100, payable to The Fisheries Department.
Sanctions:
1. Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of there regulations is guilty of an offense and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand Belize dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment and/or revocation of whale shark license.
2. Notwithstanding the above, anyone touching a whale shark is liable for a $10,000BZ fine.
3. Notwithstanding the above, any person who damages corals shall pay a fine not exceeding $10,000BZ, or some higher penalty based on the assessed damage not exceeding $1,000,000BZ.


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BTIA Rejects BTL's Move To Jam The Use of VoIP Service

May, 2006

Please find below a copy of a letter forwarded to the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regarding the 'voice over internet protocol - VoIP' technology and the problems being experienced by various stakeholders within the tourism industry who utilize this technology in the daily operation of their businesses.
Last month, BTIA circulated a membership survey to pool feedback about problems members were encountering using this technology. This is as a result of the National Office being alerted that members were having difficulties using program like Skype, Vonage, Speak Easy, Verizon S peak etc. and believed they were being caused by BTL.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel Caracol Room, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the PUC hosted a public forum on the theme “Opportunities and Threats for VoIP in Belize”. The PUC’s intent was to inform the general public and stakeholders on the law, and to receive their views and recommendations as the PUC formulates its position on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). BTIA members were invited to attend this very important forum.LETTER FORWARDED TO THE PUC:


April 24, 2006

Dr. Gilbert Cantun
Chairman, Public Utility Commission
#63 Regent Street
Belize City, Belize

Re: BTIA Rejects BTL’s Move to jam the use of VoIP Services

Dear Dr. Cantun:
Over the past two weeks, the BTIA has been inundated with emails and calls from our members and tourism industry stakeholders expressing a strong position against the move by Belize largest and most profitable telecommunications company, Belize Telecom Limited to block the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other related internet based communication services.
As one of Belize’s largest users of telecommunication services and no doubt BTL’s largest customer block which includes internet and telephone, the tourism industry is appalled that BTL has gone so far as to as to jam chat and messenger programs like Google Talk, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Voice and others. Operating and competing in a global environment requires the use of the most cost effective, reliable and efficient means of connecting both into and out of Belize. Through VoIP services, member properties have indicated that bookings have increased because the rate of calling from the U.S.A. to Belize is far cheaper. There are also those tourism establishments which are entirely dependent on VoIP services as BTL cannot provide them land lines in their remote areas.
We must also consider Belize's international image. Throughout the world people and organizations are increasingly using VoIP as the most cost effective means of communication. What does it say for us as a nation that our largest communications service provider is blocking the use of new technology?
The tourism industry will not idly sit by as BTL seeks the approval of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to formalize its actions to block these communication channels. We are deeply disturbed by the move of BTL to do so and call on the Public Utility Commission as the authoritative body set in place by Government to take a strong position in preventing this from taking place. The tourism industry is prepared to have a strong representation at Wednesday’s hearing.

Sincerely,

Mr. Andrew Godoy
Executive Director, BTIA

cc. Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Tourism
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Director of Tourism
Mariam Roberson, President, BHA
Ian Anderson, President, BNTOA
BTIA Executive Board and Members

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Friends of Nature Letter To Tour Operators

May, 2006

 

Friends of Nature
Point Placencia Village
Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
Tel: 501-523-3377 Fax: 501-523-3377
Email: fonbelize@yahoo.com
 

 

April 19, 2006

Tour Operators
Belize

Dear All:

Friends of Nature have enhanced its credit system, updating the one currently in use. Therefore effective May 1, 2006 Friends of Nature, in coherence with its co-management partners Fisheries and Forestry, would like to take this opportunity to inform you all that no vessel will be allowed to enter either parks on credit, namely, Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP) & Gladden Spit Silk Caye Marine Reserve (GSSCMR).

Please ensure you obtain tickets at the office before leaving for the parks. We take this opportunity to remind you that collection of user fees is done by Friends of Nature as a part of our responsibility as a co-management partner. FEES COLLECTED BELONG TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE.

We hope that we will receive your cooperation on this matter. Feel free to contact our office by phone or via email for any other additional information. Our office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Note: we are closed on public and bank holidays.

Thank you,

Lindsay Garbutt
Executive Director

Cc: Fisheries Dept, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries
Forestry Dept, Ministry of Natural Resources

 

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GST - A Kiwi's Comments

May, 2006
Ned, a lank New Zealander, settled himself in a chair for breakfast next to the table where Janielle and Leo were having coffee.
He couldn't help but to hear the words "GST", which was almost impossible these mornings around Janielle.
"That's right, they're bringin' in the bloody GST to Belize, 'ey?" He said.
"You know about GST?" Janielle asked, having had many conversations with guests, but usually not many about taxation.
"Darling, we invented GST, or at least the term. It's the same as VAT, like they call it in Europe."
Janielle was intrigued. "How'd it work for you?"
"Ahhh, people hated it at first. Made everything go up, didn't it? But we're a little country, and for us to survive in globalization, we need to export. That's all there is to it. Ain't like we'll be turning out radios like the Chinese or anything…"
"What do you guys export?" Leo asked.
"Ahhh, lamb, cheese. Butter, some fish, tourism…"
Janiele's ears picked up. "Tourism?"
"Oh yeah. That's a huge export."
"So that's how tax looks at it?"
"You kidding me? Those blokes get the breaks. Then again, it's a big export, brings in heaps of foreign exchange."
"There you go," Janielle sat back looking satisfied at Leo.
"There you go what? I always agree! It's just the, what, frequency of it…"
"Ahh," Ned continued, "How you handle GST is important, no doubt there. For some places it's been a disaster, in other's it's been a very good thing.
"Us Kiwis did alright with it you know. But that was linked to all kinds if good financial reform.
"But as long as you keep a GST system well and truly export oriented, it works. You in tourism should be happy."
"We should be happy, said Janielle, "But right now it's gonna make accommodation go up."
"Ahh, that's daft mate. This place is a beauty. But it ain't cheap. You start looking at it as a serious export commodity, get government on your side to make it more competitive, you got something here…"
"How do you know all this stuff?" Leo asked.
"I'm an accountant back 'ome."
Both Leo and Janielle had to stare at the scruffy, barefoot, tee-shirted young man.
"Funny what a week in paradise does to a bloke's looks," He smiled.
GST is a serious issue for all Belizeans, and especially the 25% who work in tourism.
For more information on how GST will effect 25% of all Belizean workers, contact BTIA at telephone 227-5717 / 1144, E-Mail: info@btia.org  or visit our website at www.btia.org.
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AMENDMENT TO THE TOUR OPERATOR SI

May, 2006
REGULATIONS made by the Belize Tourist Board in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by section 15 of the Belize Tourist Board Act, Chapter 232A of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 1980-90, and all other powers thereunto it enabling.
1. These Regulations may be cited as the
BELIZE TOURIST BOARD (TOUR OPERATORS)
(AMENDMENT)REGULATIONS, 2004
and shall be read and construed as one with the Belize Tourist Board (Tour Operators) Regulations, which are hereinafter referred to as the principal Regulations.
2. Regulation 2 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by the addition, in subregulation (1), of the following in its proper alphabetical order:
“ground handling operation tour services” means
(ii) by the addition, in subregulation (2), of the following immediately following subregulation (2)(d):
(e) an individual, company, or entity that operates and markets tour packages internationally and subcontracts the provision of tour services to another individual, company, or entity in Belize.
(f) an individual, company, or entity that operates and markets tour packages internationally and executes, arranges, organizes and/or coordinates tour packages of any nature to guests and visitors to Belize.
(g) an individual, company, or entity which, either wholly or in part, provides, arranges, or organizes tours, journeys, or tourist services for visitors to Belize by way of transport, accommodation, tours, or guides.
(h) an individual, company, or entity which executes, arranges, organizes and/or coordinates dive and marine-based tour services.
(iii) by the deletion of the word “pre-selected” as it appears in subregulation (2) (a), (b), and (c).
3. Regulation 3 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by repealing subregulation 3(2)(a) and by replacing it with the following:
“one representative nominated by the local Tour Operators Association recognized by the Board”
(ii) by deleting the word “and” immediately following subregulation 3(2) (e).
(iii) by the addition, immediately following subregulation 3(2)(f), of the following as subregulations 3(2)(g) and (h):
“(g) one representative nominated by the Belize Port Authority.
and
(h) one representative nominated by the Department of Transport.”
4. Regulation 7 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(i) in subregulation (1), by repealing paragraph (a) and by replacing it by the following:
“(a) shall expire 12 months after it is issued.”
(ii) in subregulation (1)(e), by adding the words “or fails to comply with any provision, duty, or requirement as set in these Regulations” immediately after “any term or condition set out therein”.
(iii) by renumbering subregulation (3) as subregulation (4);
(iv) by renumbering subregulation (4) as subregulation (5);
(v) by adding, immediately following subregulation (2), the following as subregulation (3):
“(3) Compliance with the provisions of these Regulations shall be deemed to be a condition to which a license to operate as a tour operator is subject, irrespective of whether reference to these Regulations is made in the license itself.”
5. Regulation 8 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by renumbering that Regulation as subregulation (1).
(ii) by adding the following immediately after the renumbered subregulation (1)(f):
“(g) to maintain ethical standards at all times in the conduct of business with guest, visitors, and customers and not carry out malpractices which are contrary to the interests of such guests, visitors, and customers;
(h) to notify the Belize Tourism Board in writing on an annual basis of all packages, services, and tours offered, including the description of the nature and category of tour packages and services offered;
(i) to be in possession of valid passenger liability insurance or public liability insurance, particularly in the event of any injury or death, and to provide proof of such insurance to the Belize Tourism Board annually;
(j) to provide 1 tour guide for every 8 guests for marine-based tours and 1 tour guide for every 15 passengers for terrestrial and land-based tours.”
(iii) by adding the following immediately after the renumbered subregulation (1):
(2) In addition to (1) above, it shall be the duty of all license holders who provide dive and marine-based tour services as set out in Regulation 2(1)(j) to comply with the Dive Operators Policy as formulated by the Belize Tourism Board and any amendments made thereto.
6. Regulation 9 is hereby amended as follows:
(i) in subregulation (1)(a), by adding the words “or its” immediately after the words “a tourist under his” occurring therein.
(ii) in subregulation (1)(b), by adding the words “or its” immediately after the words “a tourist under his” occurring therein.
(iii) by repealing subregulation 1(c) and replacing it with the following:
“(c) carries out or attempts to carry out his or its functions under these Regulations while he or its agents are under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs; or”
(iv) in subregulation (1), by adding immediately following subregulation (1)(e), the following:
“(f) advertises, offers, or sells tour packages and services and does not provide, in part or in whole, the services advertised, offered, or sold;
(g) advertises, offers, or sells tour packages and services of a certain standard or quality and provides, in part or in whole, packages and services of an inferior or lesser standard or quality as advertised, offered, or sold;”
(v) by repealing subregulation (2) and replacing it by the following:
“(2) Any license holder who:
operates, advertises, or holds himself or itself out as a tour operator without first obtaining a license issued under these Regulations; or
having been issued with a license, operates in contravention of any term or condition contained in the license; or
having been issued with a license, operates in contravention of any provision, duty, or requirement as set out in these Regulations; or
works or conducts business as a tour operator during any period of suspension of his or its license or after such license has been revoked by the Committee;
commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.
(vi) by repealing subregulation (4) and replacing it by the following:
“(4) Without prejudice to any penalties which may be prescribed by any other law, if a tour operator:
fails to comply with the duties and requirements as set out in Regulation 8 herein;
has in any application for a license made any statement which is false in any material particular;
is guilty of any misconduct which renders him unfit to continue to act as a licensed tour operator;
commits or is convicted of an offence under these Regulations or any other law;
contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of these Regulations;
engages in any conduct which is not specifically prohibited under these Regulations but which in the opinion of the Committee places the profession in disrepute,
the Committee may impose on such tour operator any of the following disciplinary measures, namely:-
a reprimand;
suspension of the license of the tour operator for such period as the Committee may determine;
refusal to renew a license of the tour operator for such period as the Committee may determine; or
revocation of the license of the tour operator.
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AMENDMENT TO THE TOUR GUIDE SI

May, 2006

REGULATIONS made by the Belize Tourist Board in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by section 15 of the Belize Tourist Board Act, Chapter 232A of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 1980-90, and all other powers thereunto it enabling.
1. These Regulations may be cited as the
BELIZE TOURIST BOARD (TOUR GUIDE)
(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2004
and shall be read and construed as one with the Belize Tourist Board (Tour Guide) Regulations, which are hereinafter referred to as the principal Regulations.
2. Regulation 2 is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by the addition of the following in its proper alphabetical order:
“high risk activities” includes caving, cave tubing, dive and marine-based activities, repelling, horseback riding, and kayaking.
(ii) by the addition of the following in its proper alphabetical order:
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for Tourism.
(iii) by adding, to the definition of “tour guide”, the words “and who leads, manages, or provides tour services, whether dive, marine-based, terrestrial, or land-based, to tourists or guests” immediately after the words “regulation 5 of these Regulations” occurring therein.
3. Regulation 4 is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by renumbering paragraph (d) as paragraph (e);
(ii) by adding immediately after paragraph (c) the following as paragraph (d):
“(d) to receive and consider complaints against tour guides licensed under these Regulations;”
4. Regulation 5 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended by repealing sub-regulation (5) and replacing it by the following:
“(5) All licenses issued under these Regulations shall expire within one year from the date of issue but may be renewed for like period upon:
(a) payment of the prescribed fee;
(b) production of the documents specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (d), and (e) of sub-regulation (1) of this Regulation;
(c) production of satisfactory proof that the applicant is certified in safety, first aid, cardio pulmonary resuscitation; and
(d) proof of accreditation or re-certification in such courses and training as determined by the Belize Tourist Board.
5. Regulation 8 of the principal Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(i) by repealing sub-regulation (1) and replacing it with the following:
“(1) An applicant for a license under these Regulations shall attend and successfully complete such courses of training, whether general or specialized, and pass such tests of proficiency as may be approved or conducted by the Belize Tourist Board.”6. Regulation 9 is hereby amended by adding, immediately after sub-regulation (f), the following as sub-regulation (g):
“(g) to comply with the terms and provisions of policies as formulated by the Belize Tourism Board as they relate to the operations and services of tour guides.”
7. Regulation 10 is hereby amended by the following:
(i) by deleting paragraph (b);
(ii) by deleting paragraph (c);
(iii) by renumbering paragraph (d) as paragraph (b);
(iv) by renumbering paragraph (e) as paragraph (c);
(v) by renumbering paragraph (f) as paragraph (d).
8. Regulation 11 is hereby repealed and replaced by the following:
“11. (1) Any tour guide licensed under these Regulations who:
insults, abuses, or harasses a tourist, either through word or deed;
induces or encourages tourists to do anything contrary to the laws of Belize or to do anything which goes against good customs or morals;
carries out or attempts to carry out his functions under these Regulations while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
offers for sale or otherwise any illegal drugs or illegal commodities to tourists;
engages in any activity detrimental to the environmental integrity or archaeological or cultural heritage of Belize;
having been issued with a license, operates in contravention of any term or condition contained in the license;
having been issued with a license, operates in contravention of any provision, duty, or requirement as set out in these Regulations; or
works or conducts business as a tour guide during any period of suspension of his license or after such license has been revoked by the Committee;
commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and period of imprisonment.”
(2) In addition and without prejudice to any penalties that may be imposed or prescribed by any other law, if a tour guide:
(a) fails to comply with the duties and requirements as set out in Regulation 9 herein;
(b) has in any application for a license made any statement which is false in any material particular;
(c) is guilty of any misconduct which renders him unfit to continue to act as a licensed tour guide;
(d) commits or is convicted of an offence under these Regulations or any other law;
(e) contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of these Regulations;
(f) engages in any conduct which is not specifically prohibited under these Regulations but which in the opinion of the Committee places the profession in disrepute;
the Committee may impose on such tour guide any of the following disciplinary measures, namely:-
a reprimand; (b) suspension of the license of the tour guide for such period as the Committee may determine; (c) refusal to renew a license of the tour guide for such period as the Committee may determine; or (d) revocation of the license of the tour guide.

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