Flashbacks
Flaskbacks articles
Casita over the Sea
In Havana, Cuba there is a very popular bar and restaurant named “La Bodeguita”. Ours are different. Fishermen and tourist guides have always found it fascinating and a convenience to build small ‘bodegas’ or storage space on the pier and very close to their operating stations. Most fishermen would build these ‘bodeguitas’ over the lagoon on the west side of Ambergris Caye.
Belize’s April the Tapir Turns 30!
World Tapir Day is celebrated on April 27 and in Belize it is also considered National Tapir Day thanks to a very special Tapir named April. It is the oldest female tapir living in captivity in the world and her home is known to everyone as the Best Little Zoo in the World – The Belize Zoo.
A Humble Yet Happy Life In San Pedro
Who is Mr. Nicolas Varela? And why was he so happy? He was the original owner of the Varela building located on Barrier Reef Drive now occupied by his son, Mr. Lioli Varela, who operates the cargo boat and barge, Ema V. Mr. Varela was a coconut farmer who spent countless hours of hard work in the coconut plantations. This meant walking among weeds, collecting coconuts from the ground, carrying them to the beach, husking them, loading them into his boat and bringing them to the main pier to deliver to the person who would take them to Belize City. And after a hard day’s work, Mr.
World Renowned Fido's
It has changed ownership over the years since the 1970’s and it has changed its looks, but it practically remains the same casual “all-friendly” and “anything goes” and “exciting things are happening” ambience that it started out with.
What you see is what you get in San Pedro
Tourists visiting San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in the 1960’s certainly enjoyed the island in its simplicity and grandeur.
Easter in Belize Means the Caye!
Easter is the time when folks from the cities and other district towns flock to the cayes, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye included, to enjoy the beach, sun, and Caribbean Sea. Visitors from the United States are also in Spring Break, so they too flock to Ambergris Caye.
The History of San Pedro's Community Center
You have heard this phrase “Multi purpose Building” used to refer to huge buildings that serve multi purposes. Well this building also served many purposes but at different times of its existence. The Community Center was built sometime around 1965. It was built with government material and 100% local labour.
Making San Pedro Go International
Marcial “Chico” Flores (RIP) has put San Pedro in the international spotlight in many ways.
A Laid Back San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye
You have always heard it said that San Pedro was a laid back quaint fishing village. Well, this is what they were referring to. The photo is not very clear but I think it was the best instamatic camera used back then and sometimes the film was not fresh. The photo was taken from in front of Milo’s Store and Hotel at the northern end of Barrier Reef Drive.
The Emergence of San Pedro’s Fishing Co-operative
We go all the way back to 1963 when the fishing co-operative was founded in San Pedro. And listen to the conversation of the three gentlemen in the photo. (James Howel Blakc, Dimas Guerrero and Efrain Guerrero) “So what do you think of our fishing cooperative?” asked Chairman Efrain Guerrero enthusiastically.
Ambergris Lodge a Local Hangout Spot
“Carmita, let’s go swimming in front of the Ambergris Lodge,” said Lupita enthusiastically during the summer of 1975. “Mek we go,” responded Carmita in a colorful Creole dialect. “There are a few dories front a di beach and I sure Mista George Stefanko will lend us wan paddle fi go paddling.” Pretty soon Carmita and her friend were at the beachfront paddling their dory and having a splendid time, San Pedro style. On the beach several boys and girls were getting ready for a warm mid afternoon swim at the most beautiful white spot in front of the village.
Police Presence in San Pedro
This Flashback photo takes us back in time to the 1950’s when a single police officer was stationed in San Pedro to take on the responsibility of law and order, immigration, customs, registrar of births, registrar of deaths, health, and a few other minor duties. The only responsibility that the officer did not have was prosecution, and that was because back in those days there were no cri
The Roar of a Lion
The San Pedro Lions Club has been since 1975 the most active organization in San Pedro.
Papa and Mama Blake
If this couple would be alive today, they would be millionaires without a doubt. They are James Howell Blake, better known as Papa Blake and Elena Alamilla Blake, also known as Mama Blake. Papa Blake and his wife Leni lived in what was considered a mansion in San Pedro prior to 1908. It was a magnificent Colonial style building, three stories high with polished floors and expe
The Fun of Kraals
A Kraal is defined as an enclosure for livestock, particularly cattle, but in Belize it also refers to an enclosure in the sea and used particularly for private swimming. Back in the 1950’s business lady from Belize City, Mrs. Serafina Encalada (+) had a kraal in front of her vacation beach house in San Pedro by the Tackle Box area.
The Incredible Santa To San Pedro by Sea
Santa Claus is known to travel by air and land but not by water. However, in San Pedro before the days of airplane and before the coming of vehicles, Santa used to arrive by sea as seen in this memorable flashback. He jumped into a skiff with all his bags of toys and goodies for the children of San Pedro from an unknown place and arrived right at the main pier in front of Daddy’s Cl
Christmas at the peak of progress in San Pedro
Christmas comes in different colors and sizes and in San Pedro it is no exception. This flashback photo takes us back at least fifty years when San Pedro was at its peak of progress in the lobster exporting business.
La Cabeza Del Cochino
It’s a pretty long name for a dance- El Baile de la Cabeza del Cochino.
The Highly Respected Sergeant Orillo
You have probably heard the name Sergeant Orillo mentioned many times when talking about law and order. We can cite him as a good police officer because he serves as a good role model to many police officers. Orillo had a huge grin when he was in the company of friends, but in business, he had a frown big enough to keep you at a distance.
Farewell to George Parham
Ambergris Today has learned of the passing away of Mr. George Parham, the last of four Parham brothers who spent their final years in San Pedro. George is a born Sanpedrano who emigrated to the United States for many years but spent his last 30 years in his natal hometown. He is a member of the Parham Family who was related to the Blake Family through intermarriage.