The impact of American and Continental cutting back their flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico in September is already causing ripples all over the Caribbean!

My last posting addressed the impact that the American and Continental Airlines 40% cutbacks in flights to San Juan, Pureto Rico - the gateway to the Caribbean Islands!  Well, I have received feedback from the USVI Hotel Association, the Virgin Island Charter League, and several BIG developers - all of whom are VERY concerned about what is unfolding with transportation to the Caribbean.

The USVI Hotel Association has formed an Airlines Task Force this week to create ideas that can address the loss of the flights by American and Continental.  One of the radical suggestions I am making is to have Southwest  Airlines be considered to take over the abandoned flights to San Juan.  Southwest Airlines made a brilliant move several years ago that was almost laughed at by other airlines when they purchase oil futures at somewhere around $50 a barrel.  They are flying with fuel at a price that is almost three times less than other airlines.  You will also note that Southwest has not created a per baggage charge for bags that are checked.  Let’s have the brilliance of Southwest benefit by having them fly the record numbers of tourists who want to visit the Caribbean.

The charter yacht industry is moving into two separate camps at the moment - those who are going to wait and see how the transportation issue of getting people to the Caribbean is solved, and those who have put their charter yachts up for sale because they don’t believe that they will be able to continue a profitable business with the various factors impacting the Caribbean charter businesses - fuel costs and less flights to the Caribbean.

Some of the developers have been ambushed with this latest development of how do willing buyers of both whole ownership and fractional ownership get to the Caribbean.  Many of them have either land banked a significant amount of Caribbean real estate, or they have already broken ground and committed millions of dollars to build out the luxury resorts that have been approved for years.  There is a significant amount of concern by the Caribbean developers - cost of material caused by increased shipping costs, fuel costs for their equipment and vehicles, and increased costs of the land in the prime tourist areas they believe will be the next “it” spot in the Caribbean.

Again, there are island nations that are going to benefit from this upcoming “hurricane” because they are not relying on San Juan as their hub of getting people to their destinations.  Turks & Caicos, Belize, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Bahamas have direct flights from many U.S. cities.  As the next few months unfold we may even see a new airline hub for the Caribbean evolve.  How about Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago - just a few that come to mind.  I promise you that the BIG interest in Caribbean real estate will cause solutions to be discovered!

We have more inquiries out to several of the government leaders in the Caribbean to get their input.  As soon as I receive their suggestions I will forward them to you for your input.  I am still looking at the glass half full, so let’s focus on this as a time of opportunity.  Change is not easy, but I believe we have entered into a significant era requiring change - in many aspects of our lives.  I welcome your opinions as to what is going on regarding access to the Caribbean.  Until next time….

In spite of the double-digit growth of U.S. visitors in 2007 to the Caribbean the airlines are cutting back flights!

I am not an alarmist, nor do I ever look at my glass “half empty”.  But, there are a series of SERIOUS decisions being made by the major airlines serving the Caribbean!  The past year has seen on of the largest levels of visitors to the Caribbean in history - over 15 million people enjoying the most beautiful resorts and beaches in the world!!!  As I have written many times, the Caribbean is THE place to be for second, third and fourth homes - whether fractionals or full ownership real estate. 

During my 30+ years of traveling to the Caribbean I have NEVER thought about not being able to get there.  My only concern is planning my monthly and yearly schedules to fit in the hundreds of adventures I have enjoyed over the years - from the BVI to Trinadad/Tobago.  BUT, today, with the monumental impact the oil prices are having on all aspects of our lives, the ONLY method to get to the Caribbean - airlines, are cutting back or canceling their flights to Puerto Rico, the visitor’s hub to all the Caribbean islands.

Allen Castanet, the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said last week, “Billions of dollars of investment are being exposed, and thousands of jobs are being exposed.”  The weak link in access to the Caribbean is American Airlines.  They are in a mess and are struggling to stay in business.  Here is the rub…they currently control more that 60% of the passengers traveling through Puerto Rico as they connect to smaller airplanes servicing each of the Caribbean islands.  American Airlines has just announced that they are cutting back their daily flights to Puerto Rico this September from 93 to 51!!!  Holy Moly!!!  If you owned any tourist oriented business in the Caribbean, wouldn’t this news put shivers up your spine?  This is a BIG issue that will need to be addressed by anyone who has an interest in the tourist economy of this very special region of the world.

The flights that are being cut to Puerto Rico will also greatly impact the cruise line business.  San Juan is the city where most cruise line passengers meet their ships.  Over ten cruise lines use San Juan as their destination port.  Continental Airlines is another big player in flights to San Juan, and they are now expected to announce flight cuts because of the price of jet fuel and the soft American economy.   Last week Spirit Airlines has closed their Puerto Rico hub entirely!

Again, in past articles I have highlighted the amazing opportunities in the Dominican Republic -fractional and full ownership real estate opportunities.  Get this…from January through April of this year more than 407,000 tourists visited the DR - a 6% increase over the same period last year!  The question now is how will you get there?  Peter Muller who owns the Hotel Coyamar in Samana, Dominican Republic said, “This is just the beginning.  We’re going to reach a point where it’s no longer worth keeping the airport open.”  In spite of this latest blow to those wanting to travel to the Caribbean, solutions will be found.  Those travel solutions will cost a lot more, but they may be the only options we have.  One thought may be that Cancun becomes the airline hub to the Caribbean.  It would make traveling there much more difficult for those U.S. travelers from the East Coast, but it would be about the same travel time for those going to the Caribbean from the West Coast.  It would also immediately put the focus on Belize, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands as places to consider for your next Caribbean home.  I am absolutely sure viable solutions will be discovered.  But, for the short term, we will all need to make flight plans months in advance in order to make sure we get a seat.  Let me know your thoughts on these latest developments impacting traveling to the Caribbean.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is on duty.

Ilya Moshenskiy is one of the finest real estate photographers that I have met!

 I first met Ilya at the Luxury Real Estate conference in Del Mar, California several months ago.  He seemed to be everywhere during the conference taking photos of the participants and various events.  I final asked one of the Luxury Real Estate staff people who was this guy!  She smiled and said that he is the finest photographer they had found for capturing the essence of luxury real estate homes and estates.  I began some homework after the conference to see some examples of this work since we always need a top photographer’s services for the luxury properties we represent - both in the Caribbean and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Boy, was I impressed with what I discovered.

 My experience is that Ilya’s Photography sets one of the highest standards for quality in the industry with over 30 years of experience. Ilya is the principal photographer of Ilya’s Photography, and he has enjoyed a lifelong passion his work with the camera.  His reputation for excellence has spread both in the U.S. and internationally.  Ilya has shot luxury estates in France, Spain, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Miami, Chicago, the Seattle area, plus many other locations in the States and the world.  After checking out his work, my next question was, “How much does this type of quality photography cost for shooting a luxury home or estate?”  Well, I discovered that he has VERY competitive rates that are negotiated flat-rate prices for any project.  He is even willing to offer long-term budgeted photo-shoot contracts.  His flat-rate policy is greatly appreciated within our industry because it is THE rate no matter how much time it takes to complete the project.  Again, I don’t think you will find a better value for your marketing dollar if you decide on Ilya’s photo services.

 In further discussions with the staff at Luxury Real Estate their consensus was that Ilya consistently produces quality work and can make a home or an estate look amazing.  They said he has the ability to capture on digital film the best aspects of the luxury property.  As promised, I am always on the look out for the best professional services I can find, whether it is a photographer or a painter.  It takes a “village” to sell and buy a home - from the preparation of the marketing program to the signing of the closing documents, hiring a professional real estate company is critical.  Until next time….fair winds!

No matter what you may think, Caribbean home buyers are changing their buying patterns because of the OIL CRISIS!

I am a non-stop student as to what is happening within the local and global economies. I am reading, or I am on the internet everyday checking out the latest news. (I do have a booboo on my head in this photo from a sailing accident.) They impact all aspects of real estate - from the Thailand to the Caribbean. Luxury Fractional ownership continues to thrieve because of pricing and ease of management. One of the economists that I read each week is Bob Doll from BlackRock. They are a premier provider of global investment advisory services. Bob writes a weekly perspective as to his take on current economic events. Here are some of his thoughts last week that focus on the impact of oil prices on world economies. Some of you will ignore this article because of the word “economist” next to Mr. Doll’s name, but it does have some good stuff in it.

Bob Doll - BlackRock: ( Mr. Doll is also the Global Chief Executive Officer For Equities, and was the President and Chief Investment Officer of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. BlackRock has $1.36 trillion in assets under management as of 3/30/08.)

The surge in oil prices comes at a bad time for the U.S. and world economies. Consumer spending is already stretched, the housing market remains weak nationally, and the employment picture continues to soften. High oil prices will no doubt detract from overall economic growth, but we would also note that aggressive monetary and fiscal stimuli should provide some offset. Our overall forecast for the economy calls for continued weak, but positive growth. The labor market remains under pressure, but unemployment claims have not increased as much as they typically would prior to a recession, and remain consistent with modestly positive economic growth levels.

To us, the critical oil-related issue is whether higher prices will trigger other inflationary problems, chiefly, accelerating wage growth. To date, there has been no evidence of that, which is one of the reasons we maintain our belief that inflation will behave itself. Headline inflation ( which includes energy and food prices ) continues to be boosted by surging commodity prices, yet core consumer inflation ( which excludes energy and food prices ) remains tame and labor costs have been easing. Looking ahead, we expect that the weak economy could cause inflation pressures to moderate and that headline numbers could come back down to core levels. The long-term case for higher oil prices is still intact. Rising demand in China and other developing markets such as India, coupled with shrinking global supply, means that the ear of cheap oil is, unfortunately, over. We do, however, continue to believe that oil is due for a near - term correction or consolidation.

Putting this all together, we believe that energy prices will correct at some point, that the the U.S. economy will slowly heat over the next 12 months and that inflation will eventually drift lower. Ironically, a muddling economy is probably the best environment for stocks at present. Slow growth will prevent inflation from becoming a problem, while also keeping the economy out of deflationary territory. Markets are benefiting from some other tailwinds as well. Earnings estimates, continue to fall for financial companies, but non-financial earnings remain sound. Valuations remain attractive, and there is still a great deal of cash on the side lines that should eventually move back into the world markets. Our view remains that the S&P 500 low of 1,270 (touched a couple of months ago) marked the bottom for the current cycle, but we also believe tha the S&P hit a temporary ceiling of 1,425 before last week (roughly corresponding to a Dow Jones level of 13,000). At some point, we believe the positive factors we described will allow markets to break through these levels, but predicting exactly when that will happen is, of course, an impossibility.

After a minute or two of reading Mr. Doll’s economic thoughts, remember that the Caribbean real estate markets are still very STRONG. We continue to see an increase in sales in the Fractional world. People are also making real estate purchase choices that are closer to their personal needs, like health care. Let me know your comments on the experience you are having with current economic conditions where you live. Until next time.

NEWS FLASH: The most beautifully planned development in Aruba is about to offer Fractionals!

Tierra del Sol - the only planned community in the Caribbean, with the Trent Jones champion golf course is launching a fractional project to go along with their beautiful development that includes homes, villas, condominiums, golf, spa & fitness, fine dining, and much more.  At the northwest tip of Aruba, has emerged a gorgeous 600 acre community offering a lifestyle to satisfy even the most discriminating of owners and world travelers. With today’s planned lifestyle, Tierra del Sol gives you the opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams just a chip shot away from the green, even if you are not an avid golfer.

This private community offers a remarkable experience within a meticulously planned and highly acclaimed environment. Homeowners and vacationers experience world-class amenities, including fine and casual dining, a full service spa, fitness and full care beauty salon, lighted tennis complex and unlimited greens at a championship golf course, displaying its own challenging version of Robert Trent Jones II - the only professional golf course on Aruba.

The tranquil setting provides a gracious lifestyle amid some of the most beautiful Caribbean views. Custom homes, villas, casitas and home sites accommodate a wide variety of expectations for your personal lifestyle. A homes at Tierra del Sol incorporate distinctive design features, tailored to the desert surroundings and complementing the natural beauty of the landscape, creating an inspiring and tranquil environment within this beautiful private community.

 Body &  Soul is a sanctuary amidst the finest displays of nature. Nourish your body, revitalize your mind and enhance your well being with a journey to vitality.  Pamper yourself from head to toe.  Their spa treatments are designed to ease tension and restore balance to your body and spirit. The spa’s professional staff offers a variety of therapies, including massages, body wraps, skin and body treatments, aromatherapies, hydrotherapy, manicure and pedicure and a newly opened full service hair salon.

 As you know, each time I get off a plane in the Caribbean, no matter what island it is,  the words that go through my brain are, “Welcome Home!”  That is the experience you will have when you arrive at Tierra del Sol.  For more information about pricing, contact me!  Until next time…fair winds.

No matter what the project is in the Caribbean, controversy sometimes surfaces…a summary of their article and a response from South Beach Belize representative - Tom McPeak

San Pedro Sun Article:  South Beach Belize

On May 17th, 2008, an email was sent out to various possible and interested investors around the world. The email carried the headline “Exclusive pre-construction opportunity in beautiful Belize” and was sent by Director for South Beach Belize, Jeff Pierce.

The release states that “This exciting project has earned tremendous response in the very few weeks that the web site has been up. A luxurious gated community featuring a Casino combined with a large hotel, multiple residential properties and Villas plus commercial and recreational venues. We have the support of the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Mayor of San Pedro, the Area Representative and other Ministers and Cabinet Members to insure the success of South Beach Belize. We are located at the southern tip of the island (South Beach) only ten minutes by boat or fifteen minutes by road from downtown or the airport. We are starting construction of the first Villas and Condominiums in the next 30 days. The newly elected government of Belize is very in tuned with growth and expanding the economy. Several of the ministers have visited the site and we have the full support of the government for South Beach.”

Location

South Beach Belize is a proposed development located on the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula on Ambergris Caye, approximately four miles south of San Pedro Town. According to Manager of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Miguel Alamilla, South Beach Belize could have detrimental effects on the ecosystems surrounding the proposed site. Any development that proposes to build anything in close proximity to the reserve would need an EIA prior to proceeding. If the development is not properly monitored as per the specified regulation set by the Department of Environment (DoE) all four zones within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are being placed in danger.

EIA, Clearance and Support

Prior to developing, Director Jeff Pierce was required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment with the Department of Environment (DoE) which falls within the Ministry of Natural Resources. In an interview with Martin Alegria, Chief Executive Officer for DoE, no EIA had been submitted by Pierce, as of press time. On Thursday, May 15th, 2008, Alegria, along with other government agencies paid a visit to the site and verbally told Pierce to cease any and all work being carried out on the project.

So, with no EIA, no support, what will happen to South Beach Belize? Reliable sources informed this reporter that since the verbal “cease construction” stop order given to Pierce on Thursday was not followed through, a formal stop order will now be issued and Pierce may face a fine, as well. When asked if DoE had indeed issued him a verbal stop order, Pierce commented, “I don’t believe so.” He ended the telephone interview by stating that he was to meet with DoE on Thursday, as well as with Minister Heredia.

Tom McPeak’s Response ( Jim Walberg asked the U.S. representative of the South Beach Belize project for a response to this article.)

 All appropriate submittals for development at South Beach Belize are made as required.  As a developer in the Florida panhandle I can tell you that there is a continual stream of submissions before, during, and after the completion of multiple phases in a project.  The timing of some submissions is based on discussions with regulatory authorities, and may vary depending on those discussions.  If a developer cannot solve inevitable public and private challenges as they occur, he cannot develop.  Jeff Pierce is a successful developer in Belize, as measured by the beautiful and financially successful recent project, Reef Village. 

 In any development of this size, there is normally greater publicity (both positive and negative) in the beginning, with a normal diminishing as the project moves forward.  Generally, by the time there is no publicity at all, the prices have gone up and the best lots are sold. However, since the project has only recently been started, you may want to wait until the current matter is settled. 

I welcome your comments regarding the process of developing real estate in the Caribbean.  There are many complicated factors.  I want to always bring to you all sides of the issues facing Caribbean real estate development.  Until next time.

Placencia Peninsula is the latest location for Belize’s newest luxury resort!

The Placencia Peninsula - an 11 mile strip of land sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon in Belize, has beautiful white sandy beaches and - because of its distance from the reef - it also has “real” surf. The water is clean and clear; the trade winds gentle and cooling.

Remember that Belize has a stirring and lively history beginning in 200 BC with the ancient Mayans. In the 17th century Spain settled the country. It then survived war, piracy and slavery until being declared a British colony - British Honduras - in 1871. It gained self-government in 1964, chose the name Belize in 1973 and became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1981.

 The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can easily arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll that offers protected snorkeling and swimming, a white sand beach and many cooling palm trees (it even has hammocks!) Laughing Bird Caye is also a favorite camping site for reek kayakers who base their expeditions in Placencia. A hotel can also arrange deep sea or reef fishing trips, or day sailing on a 57-foot catamaran.

 Placencia along with Ambergris Caye are now two of the country’s main tourist destinations, and they are also well visited by Belizeans from across the country on local holidays. You can get a delicious plate heaped with stewed chicken, rice and beans for about US$4. There are also several small gift shops, a post office and some night life. Nearby Mango Creek/Independence Village also has a disco and weekend activities.

 Another new resort is planned for Belize - The Palmetto Bay Resort at Maya Beach being developed by Dave Bowman and his exceptional team.  It is located on Placencia Peninsula it will offer beachfront real estate and four star amenities and will be the first development in the Caribbean designed ‘green’ from inception to completion.

The first phase of the gated resort, which is currently under construction, will be comprised of 36 whole-ownership, luxury beachfront condominiums ranging from approximately 1,100 to 4,500 square feet, each with open views of the Caribbean. ( In a perfect world, I will be talking with Dave about offering some of their units as fractionals.) Prices will start in the low $300,000s. The turnkey one- two- and three-bedroom residences are spread through two low-rise buildings. Designer Julieanne Dobson who also worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn in Belize.  He is creating the interiors using warm woods and natural stone, vibrant contemporary textiles, and niche lit Mayan and African inspired art.

Ownership at Palmetto Bay Resort will include access to fitness facilities, conference rooms with wireless internet; 24-hour reception and security; fully equipped luxury kitchens with gourmet utensils and stainless steel appliances; balcony barbecues; and lush, mature landscaping with use of indigenous fruit trees and plants. The property will feature a 300-foot oceanfront infinity pool, a 400′ private beach, beach boardwalk, and private dock.

We have been telling you about Belize and the many awesome opportunities for second and third home ownership for months!  It is now time to act.  Let me know if you are ready!

“After a truly good meal, an outstanding cigar is still the most satisfying after-dinner activity that doesn’t involve two or more human beings.” Brad Shaw

“I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.” Mark Twain

“I am at the age now where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill.” George Burns

I, Jim Walberg, love a good cigar from time to time! And, I realize that some of you are not fans of this hazardous habit. However, I have moderated my consumption over the past few years, even though I still have over 400 cigars in my humidor. But, when I am in the Caribbean, either sailing on a Lagoon 57 in the BVI, or drinking a fine glass of Bodegas Aguirre Petite Syrah, I am always tempted to clip one of them and enjoy the moment. I have even been known to have one at sunset at romantic Soggy Dollar Bar with Mick the bartender. Even though Cuba has the reputation as the producer of the world’s finest cigars, I am a BIG fan of what the Dominican Republic produces in ultra-premium cigars. For those of you who are unfamiliar with some of history of cigars here is a brief history.

The history of the cigar goes back about two thousand years. The origins of the world ‘cigar’ and the cigar itself are lost in time. Some scholars say the word cigar originated from sikar, the Mayan word for smoking. After Columbus’s discovery of the West Indies and other explorers visiting the American continent, numerous accounts were written of these New World people who smoked tobacco and also used it for chew and as snuff for medicinal properties in their ceremonies.

Although the first tobacco plantations were set up in Virginia in 1612, and Maryland in 1631, tobacco was smoked only in pipes in the American colonies. The cigar itself is thought not to have arrived until after 1762, when Israel Putnam, an American general in the Revolutionary War, returned from Cuba, where he had been an officer in the British army. He came back to his home in Connecticut with a selection of Havana cigars, and large amounts of Cuban tobacco. Before long, cigar factories were set up in the Hartford area. By the mid 1800’s the cigar had had become well accepted and in 1870 it was recorded that over half of the tobacco smoked in our towns was in the form of cigars.

Cuba has led the way in the cigar industry. Early in the 16th century, Cuban peasants became tobacco growers. Later, the cigar became the country’s national symbol and the Havana cigar became recognized as the world’s finest.

The take-over by Fidel Castro and the subsequent U.S. embargo were the start of events that began to challenge Havana’s supremacy in the world of cigars. Many Cuban cigar-makers took their skills and seeds to the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Mexico and began producing high-quality premium and super-premium cigars for the American public. The Dominican Republic alone produces almost half of the hand-made cigars sold in the U.S.

A few of my favorite cigars in all the world are made in the Dominican Republic; Arturo Fuente’s Hemingway series was the first limited edition extension the Fuentes ultra-premium cigars honoring the world reknown author - Ernest Hemingway; Drew Estate “Acid” are all hand-crafted with many different tobaccos and over 140 botanicals, herbs, and essential oils to impart a unique flavor; The Gurkha Legend has been the choice cigar among the most elite - from business executives to Royalty; Cohiba “Red Dot” is the Dominican version of it’s Cuban cousin. I smoke the Robusto and it is an incredibly smooth and rich cigar.

( Again, this is not a past time for most people, but for those that enjoy a cigar from time to time, my hope is that you have enjoyed my brief editorial on one of my enjoyable habits.)

A white Caribbean Realtor / Community activist, and a white graduating college senior continue to blur the color lines of our world.

History was made last week as Jim Walberg - a Caribbean Realtor was inducted into the Diablo Black Men’s Group, and Joshua Packwood - a U-Tube Link, was chosen as the Valedictorian of Moorehouse College - the all-black men’s college outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  Both of these men are white and both realize that color lines are drawn by everyone, and they hoped that it would not prevent them from making a difference in worlds in which they live and serve.  Both of these men live by the value statement that Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us years ago,   “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile,  rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity.”  

The Diablo Black Men’s Group

The Diablo Black Men’s Group began in the mid 1990’s as an outlet for Diablo Valley African American men. By 1999, the group had evolved into an organization of men who wanted to see their collective influence to enhance the lives of their members and families as well as make significant contributions to the community in which they live. They encourage each member to appreciate liberty and all that it encompasses, including embracing community involvement.

DBMG is committed to support activities with the goal of improving the health and welfare of their citizenry. In addition, DBMG is actively involved in promoting the education of the impact on heart disease, prostate cancer awareness, and health screening of African American men in collaboration with the Alta Bates Summit Ethnic Health Institute, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society with support from the ChevronTexaco Corporation. Additionally, DBMG helps socially and economically challenged Bay Area youth pursue cultural and educational opportunities through their college scholarship programs.

Moorehouse College 2008 Valedictorian

Founded over 144 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Moorehouse College has focused on the mission to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realizes this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people.  Founded in 1867 and located in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse is an academic community dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service, and the continuing search for truth as a liberating force.

Editors Note: Some of the Moorehouse College graduates who have made a significant difference in our lives and the world:  Martin Luther King Jr. led the country through one of its most transforming civic movements; David Satcher resuscitated the issues of health care disparity and access; Maynard Jackson taught the world the value of diversity and equal access as the first African American mayor of Atlanta; Donn Clenendon scored in the history annals and was part of a miracle when he was named a World Series MVP; and Shelton “Spike” Lee continues to challenge how the world views blacks in life with critically acclaimed films.  These are just some of the Moorehouse Men.

In 2004 Joshua Packwood became one of the “Moorehouse Men”.   The 22-year-old from Kansas City, Mo., graduated on May 18^th with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics.  He could have gone elsewhere, to a school like Columbia, Stanford or Yale, but his four-year journey through Morehouse has taught him a few things that they could not have learned at any other university, and he makes it clear that he has no regrets.  The Moorehouse College professors chose the Valedictorian, and he was their candidate of choice because of his academic accomplishments and his contribution to the college.  He graduated as a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and will be joining Goldman Sachs in New York City. “I’ve been forced to see the world in a different perspective, that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else,” he said. “None of the ‘Ivies’, no matter how large their enrollment is, no matter how many Nobel laureates they have on their faculty … none of them could’ve provided me with the perspective I have now.”  

It is important for all of us to make a positive difference in worlds we live in everyday.  Now it is your turn.  Let us know what you are doing with the legacy you are leaving behind…

In spite of the real estate challenges in the U.S. markets the world is still flocking to the Caribbean for values and lifestyle!

It has been amazing to participate in such an exciting real estate market as is happening in the Caribbean Islands!  The stars are aligned regarding the world currency markets plus the experience that people who want a tropical life style are able to find from the Dominican Republic, to the British Virgin Islands, to Aruba, to Belize!  Because of the strength of the Euro, Pound, and the Canadian dollar, Caribbean real estate is looked upon as a real bargain.  And, it is one of the safest places for people to have a second, third or fourth home given the chaos that is in much of the world at this time.  In addition there are direct flights from Chicago eastward, Canada, England and Europe.  These factors are creating a “perfect storm” for real estate purchases.  And…the sellers are loving it, too!  Here is an article I pulled from Internatinal Living written by Don Ediger a month or so ago.  It will tell the “story” of what we are experiencing even better.  His focus is Belize.  Enjoy, and contact me if you want more inforamtion about the exciting Caribbean real estate markets.

By Don Ediger - International Living 

Real Estate prices in Belize are rising, thanks to a surge in demand from Canadians and Europeans, especially the Irish. The phenomenon is apparent all around the country. In Corozal you’re likely to see real estate agents showing property to European clients, and in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, new Irish residents regularly meet at a local restaurant where they would have been a rare sight only a year ago.

It’s mostly a result of the soaring value of the euro and the Canadian dollar. The euro is currently worth about $1.54, and the Canadian dollar-for many years worth much less than the American dollar-is now trading at just about an even rate. The Belizean currency is tied to the U.S. dollar so that two Belizean dollars are worth one greenback.

A few Canadians and Europeans have always shopped for property here, but their interest and presence in Belize has increased dramatically this past year. It’s easy to see why: the tropical climate and lifestyle in a stable country where English is the official language is attractive. Moreover, Belizean real estate prices are lower than prices in many other English-speaking parts of the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas.

The bargains aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. Some of the best values are in the Corozal area of northern Belize, which is near Mexico and the beautiful Corozal Bay. A three-bedroom house with a view of the water was recently listed at $125,000.

The Cayo District, in the rainforest to the west, is another haunt of bargain-hunters. A new three-bedroom house there was recently for sale for $75,000.

That’s a big contrast from the $150,000 to $350,000 that you could expect to pay for a condo in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the elegant island off Belize’s northern coast, or in Placencia, the seaside resort to the south. (South Beach Belize is the exception, where pre-construction Condos start at $139,900 and Private Villas - INCLUDING LOT, at $199,900!) 

Plus, foreign buyers now pay less “stamp tax.” Until recently, Belizeans paid 5% of the price of a property purchase in stamp tax…but most foreigners had to fork over 15% (on all but the first $10,000). Today, the stamp tax is 5% for foreigners and Belizeans alike.

This is the right time to look for real estate in Belize. If you wait, the demand from foreign buyers may continue to push prices up.  Your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!  Until next time…Fair Winds!   Comments are always welcome!