'Business and retirement opportunities' Expat

PAL from Macal River, Belize (Contact Member) -

I came from Colorado in the US almost 20 years ago, and have a great life here that just keeps getting better all the time. I now find that I've taken on too much to handle easily on my own, so would like to find like-minded people coming into Belize who might want to invest or be working partners in an eco-community development or a wellness center. I also have need occasionally for caretaker/house sitters and ALWAYS have "handyman" projects to barter for accommodations. You can check out my website for existing business, (jungle B & B)www.ektunbelize.com and contact me at for further information.

My best advice to everyone considering a move to Belize is to come here and live for a minimum of 90 days before you sell out and burn your bridges. Living here is very different than being on vacation! In the years I've lived here I have seen more people come and then leave again, than have stayed and lived happily ever after.

Comment #1 Jacques Grant (69.31.149.53) -

I am currently running a school of electronics at a technical institute in US but am fed up with America's vulture culture - politics, ethics, and economics. I am eligible for Belizean citizenship since my mother was born there. Also, I am retired from US military, so have a little bit of a pension, and will be collecting social security in not-to-distant future.

I have not had money to travel down there for visit, especially would not have money to live there 90 days as you suggest (very wisely). I am currently in chapter 13 bankruptcy, but am trying to scrape money together for a trip this summer.

I need advice on living situation down there, work/business opportunities, etc. I must change my situation fairly soon, or resign myself to the indentured servitude status so many formerly middle-class Americans are being squeezed into. But whatever I do, it has to be right - I'm getting too old for second chances...

Would like to establish on-going dialog with people who can give me straight talk on moving to Belize, living and working, retiring, realestate, etc.

Thanks.

Comment #2 Matt (63.176.159.247) -

Are you looking for a business partner to help you run your business and do what you need them to do. I would like to know more information on what it is that you are looking for. I have previous experience with working with big companies and can also provide a resume if needed.

Comment #3 cwemoy (63.176.159.200) -

Many of us look at the US as the land of opportunity but just like any other country on the globe, it seems to have its share of ups and downs. I have had an interest of traveling to the WEst for further studies but Jacques, you got me thinking more than twice about the step I am about to make. Please shed more light about America's vulture culture. What opportunities are there for young graduates in Science and Technology?

Comment #4 Natascha (63.176.159.231) -

Pal, I have to congratulate you! It seems that you've made it. I totally agree with your recommendation of trying at least 3 months before the final move.

I live in the DR (for 7 years now) and know many people who couldn't survive and had to go back after a while, absolutely broke and sad.

But if you have the possibility to try it out, especially with an opportunity like with PAL, go for it! But keep something open back home for a while, just in case.

Comment #5 jodi from San Antonio (Contact Member) -

Hi there PAL,

My husband and myself are considering Belize as a possible retirement move. I have seen all the good advice and would request some information from you.

I am an administrative Assistant ( glorified secretary) and my husband is a Civil Engineer. Are you in need of a barter arrangement for a short (1-2 weeks)? The engineer is brilliant, but isn't the "handy" type. If you need your office organized or correspondence handled, etc....I am willing for the opportunity to explore your region of Belize.

Thanks for the read.

Comment #6 PAL from Macal River, Belize (Contact Member) -

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who found my website and contacted me via email... I haven't been very diligent about checking back here for messages. I truly am willing to barter for all kinds of services right now, and I really COULD use some engineering services for a bridge, floating dock and stabilization of a river bank.

I've also decided to sell the 50 acre parcel that has the jungle lodge on it... it's gorgeous, with some of the most beautiful river frontage in the country, and next to a National Park. It would be suitable for a private estate, or could be developed further for a larger tourist business, retreat or eco-community. I will keep the adjacent 150 acres to harvest medicinal plants and seedlings, and perhaps build another house for myself there some day when I have more leisure time. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact me:

For those of you from the States who are looking at this forum, and thinking of relocating to Belize, I would like to encourage you to do so as soon as you are able to do it. The way things are shaping up in the States, you will have no control over your health care options, will not know if you're eating irradiated or genetically modified food and may be forced to take harmful vaccinations you may not want or need! There are even worse things to worry about, but here is not the place to go into it... if you are looking at this, you probably already know.

If you've been affected by, or worry about the world economy collapsing further, you couldn't be in a better place than Belize. You never need to worry about going hungry or freezing, and people have "lived off the land" for thousands of years. You may not get rich, but you can have a very satisfying life, and keep your family safe.

• info@ektunbelize.com

Comment #7 Michelle (172.190.120.130) -

I have lived in Belize for over half my life, [have my residency] and my husband is a Belizian. We moved back to the states mainly to help family with problems, but now that everyone is back on track so to speak and we have been here for a few years ready to leave again. We would be interested in a business with someone that wants to retire in Belize. We know a lot about the country pros and cons, and ran a restaurant for over ten years. If anyone is interested to talk more about it feel free to contact me.

Cheers,

Michelle

Comment #8 onlyme from God's Waiting Room (Contact Member) -

Michelle,

You left no contact info! Email me at retire_e [AT) useekthem period com. You know the correct format of an email address.

My wife and I are Florida retirees and would be interested in discussing your notions of applicable business prospects for retirees in Belize.

Best,

OnlyMe

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