Welcome To Belize !!!!!
Good Day, and I hope all who reads this, finds Themselves Happy & Healthy,
And Not In Belize !!!!
My Name Is Andy Lapel, and this is My Venture as an Investor In San Pedro Town, Belize.
Prior to Relocating to San Pedro I Successfully Owned and Operated SAND AND SEA WATERSPORTS, LLC In Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and have over 20 years Watersports and Parasailing Experience and Credentials.
In 2006 the South Florida Economy and Real Estate Market was Downward Spiraling, So I began looking fo someplace that had more Economic Stability with Sustainable Growth Patterns, where I could relocate My Watersports/Parasailing Business.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
In February 2008, subsequent to placing numerous classified ads, I was solicited online by a man only known as Chris, who Claimed that he Owned a Parasail Business in Belize, and if I was interested, I could bring My Boat and Equipment over, use his Licenses and Advertising and we would split everything 80%-20% ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
Upon arriving in San Pedro, I got off the plane at Maya Island Air and found that the Man was in fact Christopher Lee Boone,
....Here is the First Curve in a Long and Winding Bumpy Road.....
Mr Boone is the Co-Owner of and Operated Waterfront License Corp. / d.b.a. Pompano Parasailing, / d.b.a. Island Waves Parasailing in Pompano Beach, Singer Island & Port St Lucie, Florida. www.sunbiz.org
Due to Tourist Safety Concerns, in Florida the Cities and Counties only issue a limited amount of Parasailing / Watersports Launch Licenses. Therefore it is Common practice for Parasail Companies to Pay a 20% Commission to a Watersports Concession to Operate off their Beach and under their Licensing, Similar to Sub Contracting.
In May of 2007 a Freind of Mine (Jon Carter) that Owns and Operates American Watersports Inc, (Mr Boones Parasail License) informed Me that Because the Captain of Mr Boones Parasail Boat (Scott Kipp) was Recklessly Operating, not Properly Maintaining the Equiptment and was not licensed, that he was Terminating his Parasail Licensing Agreement with Mr Boone.
Mr Carter then told Me that because I was an Experienced and Safety Oriented Parasail Captain if I were to Purchase another Parasail Boat, that I could take over Mr Boones Parasailing Licensing, Location and Agreement.
So on June 01, 2007 I Purchased My Boat (BADFISH) from My former boss (Peter Petrov/Blue Sky Parasail) began a Total Mechanical Overhaul of BADFISH and while My Boat was Being Overhauled I had Purchased all New Equipment and Gear, including Chutes, Harnesses, Rigging, Life Jackets and Towline
On June 04, 2007 My Wife and I formed Sand And Sea Watersports, LLC and began Parasail Operations at Wyndhams Sea Gardens Beach and Tennis Resort.
On August 18th 2007 Mr. Boones Company (My Former Competitors), Negligently Killed a 15 Year Old Girl, and Severely Injured her 17 Year Old Sister (Amber May & Crystal White) in Pompano Beach, FL after
Placing the Girls into a Parasail During a
35+MPH Wind & Thunder Storm
Sign The Petition !!!
http://www.leesfield.com/CM/News/news06.asp
Due to Severely Inclimate Weather Conditions and pursuant to a NWS Bulletin at issued 10:36 am, I had Stopped Operations 2 hours prior and was at My dock doing Boat Maintenance when at Around 1:25pm, Marine Patrol, Deputy Sheriff Sam Lupinski called me.
He Informed Me that there was an Incident at the Beachcomber Resort and asked me to come to the scene to get Statement and My Professional Opinion on what had Transpired.
When I arrived on the Beachcomber Resorts beach, I saw the Mr Boones Parasail Boat (H.I. Flyer) sitting on the Beach with 500 feet or so of Towline layed across the Sand and Scott Kipp (the Operator) running around Frantically Saying "I F@&kedUp !!, I F@ked Up !!
When I looked where the Towline ended I seen Deputy Lupinski waiving Me over and He escorted Me behind the Yellow Crime Scene Tape, where I saw a Horrific & Chaotic Aftermath of a Yellow Smiley Face Parasail Torn and Tattered all through the Palm Trees & Blood Strewn all over the Building & Walkways.
I gave a the Sheriffs Statement entailing Operator Ignorance / Negligence and Extremely Adverese Weather Conditions, You do not even for a second think of opening a Parachute in Squally, Gale Force Conditions.
When I looked where the Towline ended I seen Deputy Lupinski waiving Me over and He escorted Me behind the Yellow Crime Scene Tape, where I saw a Horrific & Chaotic Aftermath of a Yellow Smiley Face Parasail Torn and Tattered all through the Palm Trees & Blood Strewn all over the Building & Walkways.
I gave a the Sheriffs Statement entailing Operator Ignorance / Negligence and Extremely Adverese Weather Conditions, You do not even for a second think of opening a Parachute in Squally, Gale Force Conditions.
The next Day I went to Broward General medical Center in an Attempt to console the Girls Family. Althoug I felt it was like Playing Russian Rulet, the Family Welcomed Me and asked what had happened and I told them that I didnt even have words for what happened.
The next day I took My Boat Out of the water and packed all of My Gear up and drove to Sarasota to have everything inspected by the Manufacturer. (Chris Abbott / Custom Chuets)
Ambers Funeral (and also Her Sweet 16th Birthday) was scheduled for the following Sunday less than 100 miles away near Ocala, So My Wife and I decided to stay and Attend, but while pulling up to the Service decided it best not to intrude.
Since the Incident I became Very Proactive in the Establishment of Parasail Safety Standards & Guidlines into legislation introduced by Florida Senator Gwen Margolis and Believe that being that San Pedros number one Commodity is Tourism Related Services, it should have Strict Regulations on Parasailing / Watersports Activities .
Anyways, So as you can reasonably Imagine, I was quite shocked to see it was him & nearly got back on the plane and left.
When I asked him why didnt disclose to me who he actually was, he said that he wanted to Surpise Me..... Surprise !!!
I Intensely Inquired about the Status and His Personal Liability in regards to the Incident, to which Mr Boone stated that he had sold the business to Scott Kipp (the operator that killed the teenager) and produced Credible Looking but what turned out to be Fraudulent Documents showing that he sold the Company to Mr Kipp and held no liabilties.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
After reading the Fraudulent Documents and spending Ten Days observing the operation, everything on the Surface Appeared to be Legitimate, so I agreed to his Business Proposal and Mr. Boone said that I needed to leave $4,500US with him to cover the import duties and his brokers fees (RobertAlfaro) which he said had to be paid before my boat arrived, so before leaving I did, I left with him $4,500US......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
Before leaving I also met with the immigration officer, Sheldon Hudson to whom I paid $500 US to begin my work permit process, which Mr Hudson said would take 3-4 weeks......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way.........
I then returned to Forida to Close the Sale of Sand And Sea Watersports, llc, set the New Owner up for things to run smoothly for Him and prepare My Boat for shipping.
While in Florida I had attempted to contact Leesfield & Leighton who are the Attorneys Representing the White Family, to double check Mr Boones Liabilities but did not get a reply until later in the story.
On June 05, 2007, I arrived in Belize and was waiting on my boat to arrive in Belize City, via Hyde shipping when Mr Boone stated that I had to sign ownership of My Boat to his company, Ambergris Caye Watersport Adventures in order to get it in the country.
......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way.......
I explained to him that He had lost his Mind, there was no way that I was signing ownership of My Boat over to a company that I did not own, or hold interest in, and that if I had to sign ownership over to a company, then per our agreement, he would have to start another corporation where I was to be 50% shareholder, and in the event of dissolution, My Boat, Equipment and Assetts would revert back to myself, and on June 11, 2007 Mr Boone and I formed Agua Fun of Belize in accordance with the Above Stipulations and on June 11, 2007
On or about, June 13, 2007 I was getting nervous about My Boat and asked for Mr. Alfaros phone number so I could find out the status of my boat, which Mr Boone said not to worry and he would he had it taken care of ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
On or about June 13, 2007 Mr Boone asked my wife Sandi if she would go by his house in Florida and make sure everything was okay, to which said said she would be happy to, and discovered that his tenant had abandoned the house, and We then discoverd that his house was going to be foreclosed on the following day, so Mr Boone asked if Sandi would pack up and place all of his belongins into a portable storage unit (PODS) and ship it ot his parents in North Carolina and he would pay her $2,000US ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
Needless to say We thought it seemed odd that, if someones house and all of their belongings were going to be forfeited, they would not jump on a plane and take a 2 hour flight to secure their property. So I began investigating and emailing Leesfield and finally got a reply stating that Mr Boone still held Liabilities and they were looking for him, but being that he and I were now corporately bound, I was afraid of My Assetts being jeopardized, so I refrained from disclosing his location at that time.
Meanwhile, Sandi had taken her father and paid two other men to help her pack her his belongings, among which was a Volvo Marine diesel engine, that needed to be overhauled.
Mr Boone instructed Sandi to pack everthing but the engine, a couch and a desk because he did not want those items. I told Mr Boone that if he did not want the engine I would pay a friend to bring it to my house in Florida, so I would have spare parts for my parasail boat, he said because we helped him with his belongings, that I could have it.
On or about June 15, 2007 Mr Boone set up an appointment between BPA, Mr Robby Barrows and Myself and I flew to Belize City and met with and paid him $1,000US to register my boat as a Belizean vessel.
After discovering Mr. Boone was wanted for Fleeing Prosecution I was extremely worried about My Boat and after 9 days of calling Mr Alfaro, whom kept saying the import permit was not processed yet, I called the Customs office to inquire as to why My Import Permit had not been approved, to which they stated that they did not know, but after 10 days I would start accruing storage fees.
I then demanded that Mr Boone, give me Mr Alfaros number so I could personally call him, and after a brief argument he did and when I called him and asked about the Import Permit, Mr Alfaro said he would hopefully have it on Monday and if I had to pay storage fees, that was the cost of doing Business in Belize.
I then figured that everything was a fraud and told him that was unacceptable, and began to calling and trying to Source another broker.In such I found Mr. Ernesto Perera and explained the situation to him. He said he could have my boat cleared within 2-3 days, but being it was Friday afternoon, I would have to wait until Monday.
I was furious with Mr. Boone and informed him that I had hired another broker and I needed my $4,500US to pay Mr Perera, to which Mr Boone stated that he had put my money in his bank account and that he would give me 2 signed, blank checks, 1 for Customs and 1 for Mr Perera.
On Monday June 23, 2007 Mr. Boone and I flew to Belize City and while I met with Mr Perera he went to RFG Insurance to supposedly transfer the liability insurance to My Boat.
While at Mr Pereras office, Mr. Perera informed Me that Mr Alfaro made Fraudulently Conflicting Declarations when He applied for the Import Permit and that the Customs Inspector was on his way over to elaborate. When the Customs Inspector arrived he said that because Mr Alfaro Falsified the Customs Declaration, My Boat was being Subjected to Seizure.
Mr Perera explained my situation and thankfully cleared up the mess that Mr Alfaro created and said to return on Tuesday to pick up my boat, but that he would not accept a check for his services only cash. ($700BZ for his fees plus $7,441BZ for import duties)
So Mr Perera drove me to Atlantic Bank in Belize City, where I was told there was insufficient funds for the amount of $8,141 BZ, so I cashed a check for $700BZ for Mr Pereras fees, and gave him $3,500US + $500BZ that I had in personal cash to cover the duties.
Once I returned to San Pedro I explained to Mr Boone that there was insufficient funds to cover the check, to which he stated that he had sold his business assets to a Man named Micheal Jemison and because he was transfering $200,000+BZ that the bank was confused and I would have to wait a few days for him to repay me, my own money.......It Didnt Quite work that Way.......
So now, the Man that I had just moved to Another Country and Partnered with 80-20% just sold his part of the Business and now I have a new partner that I have to split everything 50-50% who has Never Flow a Parasail ????????
Mr. Boone also stated that because the bank was confused that he borrowed $5,051BZ to pay for incorporation fees, trade license, dock lease etc and told me to just make one of the checks out for that amount and cash it in a few days ????????.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
I was shocked that he had sold his Business without letting me know and all of My Suspicions of his Actions and Motives were now Blatantly Obvious, so I demanded that he repay me not only the $5,051BZ that he took without asking, but also the $4,500US I alloted for the import duties, to which he stated that he was Sorry and once the bank got things straight he would do such.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
Mr. Boone also stated that because on June 12, 2007 (the day Mr Jemison bought the Assets) the Engine in the Boat he sold Mr Jemison blew up, that I could work with in San Pedro until it was repaired and earn 50% of the Gross Earnings and while working with Mr Jemison and because I was the Experienced Partner, San pedro would be My Location.... I was feeling very Violated but decided to make the best Out of A Bad Situation. .... and here I am, still....
Subsequently after Metting Mr Jemison for the 1st time on or about June 20, 2008, I discovered that Mr Boone had sold him the Business on the False Pretenses that he had been Operating in San Pedro for 2 years, that Scott Kipp, (the Operator that killed Amber) was a 50% shareholder in his company, Ambergris Caye Watersports, Ltd) and that, he possesed no Parasailing License, Contracts etc, along with numerous other lies.
I explianed the above to Mr Jemison and provided him with all the available Knowledge and Documentation that I Possessed.
On or about July 01, 2008 and After a few days of of Intense Worry of My Future and My Investement and Watching Mr Boone Flagrantly decieve not only Myself but Mr Jemison, I finally had enough, was disgusted with all of Mr Boones lies and deceit, packed My Belongings and moved into the Palapa on Fidos dock.
Due to the Fact that, we were both defrauded by Mr Boone, Parasailing is of A High Risk Nature, I had 20 years of Watersports / Parasailing Experince, Credentials and Hquipment, and He Had None, He and I entered into a 50/50 Partnership Agreement.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
I explained to Mr Jemison that I was waiting on Mr hudson to get My Work Permit and I needed to contact him, but he was assigned to work on the Mainland and I did not know how to reach him.
On July 06, 2007 I went to the Immigration Office to extend Check on My Work Permit, and noticed a sign in the window with Mr Hudsons phone number on it, so I called him and inquired as to the Status of My Work Permit. Mr hudson stated that my work permit had been approved, that I was cleared to work and he would be returning to San Pedro in a few weeks to finalize things. ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
On July 16, 2007 while living in the palapa I had been bitten by insects and had hundreds of welps all over my body, so I rented a room at Thomas Motel for 2 nights so I could take a shower and not have the soars infected.
On July 18, 2007 I took every dollar I had and rented an apartment from Mrs Yvonne Bond, whom turns out co-owned the only parasail business ever legally allowed to operate in Belize, with her ex-husband Mr Tony Buono
On or about July 27, 2007 (the Day Mr Jemisons Boat was Repaired) I had to turn away customers because I did not have the Proper Equipment (Big Chute) to Safely Fly People With No Wind .
When I returned to the dock I explained the above to Mr Jemison, who snarred at me, then went to his boat with an inexperienced mate (Alex) and began attempting to set up the parachute, then after 30-40 minutes, they went and attempted to fly a heavy barrel of water in a small Chute with no wind.....Doesnt Work Out That Way.......
While I and everyone else was watching him drag the Chute and barrel through the water and bashing the barrel into the back of the boat and everyone was laughing, Mrs Jemison began yelling at Me, (Thats it, I ve had enough of you, now Im pissed) So because of Mr and Mrs Jemisons immature and ignorant actions, combined with her statements, I left and went home in order to avoid a conflict.
I then sent Mr Jemison an email explaining my position, to which the following day He replied stating that, I knew San Pedro was his location and I had to move my boat immediately from Fidos dock.
So I acquired another location at Exotic Caye/Crazy Canucks Beach Bar and began negotiations in forming a partnership with Mr Buono, whom it turns out was the Only Person with the Necessary Experience & Credentials to Lawfully Operate a Parasail Boat on the Island.
On or about July 31, 2007. I went to meet Mr hudson to get My Work Permit who explained that even though I was 50% shareholder in Agua Fun, Mr Boone had pulled his sponsorship from my Work Permit, and that I had to start the process all over, including Paying Him His Fees.
Frustrated, Confused, Broke & Scared, I went into Reclusion for a week or so until like an Angel, Mrs. Bond had came to my rescue and kicked Me in the Butt
She told Me to Get Up, Stand Tall and Set a Meeting with Manuel Heredia and Elsa Paz, (the Minister of Tourism and Mayor of San Pedro Town) in which I was instructed to Put Everything Out On The Table, Who I Was, My Parasailing Experience & History, The Frauds and Threats Perpetrated Against Me, and My Experiences in Belize and in such, I set a Meeting for August 08 2008.
During the meeting with the Minister and the Mayor, I Spilled My Guts and Put It All Out On The Table as I was told do, and Low and Behold they both Graciously Welcomed Me and My Investment to the Island, Sincerely Appologized for the Hardships that I was Forced to endure as an Investor in Their Country and Promised to Expedite and Get to the Bottom of the Matter. ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
During the Meeting I had Deeply Expressed My Concerns and Inquired into several things, Including, Work Permit, Tour Operators Licensing, Aviation Flight Paths, Allowable Weather Conditions and Operational Boundaries.
The Minister Informed Me that I was not required to obtain a Tour Operators Licence, because Parasailing does not fall under the definition of a Tour, but is an Amusement Activity. He then also roughly told me of the Aviation Flight Paths and Operational Boundaries. (Anywhere South of Ramones Village Resort)
The Minister then Instructed me to fill out another Work Permit Application and to put it along with a Trade License Application, 3 Passport Photos, a Photocopy of My Passport & $20 Stamp Fee in an evelope, drop it off Monday Morning (August 08 2008) and He would Personally Walk My Paperwork through within a week.......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
So on Monday August 11, 2008 I did as Instructed by the Minister, but when I went to drop it off, the guy who works in the Town Council (Martin I think) opened the envelope and said that the Paperwork that I was submitting had nothing to do with the Minister and Refused it.
So I explained to him that I was following the Minister and Mayors Instructions pursuant to our Meeting on Friday and to please make sure that it gets to His desk.
He said Okay and I left, assuming that I would have a Work Permit and be Legal to Parasail by the Weekend and all is Perfect in Paradise, Well ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
On August 13, 2007 I was riding my bike on Coconut Drive near S.P. Hardware and seen Mr Boone, who was driving a red Polaris Ranger and told him that if he didnt pay me the money that he stole $ 5, 051BZ + $ 4, 500US that I would press charges on him and notify the Leesfield and Leighton of his whereabouts.
Mr Boone then struck me in the left eye with a beer bottle, which knocked me to the ground. *see pics on phone*
While on the ground Mr. Boone repetetively kicked me and said if I did not leave the island that me and my boat would end up on the bottom of the ocean and he would make bad things happen to my wife in Florida.
As a Result I was left with lacerations to my left eye and head, bruised if not fractured ribs, and severe residual pain in my neck and shoulders. *see pics on phone*
On August 14, 2007 I went to San Pedro Police department and filed a complaint in an attempt to have Him held Accountable for his Actions and Transgressions Against Me...It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
When I returned home Kevin Adolphus and Chase Jemison (Mike Jemisons Employee & Son) knocked on my door because I called Mrs Jemison a few days before and informed her that when I left Fidos dock there was a mistake and I had one of their Chutes and they had one of mine.
I told Mr Adolphus and Chase I would take my boat and meet them on Fidos dock and also pick up 2 Spare Outdrives, 1 set / 2 Propellers and Bench Grinder that I had left in the palapa, We exchanged Chutes and I got the Drives, but the Propellors and Grinder were missing.
While pulling away from the dock Chase called Mr Jemison and he told Chase that those were Mr. Boones outdrives
I immediately went home and forwarded Mr. Jemison the email that showed where I had paid for them, once again because Mr Boone abruptly left them along with all his other belongings while fleeing after the fatal accident in August 2007
I also left Mr Jemison a voicemail asking where My Propellors and Bench Grinder, to which I never recieved a reply
Later that evening I saw Mr Jemison driving his cart on Coconut Drive near Medinas Store and flagged him down to clear up the issue, when Mr Jemison stated that this island wasnt big enough for the both of us, He would Walk all Over Me and that if I did not leave the island immediately he was going to pay off Mr Hudson and have me deported .
On August 15, 2007 I recieved a call from Mr Boone, who said (nice try, do you know who I am around here? I own the police. I am going to the states and your pretty wife is going to pay for what you are trying to do to me) thats not what he actually said, but You get the point.
On August 15 2008 I went to Minister Heredias Office to pick up my Work Permit and Trade Licence Approval, but was told that the Minister was not in His Office that Day.
So for the next week or so, I called the Ministers Office Daily in a Diligent Effort to secure My Work Papers but was repetetivily told that he was not available.
So On or About August 20, 2008 I went to the Ministers House at around 8:30 am in an Attempt to catch him before he left for work and He Instructed Me to come to His Office the Following Friday at 9:30am.
On Friday August 22, 2008 I was at the San Pedro Town Council at 8:00am waiting for the Minister, but was told that He would not be in his Office till after lunch.
After Lunch I went in back to the Town Coucil and around 3:00pm met with the Minister, whom told Me that He never recieved the Paperwork that He needed.
I explained that I left it with the Town Council (Martin I believe) on August 11, 2008, as instructed by Him during Our Meeting on August 08, 2008. at which time He went and asked (Martin I believe) about My paperwork, whom replied that the paperwork I had submitted did not Concern the Minister.
The Minister then Appologized for Martins Ommisions, Instructed Me to Resubmitt the Applications and that He would have My Work Papers within 3-5 Days (the following weekend) ...It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
Also during the Meeting I supplied Him with a Copy of the Attached Complaint, Advised Him of the Assault Perpetrated Upon Me by Mr. Boone on August 13, 2008 and the Threats made by Mr Jemison on August 15, 2008.
I Expressed My Well Founded Fears of Mr Boone and Mr. Jemison, at which time the Minister called a Sgt Wade with the San Pedro Police Department and Instructed Him to meet with Me, Take my Statement and Resolve these Issues.
I Graciously Thanked Him for his Guidance and Immediately went to San Pedro P.D. , but was told that Sgt Wade was not available, So I then Submitted the Attached Complaint in a Sealed Envelope addressed to Sgt Wade, thinking that the Matter would now Surely Be Resolved...It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
On August 26, 2007 My wife recieved a threatening email from Mr Boone stating that because she had the engine, he was going to prosecute her for theft and make her lose her real estate license, even though he gave it to us because it was going to be forfeited and as part of helping him by packing all of his belongings that he Abruptly left while Fleeing Prosecution
The email was extremely personal and originally sent to me by my wife on July 02, 2007
In Mr Boones threatening email he states that it was forwarded to him by Mr Jemison,
Due to the extremely personal nature of the email, The only way Mr Jemison could have gained access to it is if he secretly searched through my emails and forwarded them to his email while I was on the boat, and my computer was in the Fidos Palapa, to which I consider a severe and grevious breach of my privacy and theft while conspiring with Mr. Boone.
On August 26, 2007 My Wife recieved a call from Carrie Newton (Mr Boones girlfriend) whom stated that (I did not know what I was doing, or who I was messing with, and that if I dont leave the country that my life is in danger) So My Wife called the Broward County Sheriffs Office and reported the situation with Mr. Boone and Mrs. Newton.
On August 26, I called the U.S Embassy, American Citizen Services,explained the above facts to them, they told Me that the only thing they could do is Absolutely Nothing, and that I should consider Leaving the Country.
Due to the Fact that, I Missed my Wife and Family, My Resources were now Stolen / Depleted / Stolen from Me, and Low Season begining on September 01, I Decided to Store My Boat in Tom Vidrines Boat Yard and Fly back to the States to see My Family, Regroup and Wait for High Season to Arrive. Thank You, Tom Vidrine for letting Me store My Boat on a Handshake to Pay.
Being the size of My Boat though, I was not able to put it in Dry Dock and had to leave it Afloat, So For the 5 weeks I was gone, did not 1 minute pass that I didnt Fear My Boat Sinking or Being Sunk by Mr Boone and or Mr Jemison.
By October 15, 2008 While in Florida I had Acquired Another $10,000 and and Flew back on October 17, 2008 2 friends, Hayden Boyd and Sam Hawkins (neither of whom I had known more than 6 months) to resume where I was Forced to Leave Off setting up My Operation
Thank God I arrived when I did because It was Raining Profusely, My Boat had nearly 3 feet of Water Throughout the bilges, the bilge pumps were broken, and she was rapidly taking on water and would have Sunk in a Matter of Hours a If I hadnt spent 7 hours / all night pumping it out with a hand pump.....Glad it Worked Out That Way......
On October 19, 2008 I had seen Minister Heredia at his House and He told Me tat he had My Work Papers and to come by His Office the following Wednesday October 22, 2008, to pick them up ......It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way........
On October 22, I went to Minister Heredias Office at the Town Council Building and was told that He was not in today, but as I was leaving I had seen Mayor Paz and inquired as to the status of My Trade License, to which she replied that the Minister was handling it himself and that he would be in his Office the following Thursday, but once again I arrived at his Office and he was not there.
On or about October 25, 2008 Hayden and I had came home after repairing My Boat all day and found Sam was drunk and acting ignorant. The whole time Sam had been in San Pedro he only left the house 3 times, 1 of which was to move into a different apartment.
Hayden and I were sitting on the front porch for probably an hour because Sam was drunk and being obnoxious, when I heard slamming noises in the apartment. When i went in the apartment to see wht Sam was doing he went into his room yelling and slammed the door, breaking the trim off. I then yelled at him to leave the apartment, at which time Sam flung the door open and started punching me and a a brief struggle I made it outside. (I am 150 lbs he is 300 lbs.)
Sam then stormed off and We did not see him for probably an hour or so, we figured that he went and sobered up and cooled of. After about an hour he showed back up and was still tyrading and acting ignorant.
I told him to pack his stuff and I would get him a room at Thomas motel for the night and buy him a ticket back to the states. While he was packing he was knocking and throwing stuff around so i went in the apartment and told him to stop, he then stormed out with his bags down the street stating he was going to the embassy.
After 10-15 minutes Hayden and I split up and went looking for him, because it was getting late and We wanted to get him his room so he could sleep it off, we even paid local people to help us search for him. After an hour or so we met back at the apartment Hayden said that he seen Sam at Medinas store and he was still screaming and acting ignorant.
Sometime thereafter 2 San Pedro Police arrived at the apartment and asked what had happened. Hayden and I gave them a statement and showed the damage and mess Sam had made. The Officers asked if I wanted to file charges against Sam, to which I declined because I knew that he was just drunk and would most likely sleep it off and be normal in the morning.
When he did not return in the morning I went to San Pedro Police Station and was told that he was going back to the states. So I then called his mother and she hung up on me. I then called my wife and she said that she talked to his mother and that he was on his way back to the states.
On or about October 25, 2008 I had acquired a dock lease at Giovanni Marins Water Taxi Terminal and brought My Boat from the Boatyard to the front side of the Island to begin Preparing and Training the crew for the High Season in Anticipation of Recieving My Work Papers and Licenses from the Minister.....It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way.........
For the next 5-6 weeks I called and tried on a daily basis to set up an appointment with the Minister, but it was everytime he was not available.
On or about November 15, 2008 while cleaning My Boat, I was approached by a man from BPA whose name I believe to be Andrew, who started asking me a plethora of questions, about licensing, registration etc... I provided him all of My Documentation and he left.
On November 31, 2008 I had noticed a vibration in the outdrive of My Boat and upon inspection found that the rubber boot that protects the driveshaft had been cut / vandalized which had allowed salt water to enter the driveshaft, damaging the seals and the bearings.
Being that I believe that my boat was sabotaged, and I was in fear of further sabotaging, I felt it best to build sleeping quarters in the engine room and sleep on the Boat and did such until December 30, 2008 when I rented a small room for $100bz a week and paid a week in advance
On December 01, 2008 I had My Boat towed around to Mr Vidrines boat yard to take it out of the water and repair it, but because of its size I was not able to get it out of the water until around December 12, 2008.
On December 05, 2008 I was informed that Mr Boone and or Mr Jemison filed a complaint against Me with the Town Council, So I immediately went to the Council and requested a meeting with Mayor Paz and or the Minister....It Didnt Quite Work Out That Way.....
I was told that neither was available so I went to the BTB Office in San Pedro and spoke with a Mrs. Longsworth. I Emphasized My Issues and Concerns and Inquired as how to file a Legitimate Complaint with the BTB against Mr Boone and Mr Jemison for the blatantly grievous actions inflicted upon Me as an Investor in Belizes Tourism Industry.
I further Inquired as to how Mr Boone, an indiviual with a Fatally Clouded Parasailing / Watersports History, and Mr Jemison with no Parasailing / Watersports History, could for one be operating at all, and two how could they substantiate a complaint against Me an Individual with an Extensive Parasailing / Watersports History and Safety Record.
I also Informed and Inquired as to how Mr. Boone, was able to ignore Belizean Law and Rent Boats to Inexperienced Boaters (Tourists) Without Any Formal Training or Licensing?
I provided her a 2 copies of the *Letter Below in Green* She said she would look into it, Logged the Submission of the Letter to the Minister and Mayor and gave Me a number to call so I could once again set up an Appointment meet with the Minister.
Now back to the Boat, upon getting her out of the Water I had discovered that the damage was much more extensive than I had initially thought and I also now had to remove the engine which is an inboard diesel weighing more than 1200 lbs, with no cranes, lifts etc...
On December 20, 2008 I had not been able to acquire the parts so I had a man weld the shaft into the flywheel, and on the december 22 drove it around to the front of the island at which time i hit a rockbed and damaged My Propellers again
On December 21, 2008 while training my Belizean Crew, I was approached and boarded by the Belize Coast Guard, whom very Proffessionally and Politely asked to see My Documentation, I provided them with such and they left.
Christmas Day , this is the most miserable Christmas of my 33 year Existence, I am flat boke, turned down $400US of Flyers, I miss My Family , I havent had hot real shower i a month, I am sleeping in the hot engine room of the Badfish, and am going to attempt to stomach a bottle of rum and a hot Coke, so at least I can
Please God Help Me ... What did I do to deserve this????
Something is going to change though and soon I will sit back, tell stories and laugh about this... I know it will all be worth it.
On December 30, 2008 While at My Boat, I was Not So Nicely Approached and Greeted By a Sgt___________ and a Corporal Reyes from the Belize Tourism Police Unit stating that they had recieved numerous complaints that I was Illegally Operating without a Tour Operator License.
I informed them that I was told in a meeting with the Minister that Parasailing is an Amusement Activity and that I was not Providing any sort of Tours.
I offered to them all of My paperwork and Documentation to which they refused look at any of it and they Once Again in a Threateningly and Not So Nicely, told Me that if I moved My Boat without a Tour Operators License that they would arrest Me and Impound My Boat. I tried to explain to them that the Minister himself, informed Me that I did not require one. To which he stated
I inquired as to how Mr Boone could Rent Boats to Inexperienced and Non-Licensed Tourists and how Mr Jemison could Provide Parasailing Activities to Tourist without the Necessary Experience or Tour Operators License?
The Sgt began Raising his Voice and Getting Sharp with Me and I was not about to argue with the Tourism Police, when it was obvious they were biased against Me and towards Mr Boone and Mr Jemison, So I refrained from any further explanations and after about 20 minutes they left, stating that they were going to have their eyes on Me at All Times and if I moved My Boat I would go to jail.
*See BTBs Mission Statement Below in Purple*
So in Total Fear of Being Arrested and Losing My Boat, I Immediately called the Minister, Informed of what I had just Experienced and Inquired as to what I was Supposed to do and about My Work Papers.
He informed Me that because of Sam there was an objection to My Work Permit. I gave im a Brief run down of Sam situation and he said that He would look into it and get back to Me ASAP.
He also informed Me that if nothing else He still had My Approval from before I left. .....If I would have had My Approval in September, I wouldnt have had to leave....
So because the Tourism Police have Me Terrified, I am now locked in My apartment and am fixin to call the BTB and Inform to and Inquire of them, the events Explained herein. I sure hope I can get resolve, tomorrow is New Years Eve and I need to be up and Running
Okay, the Person that I was told that I needed to speak with was not in (Mr Williams), but spoke with and explained to a Mr Alvaro a Summary of the above events. He stated that I needed to email him this Document and that He would Personally sit Down with Mr Williams and help Me Resolve and Remedy the Issues I am having...God Bless Mr Alvaro for his Professionalism and taking the Time to Listen....
December 31st NEW YEARS EVE !!! Damn its a Beautiful Day to Fly, hopefully God willing I will hear from the Minister or the BTB this Morning and I can finally be cleared to Fly today. New Years is One of the Busiest Times of the Year
Its 1:00pm and I still have not heard from the Minister or BTB.
Even though I cant afford to lose the Money, I think its best to just lay low and wait to hear something....Probably wont be until Monday......
New Years Resolution......Live to Fly a Parasil in Belize in 2009......
Its 3 and I have Turned down 14 Flyers 14 X $60 = $840US / $1,620 BZ ??? /:-(
Sorry I am not the best web designer ,
To Read on, Go to Rod & Terri 's Page
Letter of Support
This is a Letter of Support Regarding the Trade Licensing of Andy Lepel , d.b.a Aqua Fun Parasailing and Watersports, in San Pedro Town, Belize.
As an Established Resident and or Citizen of San Pedro Town, I believe that Activities such as Parasailing & Watersports, should only be Conducted by Experienced, Competent, Operators which Possess Experience, Credentials and Safe Track Records.
In such, After Reviewing and In Recognition of the Attached Documents, I lend a word of Support to Andy Lepel as being Safe, Experienced, Competent Parasailing & Watersports Operators who Possess the Necessary Experience, Credentials and History to Safely Conduct Parasailing & Watersports Activities in and for San Pedro Town.
Further, after Reviewing and in Recognition of the Attached Documents, I Believe in and Would Support the Establishment of the Parasailing & Watersports Guidlines & Regulations herein Proposed by Andy Lepel, of Aqua Fun Parasailing & Watersports.
This is a Letter of Support Regarding the Efforts & Actions of Andy Lepel , d.b.a Aqua Fun Parasailing and Watersports, for Establishment of Parasailing & Watersports Guidlines & Regulations in San Pedro Town, Belize.
As an Established Resident and or Citizen of San Pedro Town, I believe that Activities such as Parasailing & Watersports, should only be Conducted by Experienced, Competent, Operators which Possess Experience, Credentials and a Safe History of Parasailing & Watersports Operations.
In such, After Reviewing the Attached Documents, I Recognize and Acknowledge Andy Lepel as being Safe, Experienced, Competent Parasailing & Watersports Operators who Possess the Necessary Experience, Credentials and History to Safely Conduct Parasailing & Watersports Activities in and for San Pedro Town
Further, after Reviewing and in Recognition of the Attached Documents, I Believe in and Would Give a Word Support Andy lepel in his Efforts for the Establishment of the Parasailing & Watersports Guidlines & Regulations herein Proposed .
Okay I Escaped Belize to wind up broke in Honduras, with a Broken Boat Since My computer was stolen by Rod Cooper in February I haven't been able to keep the site up to date, But I have my handwritten daily journals though, and I will be transcribing and posting as get the time, So.......Stay Tuned......Honduras was none the less boring.
Stay Tuned !!!!
A Whole Library's Worth of Pics are Coming !!!