Below is an “update” received today from “The Long Caye Community Association Team.” Among the “highlights” for 2012 are the near-completion of the lodge (owned by one of the PIL principles), a wedding, and a new baby (congratulations, Ruth). There is no mention of any actual work being done on boardwalks or pathways or any of the other issues existing property owners have asked to be addressed. In fact, we have evidence that nothing has been done to keep even the existing pathways and roads to many of the lots clear.
In response to this “update,” I have asked the “Long Caye Community Association” to provide me with the following information:
Please send me information on the Long Caye Community Association. Specifically I would like to know who the officers are, how and when they were elected or appointed, and what their term(s) of office are.
I would also like to see a complete report on how dues have been spent in the past and how they are being budgeted for the future along with photographs documenting any maintenance work that has been done on the caye.
I would also like to see minutes of any and all meetings of the Long Caye Community Association.
Among other things it would be interesting to see the division of labor between the work being done on ITZA Resort (owned by one of PIL’s directors) and work actually being performed to the benefit of all property owners, including those who still have no access to their properties.
I will share the response I receive, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. I made a similar request over a year ago and heard nothing.
Nothing in this request for information is extraordinary. Any legitimate organization asking for your money would be more than willing to share it.
In the meantime, if you are concerned about the state of affairs on Long Caye, I would suggest you relay them to “Amble Resorts.” Here is a link: Amble Resorts.
If you are interested in legal action, I have the name of an attorney with offices in the U.S. and Belize who is very interested in pursuing this. Send me comment (label it “confidential”) and I will send you the information.
Here’s the update:
Hello Long Caye Neighbors,
We hope this message finds you all happy, healthy and making plans to be in Belize (and on Long Caye) sometime in 2013. We are so glad to have seen many “first time” faces on the Caye in 2012, and we hope more come to visit in 2013.
We predicted progress on the Caye for 2012 – and we are happy to report that our predictions were correct! 
We are excited about lots of things that have happened on the Caye and will be reporting on things in greater detail as the New Year progresses.
A couple of new 2012 highlights include:
Another wedding ceremony and party happened on the Caye in 2012, and we now have a new youngest resident (under 1 year!) on the Caye.
Updates on Big Picture goings-on include:
The Lodge at the Main Pier (The Itza Resort) is in “pre-opening” phase and accepting reservations for 2013 now! There are 12 deluxe rooms and 12 rooms with shared bath, a restaurant and full service bar (which is open to the public) and offers diving, kiteboarding and other activities. Itza Resort can be seen on Facebook and their “website in progress” atwww.itzaresort.com. 
We are very excited about the opportunity this place offers to owners, the Association and potential new neighbors on the Caye. This is a great addition to the amenities on Long Caye and the Lighthouse Reef. Watch this space for continuing updates.
Amble Resorts, our neighbor in Sustainable Development at Long Caye, is moving forward with their plans to build on the Southern Hook of Long Caye. Like all great things done well, this project will not happen overnight, so we will keep you updated as to the progress of the plan. We expect to have more specific information on their plans and schedule in or around April of this year.
The folks at Amble share our respect for the pristine natural bounty of the Lighthouse Reef. They appreciate our Eco-Guidelines and will employ the same sustainable building and operating practices we do. We look forward to the future of this project with great excitement.
LONG CAYE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DUES FOR 2013:
You have either received or will shortly be receiving your Invoice for 2013 Long Caye Community Association Dues.
In response to your requests we have improved the billing/payment experience for Parcel Owners. For the 2013 Fees now due, we are offering several options to choose from for Parcel Owners. As before, if you own more than one parcel, you will pay for each one separately. Remember that the Currency Exchange Rate for BZ Dollars ($BZ) to US Dollars ($US) is 2 to 1. As we are a Belize Company, your invoice will be in Belize Dollars, so you will pay ½ of the $BZ due in $US. (Please contact us with any questions about the Invoices or exchange rate.)
LCCA Property Owners Association Annual Dues for 2013 can now be paid in the following ways:
Online via PayPal Account (Secure Site)
Payments can be made at the “Online Payment Page” of our SECURE website at:
http://www.longcayecommunityassociation.com/Online_Payment.html – The Paypal instructions start at the top of the Page.
Online via Credit Card Payment (Secure Site)
Payments can be made at the “Online Payment Page” of our SECURE website at:
http://www.longcayecommunityassociation.com/Online_Payment.html – Scroll to the Atlantic Bank logo down the page for instructions.
By Check via International Mail to the LCCA. (We accept checks in $US or $BZ, and ask that you send us an email telling us the check is coming, thanks.)
Long Caye Community Association
PO BOX 1082
Belize City, BELIZE
Online Payment Instructions are detailed on the website. Payments through Online Credit Card Payment and PayPal are in US currency. G.S.T. (Belize Government Tax) is automatically added upon selection of payment. You will receive a Confirmation of Payment by email. Thanks in advance for your payment, we appreciate it. If you have any questions about the payment options or need help – please let us know immediately and we’ll help.
Skype ID: long.caye.community.association
Skype-In Phone with voicemail: 802-275-4044)
Email: info@longcayecommunityassociation.com
That’s all for now, folks. As always, please let us know if you have plans to come to Belize andLong Caye – we’ll meet you on the Main Pier!
You Betta Belize it, The Long Caye Community Association Team
The first time I visited Long Caye, nearly 10 years ago, one of my fondest memories was of the land crabs, scurrying to and fro along the trails, especially at night. When I went back several years later I was dismayed and disgusted by the number of rats I saw scurrying along the trails at night, instead. Apparently, it’s still a problem. This report was just sent to us by Lindy Hodge, who has lived on Long Caye longer than anyone else, and has made it her home.
In addition to garbage, the rats are feasting on young land crabs, birds, coconuts, flowers, and other plants. One plant that is particularly susceptible is the saw palmetto, which has a flower that gives off a lovely perfume. Unfortunately, the rats chew into, and eat, the flower bud before it has a chance to bloom. 
Long Caye Belize 