Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
The nearest village, Monkey River Town, used to be the second largest town in Belize. The banana industry relocated because of disease and the town went from a population of around 8000 to perhaps a couple of hundred. Fishing and tour guiding are the only way of making a living here. The village is isolated from the jungle road into the nearest town by the river, and there is no public transport.
We have chosen to set up our business in Toledo, the poorest part of Belize. Good employment is hard to find here and there is a very high percentage of child labour in the agricultural industry as families struggle to survive.
Even one small business like ours makes a difference as the money we spend creates a ripple effect into the local community. By employing local fishing and tour guides we pump much needed money into the local community. In particular, the jungle walks around Monkey River employ both men and women, and there is a small shop and a couple of tiny restuarants which also create employment for village people. Guides often support an extended family network.
We buy local produce wherever possible and always buy fish which the local children catch at weekends and bring to our dock. This is a useful addition to their family income and gives them a sense of pride in achievement.
We ask our fishing guests to practise catch and release fishing except where fish is needed for food. We support national organisations promoting wildlife and also the care of domestic animals. We run the resort on solar power, collect our own rainwater and recycle wherever possible.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
