A: If you have any further interest or questions regarding our project, please don't hesitate to email our Managing Director of operations in Belize:
Nathan Funk, (nathanfunk@balamjungle.com)

A: Belize is located in the Western Caribbean just below the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Guatemala borders Belize on the west and south.

A: Local currency is the Belize dollar. One U.S. dollar (US$1.00) is equivalent two Belize dollars (BZ$2.00). U.S. dollars are accepted countrywide.

A: To visit the area you have numerous choices.

Chartered vessel from various locations in Belize City or San
By vehicle, either through the entrance connected to the Old
Northern Highway or through the Mennonite community of Little
Belize.

• A fly-over (via helicopter or plane) can be organized for a bird’s

eye view of the property.

We have experienced in-country professionals that can make any and all arrangements that are needed to satisfy your comfort levels when you decide you’d like to discover the property or conduct due diligence activities. You are more than welcome to visit the property at any time.

A: English is the official language in Belize. English is also the language that is taught in schools and most of the people speak some kind of English dialect. Creole, Spanish, Maya, and Garifuna and also among the significant languages spoken. Spanish is also taught in schools and is spoken by many, especially in areas located near the Guatemala/Belize border.

A: Although the laws of Belize do not require the use of an attorney to complete a property sale, yes, absolutely it is recommended that local representation be retained. In Belize, attorneys remain trusted advisors. They’re usually well-connected, well-paid pillars of the community who wield real power. Fees are not all that different from what you would pay in a small city in the U.S. A roster of attorneys in Belize will reveal the surnames of prominent families with histories in Belize going well back into colonial times along with those of today’s political leaders including Barrow, Young, Shoman, Musa, Courtenay and Godfrey. In any real estate transaction, you should have your own Belize attorney.

A: No. You not only don't need a US attorney, but in most cases the US attorney is likely to cost you money for no benefit. US law is different than Belize Law, so no matter how skilled your US attorney is he/she doesn't know what they need to know to be of service. It is often a good idea to retain one to review your purchase agreement and to have a title search done.

A: Title Insurance is available and in regards to BJE, title insurance in readily available through Stewart Title Company (Stewart International), based out of Houston, TX. Stewart Title is teamed up with a local Belize company, RF&G Insurance, which was formed after two of Belize’s largest and oldest insurance company merged together.

A Title Search and Opinion has already been completed by RF&G Insurance on behalf of Stewart Title Company and a Title Insurance Commitment has already been made available to buyers interested in acquisition of BJE.

Americans have proved to be the most likely to raise the issue of title insurance, due to the insecure nature of titles and the litigious climate in the States. Canadians, on the other hand, who use pretty much the same title system as Belize, generally don't bother with it either here or at home.

Most Belizean attorneys will advise you that Title Insurance is unnecessary, however, it’s totally up to you. If you’d like Title Insurance, go ahead and buy it. Have a professional do the work for any title transfer. You can take title to property in Belize as an individual or as a corporation.

Please contact Charles M. Craig with Stewart International in order to pursue a Title Insurance Commitment:

Charles M. Craig
Senior Vice President & Counsel
Stewart International
1705 South Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 201
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 236-0405
fax (512) 330-9625
Email:
http://international.stewart.com

Please contact Eldon Logan with RF&G Insurance in Belize to pursue any matters relating to the title search and opinion of BJE:

Eldon Logan
Personal Lines Manger
6 Fort Street, PO Box 661
Belize City, Belize C.A.
tel: 501-227-7493
fax: 501-227-8617
email:

We have submitted our development plan and have received preliminary subdivision approval from Government, which means we can subdivide even further. In order for us to continue to configure and make specific parcels available to potential buyers, we only need to complete the physical onsite survey. Once the survey is completed, the parcel is mapped and submitted to the Land Utilization Authority (LUA), who then register the parcel in the Land Registry and transferable title is established.

Our current 13-parcel subdivision configuration was designed to maintain large contiguous parcels, each having particular land use characteristics. Our intention was not to fragment the lands but to maintain flexibility to accommodate the specific desires of those interested in purchasing one portion or another of BJE’s diverse landscape.

Note: Each subdivided parcel must have road access before title will be drafted and the parcel registered in the Land Registry.

A: Working through the Physical Planning Section (PPS) and the Land Utilization Authority (LUA), the application for subdivision is a two-step process. First an application is made for Provisional Approval. Once granted, this approval enables the applicant to secure the services of a surveyor for the purpose of carrying out the survey. The resultant plan must then be authenticated. Whenever the plan is authenticated the applicant can then proceed to the Second step, and apply for Final Approval. The land-owner cannot legally transfer/sell the resulting parcel(s) or secure individual title documents for each until he receives Final Approval.
In making the application for Provisional Approval the following must be submitted to the Land Utilization Authority (LUA):

• A completed application form provided by the LUA properly filled out.
• A proposed Subdivision Plan showing all resulting parcels, and all proposed and/or existing roads with proper dimensions
• Location plan showing the subject parcel in relation to the wider region
• Proof of Ownership (copy of Land Certificate, Minister’s Fiat Grant, etc.)
• Current Tax Statement (no Tax should be owing to the Government)
• Mortgage Declaration

The following should also be submitted where applicable:

• Combine/subdivide form signed and stamped by the Registrar of Lands (only if the subject parcel is located within a Land Registration Section)
• Company Certificate of Registration (if the land is owned by a company)

Note: The package must be submitted by the third week of the month, as the Committee of Lands meets once every month to review subdivision proposals. The Committee will then process the request and choose to grant preliminary approval for said subdivision plans. Once preliminary approval has been granted then seller has the right to market and sell smaller blocks of land with some flexibility in regards to parcel configuration as long as clear road access is demonstrated for each subdivided parcel. A survey must be completed for each subdivided parcel before Final Approval can be granted and a new title registered.
In applying for Final Approval, the applicant must submit:

• A completed Final Approval application (provided by the LUA) that complies with the preliminary subdivision plan and includes a map with grid coordinates of the surveyed parcel (plot map) prepared by the Chief Surveyor.
• Six copies of the Authenticated Plan

Note: Where new roads are being proposed within a subdivision, these must be constructed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Works before Final Approval can be granted. Once the subdivision and survey and road access is complete, a final submission package that complies with the preliminary subdivision plan and includes a map with grid coordinates (plot map) – prepared by the Chief Surveyor - needs to be delivered to the Committee of Lands to receive final approval.

A: Belize is in the process of adapting a national building code (copies can be obtained from the chamber of commerce), however at the moment, there is a lack of regulation and inspection. The country remains a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. However, it’s important to start off on the right foot by submitting a plan to the Ministry of Natural Resources / Department of Environment(DOE) from clearance. Recommendations may be given after review of the proposed plan.

A: Take for example the following design. This house is nice and definitely “upscale.” The construction, finishing, and landscaping could be completed in Belize for approximately US $150+ per sq foot. However, the price all depends on one’s idea of upscale. Obviously, if a lot of materials and furnishings need to be imported into the country, the price per square foot is going to increase. And, if importing materials is preferred, it’s probably worth applying for a Development Concession from the Government of Belize through Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) (www.belizeinvest.org.bz/) for duty exemption on imported goods.

There are always ways to cut costs in Belize if you are creative. Belize offers developers the opportunity to apply some of the most exotic hardwood species on earth to enhance their development projects at incredibly cheap local lumber prices. From the interior to the exterior, application of exotic hardwood species is something that can be done for a fraction of what it costs those who have to import the same species. Exotic hardwood furniture, floors, decking – you name it – at an unbeatable price.

Another cost savings point to consider is that Balam Jungle eliminates the need to source most raw materials from exterior locations, cutting fuel and trucking costs associated with more lengthy transportation routes.

A:Any habitat alteration within the 66 ft coastal reserve will require specific authorization from the DOE. Increased development of the reserve zone should be balanced by sympathetic development around any additional fragments of littoral forest, or especially good stands of fringing mangrove within the zone. An EIA may be required before clearance is give for construction.

A: Yes, however, if a large area of mangrove habitat will be disturbed it is likely that an EIA will be required by the Department of Environment in order to justify such a disturbance and demonstrate how impact to the environment will be kept to a minimal or offset by other reserve areas.

Mangrove habitat along the coastal region of the BJE is quite extensive and as long as careful consideration is given to the impact of proposed development (especially when Red Mangrove is concerned), then other areas that are left undisturbed and pristine will offset more impacted areas, ensuring the integrity of coastal ecosystems.

Many people do not realize how aesthetically pleasing mangrove habitats can be when incorporated into a landscaped environment. BJE’s coastal vegetation, namely mangrove vegetation, can be beautifully landscaped into any development project. I’ve seen boardwalks built through tunnels of tangled mangrove that are absolutely magnificent in appearance. Finding the harmony between development and the natural environment is the means to sustainable development.

A: Again, the DOE would need to be consulted and an EIA may be required before dredging activities could begin. The DOE would rely heavily on the opinion of Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI), which is an autonomous public statutory body charged with the responsibility of implementing and monitoring policies that govern the use and development of the coastal zone in Belize. To learn more about CZMAI, click here: http://www.coastalzonebelize.org

That said, theoretically, dredging is a very attractive option: the very shallow in-shore waters/lagoons could be deepened and the material put to good use as landfill. Dredged material usually has a high compaction rate – one yard of dredged material may settle to less than a foot in depth. Controlling surface run-off has to be established through the construction of dykes and banks. Dredging could prove to be a very expensive option if extensive dredge work (such as dredging Bennett’s Lagoon) were needed and dredge work/equipment needed to be contracted: a cubic yard of pumped dredge material may cost US$7-10 as compared with US$2.50 for quarried material – and then compact to less than half the depth. In balance therefore, it would seem that quarried landfill is the a more cost efficient option unless the investment was made to purchase a dredger thereby cutting the operating expenses significantly and thus making dredging an extremely useful strategy.

A: Belize’s Environmental policies are quite progressive and they do require a developer to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment before a project can begin. It is believed that the process of prudent planning can be deemed comparable to that in the States, however, due to financial constraints, the Government of Belize sometimes struggles in enforcement of their policies.

Although the Government of Belize demands that their environmental policies are respected, they are user-friendly and flexible when it comes to finding creative solutions that will benefit the developer and consider the environment. They are developer friendly.

A: As soon as a heritage site is discovered, it’s the developer’s duty to contact the Department of Archeology, who will need to conduct an official site review to examine the significance and the extent of the site. The Department of Archaeology is a department within the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting responsible for the management of the cultural resources of Belize. The functions of the Department of Archaeology are governed by the Ancient Monuments and Antiquities Laws, which are focused on the archaeological activities that emphasize protection, promotion, research and the development of Belize's cultural heritage.

The Ancient Monuments and Antiquities Laws state that all ancient monuments and antiquities, however situate, whether in private ownership, possession, custody, or control, shall absolutely vest in the Government. However, a person in possession can apply for a license for custody/control of any ancient monument or antiquity. However, the Minister has absolute discretion to grant or withhold any license to keep the possession, custody or control and any license may be revoked by the Minister at any time should the ancient monument or antiquity be deemed to be acquired in the natural interest. There may be compensation for Government acquisition.

However, the Government is open for negotiation here on this topic. Should a private landowner want to get involved in the excavation and responsibly protection of an archeological site, depending on the expanse of a site, a Resort Development could be cleared for the incorporation of the site into the attraction plans. Again, the government of Belize is ready to make deals and if they and their Department of Archeology is respected in the process. Unique arrangement can be made with Government.

A: These sites are yet to be detailed and recorded by the Department of Archeology. They are completely unexcavated and were found in their current natural state through our intense ground truthing efforts. These 9 sites are just a very few of the actual number of sites predicted by archeologists to be present on the property. The coastal area of BJE is thought to be an important transshipment point in Maya times, as goods could be unloaded and further transported to the more inland inhabitants. This theory is further supported by the strategic location of BJE’s coastal area, as it is located slightly south and west of Bacalar Chico, a narrow, mangrove-lined canal, dug and cleared by the Maya to avoid a long journey around the southern tip of Ambergris Cay. BJE, therefore, became one of the easiest inland access points.

A: Yes, absolutely. Location is something that you would have to consider in terms of the project layout although current sites can be recommended based on past project experiences. Approval would need to be granted by the Aviation Committee or Airport Licensing Authority Board, which is part of the CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT. The Civil Aviation Department falls under the direction of the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communications:

Contact Information:
Director of Civil Aviation
Phillip Goldson International Airport,
Ladyville, Belize
Tel: (501) 225-2052
Fax: (501) 225-2533

The Civil Aviation Department will need to understand why you need the airstrip as part of your development project, what kind of investment will be made (i.e. paved or unpaved), how much air traffic will be attracted, and most importantly, how the airstrip will be secured and regulated so that unauthorized or illegal use of the airstrip does not occur.

A: Natural gas is not available in Belize. Butane and/or propane are used in place of natural gas. For more information contact FABRIGAS BELIZE LTD. using the contact info listed below:

Fabrigas Belize Ltd.
Philip King.
General Manager
#1 Central American Blvd esq. Peter Seco St.
Belize City, Belize
Tel#: (501) 222-5327/28
Fax#: (501) 222-5329
Email:

A: The process would be:

1.)Apply for a Work Permit (applications can be acquired easily at Angelus Press)
2.)Submission of a Letter from the Company or Employer
3.)3 Passport Pictures
4.)$20.00/application
5.)Supporting Documents such as: Proof of Academic Qualification and a Bank Statement from a local bank or place of origin.

A: International flights to Belize City go through Miami, Charlotte NC, or Houston. The major airlines servicing Belize are American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, and TACA. A Departure Tax is payable by travelers upon departure.

A: Telecommunication services are available. Direct dialing, cellular telephone service and paging are also available.

If you would like to set up a cell phone from abroad to a Belizean line, make sure it is a digital GSM phone, with at least 1900mhz.

Unfortunately Cingular issued phones are the only kind that will not work in Belize.

A: To call the U.S., it costs about a $1.50 per minute and after 10:00PM it is about $1.00 per minute (rates vary depending on where you stay).

Getting a Belize phone card (BTL) is recommended for making national and international calls. 501 is the international dialing code for Belize and there are 17 different area codes in Belize.

The country has all of the telecommunications services available. Calls from Belize are more expensive than calls to Belize. Secluded tropical rain forest places will usually have radio communications hooked up to a cellular assistance to make an outgoing call.

A: You can get a temporary Internet account by contacting Belize Telecommunications (BTL).

Their email is sales@btl.net. Most major destinations in Belize will have internet cafés or purchasable internet access. Typically, you would pay $3BZ ($1.50US) for 30 minutes online. However, the price can vary drastically for internet access if you are traveling in the Cays or even while staying at major hotels the rates tend to be higher

A: Mid-November through June are the driest months of the year.

The rainy season starts in July and ends in mid-November. High tourist season starts in November and continues through April. The rest of the year is less crowded. Belize has a subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 80 degrees.

The temperature can reach the mid-90's in the summer. Trade winds flow through the coastal and island properties most of the year, keeping temperatures enjoyable even throughout the hottest months. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees. Rainfall is heavier in the jungles and southern Belize and is lighter in the north where the Corozal Timber Lands are located.

A: When exploring the property or hiking through the rain forest wear loose fitting, light colored pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots. When conducting any business, attire to meet with government officials is something comparable to khakis and a button down shirt.

A: There are four commercial banks in Belize City

Belize Bank Limited, Market Square, Belize City
Phone: (501) 227-7132
Bank of Nova Scotia, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: (501) 227-7027
Atlantic Bank Limited, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: (501) 227-7301
Barclays Bank PLC, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: (501) 227-7211

Banking hours are usually 8:00 AM -1:00 PM Monday - Thursday, 8:00AM - 4:30 PM on Fridays and 8:00 AM-11:00 AM on Saturdays. Many of the banks have branches within the other districts

A: To rent a car, or a golf cart in Belize, a valid driver license is required. Cars and four wheelers can be rented in Belize City, International Airport and other locations in the country - Auto Rental. If you have a car, a great way to experience the country is driving yourself.

Belize is only 68 miles wide and 180 miles long, so it is not to far to get anywhere. The main highways in Belize are:

• The Northern Highway connects Belize City to Corozal and to the Mexican Border.
• The Western Highway connects Belize City to San Ignacio and to the Guatemalan Border.
• The Hummingbird Highway connects Belmopan to Dangriga.
• The Southern Highway connects Dangriga to Punta Gorda.
• The Manatee Highway connects Belize City to Dangriga.
• The Corozal Timber Lands are located about 8.5 miles off the Northern Highway.

A: Buses travel fairly regularly on the country's highways. The bus lines are:

Novelo's Bus Lines Ltd.: (501) 207-2025
Venus Bus Line Co. Ltd: (501) 207-3354
Z-Line Bus Service: (501) 522-2224

A: 911 is the emergency number to connect you to the local police, who will be able to assist you.

The fire department or ambulance can be reached through this number also.

The Belize Telephone Directory would have a list of doctors, and very serious medical problems can be cared for in Belize City at:

Belize Medical Associates
5791 St. Thomas Street, Belize City
(501) 223-0303.

A: Belize law is similar to U.S. law and in fact Belize is an Independent British Commonwealth.

Their Government was modeled after the British Parliamentary System. Also, Belize is an English speaking country with a stable government and growing economy.

A: Shots are not required to enter the country. For professional advise, consult your local Health Department or family physician if you plan on staying in Belize for an extended period of time.