September 2020 - Executive Summary Greetings Venezia Owners, September is usually one of the busiest and most active times of the year for Belize. In fact, not only Belize but almost all of Central America holds September as a special time of the year. It was on September 15th 1821 that Central America declared independence from Spain. The Act of Independence dissolved the ties to Spain for the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. All close neighbors of Belize and whose natives form a large part of Belizean society and history. Belize, as you may know, celebrates its independence on September 21st. This year marks 39 years since declaring independence from Great Britain. On the ground, September is usually marked by many celebrations, festivities and events that effectively cause all attempts at commerce to grind to a halt. Adding to the festivities and the short work month September is also the month where Belize celebrates the 10th of September. On that day in 1798 the Baymen, early settlers (some say pirates and privateers) in the then named territory of British Honduras, met an invading force of Spanish navy and defeated them at the Battle of St Georges Caye, the battle lasted from the 3rd till the 10th. After that battle the Spaniards never again tried to take control of what is now Belize. With Independence Day for Belize, the Battle of St. Georges Caye celebrations and the celebrations for all the other countries that have September as their Independence Day you can understand that not much of anything short of partying gets done. Now, with the country coming out of the COVID induced slowdown, all we can reliably report on is that Belize is having a great time and wish you were here! We have not been idle during this very confusing time, between festivities and general work interruptions our team has been busy focusing on the behind the scenes infrastructure tasks that are necessary to making the modern resort a reality. Plans have been updated, lists created and checked and work continues to keep our construction team in close contact and ready to assemble once the all clear is given. Read on to see some our new happenings! Take care and stay safe, 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] The Wyndham Grand Belize COVID UPDATE The Island of Ambergris Caye has been released from the special, severely restricted State of Emergency and is now under the set of restrictions that govern social interactions and business operations that cover the rest of the country. Testing has been ongoing and the number of positive cases relative to the number of tests has been steadily falling and the Caye seems to have managed to flatten the curve. The area around Orange Walk district and Orange Walk Town are still areas where rates of infection remain somewhat high, although much reduced from several weeks ago, this is largely due to the “Border Jumpers’, those people that live close to the Mexico or Guatemala border and who cross the border illegally on an almost daily basis. Higher rates of infection in those neighbouring countries get into Belize through this border jumping practice. Belize is Still on track to open the airport on October 1st and over 50 Belizean resorts and hotels have qualified for Gold Certification, allowing them to receive guests. The certification requires that a set of protocols and guest management be in place with enforcement measures before any property is permitted to accept guests. The main thrust of the protocols is centred on guest containment during the guests’ stay and enhanced cleaning and service practices on the part of the staff. Over 100 active applications for certification are outstanding to date so Belize will very shortly have a long list of accommodations to offer returning visitors. Additionally, the airport has been busy setting up the necessary facilities and procedures to allow for visitor testing and crowd control in preparation for the arrivals. We hope that we get to host all of our present and future Wyndham Grand Belize owners and guests in the near future so they can enjoy the beauty and experience their best life; in Belize! Take care and stay safe 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] September 2020 – The Wyndham Grand Experience Living Your Best Life Wyndham Grand Belize Style The restrictions on business and the COVID induced State of Emergency has been lifted and we are again able to return to work on the project. Like the rest of the island, and indeed, the rest of Belize, we are all welcoming the re-opening of many local businesses and the freedom of movement. Our efforts now are focused on re-assembling our construction team, many of whom had left the island to return to their villages to wait out the partial lockdown. Because of the September celebrations and holidays this effort to round everyone up will be a slow but steady process. We also have to resupply and gear up again after the shutdown. Fortunately, everyone is excited at the prospect of returning to work and continuing to bring the vision of the Wyndham Grand Belize to life! Tammy is Coming to the Caye! We are glad to report that Tammy Shewfelt, Wyndham Grand Belize’s Marketing VP is finally being allowed to move here to Belize. While the lockdowns and travel restrictions may have prevented her from being on the ground here, she nonetheless has been driving our marketing and sales efforts from the frozen Canadian north. We are so happy that she will be on site and able to welcome our first guests and any returning owners in person. Join me in giving her a much needed, warm Belizean Welcome 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] September 2020 – The Wyndham Grand Experience FIRST LOOK Here is the first look at the renderings and floor plans for the resort. The attention to detail and artistry captures the elegant and sophisticated look and feel that is the hallmark of the Wyndham Grand brand. Here are the floor plans and renderings for the 1-Bedroom Condo 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] September 2020 – The Wyndham Grand Experience FIRST LOOK Our spacious 2-Bedroom Condo floor plan and associated renderings. 2-Bedroom Condo 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] September 2020 – The Wyndham Grand Experience FIRST LOOK Live in Grand Style in our majestic 3 Bedroom Condo Home. 3-Bedroom Condo 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] September 2020 – Summer Update 8 things to know about The Battle of St. Georges Caye 1. The battle took place between Sept 3rd and Sept 10th between the Spanish Navy and the Baymen 2. Prior to 1798 the Spanish had tried to expel the Baymen in 1716,1724,1733,1747,1751 and 1759 3. After that defeat the Spanish never gained control of Belize 4. Because of that victory, Belize remained British and became the only English-speaking country in Central America 5. September 10th is a public and Bank holiday 6. Every year there are nationwide celebrations honoring this event and it is mentioned in the national anthem 7. On the 100th anniversary of the event the Did You Know…? Government of Belize declared the date a Mexico Independence Day is national holiday th 8. This year marks the 217th year since the September 16 and Mexico battle gained independence from Spain in 1810. Cinco de Mayo is actually a celebration that marks the victory of Mexico over the French at the battle of Puebla and while it has been honored in California since 1823 it was only recently that Mexico recognized the date as a celebration of Mexican art and culture. 3.5 miles North, San Pedro Town, A.C. (501) 226-352 [email protected] .