Suyapa’s Visit:

On January 7, the statue of Virgin Suyapa, the most revered religious object in Honduras, landed for the first time on Roatan. The Catholic community gathered at the airport tarmac to welcome and escort the Virgin Suyapa to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Coxen Hole. Escorting the Virgin: Alejandra Zelaya, Father Nortberto Marroquin, Hilaria Martinez, Adriana Pinto, Father Alex Lopez & Father Carlo Magno (Rector of Minor Basilica of Suyapa)

Rocking in Flowers Bay:

The Flower’s Bay Big Rock Amphitheater is slowly becoming the place for local musicians and small get together. The venue was developed by Vernon Albert, an American expat and businessman, to serve local and mainland musicians and artists. There is now a bar and restaurant on site and the owners see the Big Rock Amphitheater hosting art exhibits, school programs, fashion shows, weddings, movie nights and parties.
Alfonso Cuzzovaglia, Isabelle Perrault, Luis de la Rosa, Hector Antunez ‘El Barbero’, Lisandro Cabrera, Andrea Magnani, Larry Markowicz, Martin Hedener and Antonio Busiello.

Three Lane Roatan:

Roatan’s newest road infrastructure project is the paving 7.62 km road from the airport to Los Fuertes with a bicycle path and two pedestrian walkways that has begun on December 5. The stretch of the road between BIP in Dixon Cove and Col. Santa Maria will consist of 3 vehicle lanes. While the Municipal of Roatan is preparing the road for paving the actual 108 million Lps paving contract was won by El Progresso’ Cordon’s Heavy Equipment (CHE) employing around 65 people, including 10 locals. CHE has been in business since 1995 and has built several national Honduran landing runways and roads. The company is using a 15-cm-thick concrete mixture specifically designed for constructing roads. The cement used in the project is purchased at Argos in Comayagua, stone aggregates come from Diamond Rock Aggregates and sand is brought from La Ceiba via Island Shipping. Cordon’s Heavy Equipment builders: Edwin Duanas (loader), Ing. David Dominguez (Chief of the Project), Melvyn Vargas (Factory head), Pablo Borjas (Quality Control), Yenin Aleman, Jonathan Donaire.

Parachuting onto Roatan:

Roatan is the only place to try skydiving in Honduras. Skydive Roatan traces its roots to Tela where David Cordenos begun a skydiving school in 2015. The skydivers depart from Roatán International Airport and land their parachutes at the Pristine Bay golf course. At their Cessna 182 with instructor Ben Gingold, Cara Lenz, Paul Freschauf, Cara Lenz, and instructor Benjamin Salata.

Smiling Racers:

Pensacola was the place to get back into fitness on the morning of October 6. RBC Insular, a Coxen Hole based physical rehabilitation organization, organized a race for children and families to raise funds for operations and improve well being of islanders. A fashion show and recycling marathon events are also organized by RBC during the year. Smiling participants after the race: Sara Mejia, Jennifer Maradiaga, Yuni Pavon & Daisy Gonzalez.

Celebrating Wally Bodden

The Bodden family members of Saint Helene gather on the island’s new dock. Many of them wore t shirts celebrating the life of Wally Bodden, a prominent leader of Saint Helena community. At the new dock: Raisa Bodden, Donalee Bodden, Carrlson Dibert, Terro Allas, Sterlin Stanley, Cheryl Diaz, Aaron Diaz.

Volleyball Island

On September 8 and 9, Roatan Beach Volleyball Open hosted teams from all around Honduras. The competition in the men’s senior category was fierce, but finally Wilfredo Vega and Kevin Flores came out on top. The top dogs:
First: Wilfredo Vega and Kevin Flores.
Second place: Marty Wood and Tony Brown.
Third place: Irvin Reyes and Manuel Serrano (Puerto Cortes)

The Crew of ZOLITUR

ZOLITUR has been financing and providing oversight on important infrastructure projects throughout the Bay Islands. The dock at Santa Helena, inaugurated on August 26, is a fourth such project funded by ZOLITUR. According to Ing. Santiago Hernadez of ZOLITUR the dock at the Bonnacca Cay was inaugurated in 2012, the dock in Utila was finished in 2014 and the dock in Guanja’s Savannah Bight was opened in 2018. The Utila dock is so far the biggest. The next in line for ZOLITUR is the construction of fire station on Guanaja. All smiles in Santa Helena: Barry Grogh, Lidia Medina, Sotero Medina, Carlos Flores, Santiago Hernandez, Julio Betancourt, Carlos Irias, Evans Mcnab, Carlos Toruno, Kaymie Bodden, Laura Bodden, Kendra Jones, Ana Ortega, Danielie Pacheco, Darline Raymond, Eva Anita Pavon, Oniel Nixon, Derra Raymond, Karen Aguilar.

Best Margarita

On June 9 Lionfish Louie’s at Havana beach was the place where best Margaritas ware made, bar none. The competitive spirit brought the best both from bartenders and drinkers. Spicy, mango with elaborate straw decor was the winning margarita. The best cocktail builders: Samuel Bennett, Angela Rivera Rocharno, Daniel Sifontes, Allan Wagner, Erik Madrid, Tata Moya, Carolina Phaneuf.

Wedding Bells

One of the biggest wedding of the year took place in Plan Grande. 180 people attended the wedding of Harry Dixon and Hannah Harper Dixon on May 8. The couple were high school sweethearts and Harry proposed to Hannah on his 24th birthday in January. Smiles all around: John Harper, Leah Harper, Lorena Cruz, Harry Dixon, Hannah Harper Dixon, Eva Harper, Kimberly Harper, Mary Ann Harper.

Czech Consul

On April 14, under the shadow of Mount Picaccio, Roatan’s highest hill a Czech honorary council was sworn in. “I already contacted Czech Airlines,” said consul Jiri Cerny about the possible future direct flight between Roatan and Prague. “It will be a challenge.” After Americans and Canadians, the Czechs are now the third most populous foreign community residing on Roatan. In 2006 Cerny came to Roatan to develop Czech Village in Jonesville point that today has grown to 50 Czech homes. “We have extended the Czech Village by another 80 plots in Terra Chula and another 20 plots in Czech Village Marina,” added Cerny. Cutting the ribbon: Bay Islands Governor Dino Silvestri, Ramon Custodio, Roatan honorary consul Jiri Cerny, Czech ambassador to Mexico Zdenek Kubanek, Czech consul to Mexico Tereza Nedorostkova, Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lukas Kaucky.

Expending the Clinica Dr. Ramos

The clinic launched by Dr. Ramos in 2015 is expanding as soon will be the fourth largest private mini hospital on the island. According to Dr. Ramos 20%-30% patients of the clinic are foreigners, but the services are affordable enough for Los Fuertes. The clinic is open seven days a week, but also has an ambulance service and on-call 24 hour number (3325-2911). The doctors do home visits, do telemedicine and specialist in field of gynecology, orthopedics, surgery, internalist, pediatric are on call. The lab doing blood tests, urinary and fecal matter analysis is expanding and there is an X-ray machine. At theclinic: Lic. Nancy Salgado, Técnico Dania Cabrera, Dr. Marlon Rápalo, Lic. Thelma Ramos, Dr. Noé Ramos, Dr. Yuri Chacón, Bachiller-Josué David Rodriguez, Dr. Gerson Matute, Lic. Josue Ramos.

Workshop Alfa

Alfa Omega Workshop has been in business fixing Nissans, Fords and Toyotas for the last 17 years. The shop moved from Los Fuertes to across from ACE in 2015 and is going strong. After work: Ryan Maldonado, Luis Alberto Espinoza, Carlos Roberto Castro, ElinVelasquez, Luis Alonso.

Roatan Recyclers

They work six, some of them seven days a week recycling the garbage of Roatan Municipality. There are children amongst them and for some this is the only job they have known. Roberto Funez, 21, had worked at Roatan garbage dump since he was 12. Theirwork is hard requiring sacrifice and offering few rewards. “I am here if it shines or if it rains,” says Julio Nunez, 39, who has worked on the dump for six years. On June 21 at the Roatan ‘basurero’: Kelip Miralda, Otilio Escobar, Kenny Martinez, Claritza Devacouurt, Betsy Floriano, Pedro Ayanco, Dani Platino, Jose Rudensny. Back row: Esnayard Gebral, Ervacio Floriano.

Cinco at the Brewery

Cinco de Mayo, or another great Sunday at the Bay Islands Brewery near Palmetto Bay Plantation. The Parrot Tree contingent made it to the north side of the island to enjoy the tacos, beer and great atmosphere: Janie McVicker, Autie McVicker, David Jackson and Leslie.

Farah & Friends

Farah Nazar celebrated her birthday with two dozen island friends at the Buccaneers restaurant in French Harbour on April 12. There was cake form Tegucigalpa, friends from the island and music from Puerto Rico. Happy Birthday Farah was inspired by Lizzette KattanPozzi, owner of the Buccaneer. All smiles with the birthday girl: Antonio Moncada, Farah Nazar, Marco Diaz, Paola Diaz, Merry Ann Jackson, Jesús Reyes.

The Galaxy Team

On May 8, after seeing off Galaxy leave for La Ceiba the staff joins its owner and founder for a photo in Dixon Cove. Edgardo Gomez, LesnyMenjivar, Nora Lizardo, Fallon Espinoza, John McNab, Ana Sandoval, Santos Figueroa, Levis Leyva, Jesus Reyes, Jose Sevilla, John Francis, Carlos Solorzano, Kervin Cruz, Elvis McKenzie, Marlon Ramos.

Farewell to Artist

On March 7 Studio Loren at Romeo’s restaurant in French Harbour became a site of last exposition of painting of Jennifer Irias. The painter has taught the local children and local disabled children art for the past year but has decided to leave the island. She will be moving to Cuenca, Ecuador. “The opportunity to teach kids in Roatan gave me a different perspective towards my work,” said Irias. “Being surrounded by kids made me more confident in taking risks with my own work, because kids don’t really care about what others think.” Alexa McNab, Adrinna McNab,Connie Silvestri, Richard Warren, Jen Irias, Giuliana Lardizabal, Charlotte Benson, Chris Benson.

Tugboating to Santa Helena

Roatan’s only tugboat-Conejo has have been instrumental in the process of laying the RECO cable form Port Royal to Santa Helena Island. The island crew during their preparation visit on March 6: Lyndon Kirkconnell, Shawn Hyde, Jed Hyde, Devant Hyde.

Latin Mass on Roatan

Roatan’s Catholic community had celebrated its first Traditional Latin Mass in island’s history.On February 5, 6 and 7 Father MichaelBonifaceof the San Pio X society celebrated three such Masses. While some Hondurans still remember celebrating the Latin Masses in 1980sthe rite has been gradually replaced by the Nuevos Ordo Mass of the1962-65 Vatican II pastoral council. While Traditional Latin Mass focuses on adoring God and reenactment of Jesus’sacrifice on the Cross, Novus Ordo is more focused on Mass participants and varies according to what a local bishop, or parish priest decides as far as prayers, communion on the hand, offering of wine and even dancing. Latin Mass has been celebrated since 1570 and the mass had been said in Latin since 250 AD. Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree permitting the Latin Mass anywhere it is desired in 2007. After the mass in Parrot Tree Plantation: Fernando Santos, Rosie Benedith, Fatima Santos, Katie Galindo, Jesy Sosa, Elmer Cruz, Lizette Cruz. Sitting: MyrtTugwell, Father MichaelBoniface FSSPX.

Rotary Club Gala

Pineapple Grill hosted the 9th Annual Rotary Club of Roatan’s Christmas Gala on December 13. The occasion was to dress up and take out one’s wallet to support some of the islands development projects and 21 student scholarships. There was a raffle, a silent auction, live music and merriment of all types. Robin Hyde, Karla Hyde, Romeo Silvestri, Allan, Gaby, Jed Hyde. (photo by Christtel Caceres)

Christmas Spirit

The November 25 Christams Festival at the Naviera Hybur brought out the island Christmas spirit in many old time islanders. There was food, games for the kids and enjoyment all around: Sonia McNab, Rita Hojan, Yvette Hyde, Ruth Wood, Alan Hyde, Betty Hyde, Emma Thompson, Thelma Thompson, Bully Thompson. (photo by Connie Silvestri)

Ready for 2019

December 31 had an entire selection of parties on the island, but the New Years Eve Party in Parrott Tree was the year’s event at one of island’s oldest gated communities. Parrot Tree residents await the arrival of Wyndham in February 2019 with much anticipation. The merry goers at the luxurious and spacious home of Autie and Janie McVicker in Parrot Tree Plantation. Seated: Fred and Debbie Lowe, Janie McVicker, Sarah Wallace, John Zogheib, Mystery Friend, Carl Husbands. Standing front: Ewa Milakowska, Julian Milakowski, Patricia Archer, Alan Ganley, Jennifer Ganley, Veronica and Bill Kaiser, Ron Ohm, Anna Krupa, Kyle and Dr. Elham Helmout, Autie McVicker. Rear standing: Mix Master Renaldo, Matthew Milakowski, Louis Archer.

Brewing Island Beer

On December 29 Roatan Island Brewing Co., Roatan’s micro brewery, had opened its doors to beer lovers from all over. The grown ups can enjoy a Sunny Haze Blond or a dozen other custom beers while the kids compete at Horseshoes, foosball or ping pong. The brewery, located near Palmetto Bay Plantation, delivers kegs of its draft beer to West End, West Bay, French Harbor and Jonesville Point bars.

Biggest

On November 19, the MS Symphony of the Seas , world’s biggest passenger ship, visited Roatan’s dock. The 228,000 tonnage French-built ship has a garden with 20,000 tropical plants, an ice rink, and full size basketball court. It began sailing in the spring of 2018 and its crew of 2,200 can tend to as many as 6,680 passengers, more than twice of the capacity of Titanic. Roatan government officials and press visited the behemoth and exchanged plaques and gifts with Symphony’s captain. Jeffry Thomas (Second in command staff captain), Kester Bodden, Patricia Lardizabal, Nichole Brady, Emsly Hynd, Rob Hempstead (Captain of Symphony of the Seas), Guillermo Orellana (vice minister of tourism), Abe Hughes (Cruise Director), Fernando Jorge (Hotel Director), Ciara Ambrose (PHOTO: Gustavo Clymire).

Record Lionfish

The Lionfish Tournament Party at Lionfish Louie’s was a place to be on October 14. Catching the biggest and smallest Lionfish was the most impressive and most widely applauded achievement at Lionfish Louie’s. A four-man team, ‘Fishers of Men’ form Oak Ridge, was the winner with the impressive, smallest (54 mm) lionfish baby. The restaurant at Havana Beach presented a check for $4,917.53 to CATTLEYA.

Sodastream Life

On October 9 at Fantasy island, Elena Gonzales, Dawn Hyde, and Suleyma Santos helped Soda Stream employees and Roatan school volunteers in cleaning up Roatan’s beaches. The Bay Islands Coastal Cleanup (BICCU) leaders coordinated department-wide clean-up efforts that lasted a week and engaged 3,000 volunteers. After a morning clean up: Elena Gonzales, Dawn Hyde, Suleyma Santos.

A New Pirate is Here

Trico Bar in Jonesville Point was the staging place for the re-christening of the sailboat “Reflection.’ This sailboat has been a home to Captain Michael Brown, who weathered hurricane Michael and braveda pirate attack near Puerto Cortez in 2017. “I want to personalize her,” said Brown about his vessel, soon to depart for Fiji. There was dancing, music, and grog to celebrate the arrival of ‘Anne Bonny’on October 30: Angie Dilbert, Kathy Hardy, Virgilio Fedrick, Mark Hardy, Joanna Comier, Capt. Ed Hille, Bella Chemberting, Capt. Michael Brown.

60 Years Of Jerry

Roatan’s Mayor Jerry Hynds celebrated his 60th birthday with a bash. There were friends, government officials and businessmen present. The islander has been a Roatan mayor twice, a congressman, and an important dealmaker creating Zolitur and bringing Carnival Cruises to Dixon Cove. Only time will tell what else is on the horizon for Jerry Hynds. Friends for a long time: congressman Ron McNab, deputy Manuel Iván Fiallos,, Carolina Echeverria Haylock, Mayor Jerry Hynds, ex-president Roberto Michelletti, ex-congressman Evans McNab, Eleanor Hynds, ex-minister of Public Works José “Saro” Bonano. (Photo: Effy Anariva)

10K Winners

The August 22 Acropora Eco-Trail race in 2k, 5k and 10k categories attracted over 200 athletes from the island and the mainland. The women’s 10k racers received their prizes at Palmetto Bay. Smiling from the podium: Omar Coello of BanPais, (2nd) Maria Smith, Haydee Muñoz (1st), Glenda Martinez (3rd).

Top Flip-Flop

The Pasha Shoe Store in French Harbour Mall opened its doors to friends and sandal aficionados on August 8. The Indonesian made footwear should turn heads not just on the island. All smiles at Pasha: Jerelin Munguia, Kaveh Lahijani, Vilma Gomez, Namrata Mirpuri, Peter Mirpuri, Michelle Maldonado, Rico Raspaldo, Laura Fernandez, Vanessa Nieto, Henry Zelaya, Manuel Betancourth.

Eastern Wind

Roatan is a perfect place to practice wind sports: sailing, windsurfing and kiteboarding and Paya Bay is now a small Mecca for kiteboarders. After a July 23 session at the Kiteboard Roatan launched in 2013: Dave Stanko, Ryan Stanko, Grandma, Selina Solorzano, Vikkie Collins, Randal Hernandez, Nessa Pandy, Brian Stanko, guests. (Photo by Chris Berg)

Boxing Pros

Roatanians are natural boxers, but while there is plenty of talent, until recently there were few ways of tapping into it. The shining stars of Roatan boxing made their debut at West Bay’s Paradise Beach Villas events center on July 7 against Alexis Arguello boxing school and Rufo Telles Boxing school from Masaya, Nicaragua. After the main event: Phillip Schneider, Toni Grayson, Danny Ewing, Jaden Ewing, Clement Heath, guest, Carlos Santos, Orlen Forbes.

More than Mango Creek

Some out the islands best kept treasures are on the east side… weay east. On June 19 a group of Texans headed to Port Royal to explore the Mango Creek Lodge and environs. After a delicious Mexican themed lunch, walking a suspended bridge and playing in the freshwater creek the gang headed out back west. Ready to board the Mango Creek Express: Jenny Khan, Sara Khan, Dr. Fareed Khan, Oswaldo Khan, Asad Khan, Tanya Khan, Dr. Rubina Khan, Janie McVicker, Geri Ortiz, Tita Medina, Ellen Johnson, Autie McVicker, Jimbo, Manny Quiroz.