Bob's Caribbean

ZeePlane! Zee Plane!

2011-04-20T23:49:00.005-04:00

When the developers at Orchid Bay, Belize told me they were adding several airplane "hanger lots" the first thing I thought of was Tattoo shouting "Zee Plane...Zee Plane" at the beginning of Fantasy Island! But it's true, they've added an airstrip which will accommodate small airplanes!
Just imagine flying into your own airstrip, taxiing to your house and parking your Piper in the hanger...which, just happens to be attached to your waterfront home! A true fly-in residence on the water.
Send me an email if you are interested in the full details...this has to be the coolest addition to any of the unbelievable developments I am involved with!
By the way...Orchid Bay has been selling out of the monthly tours...contact us now if you have plans to travel to Belize...

Keep the shiny side up!

SkipJack

My old friend from Jamaica!

2010-12-05T00:29:00.004-05:00

I recently took a job in the industry I have spent most of life in...the automotive accessory business...specifically custom wheels and hit the road to visit my best and favorite customers from the past (I've been out of the wheel business for about 5 years). One of my first stops was in Hartford to visit my friend Dennis...he owns a small tire shop in Hartford and is one of my favorites...if you've ever had the opportunity to get to know anyone from Jamaica, you know exactly why...warm and friendly...that's all I need to say.
When Kate told Dennis I was in the front waiting room, all I heard was "holy @#$% Mon! Bob!" And out Dennis came from the back room with a great big smile and a warm (man) hug! Now...remember, I had not seen Dennis in about 5 years, so this was a great welcome!
After catching up, and letting him know I was back in the wheel business I told him that I expected that he would have been retired and living in Jamaica by now...he went on to explain that he is building a small condo development in Mandeville and proceeded to show me some pictures...what a fabulous deal....I explained that I have this blog and my web site at SkipJackMarketing.com and when he was ready to start selling, I'd be happy to help!
Now, Mandeville is located inland, and is not ocean-front; but it is in an elevated parish and has some of the best views you can imagine, and also has some fabulous weather!I'll be providing more on these condos as Dennis provides me with more info and when he establishes the selling price (which will be in the mid-$300,000's for a 3 bedroom.
I always find it amusing how the sixth degree of separation applies in so many different circumstances...in this case it was two-fold because here, Dennis and I can connect on a whole different level, outside of the auto biz and as we continued to speak, we discovered that he knows the folks at Tyres-R-Us in Kingston, Jamaica...obviously through being in the same industry for him, but I actually sold these folks a new enterprise software system during my short stint in the technology industry. Strangely, my first sale in that industry was to these good folks in Jamaica....and I have to say that Sarah and her husband Andrew are fabulous people as well!
Now all I have to do is find someone interested in a condo in Jamaica Mon...and I am on my way there!
Anyway...stay tuned, Dennis and I are going to work out the details of the sale price etc and I will get them listed on my web site and cover all the details here as well. And as soon as I can get down there, I will get all the info on the surrounding area, restaurants, bars...what to do there and get some photos of the condos themselves. The pics I saw showed me some real nice stuff and quality construction!

Thanks for reading...and Hit 'em straight when youo get to hit 'em!

SkipJack

AARP says Belize one of the best places to retire!

2010-08-10T00:15:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I am not ready to sign up for a membership with the AARP but I am getting close...and I am getting their mailers...and I do have to hand it to these folks for the accurate and thorough information they provide!
I've been thinking that I want to live in the Caribbean BEFORE I retire, but one of the benefits that Belize has to offer for their retirement program is that you only have to be 45 years old...which I DO qualify for!

Here's my top ten reasons to choose Belize for your retirement home:
1. English speaking (in Central America!)
2. Relatively easy to get to (only two hours from Miami or Houston)
3. Great diving (World Heritage barrier reef)
4. Great fishing (deep sea or flats)
5. Great retirement program (at least for now)
6. Under-developed (for now)
7. Plenty of stuff to do (diving, fishing, caving, Maya ruins)
8. Wonderful people
9. Low cost of living (even on the islands)
10. Orchid Bay Belize

But don't just take my word for it...read the AARP article here.

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

My new friend in Honduras

2010-07-07T00:29:00.003-04:00

When I first started out on this journey of writing and discovering various parts of the Caribbean, the small island of Roatan was on my short list of places I wanted to go to. Roatan is just off the coast of Honduras and has some fabulous scuba diving...
Then I discovered Belize and fell in love with the place...Ambergis Caye and Caye Caulker as well as the Orchid Bay, which is located on the Bay of Chetumal.
But I was just introduced to Carter, who is the editor of the CaribbeanLifeClub Blog. Carter is a fabulous writer and has actually made the move...yes, he actually moved to a small town called El Pino (I think that's correct) and his blog is extremely insightful as to some of the challenges he faces while adjusting to his new home...this is a must read (must subscribe) blog for anyone who is considering a move to paradise in the Caribbean...whether that paradise is Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic.
I wonder how many readers actually understood his Beatles reference in his article title "Pineapple Fields Forever" or maybe that was just me...

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack
SkipJack is now on Facebook

Jimmy Buffett's S.W.A.T Boats effort stalled by beurocracy!

2010-06-29T23:43:00.004-04:00

This has to be the most idiotic thing I have ever read! In my last post, Jimmy Buffett and the guys at Dragon Fly boats started a project to build these very specific boats...they are meant to be used in very shallow water to rescue wildlife injured or effected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf.
Here these guys are, trying to do some seriously good stuff together with the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and they are prohibited from using them to rescue wildlife by BP's Incident Command Center!
HELLOOOOOO! Can someone PLEASE help our bureaucrats wake up and smell the oil!
Go to Margaritaville.com to read the full story! And do what you can to pass this along!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Jimmy Buffett donates boats in Gulf effort...

2010-06-16T23:42:00.006-04:00

I absolutely must give the credit to the SunHerald .com for this article and the picture....according to the Sun Herald News, Jimmy Buffett has teamed up with the USM and toured the Gulf Coast Research Lab. JB is a 1969 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Buffett told the group he is interested in strategies for creating a “voice for the Gulf of Mexico.” (Let me know if I can help, Jimmy).
Buffett has teamed with Dragonfly Boatworks of Vero Beach, Fla., to create and donate special watercraft, which the boat maker calls Shallow Water Attention Terminal boats, for the lab. Designer Mark Castlow said these 17-foot boats are capable of navigating in as little as 8 to 10 inches of water through the estuaries of Mississippi.
The SWAT boats will have laptop computers and Web cams, so anyone with an Internet connection will be able to watch live as oiled animals are rescued.

Read more: SunHerald.com

Most know Jimmy Buffett (a.k.a., Bubba, JB and several others) to be the free-wheeling, sun-lovin' Rock-n-Roller who loves to have a great time! But Jimmy always puts his money where his mouth is, and the clubs that form around his phan-dom do a lot of the same...take for instance, the New Hampshire Parrot Head Club...many of the members are attending the Jimmy Buffett concert this weekend in Boston, and together with the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island I'm sure, are collecting old (or new) baby blankets to be sent to the Gulf of Mexico to aid in cleaning oiled water fowl! And it doesn't stop there!
So here is a bit more on the symptoms I have that prove my affliction with JBS, which is my own diagnosis for "Jimmy Buffett Syndrome"...(no, it's not in Wikipedia yet, so it must be my own personal affliction shared with many)
-Need to go where it's warm!
-Like cheeseburgers
-Tend to act like a Land Shark from time to time
-Like to sail off to some moonlit bay and take a holiday
-Like to get drunk and %&^#
-Admire girls in bikinis
-Love to change my attitude by changing my latitude
-And have an overwhelming desire to give back to a variety of communities, and just simply help when and where I can.

I'm sure there are others (symptoms) but I think you get the idea! Here's a guy we can ALL look up to...hat's off to you Bubba!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

"Twenty degrees and the hockey game's on..."

2010-05-13T00:32:00.003-04:00

All right...anyone that knows me, knows that I love Bubba's music and that I love ice hockey! but my Bruin's are starting to scare me! If I had a six-shooter I probably would've shot six holes in my freezer after tonight's performance!
Alright...back to my own private JBS (Jimmy Buffett Syndrome) for which the only known cure is a margarita on the rocks and the sound of some steel drums or a six-string instead of the six gun.
I had a very interesting conversation with one of the founders of Orchid Bay in Belize and the CEO of 7th Heaven Properties in London earlier this week (I helped bring the two together on a marketing partnership)from both ex...what was amazing to hear from both executives, is that they both emphatically stated that there is a tremendous amount of activity in Caribbean real estate by buyers! Great news for those of us who want to go where it's warm! Ari Kahn from Orchid Bay stated that while sales "are not where they were in '08 they are way up compared to '09" and Walter Zephirin of 7th Heaven Properties stated that "interest and activity amongst Caribbean real estate buyers is up nearly 70%...especially with buyers looking for homes in the $1.5 million to $5 million range."
Another common theme from both executives was that it appears that people in Europe and the US are sick of the high cost of living and exorbitant taxes...both of their web sites have free information on the cost of living in a variety of locations...well the Orchid Bay site is focused on Belize...but if you have a specific Caribbean country you would like more information about...just send me an email and I will get you that info...
For now though...hit 'em straight and put the six-shooter away...Bruin's will take it from the Flyers in game 7...hey that goes with Walter's 7 theme and the 7th Heaven Properties website!

SkipJack

Belize expecting foreign sales surge in 2010

2010-04-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

According to a press release by Property Frontiers, Belize is expecting to see a massive surge in foreign real estate buyers and investors this year. Property Frontiers is one of the most influential and innovative companies in the International Property Investment arena.
According to the press release the revival of Latin American economies, including Belize, and the revival of international tourism to the region, will combine with reduced prices in Belize, and their previous track record of growth, to make the country a hotbed of foreign buying activity.
This makes Orchid Bay a very enticing investment, especially since the beach front casitas have nearly sold out, and the soon-to-be-built seaside condos have already begun pre-construction sales.
I have personally spoken with a few of the hotel owners in Belize and they tell me that the occupancy has not dropped...in fact, one owner tells me that they were 96% filled in February...yes...February 2010! Belize is truly a remarkable place...you really need to go there and see it to Belize it!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

I can fly to Belize for HOW MUCH!?

2010-04-06T00:24:00.005-04:00

My good friend Ari (one of the founders at Orchid Bay in Belize) sent me this link to an awesome Caribbean airfare promotion going on right now with American Airlines. You can actually fly to Belize for as little as $176! You just have to book by April 14th and complete your travel by June 7th!
Click here to check out these incredible fares to a variety of Caribbean destinations!
That works well for the upcoming spring Insider's Tours at Orchid Bay on April 23-25 and May 21-22! And to make it even better...Ari tells me that you can save $100 ($150 for couples) on the cost of the already inexpensive cost of the tour at Orchid Bay.
If you are even thinking about an investment in Belize real estate...NOWS the time to plan your exploratory visit!
Just be sure to tell Ari that SkipJack sent you!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

New Condos at Orchid Bay, Belize

2010-03-24T00:20:00.004-04:00

Who says the economy sucks and that nobody is buying? And nobody is building? Orchid Bay, Belize continues onward with the announcement of The Caribbean Condos at Orchid Bay These new condos allow you to own a private beach house that will both appreciate in value and generate rental income. The condos are located directly on the seafront and are 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1,430 square foot units.
Click here to learn more about Orchid Bay, Belize...premium Caribbean real estate!

Starting at $249,000 USD
Click here to request more info on these condos...there aren't making any more beachfront property!
Remember, if you're going to invest in Caribbean real estate...Orchid Bay should be on your short list...and the best way to check it out is by taking advantage of the "Insiders Tours." See the dates in the side bar...

See you in Belize!

SkipJack

One Day Sale on Nicaragua!

2010-03-09T15:14:00.003-05:00

Join our webinar today at 5PM EST, Tuesday March 5th, 2010 and cash in on huge savings with prices from 25% - 50% off!
Don't wait because you will pay more!

Click here to register for our webinar!

Click here to learn more about Seaside Mariana!

Caribbean Music Festivals

2010-03-01T00:37:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned my own personal JBS (Jimmy Buffett Syndrome) but it doesn't stop there. I am a lover of all kinds of different music. This year I am hoping to make several of the Caribbean music festivals...personally.

One of the first is coming up later in March in Anguilla. Anguilla is a wonderfully quiet island with a lot to offer, but from March 25-28, 2010 Anguilla will come to life with the Moonsplash event by Bankie Banx. This year they are calling it a "Family Reunion" because "...we’ll be bringing back many of the favorites from the past 19 years of Moonsplash". Bankie's music is wonderfully unique "part Bob Dylan and part Bob Marley"...if you make one Caribbean music event this year...make this the one!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Challenge to the We Are The World performers

2010-02-09T00:05:00.004-05:00

First, I want to personally commend each and every artist who performed on this recording for such a needed cause…helping the people of Haiti…I hope that I have included everyone who performed or helped produce below:

Akon, India.Arie, Patti Austin, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Ethan Bortnick, Brandy, Jeff Bridges, Zac Brown, Kristian Bush, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Kid Cudi, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Drake, Earth Wind & Fire, Faith Evans, Melanie Fiona, Jamie Foxx, Sean Garrett, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Groban, Anthony Hamilton, Keri Hilson, Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Enrique Iglesias, LL Cool J, Randy Jackson, Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, TJ Jackson, Al Jardine, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Janet Jackson, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, Rashida Jones, Gladys Knight, Adam Levine, Jimmy Jean Louis, Benji Madden, Joel Madden, Mary Mary, Katharine McPhee, Jason Mraz, Mya, Jennifer Nettles, Orianthi, Freda Payne, Pink, A. R. Rahman, Nicole Richie, Raphael Saadiq, Carlos Santana, Nicole Scherzinger, Isaac Slade, Trey Songz, Musiq Soulchild, Jordin Sparks, Barbra Streisand, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, Rob Thomas, Usher, Vince Vaughn, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Will.i.am, Anne Wilson, Brian Wilson, Nancy Wilson, BeBe Winans, Lionel Richie, Wyclef Jean, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones,
RedOne, Ricky Minor

Second, I want to put forth this challenge…I have a home, no…a private estate which is being offered for sale in Turks & Caicos. This Estate is truly magnificent, and can be seen by clicking here. It rests on the edge of the ocean, sitting on 2.5 private, immaculately manicured, gated acres. The home itself is approximately 11,000 square feet and what makes it so fitting for the group of talented individuals listed above, is that there are two additional “guest” cottages which can easily be converted into your own private recording studio. And while that is the perfect use of this Estate, it can also be converted into an extraordinarily luxurious boutique hotel/resort as well. The Estate is listed at $15.75 million USD.

Now…you might be thinking that this is a cheap way for me to gain exposure to this Estate with the hopes of selling it…and while that is true (yes…I do actually want to sell it) and I stand to profit from the sale…but…and this is a big but and the real purpose of this exercise…upon selling this Estate and collecting my compensation for the sale of The Estate…I will personally donate up to $200,000 to the people of Haiti via the charity organization of the buyers choice!

So…let’s just say that Wyclef Jean buys the house for the asking price…
-Wyclef gets an extraordinary private Estate and converts the “guest” cottage into a recording studio…win #1
-I get compensated for my efforts…win #2
-Wyclef chooses Yele Haiti as the organization he would like to benefit from my compensation…win #3

This is truly a win…win…win scenario. And while I would like to acknowledge those who performed on this “We Are the World” recording, as I find it truly commendable, I do not want to alienate anyone else who feels compelled to take me up on this challenge by buying this truly amazing Estate. That would include other such notable individuals and performers as Leonardo DiCaprio, P. Diddy (Sean Combs), Elton John, Eric Clapton, John Travolta, Branjolina (Brad & Anjelina), Bruce Willis, Lady Gaga….I think you get the idea.

One other thing…whoever buys this amazing Estate…I am going to ask you to help me with another fund raising project I have in the planning stage for later in the year… when all the media have moved on and the focus is no longer on Haiti…because we all know that the media will stop covering this once it no longer sells papers and airtime. I would think that whoever buys will be willing to work with me on this project, but I am not going to make it part of the deal, so no obligation.

Oh…and one other thing…I am not doing this for my own self promotion…in fact, I want the donation I make to go completely unnoticed unless the celebrity who buys the Estate, and chooses the beneficiary charity, wants the donation made in his or her name in order to promote more donations.

So let’s hear it celebrity nation…who is up for the challenge? You can either leave a comment here or follow the link below to contact me privately via my web site.

Hit ‘em straight!

SkipJack

Belize Comes to L.A.!

2010-01-28T23:43:00.005-05:00

That's right...the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Hotels Association will be at the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Tour On Saturday & Sunday February 13th & 14th.
Where:
Los Angeles Convention Center-West Hall
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

When:
Saturday 2/13/2010 from 10AM-5PM
Sunday 2/14/2010 from 10AM-5PM
Trade only hours:
Saturday 2/13/2010 from 8AM-10AM

General admission is only $10.00

The tourism board will also be there from:
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Nicaragua

This is a great opportunity to learn more about any of these destinations.

Check back soon...my next post is all about the 2010 major music festivals throughout the Caribbean...and find out which ones I'll be attending! (Can you say St. Lucia mon? or maybe Jamaica mon...maybe both!)

Hit 'em straight! Or go find 'em!

SkipJack

You'd Better Belize It!

2010-01-26T00:35:00.004-05:00

While everyone out there is singing the blues...Belize continues to rock 'n roll. 2009 was an extraordinary year at Orchid Bay where the infrastructure has been virtually completed! What does that mean? Quite simply, from the Caribbean developer's point of view...it changes EVERYTHING...it means that owners can actually begin to move in. It also means that the pace at which future benchmarks are achieved will quicken and the community will begin to take shape!
This also means that it makes sense for House Hunters International to come down and film an episode which will include a homeowner taking occupancy at Orchid Bay...which is exactly what they are doing! In fact, I'm pretty sure that they were there last week and completed the filming.
Just for the record...Orchid Bay sold 18 of the 24 planned Casitas like the one pictured above...that leaves only six left and at $159K (with a rental management company in place) I'd hurry to grab one of the last remaining six! Just shout at me here by posting a comment (I monitor all comments personally) or by visiting SkipJackMarketing.com to request more information.
Why Belize? You may ask...Because it simply the best value in Caribbean Real Estate...bar none!

Hit 'em straight! (And please see my post on how to help in Haiti)

SkipJack

Haiti needs your help!

2010-01-14T15:16:00.007-05:00

On January 12, a massive 7.0 earthquake struck near Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, causing massive death and destruction. While the death and injury toll is only beginning to be understood, a large part of the capital is in ruins and there are reports of “total disaster and complete chaos”.

Between 2.5 and 3 million people are believed to live in Port-Au-Prince and are struggling with the aftermath of the earthquake. Haitian government officials are estimating death tolls in the thousands, and thousands more are living in the streets.

Bob’s Caribbean Blog (SkipJackMarketing) would like to join Boomers Abroad Online Community & Social Network and the millions of voices from around the world in expressing its profound sympathy for the people of Haiti in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake. We encourage all of our readers, colleagues and friends to become involved in the relief efforts.

Please Contact the Haitian Embassie in your country or host country for information on how you can help!!!

The following organizations, among others, are mobilizing rapidly:

> From Canada
· Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca)
· Care Canada (www.care.ca)
· Doctors Without Borders (www.msf.ca)
· Direct Relief International (www.directrelief.org)
· FTC Canada (www.ftc.ca)
· Oxfam Canada (www.oxfam.ca)
· Plan International Canada (www.plancanada.ca)
· Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.ca)
· Save the Children Canada (www.savethechildren.ca)
· The Humanitarian Coalition (www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca)
· UNICEF Canada (www.unicef.ca)
· United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto (www.jewishtoronto.com)
· World Vision Canada (www.worldvision.ca)

> From The USA
· American Jewsih Relieve Service (www.ajws.org)
· CARE www.care.org
· Catholic Relieve Service (www.crs.org)
· FAVACA (www.favaca.org)
· Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org) Amazon.com established a box on its homepage today where customers can contribute to Mercy Corps' relief efforts.
· Net Hope www.nethope.org
· Pan American Development Foundation (www.panamericanrelief.org)
· Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org)
· The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
· The Jewish Federations of North America (www.jewishfederations.org)
· Unicef (www.unicef.org)
· United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
· World Vision (www.worldvision.org)

> From Mexico
· Cruz Roja Mexicana (www.cruzrojamexicana.org.mx)
· Naciones Unidas (www.cinu.org.mx/haiti/)
· Unicef Mexico (www.unicef.org/mexico)

> From Panama
· Cruz Roja de Panama (www.panama.cruzroja.org)
· Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (www.sinaproc.gob.pa)
· Unicef Panama (www.unicef.org/panama)

Thank you to the folks at Boomers Abroad Online for blasting this information out to me via email.

Please find a way to help! You can even help immediately by sending “Yele” by text message to 501501. I saw this on GMA and just read an article on Time.com. Yele Haiti is the foundation established by Wycleff Jean who was born in Haiti. According to GMA $ 0.90 of every dollar makes it to the fund. They are sending protein bars candles and flashlights via two FedEx planes tomorrow.

Calling ALL Parrot Heads (non-Parrot Heads too) Jimmy (Buffett of course!) Asks For Your Help - Donate To Haiti Relief
Jimmy is asking all Parrotheads to help Haiti by texting the word "haiti" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief

SkipJack

Happy New Year from SkipJack!

2010-01-14T00:01:00.007-05:00

Alright, so it took me a while to write the Happy New Year post...but here it is! And this photo is where I am planning on writing next year's post from!
2009 was an interesting year, plenty has happened in the way of Caribbean Real Estate and the developers I work with. In the spirit of the new laws about to be imposed, or at least rumored to be imposed, on blogging as a way of advertising...I'm going to come clean with my readers right here and now...I write this blog to make money! There I said it...really...this blog is meant to keep you informed about the various opportunities that I uncover and ultimately decide to represent. You can learn more at SkipJack Marketing.

Orchid Bay in Belize is where I got my start and is the first development I became associated with, but SkipJack Marketing has become so much more...we now work with developers in 7 different countries, we have partnered with Avalon Partners on the representation of commercial/resort/development properties throughout the Caribbean, 2 developers who offer condominium hotels and have partnered with 2 of the world's premier project funding companies focused on providing the commercial funds needed to help move development projects from dream...to reality!
Hell, we even have the listing for ultra luxurious homes like this one in Turks & Caicos which is worthy of P Diddy (Sean Combs) complete with a separate "guest" quarters big enough to convert to a recording studio!
So...as SkipJack Marketing moves into 2010, I fully intend to be adjusting my latitude and ope that I can help with your latitude adjustment...when the need arises!

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

PS: Sign up for the email newsletter (don't worry...I won't share it) to keep posted, there's more to come in 2010!

Pheeding Phrenzy-Tropical Cookbook!

2009-11-30T00:08:00.002-05:00

Okay Pholks...here's your shot at getting a one-of-a-kind original cookbook with all sorts great tropical (and not-so-tropical) recipes while helping a great cause!
This cookbook is the result of the hard work and perseverance of some very special people and friends of mine over at the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts (www.phcoem.com). The recipes are a collection of individually submitted recipes of the many members of this great organization. And the proceeds will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children which has 22 hospitals; all dedicated to improving the lives of children. One of the Club members was the recipient of excellent care as a childhood victim of severe burns and is now living an active, normal teenage life-thanks to the Shriners.
The Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts is a chapter of the larger Parrot Heads in Paradise national club (www.phip.com)
Here's an example of some of the recipes:
-Sauce Boss' Gumbo
-Lobster Centennial
-Scott's Shrimp Po' Boys
-Beer Can Chicken
-Memphis BBQ Spaghetti
-Seafood Menage a Trios
-Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie
-Tequila Soaked Sorbet
-Spiced Caribbean Christmas Cake

Trust me...the list goes on...the cookbook is comprised of 120 pages of fabulous recipes! The book costs only $18 (which includes $3 for shipping) or 2 for $28 (the same $3 is included for shipping. And again...the proceeds all go to a great organization!

If you would like to order one or two (they will make a great gift!) send me an email to buybelize@comcast.net and I will provide you with the mailing address to which you can send a check. If you would like to pay using PayPal, I can arrange that, and will send the details by return email.

Thanks...and happy cooking!

SkipJack

What are the benefits of developer “sponsored” tours?

2009-10-26T11:34:00.003-04:00

In your search for the perfect piece of “paradise” what makes the search easier? How do you get a feel for the country? The people and the culture? Can you overcome the language barrier? Are there incentives for expats to move to this country? Is Belize the right place? Or is Nicaragua the paradise you’re looking for?

Some developers are offering “fly-n-buy programs, some offer tours or discovery packages and still others will provide you with the wine-n-dine level with a personal site visit. The long and short of it is that there is no better way to make a decision than to go visit; and these tours are very rarely like the high-pressure time share 90 minute tour that everyone dreads!

A few of the developers I work with here at SkipJack offer some very cool ways to see and feel the country in which they are located. For example, Orchid Bay in Belize has a very cool trip for 3 days at an unbelievable price that includes your hotel and meals…all you have to do is get there…they even pick you up at the airport. Obviously, you will have the opportunity to tour the property, but they also do a beach cookout and a river trip to see some of the ancient Maya ruins.

In Nicaragua, Seaside Mariana offers discovery packages, but in December they are hosting a 4 day event in Managua that will cover every aspect of living, moving, or investing in real estate on the Pacific coastline of Nicaragua.

Going directly across the Caribbean Sea to the wonderful country of The Dominican Republic, Cristal Beach Resort (a 5 star condominium/hotel development) they offer the traditional fly-n-buy program and will rebate your airfare up to $1,000 when you decide to buy there.

All in all, each of these programs will enable you to go see the country and get a good feel for the country, the culture and the development before you buy. Generally, these trips are dirt cheap as well…there are two other options…sign up for any one of these upcoming webinars to get a good preliminary idea online…and the other is to use SkipJack’s private scouting service.

Live webinar Wednesday October 28th at 1 PM EST together with The Entrust office in Tampa Bay
Register here at Live and Invest in Nicaragua

Live webinar Wednesday November 4th at noon EST together with The Entrust Group in the Mid-Atlantic region…register here at Live and Invest in Nicaragua

Insider’s Tour on site at Orchid Bay, Belize-Learn more here
-November 6-8, 2009
-November 20-22, 2009
-December 11-13- 2009
-January 22-24, 2010
Nicaraguan Abundance: Live, Invest, Grow-Learn more here
-December 3-6, 2009
-Only $295 per person
-On site in Nicaragua at the Hilton Princess Hotel in Managua

As always, hit ‘em straight! At least get out there and hit ‘em (like I do)

SkipJack

Why Do Investors Sit Tight in IRA/401(k)s?

2009-10-05T14:17:00.006-04:00

I recently read an article at WSJ.com with the above mentioned title on a LinkedIn discussion. A gentleman by the name of Brad Versteegh, who is the COO and GM at Daylight Capital responded with the following:

"The devil you know vs the devil you don't....
So many would rather see their investments die a slow and painful death than try something new that they don't understand. I do not profess to be an expert in all financial matters, but I find myself amazed at the general ignorance of the masses. Especially as it refers to "self directing" anything. They are so used to simply getting a monthly or quarterly statement and complaining about the loss or minimal gains. Even when you explain to them how Self Direction works and that you can help them navigate those waters, they would still rather sit there insecure, scared and uncomfortable than to do anything differently.
I am bewildered almost daily....."

I could not have said it any better Brad! Even when having discussions "beer talk" discussions, it seems that people just don't get the concept of taking control of their retirement planning...even my own brother-in-law, who is a business consultant with a very large firm and is very intelligent and knowledgeable, in general, was not aware of the ability individuals have to "self-direct" their retirement accounts.

Now...I will allow for some companies which simply do not allow an employee to roll-over their 401k accounts to a SDIRA until after they have left the company...and some SEP plans which were written originally by the officers (but probably at the recommendation of the financial adviser who was holding and managing the funds)so as to prevent any self-direction...hmmm...wonder why?
Having said all of that, my recommendation is to check to see if you can...indeed...roll it over into a self-directed IRA and take control of your retirement! If you simply leave it alone...how long do you think it will take to recoup the losses you have experienced over the last year and a half?
Here is a link to a webinar which was presented last week by Orchid Bay in Belize which is an outstanding real estate investment opportunity, and by Entrust Northeast, which is one of about 60 offices throughout the country which specializes in the administration of SDIRAs (self-directed IRAs)

View the webinar here

Thank you...and thank you to Brad for letting me quote him! He didn't even ask for a plug...Daylight Capital...can you believe that?

Hey...I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again...if you're gonna hit 'em...

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

What does the term Parrot Head mean to you?

2009-09-21T16:32:00.003-04:00

I got involved (I have not joined yet, but plan to soon) with the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts late in the year last year. My thoughts were to do some cross-marketing for the tropical real estate I tout…little did I know that it would inspire me to add a charitable element to my over-all business plan and that I would meet some new PHriends!

Back in March I attended the annual New England Parrot Head Convention with a goal of reaching this group of people who already have the tropics on their brain and introduce them to the properties I sell in the Caribbean. While I did reach many of the 400+ people in attendance, what I really learned was the true nature of charitable giving! The tag line for Parrot Head Clubs universally (I think) is “Party with a Purpose.” And while the first impression is that this group of Jimmy Buffett fans really enjoy the party aspect, the overwhelming mindset of every single person I had the pleasure of speaking with was…”giving back!” This is such a strong part of what they do that I had to know more…and what I found out is that the documents each club files for it’s application as a “sanctioned” not for profit organization with the name Parrot Head attached…the organization MUST commit to supporting 2 (I believe) charities such as Special Olympics.

With that in mind I want to commend the PH Club of Eastern Massachusetts and the PH Club of Maine…Massachusetts for listening to my proposition and for helping me to get in the door; and the club in Maine for putting on the weekend event where I was able to receive my induction to the Parrot Head mindset!

But…there’s more! It’s not all about raising money and making donations! I have been following the email threads of the Eastern Massachusetts club, events, happenings, Jimmy Buffett concerts, local trop-rock artists playing here there and everywhere…a sunset club cruise…all fun stuff right? Well how about the noble cause of beach clean ups? These folks actually organized a group of people, and have done so for several years now, to clean up some of the beaches in Massachusetts. According to Paul ( a club member), he has “been organizing Coastsweep Beach Cleanups here in Massachusetts going on 7 years now for the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts.
Our members have picked up over 2500 pounds of trash during that period-not bad considering most of it is paper cups and napkins and untold millions of cigarette butts!
We do our events rain or shine. We've had 45 degree days and 80 degree days, bright sunshine, overcast days, winds up to 30 mph and rain squalls with visibility down to about 100 yards. Yet our members show up every year to participate with big smiles and no complaints. This is a great event, especially for families with (well-supervised) 'keets.
We did two clean ups this past weekend. And folks are already talking about next year!!
I know that our neighbor club-the Nautical Whalers also have done Coastsweep cleanups.”
I hope Paul doesn’t mind that I quoted him, but I wanted to pass the credit along to these folks. I am certain that there are other PH Clubs which do similar projects to help out with their local community and my goal here is to spread the word so that others get involved in a like way.

In the mean time…you PHolks of the Eastern Massachusetts Club…keep up the good work and watch for my membership application!

While this is not meant to be a promotional post, if you want to know more about the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts you can click here.

Hit ‘em straight!

SkipJack

Orchid Bay, Belize "Insider Tour" dates released...

2009-09-15T23:43:00.005-04:00

Orchid Bay, Belize has experienced such a fantastic level of interest and enthusiasm for their "Insider Tours" they have just released the dates for the next few months. First off, this is absolutely the best way to discover Belize Real Estate.

The "Insider Tours" at Orchid Bay are extremely affordable; three days and two nights for only $299 per person....now...you do have to get to Belize City yourself, but once in-country, Orchid Bay staff will greet you and transport you to the hotel, entertain you with a beach front BBQ or pig roast with music and a bon-fire on the beach on Friday evening, take you on a river jungle tour to discover some Mayan ruins and yes...take you on a tour of the property at Orchid Bay.

Upcoming dates for the ultimate way to check out the Orchid Bay opportunity (and get three days in Belize on the cheap!):

*November 6-8, 2009
*December 11-13, 2009
*January 22-24, 2010
*February 26-28, 2010
*March 26-28, 2010
*April 23-25, 2010

These photos were taken just last month in August...they are really making great progress...and my understanding is that they are building 24 of the pictured casitas and that 18 of them are sold...(make that 19, because I'm going to reserve one tomorrow!).I'm likely buying it with my self-directed IRA.

Hit 'em straight...or use the whole course...who cares? Just hit 'em!

SkipJack

Dominica gets $40 million for infrastructure

2009-09-08T23:45:00.003-04:00

Dominica's Prime Minister Skerrit signed a "framework" agreement with China this past Wednesday in the capitol city of Roseau. The agreement will loan Dominica $40 million for the purpose of the construction and expansion of the Dominica State College, the construction of the State House; construction of new facilities to house the offices of the Electoral Commission and the rehabilitation of major roads in Roseau; according to Dominica News Online.
According to some of the comments left online about this article, the residents of Dominica would like to see some improvements throughout the small island nation rather than only in the capital city of Roseau. From what I understand, the roads could be improved leading from Roseau to destinations such as Portsmouth in the north.Making the rest of the island more accessible for tourists will make it more enjoyable to visit and will lead to more visitors, especially overnight visitors which is what Dominica needs to improve.
As for it being a Caribbean Real Estate opportunity, I can only see the future being bright for this wonderful country. As this kind of investment in the country becomes more prominent and the ability to get from south to north, not to mention the possibility of a new airport...well...hell it can only improve!
It is after all...the Caribbean's "Nature Island" and who wouldn't want to visit the place where Johnny Depp made Pirates of the Caribbean! The development opportunity is ripe for the taking for resort developers with the vision to see two or three years down the road. This is a magnificent little country with a tremendous opportunity for the eco-tourist; even today there are several resorts with the secluded jungle type vacation as well as the ocean front vacation. I am going to pay close attention to the little sleeper, watch as things begin to happen here over the next few years...I think we are all in for a treat!

Sorry it was so long between posts this time around, it has been incredibly busy for me launching the new web site at SkipJackMarketing and preparing for an upcoming webinar with the Entrust Group and with the guys over at Orchid Bay, Belize. Once we have the date and time established, I will post an invite to the webinar. Orchid Bay will be presenting about their wonderful piece of paradise in Belize...and Entrust will be presenting on how to buy your piece of paradise using your IRA or 401K!

'Til then...hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Real Estate Prices and sales volume show signs of recovery….

2009-08-18T23:46:00.004-04:00

I read this article today on RealtyTimes.com by Kenneth R. Harney; here is the jist of the article:

Sales of existing homes and condos continue to power the real estate market, in some areas they're up by double digits, and despite all the negative headlines about foreclosures, even prices are rising in many places as well.
Sales in the second quarter ending June 30 jumped by nearly 4 percent countrywide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Second quarter sales in 39 states were higher than the first quarter, as they were in 129 out of the 155 largest markets.
New York saw an impressive 22 percent increase for the quarter.
Wisconsin. California, Michigan and Minnesota all registered double-digit sales gains.
In the Denver area home prices were 6 percent higher in June than in May, and resale numbers increased by 32 percent.
Average prices in Boston gained 2.9 percent for the month, according to IAS. In Chicago they were up 1.3 percent, Los Angeles 2.2 percent, San Francisco 1.7 percent, and San Diego 1.4 percent.
Most economists, and even the Federal Reserve, are encouraged that the recession will be over this year. I am convinced along with them…now if we can get the media to start reporting the positive news instead of dwelling on the negative, we might just fix this mess.
On an international level, I recently read that in the Bahamas prices have held steady, Belize continues to hold property value, the Dominican Republic is doing well and in Nicaragua, well…get ready for some real good buzz in this country as the laws have changed drastically for the first time years, making it more attractive to own beachfront property…which leads me to this new release I have come across.

Special Pricing on 4 Beachfront Home Sites in Nicaragua

The all new Isla Mariana Beach & Marina Resort has just released 4 stunning beachfront home sites:
Home site 1H: 30 feet of beach frontage, only $ 45,000 USD
7G: 40 feet of beach frontage, only $ 59,995 USD
3F: 60 feet of beach frontage, only $ 90,000 USD
7F: 72 feet of beach frontage, only $108,000 USD

Phase One of this spectacular resort community originally sold out at pre-construction prices in just 6 months. These home sites are now being offered in an advance notice of Phase Two (which the developer tells me will be announced publicly any day).

Isla Mariana Beach & Marina Resort is a hidden oasis located on the secluded island of Isla Real de Las Peñ as, situated on the virgin beaches of Nicaragua's Pacific Coast. This 17-acre retreat offers some of the world's best fishing, a sailing school for the adventurous, exciting water sports, sunny and rare volcanic sand beaches, gorgeous swimming pool, gracious accommodations, exquisite dining at the Beach Grill Restaurant, Plumeria Spa, and the casual, relaxed pace of Nicaragua.

Financing and building packages are available; for more information, including site plans, maps and photos of this incredible Pacific Ocean front development please click here.

What ever you do...hit 'em straight!

SkipJack

Invest in Real Estate without actually buying the RE...?

2009-08-13T00:25:00.004-04:00

Okay, so this is supposed to be all about the Caribbean, Caribbean adventures, experiences and opportunities...but every now and then an opportunity comes up that simply breaks the mold!
Actually, my friend Thom (who is the managing partner in this new fund) is my first real estate colleague who opened the doors to all these real estate opportunities. Thom is a developer in the Rocky Mountains (okay, a bit colder at times, but certainly a paradise in it's own right).
Thom just opened up The Income Fund, LLC specifically to take advantage of an opportunity in the Teton Valley. Here's what happened...the FDIC took over one of the largest mortgage holders in the region and The Income Fund is planning to buy some of these mortgages (secured of course, by the homes and the property)from the FDIC (which doesn't want them) at a pretty steep discount...can you say instant equity!?
This is a perfect opportunity to own a piece of a (real estate investment)company, get into the real estate market when the time is...well...perfect! And do it without becoming a landlord! It is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the IRA portfolio because your self-directed IRA can own units in The Income Fund...read: win...win...win situation! If you don't have a self-directed IRA, well...you will soon, it's the smartest way to take control of your future and my guess is that my general readership is pretty smart!
For further info...click here on The Income Fund, LLC and to learn more about self-directed IRAs click here.

Hit 'em straight!

SkipJack