Senior Citizens Tour The PHMR

Passengers getting ready to put on their Life Jackets before leaving P.G. Town to tour the PHMR.

On Thursday September 14, 2006, The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) sponsored an Educational Tour of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) for Older Persons of Punta Gorda Town and the surrounding Villages in collaboration with The National Council on Ageing.

At a management meeting to discuss plans for the Independence Celebrations TIDE’s Executive Director, Wil Maheia, noted that there is the need to include the older generation in our conservation efforts of the Marine Reserve. He suggested that TIDE contact the agencies dealing with issues relating to the elderly of the Town and a collaborative effort with Hope and Helpage was derived.

generation in our conservation efforts of the Marine Reserve. He suggested that TIDE contact the agencies dealing with issues relating to the elderly of the Town and a collaborative effort with Hope and Helpage was derived.

The some eighteen Elderly Tourists visited the TIDE premises and toured the PHMR to appreciate the work TIDE does in the conservation and the preservation of Belize’s natural heritage.

Wil Maheia says that over the years TIDE has included the young generation and the

Ms, Henny, Ms Gomez and Ms, Cattie enjoyed every bit of their trip and did not want to leave. The were last to board the boat .

community at large in the management of Toledo’s resources but added that we need to reassure the Older Folk of our efforts to preserve what is there now for their children and grandchildren to enjoy later.

Mr. Anselmo Cruz from HOPE-Toledo accompanied the Older Folk and was very impressed with the ways in which they enjoyed themselves.

Ms. Henny, a lady almost eighty-five years, commented “ Me du know when last me see wa star-fish inna di wata like dis.” This was after they had all been very well soaked after taking a swim in the pristine waters near West Snake Caye. The Snake Cayes form part of the Conservation and Preservation Zones of the Port Honduras Reserve.

Another Trip of similar nature is being planned so that all elderly people can get a chance to enjoy, even if for their last time this beautiful country of ours.