TJ's BuyRoatan.com Blog

Church catering to foreigners launches in west bay

     For more than 4 years now, the International Worship Center (IWC) has been offering english speaking foreigners on Roatan bi-monthly services in a non-denominal Christian format.  2009 brings big, exciting changes with the addition of full-time Pastor, Jeremy Dyck and his family.  The Dycks arrived January 11th via Phoenix, AZ and will be calling Roatan home for the next few years at least, and will be overseeing the operations here, leading all to Jesus who are willing.  

     January 1st also brought in a new weekly schedule and a name change for the Church.  Utilizing their partnership as a network Church of LifeChurch.tv... the IWC formally changed their name to rChurch.tv this year and has introduced a new video sermon format and live worship.  "Our goal is to cater to the foreigners living and visiting Roatan using a similar format to what they may be used to back home", says Dyck.  "We graciously welcome all to share with us", adds Dyck, "and with our weekly service at Mayan Princess in West Bay, we're hoping to be able to offer home groups, a youth ministry and a children's ministry in the very near future."

     rChurch meets Sundays at 10:00 am at the Mayan Princess Beach Resort conference rooms.  For more information, contact Jeremy at www.rchurch.tv 

Sunny skies are clear, blue and inviting

      Without writing it off completely, it appears to those of us who have been through many of them in the past... that our rainy season is over!!!  Unlike years past, especially last year, when the rainy season began in September and ended in February, this year's 7 weeks of rain came and went early!!  Receiving the typical 80 inches of precipitation during this time, it's been pretty much dry and in the high 80's since New Years!

     The island's aquifers are full, cisterns are at capacity, and the foliage and fauna are a gorgeous and healthy deep green!!  Locals says we're not going to see the wet stuff until April or May, so if you're planning out your Caribbean vacation and you like sunshine... there's the scoop. 

Beach vendors beware!

     It seems the fight is on!  West Bay Hotels and services have taken an offensive against the illegal merchants who molest sun bathers on Roatan's West Bay Beach.  "None of these guys (and gals) have permits (to sell)", says Louis St. Louis, Owner/Manager of Bananrama Dive Resort.  "Our guests are being bombarded by kids selling necklaces, sunglasses and conch shells, and this is not enjoyable for anyone", adds St. Louis.  A petition to the Mayor, Dale Jackson, from the hotels in West Bay was followed up with a couple of meetings with the vendors and the Municipal licensing and Police depts. last month.

     "As of January 1st, no illegal vendors, including children, will be permitted to sell freely on the beaches of West Bay and this will be enforced by the police." - Joseph Solomon, Municipal Chief of Police

"Fines, confiscation of goods, and jail time may be used to enforce the law", he adds.

     This sentiment that these kids should be in school and not begging from (or selling to) tourists is shared by most business owners I spoke with over the holidays.  There are designated "beach vendor" locations set up where tourists can go to them and shop for souvenirs, etc.  Walking up and down the beach soliciting is getting out of hand.  More than 2 dozen vendors were counted by my son one day.  And since us "gringos" look all the same, vendors will pitch the same person... multiple times throughout the day, not realizing that person has politely declined any shopping.

     Tourism is relatively new to Roatan and we're still ironing out the wrinkles..... we'll get there!

Happy new year from the beach!

     2009 rang in on Roatan with dozens of festive parties, tourists from all over the world and our normal rainy evening as has been the case for the past 11 years I've been here!!  And, as usual, January 1st is a great sunny day with tons of people enjoying the warm sun on West Bay Beach!

     I would like to thank all my readers and clients for their continued support over the years and wish you all an amazing, healthy and prosperous 2009!!  Where ever you are, may God's goodness and blessings shower down on you this year... and may all your dreams become reality!!