Climb To The Summit
PART 1: What Do You Do In Your Spare Time?
The first thing Kenrick said when asked on Monday how it went was “It was hard this year. The Heat was extreme! Indeed, it was an extremely hot and humid weekend here in Belize, with averages in the 90s and even rising to 100F.
This year the team was made up of 12, with one guide, Benedicto. Their motto for the expedition was “We are one with Nature, life is an adventure we got to live it”. The group started out at 7.22am on Friday morning, a little later than usual as one of the new team members had a backpack that was overweight, when checked by the guide. They were all eager to make up time and walked the first part at a fast pace, knowing from experience that this was the easiest part and they wanted to get as far as they could before the heat intensified. Along the way, Lennox, our other Tropic employee tried to clear some branches blocking the path, with his machete, when a small stick hit his left knee and gashed it open and they had to perform some quick temporary first aid until they got to the camp.
The group arrived at the 12K mark on the Sittee River at around 9.20am, having made pretty good time. After, crossing the river, they all took an hour break to refuel. The heat was fierce and the lesser experienced among the group were exhausted. From this point onwards the terrain gets much harder, so it was decided that the more experienced, including our two intrepid employees Kenrick and Lennox, would forge on ahead, taking some of the weight from the kits of those less experienced.
Kenrick said, that the extra weight they were carrying and the intense heat and humidity made the trek, that much harder and the rainforest seemed denser than normal and somewhat unreal. They stopped at 17 kilometers where there is a helipad clearing, and decided to wait for the rest of the group. Here they all fell asleep for about 50 minutes but the others still had not shown, so they continued on as by now it was already 1.05pm. They arrived at 19K Base camp approx. 40 minutes later and began setting up the tents and preparing a quick noodle meal for the others. At around 4.10 only 6 of the remaining group arrived.
One of their group had felt faint from exhaustion and had to head back to Camp 12K to spend the night, with the guide Benedicto. Along the way the other six climbers had an encounter with a jaguar who crossed their paths. They were all exhilarated, excited and a little relieved when it went on its way.
Kenny discovered in the changing of backpacks, that his kit had been left behind at 16K so he and Lennox made a quick trek back to get it. By now it was getting dark and a little scary so they went as fast as they could. After showering in the river and eating they all fell asleep in their hammocks with an eight- foot Boa constrictor as their body guard, sleeping in a big hole next to them!
The following morning the guide and the other team member arrived early and the group started the climb up Heartbreak Hill, to reach the summit. The team miscalculated their water as the streams were pretty dry and at the second helipad, there was no water as usual. The group climbed for one hour and finally reached the summit at Midday. Kenny and Lennox proudly placed the Tropic flag there. The sun was unbearably hot so after about 20 minutes they started the climb back down, tired and incredibly thirsty. Kenny commented that the guide had extra water but with the heat it felt like they needed a gallon each!
Coming down was easy!! Kenny’s words. They reached camp after a couple of hours and that cold shower in the waterfall felt like the best of their lives.
The following day after a good night’s sleep and lots of story and adventure swapping, they started the trek back to Base Camp. The climbers reached at different times according to their experience and endurance level. But by 3.00 on Sunday evening everyone had arrived safely back at Base Camp. There was another jaguar encounter, this time a baby one, so the climber moved quickly on, fearing that the mother would be close by.
Climb to the Summit 2019, was a massive success despite the intensity of the heat and some of the challenges they had on the way. We would like to congratulate Kenny and Lennox on their incredible feat and wish them every success in their next adventure.
TROPIC AIR WELCOMES ANOTHER NEW CESSNA 208B GRAND CARAVAN EX
PRESS RELEASE
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Monday, May 23, 2019
Tropic Air announced today that it has taken delivery of another new Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft for its fleet. The aircraft (V3-HIM) arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport at 3:30pm on Wednesday after a ferry flight from Cessna headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and comes fully equipped with a G1000 glass cockpit, weather radar and air-conditioning.
“This aircraft represents yet another $5 million vote of confidence in the continued growth of tourism in Belize,” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “The Caravan allows us to serve domestic and regional destinations, and is the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. We love its performance and passengers love it for the air-conditioning and comfort.”
“This aircraft is the latest example of our commitment to reinvest our earnings in our employees, our terminals and new aircraft to provide the best possible service to our customers,” commented Steve Schulte, CEO of Tropic Air.
With the addition of this new aircraft, Tropic’s permanent fleet will number 18.
About Tropic Air
With nearly 40 years of service, Tropic Air currently flies over 200 daily scheduled flights with 18 aircraft to 15 destinations in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Tropic Air now employs over 360 team members and will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight system wide this year. It has two additional aircraft on order.
Tropic Air is a member of the Latin American Airlines Association (ALTA), and recently successfully completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit for the third time, after joining the program in 2015. Tropic also won the Traveler’s Choice Award in the Speciality and Leisure Category in Latin America in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines.
Journalists with media enquiries, please contact the press office: pr@tropicair.com
CONSTRUCTION OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY AT TROPIC AIR’S NEW $1MILLION CAYE CAULKER TERMINAL
PRESS RELEASE
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Monday, May 6, 2019
Tropic Air announces that construction has officially begun on its new Caye Caulker Terminal.
To be built over ten months and at a cost of BZ$1 Million, the new 1600 square foot air conditioned terminal will feature state of the art amenities for passengers and cargo.
“Caye C
aulker is one of the pillars of tourism in Belize and a key driver of economic growth,” John Greif III, President said. “We see enormous growth in tourism to the island, and this new terminal represents a step forward, and a big investment, in the level of comfort for our passengers and visitors to La Isla Cariñosa”
“This investment underscores our commitment to Caye Caulker, to Belize, and to providing our customers and employees with a world-class experience at one of our most important destinations,” said Steve Schulte, CEO. “We appreciate the Government’s support, the support of the Town Council, and the Belize Airports Authority for their continued partnership in transforming the Caye Caulker Airstrip into an airport that islanders can be proud to call their own.”
The new terminal was designed by Javier Alamilla of Nude Architecture, and will be built by Medina’s Construction.
About Tropic Air
With nearly 40 years of service, Tropic Air currently flies over 200 daily scheduled flights with 20 aircraft to 15 destinations in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Tropic Air now employs over 360 team members and will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight system wide this year. It has two additional aircraft on order.
Tropic Air is a member of the Latin American Airlines Association (ALTA), and recently successfully completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit for the third time, after joining the program in 2015. Tropic also won the Traveler’s Choice Award in the Speciality and Lesiure Category in Latin America in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines.
Journalists with media enquiries, please contact the press office: pr@tropicair.com
1st Photo – Artist’s rendition of the completed terminal.
2nd Photo – Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and Area Representative, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr, visiting the site of the new terminal in Caye Caulker.
What do you do in your spare time?
Here at Tropic Air, we have some pretty active employees who take advantage of all that Belize has to offer. Kenrick Duncan and Lennox Myvett, customer service agents at Tropic Air’s PGIA International terminal are two such individuals. Next Friday 12th April both are taking part in the arduous hike and climb to Victoria Peak, the second highest mountain in Belize at 3.675 feet.
The three-day hike, according to Kenrick, is not for the faint hearted and requires a degree of fitness and endurance. Kenrick trains by running and both he and Lennox are no strangers to physical challenges. Just a few weeks ago in March, for the ninth year, they took part in the grueling 180-mile Ruta Maya Belize River challenge, finishing sixth in their age group and 35th overall.
The hike to Victoria Peak starts bright and early at 5.00am from the basecamp in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where the team of five men, five women and a guide, set off, carrying backpacks with minimum equipment – tents, hammocks, other essentials and food. This is the third time that Kenrick and Lennox have climbed the peak so they are familiar with the routine. On the first day, they hike the 12 kilometers along mostly flat terrain reaching the first camp after crossing the Sittee River. After lunch of, according to Kenrick, mostly protein bars, because they don’t want to be hauling lots of weight, they continue to hike the rest of the trail another 7 kilometers. This is more difficult terrain with the trail going up and down. Along the way they encounter the infamous Heartbreak Hill. Once they reach their camp for the evening everyone usually takes a dip in the waterfall (which Kenny said is extremely chilly but refreshing). On Saturday, its another early start .Once the group reaches the base of Victoria Peak it’s a scramble up a rocky stream bed leading to the forest canopy. Ascending the rock gully requires rope and harness. They finally reach the peak at around 11.00am. The view from here is stunning. According to Kenrick all you see is hills and hills all around. On a clear day you can even see the coast. The area has unique flora with elfin shrubland, sphagnum moss, small trees of only two to three meters and the rare fiery-colored orchid which only grows at high elevations.
The team usually spend about thirty minutes taking in the amazing view and then it’s a climb back down and back to nineteen Kilometer camp for the evening to rest before returning to base the following day. Last year, they were extremely excited, and a little scared, to be followed by a jaguar on their trail. They also encountered several snakes along the way. Don’t worry they are prepared and the guides always carries anti-venom.
Each year, Kenrick explained the team have a name or a motto which is usually decided upon once they start the trek. In 2018 their motto was “I’m not just living, I’m alive “. To find out what their motto is for this year and to find out more about their adventures along the way stay tuned for our next blog. We all wish them good luck on their journey.
TROPIC AIR WINS THE TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AIRLINES AWARD IN THE SPECIALTY & LEISURE CATEGORY IN LATIN AMERICA
PRESS RELEASE
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Tropic Air announces that it has been recognized with the Travelers’ Choice Award in the Specialty and Leisure Category in Latin America in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for Airlines. This is the first time any airline in Belize has won any award from TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor awards the world’s top carriers based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for airlines by TripAdvisor flyers. These are gathered over a 12-month period.
“This awards validates the hard work and dedication of the 360 Tropic Air employees who have exceeded our guests’ expectations throughout their entire travel experience with us,” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air.
“We are honoured by this award and its recognition is cherished. It makes us strive to continue the work of enhancing, investing in, and improving the experience for all our customers,” said Steve Schulte, CEO of Tropic Air.
To read TripAdvisor traveler reviews and opinions of Tropic Air, go to
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Airline_Review-d10533105-Reviews-Tropic-Air-Belize
For the complete list of Travelers’ Choice award-winning airlines for 2019, visit:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Airlines-cLatinAmerica
About Tropic Air
With nearly 40 years of service, Tropic Air currently flies over 200 daily scheduled flights with 20 aircraft to 15 destinations in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Tropic Air now employs over 360 team members and will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight system wide this year. It has two additional aircraft on order.
Tropic Air recently successfully completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit for the third time, after joining the program in 2015. In September, Tropic was also admitted as a member of the Latin American Airlines Association (ALTA), after meeting its professional standards requirements.
Journalists with media enquiries, please contact the press office: pr@tropicair.com
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
PRESS RELEASE
February 5th, 2019
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
A few weeks ago, we welcomed our newest addition, a Cessna Caravan 208B EX to our fleet. This brings our fleet to 17 aircraft, and gives us the third largest passenger Caravan fleet (14) in the world.
To celebrate this milestone, and our 40 years of service, we have adorned the new aircraft with a special Belizean flag themed livery, and dedicated it to the people of this great nation.
As the airline of #Belize, we are honored to fly the flag of our homeland every day, and take great pride in being Belizean.
About Tropic Air
Tropic Air currently flies over 200 daily scheduled departures with 13 air conditioned, glass-cockpit, Cessna Caravans to 15 destinations in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Tropic Air now employs over 360 team members and will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight system wide this year.
Tropic Air recently completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit successfully for the third time, after joining the program in 2015. In September 2017, Tropic was admitted as a member of the Latin American Airlines Association (ALTA), after meeting its professional standards requirements.
Journalists with media enquiries, please contact the press office: pr@tropicair.com
3 Guys, 48 years and Counting
Tropic Air has over 300 employees, many who have been with us for over 10 years, and some who have even been with us since our beginnings in 1979. This month we would like to introduce you to some of the people who work at our Dangriga station. Dangriga is the largest town in Southern Belize. Here you will find a vibrant music, culture and art scene grounded in the strong influence of the Garifuna people. Inland, the Bocawina National Park offers intense adventures such as ziplining, waterfall rappelling and hiking to Antelope Falls. The Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve is also within easy driving distance. Offshore Dangriga, provides easy access to the Southern Cayes, in particular South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye and Glovers Reef Atoll, where the diving and snorkelling are spectacular.
At our Dangriga station there are three people whose combined years of service totals 48! That’s longer than Tropic has been in operation. Let us introduce you to Derry Nasario, Stanli Pascual and Geovani Johnson.
Derry Nasario has worked for Tropic for 20 years. He started working on 1st December 1997 in the San Pedro terminal as a ramp agent. After 4 years here, he made the move to Hopkins and started working at our Dangriga station in 2001. He loves the working environment at Tropic and particularly the management. In his spare time Derry likes to fish and he also likes to jog every morning, to keep fit.
Stanli Pascual has worked for Tropic for 18 years. He started in 2001 as a ramp agent. He particularly enjoys working with his co-workers and is part of the Tropic Air basketball team, The Tropic Thunders. In his spare- time he likes to clean up the environment.
Geovani Johnson has worked for Tropic for 10 years. He started working on 20th July 2008. Before that he used to work at a factory in Belmopan making orange Juice. He remembers how excited and willing to learn he was on his first day at Tropic. His favorite part about working here are his fellow co-workers. Geovani likes to lift weights and is also part of the Tropic Air basketball team. He really enjoys the welcoming, comfortable working environment of Tropic and says “it feels like family”
We are proud and thankful for having Derry, Stanli and Geovani on our team and for their years of service to Tropic Air. We hope you get to meet them and the rest of our team from our Dangriga station when getting a Tropic Air flight.
Tropic Air flies to Dangriga several times a day from the Belize City International and Municipal airports as well as Placencia and Punta Gorda. Dangriga airport is located in the northern part of town.
TROPIC AIR ANNOUNCES NEW SAN IGNACIO TO PLACENCIA FLIGHT
PRESS RELEASE
August 24th, 2018
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Tropic Air announced today that beginning January 1, 2019, they will commence a new, one time weekly, seasonal, non-stop flight between San Ignacio and Placencia.
“Today, we are celebrating linking San Ignacio and Placencia by air”, said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “For some time, our partners have been requesting this new flight to avoid the long drive south for tourists on rainforest and reef itineraries. We are happy to work with them to make it a reality, and to do our part to promote the growth of tourism in Belize”.
The flights are now bookable via the web at tropicair.com, via e-mail at reservations@tropicair.com, by phone at +501 226-2626, via Whatsapp at +501 622-5857, by WebChat, at any of our stations, or by visiting any of our authorized sales agents.
About Tropic Air
Tropic Air currently flies over 200 daily scheduled departures with 13 air conditioned, glass-cockpit, Cessna Caravans to 15 destinations in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Tropic Air now employs over 360 team members and will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight system wide this year.
Tropic Air recently completed IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Audit successfully for the third time, after joining the program in 2015. In September 2017, Tropic was admitted as a member of the Latin American Airlines Association (ALTA), after meeting its professional standards requirements.
Journalists with media enquiries, please contact the press office: pr@tropicair.com
Reaping the fruits of labor – The Sea Grape Tree
If you have visited any coastal areas of Belize be it on the mainland or on the Cayes, you will have come cross the Sea Grape Tree interspersed with Sea Almond and soaring Coconut Palms. Scientifically known as the Coccoloba uvifera, Tidibu Beibei in Garifuna and Uva de Mar in Spanish, it is actually related to the buckwheat family of plants. The tree is a great beach stabilizer tending to sprawl in high winds and become bushy. In a more protected environment it can grow up to 35 feet. The branches are covered in broad, circular, leather hard, bright green leaves that have a red central vein running through the center. These leaves can be boiled until the water is purple and then the extract drunk to lower blood pressure. The hard wood of the sea grape tree makes excellent firewood and historically was used to carve weapons, whilst the red core was used for dye.
Sea grape trees can survive pretty much anything – sand, salt, wind (even hurricane force). The one thing that doesn’t sit well with them is frost. Luckily frost is not something we get much of in Belize. Each sea grape tree is either male or female and needs cross pollination via bees or other insects in order for the fruit to develop. The fruit of the tree appears in late summer as a green “grape” approximately 2 cm in diameter and ripens to a purple color by late July/August. These grapes appear in hanging clusters much like the traditional grape on vines. In contrast to the grape, the pit is very large and makes up most of the fruit. As a result, they aren’t very juicy and can be a bit on the tart side. Kids however love them and in late Summer it has long been a Belizean tradition to scour the beach in search of trees, climbing and shaking the trees to release the ripened fruit. Kids eat them directly from the tree or collect them in buckets for later. Birds also love the fruits as do termites who often build their nests on the branches.
A tasty jelly can be made by boiling the ripe grapes to extract the juice, straining through a mesh bag adding sugar and pectin and boiling until set. The grapes can also be fermented to produce wine and vinegar. It takes a lot of sea grapes to make a little juice, so patience is a necessity but without doubt you will be reaping the fruits of your labor as any end product is delicious.