PAYA mag

19/08/2024

We are very soon finishing the newest and updated edition of the Roatan Map. The 15,000 maps we print are distributed to Roatan hotels, airport, ferries, RE offices, taken to several US trade shows. This map’s edition will be out from September 2024 to February 2025. Call or Whatsapp us to reserve your advertising spot... 9764-5968

19/07/2024

Gilbert Reyes, an American suspected of killing three Roatan women: Maria Antonia Cruz, Nikendra McCoy and Dione Solórzano, is attempting to fight extradition from Dominican Republic to Honduras. Reyes was arrested on March 31 in Santo Domingo on an INTERPOL warrant related to the murders that took place in José Santos Guardiola... 'Off Island Perspective Summer 2024'

Gilbert Reyes, an American suspected of killing three Roatan women: Maria Antonia Cruz, Nikendra McCoy and Dione Solórzano, is attempting to fight extradition from Dominican Republic to Honduras. R…

19/07/2024

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has informed me, with a simple email, of the initiation of an extrajudicial penal trial against me, with the accusation of having committed the crime of schism and charging me of having denied the legitimacy of “Pope Francis,” of having broken communion “with Him,” and of having rejected the Second Vatican Councils... 'Response to Schism Charge'

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has informed me, with a simple email, of the initiation of an extrajudicial penal trial against me, with the accusation of having committed the crime of …

18/07/2024

In 1958, my dad owned the property at the entrance to French Harbour lagoon. From French Cay channel to where the bluff of big blue rocks… He had a small wharf where the blue rocks were surrounded by mangroves, where the dory could be in the shade. As a boy, only 12 years old, I was very curious and would go exploring around the blue rocks. Once I came across a hole in the rocks and climbed into it... 'Dullie Hole – An Islander with Grit (Part I)'

In 1958, my dad owned the property at the entrance to French Harbour lagoon. From French Cay channel to where the bluff of big blue rocks… He had a small wharf where the blue rocks were surro…

18/07/2024

It is a little known fact in these parts that the illustrious naval career of the hero of Albion, First Viscount Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose statue sits above a 170ft high column in central London is inextricably linked to the Bay of Honduras that includes Belize Cays, Rattan and the Mosquito Shore. Some 26 years before his heroic, agonizing death on board his flagship HMS Victory at Trafalgar, where he was shot through the spine by a French sniper and his legacy forever embroidered into the fabric of British history... 'Horatio Nelson’s Brush with Roatan'

It is a little known fact in these parts that the illustrious naval career of the hero of Albion, First Viscount Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose statue sits above a 170ft high column in central Londo…

17/07/2024

Roatan is dotted with failed development projects owned by Honduran banks. Many of these projects lay on the island’s prime locations, back in the 1990s developers were still able to secure land that was plentiful and pristine – with pristine beaches, untouched forests and great views. After breaking ground, and even some sales, many of these projects faltered, became desolate and abandoned... 'White Elephant in Big Bight'

Roatan is dotted with failed development projects owned by Honduran banks. Many of these projects lay on the island’s prime locations, back in the 1990s developers were still able to secure land th…

17/07/2024

Early on a windless Saturday morning in the 1980s, with the sea so calm that it is flat even at the reef line, it occurs to you to feed the fish which collect around the gazebo at Fantasy Island. Many of you know the place, it stands on posts burrowed deep into the sand beneath the shallow water, some 75 feet or so off what the Old Heads used to called Ezekiel’s Key, where the Coco View Resort sits, peaceful and quiet just across the channel... 'Island Planting Grounds'

Early on a windless Saturday morning in the 1980s, with the sea so calm that it is flat even at the reef line, it occurs to you to feed the fish which collect around the gazebo at Fantasy Island. M…

16/07/2024

As Roatan’s population and hotel infrastructure is growing, Roatan Power Company [RECO] is keeping up by adding new power generating infrastructure. In the latest announcement RECO announced investing $41 million for “expansion of a clean energy plant” that should be ready by September 2025. “It’s an investment necessary, especially since growth of the energy demand of the island over the past two years, continues,” said Ramiro Tumbaco, RECO’s general manager... 'Not So Eco RECO'

RECO’s solar plant takes up valuable and scarce island land. RECO’s Newest $41 Million Investment Raises Questions and Concerns s Roatan’s population and hotel infrastructure is growing, Roatan Pow…

16/07/2024

Mrs. Dellis Lois Stewart Bennett was born on May 3, 1929, at her parents’ home in Cohune Ridge neighborhood of Flowers Bay. She was the third of 11 children born to Leah Stewart and Wolney Bennett. Her mother was a seamstress making men’s shirts and pants. Her father sold coconuts... 'The Flowers Bay Storyteller'

Mrs. Dellis Lois Stewart Bennett was born on May 3, 1929, at her parents’ home in Cohune Ridge neighborhood of Flowers Bay. She was the third of 11 children born to Leah Stewart and Wolney Bennett.…

15/07/2024

After four years of waiting Roatan once again has a team in Honduras’ divisions II, Juventus F.C. Roatan. It has been a long wait, but with a booming island and an expanding stadium selection, the football future is looking bright. Islanders are in line to see better quality football with mainland teams coming to Roatan every couple of weeks. This is also better for island businesses, hotels and ferries can accommodate mainland teams traveling back and forth between Roatan... 'Back in Division II'

After four years of waiting Roatan once again has a team in Honduras’ divisions II. It has been a long wait, but with a booming island and an expanding stadium selection, the football future is loo…

15/07/2024

Roatan has found itself in a health crisis. On April 19, around 9pm, Roatan Public Hospital in Coxen Hole burned down in a spectacular fire. The fire destroyed 95% of the 33 year old building except for a portion of the office annex.
No one was killed or gravely injured in the fire and 60 interned patients were transferred to two nearby private island hospitals... 'Island’s Hospital Crisis'

Roatan has found itself in a health crisis. On April 19, around 9pm, Roatan Public Hospital in Coxen Hole burned down in a spectacular fire. The fire destroyed 95% of the 33 year old building excep…

05/06/2024

Newest edition of Roatan Business Guide for 2024 is here. Get updated info about more than 1,500 businesses on Roatan with their phone numbers, location and other info. RBG 2024 is an indispensable resource for your island home or business.

Pick up your copy at:
🔸 WEST BAY: Captain Vans
🔸 WEST END: Woody's Grocery
🔸 COXEN HOLE: Serrano Industrial
🔸 DIXON COVE: Madeyso
🔸 FRENCH HARBOUR: ACE Hardware

💻 Read Online:https://payamag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PAYA-Business-Guide-2024.pdf

09/05/2024

We are finishing the 2024 Roatan Business Guide- new, updated and expanded. Don’t get left out: contact us about advertising your business. WhatsApp to 9764-5968.

29/04/2024

While the Israeli operation in Gaza keeps bearing more ugly fruit, few have analyzed the role Israeli intelligence services played in the October 7 Hamas operation.
Israeli services had foreknowledge of the Hamas attack from multiple sources. NYT reported on Israeli military having detailed plans of the Hamas attack more than one year before October 7, coincidentally an exact 50 year anniversary of the Yom Kippur war, a date that should have anticipated violence... 'Off Island Perspective Spring 2024'

While the Israeli operation in Gaza keeps bearing more ugly fruit, few have analyzed the role Israeli intelligence services played in the October 7 Hamas operation.

29/04/2024

Dear Friends,
(…) I have never been shy in offering my interventions since the beginning of the psycho-pandemic farce, and that my complaint – since May 2020 – anticipated everything that has emerged in these four years regarding the criminal management of this social-engineering experiment of neo-Malthusian origin... 'First Health Holocaust Remembrance Day'

Dear Friends, (…) I have never been shy in offering my interventions since the beginning of the psycho-pandemic farce, and that my complaint – since May 2020 – anticipated everything that has emerg…

29/04/2024

It is enjoyable to reminisce about when shrimp was king and so much of French Harbour life revolved around the yearly sh*****ng season. Today, one could come across and old shrimper friend at Eldon’s Supermarket, or drop in on another at his home for a cup of coffee, and so easily settle into talking about those sh*****ng heydays of the 1980s... 'Sh*****ng Roatan Style'

It is enjoyable to reminisce about when shrimp was king and so much of French Harbour life revolved around the yearly sh*****ng season. Today, one could come across and old shrimper friend at Eldon…

27/04/2024

On March 9, the Bay Islands chapter of Attorneys conducted their elections for Colegio de Abogados de Honduras [CAH] presidency’s two year term. This is the second largest guild association in Honduras. Only the teachers Union has more members in Honduras. The College of Attorneys traces its roots to 1916. Currently there are 27 CAH chapters in the country, and 36,000 attorneys are part of the CAH paying the association’s Lps. 6,000 annual dues... 'An Influential Guild'

On March 9, the Bay Islands chapter of Attorneys conducted their elections for Colegio de Abogados de Honduras [CAH] presidency’s two year term. This is the second largest guild association in Hond…

27/04/2024

Many islanders can’t quite believe it’s finally happening.
Many have been asking the government for it for decades. While the paving of the Punta Gorda to Camp Bay road has been promised by many different Honduran presidents, the work has finally begun. If all goes to plan, the Punta Gorda to Camp Bay Village road will be completely paved by the end of 2024... 'The Paving of PO-35'

Many islanders can’t quite believe it’s finally happening. Many have been asking the government for it for decades. While the paving of the Punta Gorda to Camp Bay road has been promised by many di…

26/04/2024

When the Night Hawk sailed, it was so close to Christmas that the families did not want the men to go. Mr. Cleary Jones from Jonesville was one of the passengers. He got up Sunday morning to run a couple of errands, and when he got back home, his wife had cooked them Sunday dinner and had gone to church... 'The Ill-fated Night Hawk (Part II)'

When the Night Hawk sailed, it was so close to Christmas that the families did not want the men to go. Mr. Cleary Jones from Jonesville was one of the passengers. He got up Sunday morning to run a …

26/04/2024

It’s now a welcome, expected, and much-awaited event on many island resident’s calendar. On Saturday, March 9, the Sol y Mar opened its gates and beach to the annual Music Festival for the Angels, benefiting the Clínica Esperanza and Sol Foundation... 'Angels Sing and Help'

It’s now a welcome, expected, and much-awaited event on many island resident’s calendar. On Saturday, March 9, the Sol y Mar opened its gates and beach to the annual Music Festival for the Angels, …

25/04/2024

Mrs. Cergia sells peanuts and frozen Kool-Aid on the street of Punta Gorda. Every child in the community knows her.
Cergia González García was born on February 2, 1939 in Punta Gorda. She was the third of five children born to Ebencio González, a farmer, and Everista García. She was raised by her grandmother, Guillerma... 'Street Side Vendor'

Mrs. Cergia sells peanuts and frozen Kool-Aid on the street of Punta Gorda. Every child in the community knows her. Cergia González García was born on February 2, 1939 in Punta Gorda.

25/04/2024

In Central America, the circus is a working man’s ballet house. Circuses here are often travelling, family run businesses that provide entertainment for entire families. There is always risqué humor, and often mesmerizing performances of balance, skill, daring and strength... 'A Family Circus'

In Central America, the circus is a working man’s ballet house. Circuses here are often travelling, family run businesses that provide entertainment for entire families.

24/04/2024

For a long time now, Santos Guardiola has been the forgotten, ugly sister of Roatan. But lately, that forgotten sister has been getting an increasing number of suitors asking for a dance. Developers are buying up sizable pieces of land and dividing them into smaller lots, creating networks of interior roads with underground wires and services... 'Construction Boom in JSG'

For a long time now, Santos Guardiola has been the forgotten, ugly sister of Roatan. But lately, that forgotten sister has been getting an increasing number of suitors asking for a dance.

24/04/2024

About three million visa-less migrants of all sorts make their way into the USA every year. By virtue of its location, Honduras has become an accessory to perhaps the biggest illegal activity of human trafficking in history. About a third of the way between the Darien Gap and the US border, Honduras is a participant and a facilitator on a route that can best be described as an invasion... 'Honduras as an Accessory in Crime'

About three million visa-less migrants of all sorts make their way into the USA every year. By virtue of its location, Honduras has become an accessory to perhaps the biggest illegal activity of hu…

30/01/2024

Another hotel chain is preparing to enter Roatan tourism market. All inclusive Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels announced they will begin construction on a 164 room resort expected to be completed in late 2025. The project site is on the island’s north shore, located west of Corozal and bordering Jerry Hynds coconut plantation and the sea. The announcement specifies that the hotel group will partner with Island Shipping to develop the project, whose CEO is also Jerry Hynds... 'Off Island Perspective Winter 2024'

Another hotel chain is preparing to enter Roatan tourism market. All inclusive Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels announced they will begin construction on a 164 room resort expected to be completed…

30/01/2024

Dear Friends,
These are hours of darkness and confusion, hours in which the mercenaries who infest the Lord’s Fold are unleashed against the good Shepherds – bishops, priests and religious – against the sheep and against the lambs... 'A Crisis in The Church'

These are hours of darkness and confusion, hours in which the mercenaries who infest the Lord’s Fold are unleashed against the good Shepherds – bishops, priests and religious – against the sheep an…

29/01/2024

Mr. Darwin Jackson, a well-known businessman, owned a store on the west end of Big French Cay and a schooner named The Night Hawk. He used to ferry stores on his schooner from Belize to the Bay Islands, sailing amazingly fast under full sail.
Most of the supplies used in the Bay Islands came from Belize at the time. This was known as the “bootlegging era,” and Jackson could always be relied on to bring a few cases of good old scotch whiskey in for his customers... 'The Ill-fated Night Hawk (Part I)'

Mr. Darwin Jackson, a well-known businessman, owned a store on the west end of Big French Cay and a schooner named The Night Hawk. He used to ferry stores on his schooner from Belize to the Bay Isl…

29/01/2024

Much of Roatan’s history disappears from view, living only in the memories of the island’s “old heads.” Artifacts left by Payas, pirates, or seamen have sunk beneath the sea, broken down by currents and covered by coral. One of the biggest examples is the now largely forgotten Panama registered Marjorie E., a roughly 160-foot refrigerated transport ship that struck a reef just outside the Oak Ridge channel 65 years ago... 'Forgotten Marjorie E'

Much of Roatan’s history disappears from view, living only in the memories of the island’s “old heads.” Artifacts left by Payas, pirates, or seamen have sunk beneath the sea, broken down by current…