A short ceremony was held at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Office in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, September 26th, to officially issue licenses to the newest fly-fishing guides of the island. They are Cesar Hernandez, Luis Rodriguez, Rojel Sanchez, Anthony Espat, Kirian Espat, Gilberto Espat, Brian Espat, Delmar Rodriguez, Jerry Espat, Jose Lopez and Francisco Morales.
President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association, Philip Leslie, spoke shortly after 4PM, congratulating the new fly-fishing guides and sharing the importance and responsibility of their new job. “Our tourists will now be in your hands, so we hope that you guys take good care of them,” he said. Leslie further reminded the new guides to always renew their license on time in order to avoid any problems with the Belize Port Authority.
Hol Chan Marine Biologist Kirah Foreman, then expressed her pride in all the participants that completed the course, stating that she is available whenever they are in need of help.
Thereafter, Omar Arceo, who trained the fly-fishing guides congratulated all of them for their dedication throughout the program and for completing the course. Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s new manger Javier Paredes also congratulated the new fly-fishing guide, stating that programs like these will continue under his leadership.
The new fly fishing guides were engaged in a three-month course, where they learned professionalism, Belizean history, natural history, the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, swimming and even had the opportunity to work with real guests in the practical part of the training.
After the formalities, each participant was presented with their fly-fishing guide license and was served delicious snacks and refreshments. The San Pedro Sun joins the island community in congratulating the newest class of fly fishing guides!
