17/02/2016
18 years ago, when Internet finally came to Belize, I excitedly bought my first computer. I decided to pay for it by offering internet services to tourists. Within weeks, people were waiting on the beach for up to an hour to be able to use the computer. And this was when there was only a slow 52k dialup Internet! Little did I know then, but this was the start of what was to be my livelihood for the next 18 years and what a fantastic time I would have with this business.
I quickly bought a second computer and over the years I expanded to have 9 computers, a photo printer, a photo copier, a laminating machine and a second hand book store with a selection of nearly 2000 books. Our services expanded to providing photo IDs and design and repair services to the island of Caye Caulker. I put my heart and soul into making my little shop the best it could be.
Cayeboard Connection’s success has allowed me to provide jobs to 3 Belizean families and to support my own family. Cayeboard has paid for both of my daughters’ schooling, a paralegal certificate, a bachelor degree and a high school diploma. With competent staff, and the support of my family, I was able to work outside of the shop and to provide countless hours of volunteer services to both the primary and high school computer labs; building the primary school lab from scratch and assisting in setting up the lab in the high school. I am grateful to all of my staff over the years whose hard work and dedication have been a huge contribution to Cayeboard's success. It has been a pleasure knowing and working with all of them. I am especially thankful to Paulina and Albert for the awesome job they have done managing the shop during my absence this past year. And last but not least, I give thanks to the people of Caye Caulker who have chosen to use Cayeboard for their computing and printing needs. I have tried my best to give back to the community whenever possible.
For the past year I have been out of country with my daughter who is pursuing her post seconding schooling. It has become too difficult to manage Cayeboard Connection long distance while working full time. So sadly I have made the difficult decision to sell the business.
However, I am proud to announce the good news that the new owner is a Belizean from Caye Caulker; my employee, Albert. I am deeply pleased to sell Cayeboard Connection to Albert and that he now has the opportunity to make this business his own. I am thrilled that Albert along with Chantel, plan to continue providing Cayeboard Connection’s services to Caye Caulker. Albert says they will be honouring all credits and accounts so nothing will be lost in the transition.
Please join me in congratulating Albert and Chantel in their new venture. I look forward to seeing how they transition Cayeboard in the future. They are bright and talented and well equipped to do this. I know they will do well.
