We spoke to Christopher Fennell, originally from Kingston, Jamaica. Chris immigrated to Belize in 2011 in order to work in the cruise industry. Despite the impact that COVID-19 has had on his professional life, Chris maintains that he does not want to leave Belize as the country has been too good to him.

Wrobel & Co: What brought you to Belize?

Christopher Fennell: I moved to Belize from Jamaica in 2011, having been recruited to work with a company providing tendering services to the cruise lines, namely the Carnival Corporation and affiliates. As you may not be aware, cruise ships anchor approximately 5 miles off the coast of Belize City. The guests then have to be ferried to and from the mainland via tender boats.

In addition, the company that I worked for was the Agent/Representative of Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Wrobel & Co: What is or was your main occupation in Belize?

Christopher: My main occupation has been Operations Manager/Marine Operations. Under this portfolio, I conducted all guest transfers, ship to shore, in Belize City for most of the cruise lines operating in Belize. In doing so, I have the responsibility of working closely with the entire domestic watercraft community in establishing and maintaining close working relationships with subcontractors of the tender fleet in Belize City. Part of my job responsibilities are to insure and maintain the safety and seaworthiness of all vessels and create standard operating procedures for crew and agents.

I was also the first Marine Operations Manager for Harvest Caye, a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line in Southern Belize. In that position, I was part of the initiation of cruise tourism operations on that island. Hiring and scheduling the workforce, maintenance of the entire maritime fleet, and acting as Dock Master of the berthing facility for the cruise ships were all part of my responsibilities.

Wrobel & Co: When did you become a resident of Belize? Was the process difficult?

Christopher: Being a Jamaican citizen, and with Jamaica and Belize both being CARICOM member nations, I qualified to work under the CARICOM-CSME (Caribbean Single Market and Economy). The Treaty of the CSME abolishes discrimination on grounds of nationality in all Member States. Under the CSME, the free movement of persons across the Region entails the removal of work permits for University Graduates, Media Workers, Sports Persons, Musicians, Artists, Managers, Supervisors and other service providers.

Wrobel & Co: How has COVID-19 affected your life in Belize? Have you thought about moving back to Jamaica?

Christopher: COVID has totally halted my personal and professional life. The Tourism/Cruise Industry has been severely impacted as most are aware. I have and continue to, enjoy life in Belize and the country has been too good to me to want to leave and go back to Jamaica.

Wrobel & Co: Since Jamaica is also part of the Caribbean, what are some of the differences and similarities between Belize and Jamaica?

Christopher: Jamaica and Belize are strikingly similar, whether it be the food, culture, weather, and music. The topography may be different in terms of the mountainous terrain of Jamaica, as well as the language. Spanish is very prevalent in certain areas of Belize, that is not the case in Jamaica.

Wrobel & Co: Favourite animal in Belize?
Christopher: Jaguar

Wrobel & Co: Favourite drink in Belize?
Christopher: Belikin Stout

Wrobel & Co: Favourite time of year in Belize?
Christopher: All year round because the weather is perfect.

Wrobel & Co: Where is your favourite place in Belize?
Christopher: Placencia. It’s very chill and peaceful.

Wrobel & Co: Where can people go to learn more about you and what you do?
Christopher: My LinkedIn profile.

Wrobel & Co: Can you elaborate on your interactions with Wrobel & Co. and more specifically, our managing partner Ryan Wrobel? Do you feel that our office has anything to offer your clients/guests?

Christopher: I know Ryan through many organisations, namely the American Chamber of Commerce of Belize, Royal British Legion – Belize Branch, and the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge of which Wrobel & Company is a sponsor. To say further, Wrobel & Company has been very instrumental in handling my immigration application for the CSME, and has performed the service with the most professionalism and knowledge. Ryan has also assisted me with contract drafting and general legal advice during my time in Belize.

Wrobel & Co: What are some of the amazing things living in Belize has afforded you?
Christopher: True freedom and peace. It definitely gives life a new purpose.

Ready to relocate to Belize as Christopher did?  Contact Wrobel & Co, Attorneys-at-Law, and we’ll get you started today.

To learn more about retirement in Belize, visit our Belize Retirement FAQ page here.

This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.