Life Punta Gorda, Belize

With Love From Belize

LETTERS FROM ALLORA

It’s hard to believe I’ve been living in Punta Gorda, Belize for nearly two months. Time moves fast here. The people are warm, welcoming, and genuinely appreciative of healthcare—especially physical therapy. While patients in the U.S. are grateful too, there’s something distinct about the resilience here. Many people have very little, yet optimism is constant.

Living conditions in southern Belize vary widely. Some homes are comfortable; others are barely livable. A few realities are nearly universal in Punta Gorda and surrounding villages:

Sanitation and Septic Systems in Belize

Punta Gorda does not have a centralized sewer system. Most homes rely on septic tanks or pit latrines. Because of this, toilet paper generally cannot be flushed and must be discarded in a trash bin. Poorly maintained systems increase sanitation and infection-control concerns, both in homes and public spaces.

Because of this:

• Toilet paper generally cannot be flushed and must be placed in a trash bin.
• Improper septic design or maintenance can contribute to contamination of soil and groundwater if not handled correctly.
  This isn’t unique to PG, but it’s more visible here due to limited infrastructure and service resources.

Air Conditioning and Housing Infrastructure

Central air conditioning is uncommon in residential housing. My home does not have A/C. Some medical buildings—clinics, pharmacies, and labs—do, but most homes rely on fans and ventilation.

Water Access & Drinking Water

Access to piped water varies. Many places have municipal water, but quality and consistency differ by town. Some residents use rainwater collected in cisterns, and others buy bottled water or large jugs for drinking.

For safety:

• Most expats and locals choose bottled or filtered water for drinking.
• Tap water is not universally treated to the level expected in the U.S., and many locals advise caution.

I rely on 5-gallon jugs and keep two on hand because I go through water fast.

Healthcare, Poverty, and Mental Health Gaps

We sometimes visit homes that are deeply impoverished. One patient wasn’t taking medications for diabetes and hypertension, and her living situation was genuinely unsafe. Beyond medical non-adherence, I suspected there was a cognitive or mental health component. A quick screening confirmed she needed mental health support. In the U.S., you can refer someone relatively easily; here, those services simply don’t exist. We were lucky to have our nurse, Jennie, make time for her. Jennie does incredible work with very little — prioritizing care as best she can.

Side note – something I am missing from the US – easy access to OTC meds when you are sick. In other words, ordering a necessities pick up from HEB! Unsure what I had exactly but my guess? It was a variant of the black plague. On the up and up now, just in time for a week in Mexico! Feliz Navidad mis amigos!

With Love From Belize,

Allora Mariesa

We also see cute puppies at our patient’s home!