Wednesday, June 24, 2015. BMG: Owner of Caribbean Villas Hotel, Peter Lawrence, has spoken to local media defending plans for a gay pride event at the resort in September. It has been billed as the biggest gay pride event in Belizean history, but it is more a matter of finance and good business. 
According to Lawrence, he is planning to meet at least one critic, an American pastor. Himself a Catholic and former member of the monastery, Lawrence says he is not afraid of the backlash – provided they respect his property. His planned guests are not expected to break the law, just to enjoy themselves without fear.
Security will be established, including local police, for the event if anyone plans a demonstration. Opponents will be kept out and the property will in fact be closed to other guests for the week long event.
Lawrence says he has support from San Pedro police and mayor Daniel Guerrero, and has been assured that any potential opponents will be kept off the property and away from the area.
Lawrence says he personally is heterosexual and has a girlfriend, but supports individual sexual choices and lauds the opportunity to open Belize to the LGBT market, with more events planned over the next year.
He concludes: “It’s not my fault some people don’t have vision. You can’t stop what most countries are allowing anyway.”
Those who want to keep up with the event can do so at his hotel’s Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Channel 7.