Part 1: The Slow Season Crisis – A Tipping Point for Roatán
As a local businessman and attorney on Roatán, I’ve seen first-hand how the so-called slow season has become more than just a lull—it’s a crisis. For those of us trying to keep our doors open, the effects are devastating. Businesses are closing, and the local economy is taking a hit. But what makes it worse is the failure of our local and central governments to address the root of the problem.
Roatán has always been a unique place, thriving on its tourism and cruise industries. Yet, during the slow season, when tourists are fewer, many businesses struggle to make ends meet. The high costs of rent, taxes, and utilities don’t let up, but the revenue dries up. How can we expect to survive in these conditions?
This isn’t just an issue of the off-season; it’s about the bad decisions being made, or rather, the lack of decisions being made to improve our situation. We need government action that acknowledges our island’s seasonal nature and supports us when the tourists aren’t here. The lack of a tailored business strategy for Roatán is pushing many of us to the brink of closure.
What we’re seeing is a domino effect. Businesses are closing because they can’t cope with the overhead. The workforce is thinning because jobs are disappearing. At the same time, rents are going up, and we’re paying high taxes for services that don’t match our reality. What makes it worse is the competition from all-inclusive resorts, which suck business away from small local restaurants and shops. These packages might be great for tourists, but they’re a nightmare for us.
On top of that, there’s a stigma about Coxen Hole, the main town where I live and work. Many locals and expats avoid it, claiming it’s dangerous or not fit for visitors. This reputation is killing businesses here. It’s as if the town is being abandoned, and I can’t help but wonder what the future holds. Banks are relocating, key services are being moved out of town, and now we hear rumors that even supermarkets may follow.
Here’s the irony: no local government official has ever been elected without winning the votes from Coxen Hole. That alone should mean this town deserves the best of the best. And yet, here we are, with so much potential, but so little being done. Yes, there have been some recent investments—projects like Megapaca, Milton’s Plaza, Eldon’s Food Court, Serranos, and the forever ongoing road improvements. These are steps in the right direction, but they are not nearly enough. Coxen Hole needs more than just isolated projects; it needs a comprehensive plan for revitalization. This town should be the beating heart of Roatán, not a forgotten corner.
Coxen Hole used to be the heart of the island. We had a public hospital here that served everyone, but after it burned down, we were left with nothing but empty promises. The central government has yet to deliver on its commitment to rebuild, and we’re still without a proper hospital anywhere on the island. It’s unacceptable.
And then there’s crime. As businesses suffer and people lose their livelihoods, crime rates are rising. It’s no surprise that when economic opportunities shrink, desperation grows. The slow season isn’t just hurting our wallets—it’s hurting our community.
Roatán is a paradise, known for its beautiful beaches and world-class reef. People come here for the tranquility, the weather, and the friendly island culture. But beneath the surface, there’s a growing problem. It’s becoming increasingly expensive for locals to live here, and we’re losing our sense of community. I remember a time when people would gather to share a meal, celebrate, and help each other out. Those days seem to be fading away, and it breaks my heart to see it happen.
This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a wake-up call. If we don’t act now, Roatán will lose what makes it special. Our culture, our traditions, and our way of life are slipping through our fingers.
But it’s not too late. In the next part of this series, I’ll explore solutions—how we can fix the system and build a Roatán that works for everyone, not just for the oligarchs, the expats, the resorts. It’s time for our local authorities to step up and start planning. The slow season may always be a part of life on Roatán, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis.
