Inspirational scuba guide meets Covid challenges like a champ

Nito is no ordinary man, and he's no ordinary scuba guide. He's loved by serious divers who come from all around the world to learn from him and to share his ocean paradise on the reefs of Ambergrise Caye in Belize. Known as "Big Sexy", those who have known him for years don't actually know his real name because the nickname is all he is called. He is a dive master with a local operation called Chuck & Robbies and he has made his living there for 20 years. It's a beautiful spot, made famous by pop singer Madonna when she sang La Isla Bonita, about the town of San Pedro.

When Covid 19 gripped the world and stopped tourism abruptly, it affected the dive community on this little island drastically. Suddenly, income was scarce and everyone was struggling to put food on the table for their families. Big Sexy was determined to look after his family so he started a tamale business. He, and his wife, along with other family members have been working long hours into the evening, preparing banana leaves and corn dough. They wake up early and start cooking chicken and vegetables and they whip up hundreds of their delicious chicken tamales.

Tamales are popular lunch or dinner foods around the Caribbean and most people who travel have tried one at some time. But most of us don't know what goes into them or how they are made. They are a fascinating dish, wrapped in banana leaves and sometimes also in tinfoil. They are full of flavour and textures that are very different than the food we eat in North America.

Big Sexy has recorded the entire process and created a tamale documentary that shows the care and effort that goes into his tamales. When on holiday, we are likely to be offered a tamale by a local family run business like Big Sexy's, and the price is likely to be more than reasonable. Knowing how much time goes into their production, we can easily see the value and the adventure in having one of these delicious treats. Maybe even two!

Big Sexy is an inspiration to all who know him. His dedication and professionalism, along with his love for the ocean keep people coming back to Chuck & Robbies Scuba Diving Operation. It is equally inspiring how he has met the challenges of Covid like a true champion. And his family are all champions too.