Staff Spotlight: Rick Sutherland: Island Roots & Reef Dreams

If you’ve ever stepped onto the sun-soaked pier at Ramon’s Village Resort and felt an instant connection to the sea, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Rick Sutherland — the man behind the magic of Ramon’s Village Divers. A true island soul, Rick’s story isn’t just about managing boats and dive schedules. It’s about growing up with the island, and helping shape one of Belize’s most beloved resorts into the experience it is today.

Rick moved to San Pedro when he was just seven years old, trading the mainland life of Corozal for the soft sands and simpler rhythms of Ambergris Caye. “When we got here, there was only one Land Rover and one other vehicle on the whole island,” he laughs. “No airport. There was only one sea plane. If you wanted to go to the mainland, it was six hours on a cargo boat. Walking was your daily workout.”

Fresh out of high school in 1988, Rick found himself at a crossroads: go to school or find a job. He chose the latter. After a brief stint at one of the first hardware stores on the island, fate intervened. A chance encounter with a Ramon’s Village employee led to an introduction to the resort’s Vice President, Steve Sherwin — and Rick was hired on the spot. He started out working with golf cart rentals and just 2 years later was already transitioning into the dive shop. Fast forward to today, and he’s been with the resort for an incredible 37 years.

Now serving as the Dive Shop Manager, Rick leads a team of 32 staff members, including five PADI certified Dive Masters and four Instructors. But it’s more than just logistics and leadership for him — it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. “My job is to make sure our guests get to enjoy the reef and do what they came here for. We have the best boats on the island, and I’m proud of that. It’s all about making it seamless and safe — and fun.”

Ask Rick what keeps him going and he’ll tell you plainly: “It’s not work. That’s my favorite part. I never considered this work. It’s fun meeting people. We have great staff, and we work for amazing people.”

Rick’s better half, Celi, has been Ramon’s Head of Accounting and Bookkeeping for over 30 years. Rick’s life is rooted in both family and the resort. It’s a story woven into the very fabric of San Pedro. Even Rick’s daughter, Yolani, a newer team member with three years under her belt, is now part of this extended family.

Rick is a firm believer that Ramon’s Village is the best place to experience Belize. “The ambiance, the thatched roofs — it’s authentic. If I want something different, like condos, I go somewhere else. But if I want the real island feel, I come here.” Our pier is the best on the island— with world-class snorkeling just steps away.

When he’s not coordinating excursions or checking boats, Rick still loves the adventure side of tourism. His favorite? A trip to the mainland to explore Lamanai via the New River — a journey by boat, of course. And the Full Day Caye Caulker Snorkel remains one of the top picks for guests and staff alike.

Rick sums it up simply: “Island life is shorts and flip-flops. That’s me. I’ve got one pair of shoes and a couple of long pants. I’m a real island boy.”

After nearly four decades, Rick remains a cornerstone of Ramon’s Village — a storyteller, a steward of the sea, and a living part of what makes this place more than just a resort. It’s a home.