Belize based TV show stirs controversy
“Temptation Island” is the name of a new series that debuts tonight on the Fox Network in the United States. It’s the latest in a line of so called “reality” shows that began with MTV’s “Road Rules” and “Real World” and reached a frenzy with the CBS hit “Survivor.” But judging from the controversy appearing in the U.S. media, “Temptation Island” may have sunk the reality genre to a new low with its premise of taking four unmarried couples and exposing them to the temptation of dozens of eligible singles, all thrown together in a tropical paradise. That paradise, as you may have already guessed, is Belize: more specifically Ambergris Caye. Much of the material for the show’s eight episodes was shot at Captain Morgan’s Retreat on the north part of the island. Marketing manager Chris Burkey told Ann-Marie earlier today that while he can’t predict the audience reaction, “Temptation Island” was good business for the tourism industry.
Chris Burkey, Marketing Manager, Captain Morgan’s Retreat
“Although non-committed, the four couples will be the focus of this show are in a committed relationship, although not joined by marriage. They’re intended not to have any conditions such as children. The idea is to see if separated with people of the opposite sex if they will stay true to their committed relationship or be tempted as the show is named.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Do you think the show is too risqué to be shown in Belize?”
Chris Burkey,
“The way it’s portrayed, no, I don’t think it’s too risqué. It leaves a lot up the individual viewer and his imagination. There’s not a lot of graphic footage of any two couples, It’s also on national television in United States. The idea behind it might be a bit off, but it is true life. It’s something that happens over and over especially in a popular resort destination such as San Pedro where single travellers come down and might have commitments elsewhere.”
“The four single men were housed at Captain Morgan’s. Mata Chica was home to the four single women and the men that were tempting them came from various parts of San Pedro. They did day trips to various places like Cave’s Branch and other outings.”
“September was actually when they filmed, so it was great for many properties, September being the slow season for us. In fact a lot of people had to give up their personal vacation to help out, being that in September a lot of people take time off. So it was great to kick off the tourist season, which was quickly hampered by the Hurricane, but we were really excited about it. It brought in lots of revenue, it filled Captain Morgan’s Retreat, and it filled other properties in the north and throughout San Pedro as well. Revenue wise it was very good for us here on the island.”
Whether it will generate good publicity for Belize as a tourist destination is another matter. A number of U.S. church groups are already speaking out against the show’s morally dubious premise, but that may be the least of the producer’s problems. It seems that one of the four committed couples lied on their application and failed to disclose that they had a child. Fox says it’s not promoting the break-up of families and editors are now busy trying to cut out footage of the offending contestants. Cable viewers can tune in tonight at 8:00, but we’ll take a look for ourselves before being tempted to expose the show to a family audience.
