The Consulate of Belize
in Florida
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Hon. Consul General's
Monthly Message
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Janine Sylvestre Vega,
Hon. Consul General of Belize
in Florida
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
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Welcome to our monthly newsletter, where we bring you human interest stories, current events and information on Belize!
The Consulate of Belize in Florida is proud to announce that it is now issuing Identification Cards, facilitating many Belizeans living in Florida with the opportunity to hold an official ID from Belize. Acceptance of these cards at U.S. offices and other institutions, however, depends on their discretion.
Enjoy reading about our Belizean Star of the Month. If you are aware of a Belizean residing in the United States who is
making a positive impact on the lives of others, please submit their story to us so that we may feature them in our newsletter.
We wish Belizeans at home and around the world, very Happy and Blessed Easter!
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PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
BY THE FOREIGN MISSIONS OF BELIZE
Mrs. Gladys Bernard
At times the unsung heroes among us go humbly and quietly about their lives, unkowingly impacting and inspiring us in significant ways.
On Friday, February 26
th
, 2016, Mrs. Janine Sylvestre, Hon. Consul General of Belize in Florida, on behalf of the Foreign Missions of Belize, awarded Mrs. Gladys Bernard, Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the "Person of the Year" at a small and quiet luncheon attended by Mrs. Bernard's closest peers, family and friends.
This was a collaborative initiative by the Embassies, Missions and Consulates of Belize abroad to honor and recognize Mrs. Bernard who has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since Belize's independence in 1981, therefore giving Gladys a deep understanding of the Foreign Ministry and sensitive nature of the work, employing diplomacy and discretion when needed. Mrs. Bernard has dutifully assisted as Secretary to several Foreign Ministers who have gone on to become Prime Minister, along with CEO's and a number of Belize's diplomats during their posts overseas and while based at the Ministry's headquarters in Belmopan.
Gladys continues to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lending her many years of expertise, wisdom and skills with enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty with stellar work ethics and discipline, doing this with efficiency, ease and calm in times of pressure. It is often said that the work of that Ministry really starts at 5:00 p.m. and Gladys is known to put in the long hours needed.
She has a reputation of going the distance to ensure that everyone who comes to her is taken care of from the most senior visiting dignitaries and officials to anyone that comes to the Ministry seeking assistance.
At the same time, she has mentored and nurtured clerks and Ambassadors alike, with firmness, kindness and humor. Her smile and laughter are contagious and a welcome respite after a long workday.
Gladys is also known in her neighborhood as a compassionate and generous neighbor. She visits the elderly, friends and family sharing her freshly baked Creole bread and bun on Sundays. She comforts the sick and the downtrodden while defending the weak. And in spite of her personal challenges, through her steadfast faith in God, instills hope in others inspiring them to overcome and surpass their obstacles.
Along with this award, she has received others to include, the Long Service Award with the Ministry of the Public Service in addition to a Meritorious Award in recognition for her services in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006. She is also a member of the Cancer Society and was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1998.
Mrs. Bernard is married and dedicated to the love of her life Mr. Patrick Bernard and their four sons and five grandsons.
Mrs. Bernard is therefore our Hero and Person of the Year.
By: Janine Sylvestre
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INN AT TWIN PALMS NAMED WINNER SECOND YEAR IN A ROW TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARDS FOR HOTELS - 2016 THE INN AT TWIN PALMS announced it has been recognized as THE OVERALL winner in the B&B'S & INNS IN CENTRAL AMERICA category of the 2016. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice™ awards for Hotels, ranking FIRST out of TOP 25. For the 14th
year, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world's top properties based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travelers around the globe. Winners were identified in the categories of Top Hotels,
Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Luxury, Service and Small Hotels. The hallmarks of Travelers' Choice winners are remarkable service, quality and value. "A place of peace and tranquility. Amazing hosts, wonderful staff. It's wonderful how the guests get to know one another. The rooms are very comfortable." "We congratulate the properties that have won Travelers' Choice Hotel awards," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "As travelers consider where to book their next trip, they should be sure to check out these award-winners that have already delighted millions of members of the TripAdvisor community." To see TripAdvisor traveler reviews and opinions of THE INN AT TWIN PALMS go to https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g291970-d2020557-Reviews-The_Inn_at_Twin_Palms-Belmopan_Cayo.html Founded in 2011, by Tim and Anna Smith, The Inn at Twin Palms is a small family owned boutique hotel dedicated to providing a home away from home to business persons and tourists alike. We offer twelve comfortable rooms, a gym and two swimming pools surrounded by beautifully kept gardens. We serve most foreign organizations and embassies in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Located in the center of the country it offers easy access to many tourists attractions. Come stay with us and experience our little piece of paradise. "Welcome Home."
Contact: Timothy or Anna Smith, +(501)610-2831
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WHAT'S TRENDING
20,000 STRONG!
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Recipe of the Month
Hot Cross Buns (Easter Tradition in Belize)
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Recipe By: My Beautiful Belize Visitor Guide |
Ingredients:
Dry
* 3lbs flour
* 2 packs of yeast
* Spice seeds
* Raisins
* ½ lb shortening
* 1 cup brown sugar
Wet
* Lukewarm coconut milk
* Vanilla (about 1 tablespoon)
* Essence of your choice
Preparation Method:
Combine flour, yeast, spice seeds and raisins into a mixing bowl
Add in the ½ lb of shortening, followed by 1 cup of brown sugar.
Mix all ingredients together until incorporated.
Pour in the lukewarm coconut milk - just until the dough starts coming together smoothly. You don't want too much milk to make the dough wet and sticky, or too little milk that will make the dough stiff and dry. While kneading the dough, add in vanilla and whatever essence you have chosen and knead well.
Continue kneading until dough is smooth and pliable. Roll dough off into medium sized balls and set them on a baking sheet.
From the excess dough, cut 2 thin strips and make a cross across each bun. Let the dough balls rise - about 20 minutes.
When the dough has risen, place baking sheet into oven at 375 degrees and let bake for 20-25 minutes.
Hot cross buns are traditionally enjoyed with fried fish and refried beans, but can also be eaten as a snack with jam, jellies, cheese or just as is with a cup of tea or coffee.
Enjoy!
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Land Mark Beauty of the Month
Holy Redeemer Church, 1950's
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☼ Why Belize Should Be Your Next Winter Getaway
Read more:
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☼ UK buying shrimp in Belize!
Read more at:
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"Wen stone trow enna hag-pen, de hag weh squeal da de hag weh get lick."
Meaning: When a general criticism is made, the person who resents it is often guilty.
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Consulate of Belize Picture of the Month:
Rainbow over Belize's Capital, Belmopan City.
Photo Credit: Ravel Alcoser
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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TAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ON....
SEA N TASTE BELIZE 2016!!!
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Belize Business Directory |
If you are interested in joining the first ever Belize Business Directory in the USA, please contact us at 305-503-5741 or email us at belizeconsulate@gmail.com
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The Consulate of Belize in Florida
1600 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Suite #904
Coral Gables FL 33134
T: (305) 755-0276 |
F: (305) 755-0277
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