The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
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Consul General's Monthly Message
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Welcome to the
September
Monthly Newsletter
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September was a joyful and patriotic month for Belizeans celebrating Belize's independence and being proud of all of the things we have accomplished as a nation during these 37 years.
Belizeans in Belize and around the world, waved their flag, celebrating at picnics, parades and dances, on the 10th of September for the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day and on the 21st of September for the Independence Day.
In this edition, you will learn more about these celebrations, see pictures of different parades in Orange Walk, Belize City and San Pedro, follow a special recipe on how to make
Crema de Coco,
and read about the seventeen distinguished Belizeans who received the Patriotic Award by Governor General, Sir Colville Young.
You will also read the official Independence Day message from the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow and an important communication from "The Ambassador's Desk."
If you are into sports, you will also read more details about Belize’s victory over Barbados in CONCACAF soccer match and see the results of Belize’s team in CODICADER’s competitions that took place in Panama.
Sadly, this month we lost two Belizean Patriots, Senior Counsel Dean Russell Lindo, founder of the United Democratic Party and former leader of that party, who passed away in Belize and Mr. Sabino Simon Savery, Belizean Patriot who resided in South Florida. The Consulate of Belize in Florida extends its deep sympathies to both families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
For those of you who have not had the opportunity to visit the Consulate's office nor are familiar with the services that we offer, you may visit our website at
www.belizeconsulatefla.com
or follow us on
Facebook
,
Twitter
, and
Instagram
to receive updates about Belize, the Consulate and upcoming events.
Since we are in the process of updating our database, the Consulate will continue to conduct phone calls to our constituents to confirm their contact information. We do this to ensure we can better serve you and your family.
If you are aware of a Belizean residing in the United States who is making a positive impact on the lives of others while contributing to their native country, please submit their story to us so that we may feature them in our newsletter. Perhaps, our Star of the Month for October could even be you!
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From The Office of The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
Dean O. Barrow
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From The Ambassador's Desk
H.E. Daniel Gutierez
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Belizean Stars of The Month In Belize
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Click photo to see more photos and read biographies.
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September 25, 2018 1:06 p.m. EST
-Those honored at the Patriotic Award Ceremony on September 13th at the Baron Bliss Centre in Belize City and given awards by Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young were:
Alma M. Carballo, JP
Daniel Bennet
David Cruz Sr.
Delvin "Pen" Cayetano, MBE
Marie Louise Aleman
Penelope Casasola
Evan Dakers
Nelita Sambula Doherty
David B. Dyck
Lionel Hamilton
Clare Moody, OBE JP(S)
Edward "Billy" Musa
Carmelo Juarez
Lydia Villanueva, JP
Francis "Cisco" Woods
Emilio "Bas" Zabaneh, JP (S)
Shalini Zabaneh Troyer
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11 Things You Didn't Know About The Battle of St. George’s Caye
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- The battle lasted eight days, from September 3rd to the 10th. the day that a heroic crew of British settlers, buccaneers and slaves defeated the Spaniards from occupying the territory of Belize.
- Before 1798, the Spaniards had attempted 6 times to drive the Baymen out of Belize in the years 1716, 1724, 1733, 1747, 1751 and 1779.
- Following their defeat, the Spaniards never again tried to regain the lost territory.
- As a result of the victory of the Baymen, today Belize (formerly British Honduras) is the only English-speaking country in Central America.
- After 100 years of celebrating annually the Battle of St. George's Caye, Belizeans decided to make the tenth of September a national holiday.
- Now, after 200 years, the 10th of September is recognized as a Public and Bank Holiday in Belize.
- Every year on September 10, parades occur throughout the country commemorating the historic battle, including in Belize City, San Pedro, and Belmopan, among others.
- Because of the unique military strategies employed in the battle by the Baymen, the Battle of St George’s Caye is a significant event to historians.
- For Belizeans, the Battle of St George’s Caye represents a fight that transcended race and creed, with the Baymen united in a single cause.
- This year, Belize celebrated the 220th anniversary of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye.
- The tenth day of September was written by B. F. Abeling. Lyrics of the song is below:
It was the 10
th
day of September In ninety-eight Anno Domini
when our fore-fathers won the
glorious fight at Old St. George’s Caye
Then hail them – cheer them.
Let our grateful loyal hearts not fail them,
as we march and sing and shout in merry glee
The Battle of St. George’s Caye.
Hip! Hip! Hurrah. Hip! Hip! Hurrah.
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Source credits: https://www.cahalpech.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-battle-of-st-georges-caye/
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Jack Cousteau's Grandson Carries On Tradition of Great Blue Hole
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(photo credit: Ambergris Today)
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September 25, 2018 10:43 a.m. EST
- The grandson of Jean Jacques-Couseau, Fabien Cousteau, is carrying on the family tradition begun by his grandfather and 50 years later will continue the exploration of the Great Blue Hole that is part of the Belize Barrier Reef--considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site--that his grandfather began in 1971. Fabien, an ocean conservationist and filmmaker, is partnering with a team of world-renown researchers, scientists, conservationists, and filmmakers to do a complete study of the Great Blue Hole's 407 feet deep length and 1,043 feet wide width. Plans are underway to send two submersibles down to the bottom of the Great Blue Hole for the purpose of collecting scientific data and to do a complete sonar scan of the interior of the Great Blue Hole. This expedition is set to begin in fall of this year.
(Source credit: https://belize-travel-blog.chaacreek.com/2018/09/belize-little-country-big-surprises/)
(Source credit: https://www.caribjournal.com/2018/08/31/new-expedition-to-explore-the-bottom-of-belizes-great-blue-hole/#)
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UK Donates Funds to Support Public Awareness Campaign on ICJ Referendum
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PRESS RELEASE
Belize City. September 6, 2018.
On Wednesday, September 5th 2018, the United Kingdom (UK) contributed 1.3 million Belize Dollars to the Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign to support the referendum on whether or not to refer Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The funds will be administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project was launched in August 2018 with support from the United States Embassy in Belize and will continue until the referendum takes place on April 10th 2019. The additional funding from the UK will assist in ensuring that the population of Belize has access to all the information it needs on the history of Guatemala’s claim to Belizean territory, the background of the Special Agreement, and how the ICJ functions. There will also be activities to enhance the registration of voters. The project is an inclusive, multi-level initiative, involving engagement from various civil society organizations, educational institutions, and the public, as well as support and training from international experts.
While the UK has been a longstanding supporter of taking the border dispute to the ICJ, the British High Commissioner, H.E. Peter Hughes, said “this is not about persuading people about which way to vote. It is about ensuring that every eligible voter has complete access to all the information they need to make a decision for themselves about what is best for the future security, stability and prosperity of Belize.” In that vein, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Christian Salazar Volkmann, reiterated that “UNDP is fully committed to support Belizeans’ access to information to allow for a conscious and informed decision, with complete neutrality as to the outcome of the referendum.”
Signing on behalf of the UK Government was H.E. Peter Hughes, with Mr. Christian Salazar Volkmann, and on behalf of the Government of Belize was Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Hon. Wilfred Elrington and Director of International Affairs (Cooperation) of MFA, Mrs. Orla Kantun-Coleman.
The official signing took place at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belize City.
Ends
Source: Government of Belize Press Office
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Belize Defeats Barbados In CONCACAF Soccer Match
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Landmark Beauty of The Month
Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks!
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Government House, Belize City, Belize established 1821
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Know where to find the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary? It's in the second largest district of the country . Ready for the adventure? Just visit Stan Creek. To learn more click image below.
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Trade and Investment Tidbits
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Belize Celebrates First-Ever Nonstop Flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul via Sun Country Airlines
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(click image to read more)
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"Belizeanism" of The Month
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"Emty crocus bag kant stand up"
English translation: An empty crocus bag cannot stand up.
Meaning: When you are extremely hungry, you cannot work.
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WHAT'S TRENDING
10TH OF SEPTEMBER (BATTLE OF ST. GEORGE'S CAYE) CELEBRATIONS IN BELIZE
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September 25, 2018 11:10 a.m. EST
- This past September 10th Belize celebrated the 220th anniversary of England's victory over Spain in a battle fought on September 10th of 1798. Uniform parades of Belizean students took place in San Pedro this past September 10th as well as military displays in Orange Walk and Belize City. Following custom, the "Queen of the Bay" was crowned in Belize City on September 10th as she is every year.
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Tenth of September Celebration Song
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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
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September 25, 2018 12:35 p.m. EST
- Belize celebrated its 37th year as an independent country on September 21st this year. Parades took place all over the country, including San Pedro. A military display took place in Orange Walk as well as a parade.
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Belize Experiences Victories and Defeats In CODICADER
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September 25, 2018 1:25 p.m. EST
- Belize participated in a series of competitions in several sports including volleyball, track and field, football, soccer, and basketball in Panama September 14-23 against neighboring Central American countries, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, and Honduras. On the whole, Belize won more victories than it experienced defeats. The published results are as follows: Canaan Smith of
Corozal Community College
hurled the Discus 40.39 meters to win Belize’s 1st medal at the 20th CODICADER Games in Panama 2018 - Bronze. Sixteen-year old Kerwin Castillo, won Belize's 2nd bronze medal in track and field. The female volleyball team experienced greater victories than losses beating Panama 3-0, Nicaragua 3-0, and Honduras 3-2, losing to Guatemala 0-5, and to El Salvador 0-4. Men's volleyball played against Nicaragua (1-3) and Guatemala, losing to both. The men's football team drew 4-4 but was victorious over Costa Rica (4-2), Honduras (6-2), but lost to Guatemala (1-3). The female football team lost their first two games to Panama (6-1) and Guatemala (3-1), however, got the win against Nicaragua 4-1. Nicaragua beat Belize's female basketball team (71-59).
Source: CODICADER Belize FB Page
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Recipe of The Month
Crema de Coco
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This special dessert is a 100 year old tradition by the residents of Ambergris Caye.
Cooked over el Fogon (Fire Haart) and served only on special occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
Today, it is very difficult to find
Crema de Coco
as the making of this native sweet has died along with those who today carry it in their memory only.
We are fortunate to be able to share this recipe given to us by Island resident, Ayonnie Palma, who has had the recipe passed down to her from her great-grand mother. We hope this will inspire you to make it and reignite a special tradition to come alive again and bring joy in your homes.
INGREDIENTS
2 fresh grated coconuts
2 cups warm water
2 lbs. sugar
1 lbs. corn starch
4 Tbsp. vanilla extract
10 drops of food coloring of your choice
PREPARATION
- Add freshly grated coconut with warm water, stir well and then strain out grated coconut until the consistency looks like coconut milk.
- Mix sugar, corn starch, vanilla, food coloring and coconut milk in a pot and completely dissolve.
- Add pot to high heat and stir continuously for 25 minutes.
- When texture has become thick, remove from heat.
- Pour unto a wooden cutting board and allow to cool off for about 20 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut to desired shape and size.
Prep. 10 Min. Cooking time 25-30 Min
Recipe by:
Ayonnie Palma
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In Remembrance of Our Two Belizean Patriots
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REPORTER: News Staff, –
Senior Counsel Dean Russell Lindo, former leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and maternal uncle of Prime Minister Dean Barrow received a State Funeral in Belize City last Monday.
Mr. Lindo died at his Seashore Drive home in Belize City after a long bout with Diabetes and more recently, heart complications – less than two weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday. His failing health caused him to retire from law practice about a year ago, and over that period he had been hospitalized a few times.
He began practicing law in Belize in 1964 after graduating from New York University and Durham University in England. But law was not his only ambition. The “political giant” as he is described, founded the People’s Development Movement (PDM) in 1969. His nephew Bill Lindo told the Reporter today that the party which is now in government was co-founded by his uncle and others in 1973, when they entered discussions with the National Independence Party (NIP), the Liberal Party and the United Black Association for Development (UBAD). UBAD never took up any position in the party and left when the position it was given was not in conformity with its own objectives, Lindo told us.
The late UDP leader was elected to parliament in 1974, when he defeated the PUP’s Said Musa in the Fort George Area, but lost to Musa in 1979, before regaining the area one more time in 1984. He left active politics in 1989, but remained on the sidelines as a consultant to the UDP.
Bill Lindo shared with us that outside of the political arena, his uncle was an avid sports fan, and liked being in the company of people. “His greatest achievement was to devise a system for how to defeat the PUP,” Bill Lindo told us. “Before him, they couldn’t beat the PUP; it was he personally who put that together and defeated the PUP,” with the effective “Get Out The Vote” mechanism.
The Government of Belize has issued a press release expressing condolences to the Lindo family on the passing of the late Dean Lindo. The Reporter newspaper joins them, his close friends, law colleagues, and the UDP in mourning this statesman.
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Sabino Simon Savery was born on February 20, 1926 in Belize City and passed away on September 21, 2018 at his home in Miami, Florida. Ironically, he passed away on Belize Independence Day; what a fitting exit for a Patriot who fought to the end to keep his country free. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Constance Savery, his sister Gregoria Savery, and his sons Wayne, Garth & Guy. He cherished his 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many others whom he loved as his own.
Mr. Sab, as he was affectionately known, was a police officer from 1943 to 1956. In 1957, he wanted to serve his country to a higher level and transitioned to politics. From 1957 to 1970, he served as a secretary for the National Independence Party (NIP) and Citizens Integrated to Voice Interest of Country Committee (CIVIC), and a member of the Loyal and Patriotic Order of the Baymen (LPOB). He stayed an active member while becoming a talented mechanic and carpenter. Mr. Sab enjoyed fixing cars and aided in maintaining the Billboard Press of Belize. He also built and repaired many beautiful homes in the Memorial Park area. One of his greatest achievements was building Camp Oakley for the Eagle Scouts of Belize with a small budget but plenty of hard work.
In 1980, he migrated to the United States to join his sons in New York where he created his own business. He owned a gas station at the entrance of the Battery Tunnel while simultaneously working for a rental car company as a mechanic. After some years in New York, he moved to join his eldest son in Miami. He became a member of the Belize Association of Florida (BAF) and the American Chapter of the Loyal and Patriotic Order of the Baymen (ACLPOB). He worked tirelessly for both organizations’ success and to show love for his country. In 2012, he was awarded the Belizean Order of Distinction for his service to his country by Governor General, Sir Colville Young. He was a man who would contribute his time to anyone who asked, whether it was building a road truck for carnival or if you just needed a listening ear. He managed to accomplish all of the above while being a caring and loving father, husband, and friend. He is already greatly missed but his memory will live on in the lives he has touched. God Speed to Don Sabino Simon Savery, we will continue loving family and country in your honor.
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25 September 2018
PRESS RELEASE
Regeneration Belize Announces
A Tropical Agriculture Conference
Regeneration Belize and Regeneration International invite the farmers of Belize to the
conference to be held at the National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) grounds, Belmopan, 13th-15th November 2018. This is not a traditional expo-type fair, although major sponsors will have displays and products available. The event is an educational opportunity for all interested farmers to come and hear successful tropical farmers share their experiences with regenerative methods. Come learn how to have healthy plants that produce nutrient-dense food even in times of extreme weather.
Using regenerative systems have shown to help growers make more money.
Free Admission
Opening ceremonies will be Tuesday afternoon at 1:30, 13
th
November at the main NATS stage where several of the international farmers will preview their presentations. On Wednesday 14
th
November choose from 18 different presentations and panels to be given throughout the day at 4 stages. On Wednesday all presentations will be in English. On Thursday, choose from 19 topics, some of which will be in Spanish. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will present on their financial assistance programs and will be available for individual consultations throughout the event. See our Facebook page for the schedule of topics to be covered by our 6 invited international farmers and 9 local experts. Topics include: Large-scale Agricultural Challenges (e.g., Tillage & Covercrops); Integrating Livestock & Sylvopastoral Systems; Building Topsoil; BioFertilizers; Greenhouse Management; Citrus Management; Regenerative Poultry Management; Beekeeping; Biochar Basics; Edible Landscaping; Medicinal Gardening; AgroForestry and more!
Food vendors will be at the event on Wednesday and Thursday.
End Press Release
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Thanks to See and Taste Belize 2017-2018 Sponsors series
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