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"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” (William Shakespeare)
This month marked the beginning of so many beautiful things, spring, and the crescendo of all the Easter celebrations.
For Belizeans living in colder climates, it’s a joy to see the first signs of spring with the flowers blooming and the sun shining a bit brighter and warmer.
For those who spent their Easter holidays at the cayes or in the interior of Belize, basking in the sun after a good swim in the crystal turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or the crisp cool river winding through Belize’s lush rain forest, offering a refreshing respite on a hot day, life can’t get better.
We hope that you all came back renewed and refreshed from your Easter break. Is there a spring in your step?
The Consulate would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the wonderful mothers a Happy Mother's Day! It is said that raising a child takes a village, so whether you are a biological mother, adoptive mother, aunt, or anyone who has played the role of a mother in a child's life, we celebrate you and all that you do.
And in honor of International Earth Day, we are sharing with you some photo shots that I took of Belize’s stunning sunsets and sunrises as well as the rich flora and fauna which abound, while I was at the caye over the Easter holidays. We hope that you enjoy. Isn’t Belize the most beautiful place in the world? Let us continue to treat her with lots of tender loving care (TLC)!
Unfortunately, South Floridians spent a few days under the weather after the skies opened to torrential rains causing havoc with gas shortages and flooding, forcing the Fort Lauderdale International Airport to shut down for two days.
The Jewel had some significant achievements this month. The Government of Belize hosted the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen in a historical visit. The visit was part of a 10-day mission to strengthen bilateral ties with Belize and Guatemala. President Tsai expressed her gratitude for Belize's formal recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign and independent country. Presently, 13 countries across the world are a part of this recognition.
The Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable John Briceño, also listed a number of Taiwan-funded development projects, such as farming programs and funds to build critical infrastructure such as hospitals. This visit marked an important step in the relations between Taiwan and Belize, and we are optimistic that it will lead to increased positive developments in the future.
During her visit to Taiwan, H.E. Mrs. Briceño attended The Women’s Empowerment exhibition, where she gave a welcoming speech and thanked Taiwan for their continued support.
And in Belize, Mrs. Briceño met with the First Lady of Mexico, Dra. Beatriz Gutìerrez Müeller, who also made a historical visit to Belize, donating a book scanner to aid in the preservation of books and documents containing valuable historic information about Belize.
This month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as President Pro Tempore of SICA, is hosting the XIV Forum Dialogue and Cooperation between the Republic of Korea and SICA. Furthermore, the Ministry signed a cooperation framework agreement with Taiwan, which will serve to establish additional cooperation programs in a variety of areas.
The GOB Ministries have also been actively pursuing projects to improve infrastructure and promote sustainable practices. In addition to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development upgrading streets in Hattieville, the Ministry of Agriculture has recently signed a memorandum of understanding for a climate resilient and sustainable agriculture project.
And Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-governance shared an innovative initiative for Belize's digital transformation with The Digital Spotlight Podcast.This initiative will transform the way the Government of Belize does business with us in a positive way.
Furthermore, the Blue Economy CEO, Kennedy Carrillo has met with Manatee conservationists to discuss plans for Belize’s first-ever marine animals rescue and rehabilitation center. Please read about it in the “Movers and Shakers” section of the newsletter.
Under “Tidbits” you can check out the latest Boom Forum hosted by the Belize Tourism Board, which provided valuable insights into the growth of Belize as a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean, as well as a comprehensive travel guide for Belize City, shared by thetravel.com, offering locals and tourists alike a unique insight into this beautiful port city.
On April 1st, the Immigration Department introduced the new fees for e-passport renewal services. Pertaining to the Consulate of Belize in Florida, the changes in prices will come into effect on May 1st. For further information, please be sure to check the "House Keeping Business" section in this edition, where the updated prices have been posted.
Please be sure to read all about the "Around the World Embassy Tour" under the Ambassador of Belize, H.E. Lynn Young’s section of this edition. It will be a gastronomical experience with cuisine from different cultures including Belize. Be sure to participate if you are in the D.C. area on Saturday, May 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
And in our Star of the Month Section, we featured a special story about two brothers who are passionate about serving and giving back to their community. They have made an impact on the lives of people in both Belize and the United States. We hope you check it out and feel inspired! #Belizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo
Did you try your hand at making the hot cross buns recipe we posted last month to celebrate Easter? I certainly had my delightful fill and the highlight was enjoying another Belizean favorite, fresh whole snapper fried in coconut oil, along with johnny cakes and fried beans (fried in coconut oil) with habanero "peppa saaus” on the side!
In this edition, make sure not to miss the delicious recipes chosen for you this month. Under the "Recipe of the Month", you will find a hearty Cow Foot Soup recipe. Have you heard about the worldwide craze surrounding the benefits of bone broth? Well, this soup contains some of the same benefits since it’s packed with collagen and other tasty and nutritious ingredients.
And for a delicious treat, check out the "Street Food Series" section, where you’ll find the recipe for sweet and tangy tamarind balls!
Thank you for reading this newsletter. Enjoy and share with your family and friends!
And remember, it is good to be Belizean!
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe
Warm wishes,
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