The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
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⚲ Ambergris Caye, Belize District | |
Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the April Newsletter!
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What else can one say about a man who is great? Anything else said would be superfluous. But I’m nevertheless compelled to speak about this man because he left an indelible mark on me, on those who knew him and on the Jewel in which he served and loved so deeply.
H.E. Ambassador David Allan Kirkwood Gibson, quietly died in his sleep on Easter Monday after spending a day of good times with his family and friends on Easter Sunday. Read more
Sadly, there was also the recent passing of two other great giants in Belize, the Honorable Michael Espat, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment and Mr. Johnny Searle, a businessman and pioneer in the aviation industry who was a close family friend and neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
And because life goes on, so must all of us continue to do our best in whatever our calling is in this life as well as do what is right, and if we can make a difference if in even one person’s life, we would have done plenty.
The Jewel can never have enough prayers so when the leader of the nation, the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable John Briceño visited the Vatican and met with His Holiness Pope Francis and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of State for the Vatican, it demonstrated his commitment to Belize’s spiritual growth and development, forging stronger ties between the Church and State.
Back at home, Prime Minister Briceño reviewed the achievements of #PlanBelize in the field of education with the Orange Walk ITVET Board, highlighting advancements in technical and vocational training for Belizean youths.
The spouse of the Prime Minister and Special Envoy for Family and Child Development, H.E. Rossana Briceño, invited all to spend the day interacting with seniors and engaging with residents across the community, highlighting the importance of collective goodwill and community engagement on Good Deeds Day, a global initiative celebrated by other countries around the world.
Mrs. Briceño was also engaged in areas of women’s health when she joined forces with H.E. Neo Jane Masisi, the First Lady of Botswana, to co-author an article addressing the urgent need to combat cervical cancer and affirmed a united front of advocacy until cervical cancer becomes a thing of the past.
Please read more about the work Mrs. Briceño did this month under the section, “Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children”.
One of the most significant events of the month in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the Heads of Missions event (HOM 2024), organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The event served as a platform for updates and discussions on various national initiatives.
Please learn more about this meeting under the section “Ministry of Foreign Affairs”.
In this edition's "GOB Movers and Shakers," we highlight the recent changes in Belize's political landscape. Three new Ministers of State were sworn in, including the Hon. Jorge Espat for Investment, Hon. Marconi Leal for Infrastructure Development and Housing, and Hon. Alex Balona for Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise. Additionally, Prime Minister Briceño announced new portfolio assignments, with Minister Andre Perez returning to the Cabinet to oversee the Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, among other changes.
The Ministry of Economic Development, along with Rodwell Ferguson, and Oscar Requeña, discussed plans for a new police station in Bella Vista, Toledo District. This project, part of the CAVED funded Belize Integral Security Program, will feature a 2,200 square feet facility aimed at enhancing citizen security in the village.
In collaboration with Belize Water Services, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport launched the renovation of the Corozal Civic Center. Minister Rodwell Ferguson joined local leaders for the project's presentation, which received an initial investment of $115,000, with additional funding planned for the improvement of the Santiago Ricalde Stadium.
Lastly, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler, hosted a luncheon in São Paulo, Brazil, engaging with media and trade representatives to promote Belize's natural attractions and tourism growth.
This edition's Star of the Month is a double feature, showcasing two outstanding Belizean women: Ms. Pearl Louise Domingo Betson who is blessed to be celebrating 100 years this year! We wish her the happiest of Birthdays and many more! Also, please read about Ms. Barbara Betson-Anderson her daughter who together, make an amazing mother-daughter team! We invite you to learn more about these remarkable women who are shining stars in Belize and the diaspora, dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage.
Spring/Summer is upon us and its outdoor weather for one and all! What does this mean? Why its bar-b-q time! We’re sharing with you a home-made bar-b-q sauce that’s succulent when paired with your favorite piece of steak, ribs, chicken and hickatee. Make sure you have all the traditional sides ready such as baked beans, coleslaw and don’t forget the flour tortilla to soak up all that bar-b-q sauce goodness! In my humble opinion the flour tortilla (preferably homemade) is crucial to the whole Belizean bar-b-q experience.
And with the left-over tortillas (if there is any), make some scrumptious gauchos, a delightful blend of refried beans, zesty tomato sauce and grated Dutch cheese, one of Belize’s favorite snacks!
Remember our usual invitation to look over the other sections of the newsletter, including Belizeanism of the Month, Landmark Beauty of the Month, Belize and the World, Nature and Sustainability, Belize and the Market, and Travel. #belizeisbeautiful
We invite you to join us in this amazing opportunity to register as a Belizean with the Consulate of Belize in Florida so we can keep you up to date on all the exciting goings-on here. We are also devoted to showcasing and promoting Belizean businesses in both Belize and the United States; therefore, we encourage you to join the Consulate's Belize Business Directory. You only need to submit your information, as described in the section "Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans", which can be found near the bottom of the newsletter.
Don't forget to forward this newsletter to family and friends. Your participation is vital in developing stronger ties within the Belizean community. Join us in building a thriving, integrated Belizean diaspora! And remember it is good to be a Belizean! Be sure to always share the good news that Belize is Beautiful.
#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful
Warm Belizean wishes,
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Janine Sylvestre
Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
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National Symbols of Belize | |
Prime Minister of Belize Meets with Pope Francis and Vatican Officials | |
Prime Minister of Belize had a humble and cordial encounter with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. Following the meeting with Pope Francis, the Prime Minister met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations at the Secretariat of State.
During the meetings, both parties expressed mutual satisfaction for their shared good relations. Discussions focused on the commitment of the Holy Church in education and care for migrants, as well as the contribution that the Catholic Church and Christian values can offer for the common good of the people of Belize. Read more
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Hon. John Briceño reviews #PlanBelize Education achievements with Orange Walk ITVET Executive Board Members
Prime Minister John Briceño met Orange Walk ITVET Board to review education commitments. They discussed achievements and plans for technical and vocational training, emphasizing continued improvements for Belizean youth. Read More
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Prime Minister John Briceño Hosts Lunch for Miss Belize Universe Delegates
The Hon. John Briceño, his spouse, H.E. Rossana Briceño, and Deputy Prime Minister, Cordel Hyde, organized a lunch for the Miss Belize Universe delegates.
The event was a great opportunity to greet the delegates and get to know them a little bit better. Prime wished them success in their journey to represent Belize on the international stage. Read More
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Prime Minister Joins "Good Deeds Day" Initiative in Orange Walk Central
The celebration of Good Deed Day was marked with a special initiative in Orange Walk Central. The Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, and Hon. Kevin Bernard were invited by the Prime Minister's wife to join her in this meaningful project.
The day was spent interacting with seniors and engaging with residents across the community. Read More
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New Haulover Bridge Inaugurated
The Government of Belize officially inaugurated the brand new Haulover Bridge, which allows commuters on the Philip Goldson Highway to enter and exit Belize City. Belizean experts designed and constructed this engineering marvel, which has an estimated lifespan of 100 years.
GOB managed to finish this project while saving taxpayers 20 million dollars. The original design was estimated at 50 million Belize dollars, but the new bridge was completed for 30 million dollars. Read more
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My gratitude to all workers across Belize . Your service builds Belize and improves the quality of life for all.
- Hon. John Briceño
Hon. John Briceño celebrated Staff Appreciation Day with the Orange Walk Town Council in honor of Labor Day.
Prime Minister Briceño extended warm wishes for a happy Labour Day to all Belizeans, expressing profound gratitude to the hardworking workers across the country. Read more
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Prime Minister reflects on legacy of Minister Mike Espat
“І muѕt tеll уоu І wаѕ ѕhосkеd асtuаllу bесаuѕе hе lооkеd quіtе hеаlthу, hіѕ uѕuаl ѕеlf, уоu knоw thаt ѕmіlе ѕоmеtіmеѕ, thаt ѕlу ѕmіlе іn ѕоmе оf thе thіngѕ thаt hе wоuld ѕау.
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Ѕо іt wаѕ bеуоnd wоrdѕ whеn І hеаrd hе hаd а mаѕѕіvе hеаrt аttасk аnd thаt hе раѕѕеd аwау. І muѕt quісklу аdd, аnd І ѕаіd іt іn thе Nаtіоnаl Аѕѕеmblу аnd І ѕаіd іt іn thе hоuѕе fоr thе budgеt dеbаtе, rесоgnіzіng thе trеmеndоuѕ wоrk thаt Міkе Еѕраt hаѕ dоnе ѕіnсе hе оffеrеd hіmѕеlf fоr еlесtоrаl роlіtісѕ іn 1989. Вut wе fоrgеt thаt hе wаѕ а рublіс ѕеrvаnt еvеn bеfоrе thаt, hе wаѕ а tеасhеr, hе wаѕ а рrіnсіраl, ѕо hе wаѕ аlwауѕ аbоut рublіс ѕеrvісе аnd wе muѕt nеvеr fоrgеt thаt аnd І hоре thаt уоungеr роlіtісіаnѕ аnd реорlе thаt аrе аѕріrіng tо rерrеѕеnt реорlе tо lооk аt hіm аѕ аn ехаmрlе оf whаt іt іѕ tо dо рublіс оffісе, thаt іt’ѕ humіlіtу, іt’ѕ hаrd wоrk, аnd lоvе fоr thе реорlе уоu rерrеѕеnt аnd lоvе fоr уоur соuntrу. Не lоvеd Тоlеdо Еаѕt, hе lоvеd Тоlеdо dіѕtrісt, hе lоvеd Веlіzе аnd оf соurѕе hе lоvеd hіѕ раrtу." Read more | |
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2024 Heads of Missions Encounter
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture and Technology, Hon. Francis Fonseca, hosted a Heads of Missions event to provide a comprehensive update on the Ministry's ongoing initiatives.
During the encounter, Minister Fonseca emphasized Belize's unwavering foreign policy principles and highlighted key areas such as the International Cooperation Council and foreign trade strategies.
The gathering featured the high profile government officials, like Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. John Briceño, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Christopher Coye, the Minister of Tourism & Diaspora relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler and the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Abelardo Mai. Read More
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Heads of Missions Visited Key Border Facilities During HOM 2024 Event
During HOM 2024, Heads of Mission visited the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base, receiving a detailed briefing on its crucial role in safeguarding Belize's territorial integrity.
The delegation, including Minister Francis Fonseca and CEO H.E. Amalia Mai, toured the "Garbutt's Falls" Border marker and visited the OAS Adjacency Zone office, highlighting its vital peacekeeping role along the border, pending an ICJ resolution. Read More
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Hon. Francis Fonseca and Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai held meeting with CARICOM Private Sector | Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, held a meeting with Dr. Patrick Antoine of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, discussing challenges and solutions for regional producers and enhancing trade between Belize & CARICOM. Read More | |
Scholarship Opportunity for Japan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology invite students to apply for the postgraduate scholarship opportunity currently being offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Read more
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Scholarship Opportunity for Colombia
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Education, Culture, Science and Technology invite applications from interested individuals for scholarship opportunities in Colombia. Read more
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In this edition, the Star of the Month section proudly presents two remarkable Belizean women: a mother and daughter duo who have contributed significantly to upholding the name of Belize on the international stage while preserving its culture and traditions.
Pearl Louise Domingo Betson, soon to turn 100 years old, was born on April 18, 1924, in Belize City, where she grew up with her parents and four siblings. She attended Ebenezer Primary School in her hometown, Mrs. Betson began working in her parents' restaurant business at a young age, developing a passion and skill for cooking while assisting her mother.
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In 1962, Pearl migrated to Brooklyn, New York, bringing her culinary skills with her. She immediately started catering to the Belizean community, and her cooking was well-loved by many. She also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Not stopping there, Pearl furthered her education in the medical field and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She had a deep love for caring for people, and her home was always open to many Belizeans visiting the States for the first time and needing a place to stay.
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Her daughter, Barbara Betson-Anderson, was born in Belize City and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Relocated to the United States right after completing her early education at Ebenezer Primary School in Belize.
She continued her education in the U.S., graduating from high school and obtaining an associate degree from college. Barbara further pursued her studies in the medical field and earned her C.C.A.
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Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Barbara's strong support system and faith have given her the strength and courage to continue with the pageant out of love for her country.
She finds great joy in annually preparing the contestants for the pageant, teaching them about their homeland, Belize. Barbara has received three accolades for her dedicated work and looks forward to the pageant season every year as it fuels her passion and deepens her understanding of her country.
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Pearl recently approached her 100th birthday; her life and achievements are a testament to her resilience, dedication, and love for her community. Barbara continues to make significant contributions to the Belizean community in New York through her work with the Queen Of The Bay Pageant New York. Together, they stand as shining examples of Belizean pride and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. | |
We are proud to call you our
Stars of the Month!
#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo
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Prayer for Labour Day
Lord on this Labor Day,
we thank You for the blessing of work.
We ask for strength to complete each day.
We ask for rest when we are weary.
We ask Your guidance
for everyone seeking employment,
and we ask that
You be with those whose faces
we might never see
but who work tirelessly each day
for the good of us all.
Amen.
– from Our Sunday Visitor
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Belize participated in the Central American Travel Market (CATM) | The event was held from April 16th to 18th at the Hilton Hotel in El Salvador. CATM is a regional tourism fair aimed at promoting tourism in Central America by connecting tourism service providers with travel wholesalers and other industry professionals from Europe and the United States, all invited by the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA) Board of Directors. Read More | |
Trade and Investment Tidbits |
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Investing in Paradise: Why Belize Real Estate Market is on the Rise | Belize is increasingly being recognized as an investing paradise in Central America. With its stable economy, booming tourism industry, affordable real estate, and favorable tax environment, the country offers promising opportunities for both local and international investors seeking sustainable growth and attractive returns. Read More | |
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Belize International Music and Food Festival 2024 | Get ready for the return of the Belize International Music and Food Festival to San Pedro on July 27th & 28th. Great international musicians are on this year's schedule. Prince Royce will perform on July 28th. Dancehall artist Shenseea will rock the stage on July 27th. Valiant will take the stage on July 27th. Collie Buddz will perform on July 27th. Read More | |
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The Biddle Building in Belize carries deep historical roots dating back to Catherine Biddle, the owner of Biddle's Store, which was well-known back then for its amazing toys. After Catherine's passing in the 1940s, the name on the sign changed from "C.Biddle" to simply "Biddle."
This building predates the famous Paslow Building, constructed in the 1920's. Today, the Biddle Building houses the Roman Catholic Diocesan Center. #Belizeisbeautiful
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"God no like ugly"
LITERALLY: God doesn't like injustice (i.e. the unjust will not succeed)
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Prime Minister Announces New Portfolio Assignments. Read more
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Ministry of Economic Development and Ministers discuss plans for Police station in Bella Vista, Toledo. Read more
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Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport and Belize Water Services collaborate to renovate Corozal Civic Center. Read more
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Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler, hosted a Luncheon for the press and trade in São Paulo, Brazil. Read more
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The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries participated in UB’s FEA Open Day. Read more
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Belize and Mexico to Host Binational Vaccination Ceremony for Vaccination Week in the Americas 2024. Read more
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Belize represented at 6th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety 2024. Read more
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Fourth Belize Forensic Science Symposium Launch. Read more.
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Belize's pioneering efforts in Sustainable Tourism highlighted during the United Nations Sustainability Week. Read more
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Report News Americas featured the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, in an article titled "Belize Mira Hacia América Latina". Read more
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Minister of Sustainable Development and Youth Empowerment Alliance bring campfire to Mora Town. Read more
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Historic inauguration of Museum of Belizean Art celebrated. Read more
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FFB donates 30 balls to the National Sports Council for use in 2024 Primary School Competition. Read more
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Belizean boxers claim Lightweight and Super Featherweight titles in San Pedro fight night. Read more
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The Institute of Archaeology was present at the Society for American Archaeology Symposium in New Orleans. Read more
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Dangriga’s Star Takes Flight: Douglas Langford Jr. earns full scholarship to Yale University. Read more
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Adaptation Fund Board Approves BZ$8 Million for Belize. Read more
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Belize Participates in 9th Our Ocean Conference. Read more
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Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change participate in Key Environmental Meetings in Mexico City. Read more
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Planning at multiple scales for healthy corals and communities. Read more
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Ministry of Agriculture Announces Winners of School Garden Competition. Read more
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Prime Minister reiterates commitment to safeguarding forest reserves from Guatemalan incursions for illegal logging. Read more
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Department of Co-operatives Registers Placencia Taxi Co-operative Society Limited. Read more
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Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation Complete Compact Negotiations. Read more
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Веlіzе іѕ оnlу соuntrу іn thе Саrіbbеаn, Сеntrаl Аmеrіса thаt іѕ ѕеlf-ѕuffісіеnt іn ѕоуbеаn, іѕ ехроrtіng ѕоуbеаn & ѕоуbеаn оіl – Аgrісulturе Міnіѕtеr Јоѕе Аbеlаrdо Маі. Read more
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10 Best Things to Do in Belize 2024. Read More
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Black Orchid Resort garners third place in the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Read More
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How to spend two weeks in Belize: an itinerary for first-time visitors. Read More
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Belize took part in WTM Latin America, held in São Paulo, Brazil; a leading business-to-business platform that aims to promote Latin America globally. Read more
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Belize Tourism Board and Caye Caulker Village Council inaugurated Tarpon Cove
The Belize Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Caye Caulker Village Council, officially inaugurated Tarpon Cove in Caye Caulker. The project aims to enhance the existing tourist attraction by adding additional decking, waiting areas, and a walkway, facilitating uninterrupted access for visitors to marvel at the native tarpon fishes. Read more
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Belize Tourism Board Supports Earth Day Clean-Up with APAMO
In celebration of Earth Day, the Belize Tourism Board teamed up with APAMO for a successful clean-up along the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway. Volunteers removed litter, emphasizing the theme "Planet vs. Plastic." The event promoted responsible waste disposal and environmental preservation, reinforcing the message: "trash the habit, not the beauty." Read more
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Belize National Agriculture & Trade Show draws to a close after three days of celebration
Sunday, April 28th marked the fіnаl dау оf thе hіghlу аntісіраtеd Веlіzе Nаtіоnаl Аgrісulturе & Тrаdе Ѕhоw (NАТЅ), whісh kісkеd оff оn Арrіl 26th. During thrее dауѕ, thе еvеnt ѕеrvеd аѕ а vіbrаnt hub fоr Веlіzе’ѕ аgrісulturаl іnduѕtrу, ѕhоwсаѕіng thе nаtіоn’ѕ fіnеѕt рrоduсе, lіvеѕtосk, аnd іnnоvаtіvе fаrmіng рrасtісеѕ.
Тhіѕ уеаr’ѕ NАТЅ оffеred а сарtіvаtіng glіmрѕе іntо Веlіzе’ѕ аgrісulturаl роtеntіаl. Vіѕіtоrѕ ехрlоrеd ехhіbіtѕ fеаturіng а wіdе vаrіеtу оf аgrісulturаl рrоduсtѕ, frоm thе frеѕhеѕt fruіtѕ аnd vеgеtаblеѕ tо lосаllу rаіѕеd lіvеѕtосk. Тhе еvеnt аlѕо hіghlіghted аdvаnсеmеntѕ іn ѕuѕtаіnаblе fаrmіng tесhnіquеѕ, еmрhаѕіzіng thе іmроrtаnсе оf сlіmаtе rеѕіlіеnсе wіthіn thе аgrісulturаl ѕесtоr. Read more
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Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1TBS Complete Seasoning
- 1TBS Black Pepper
- 1TBS Creole Seasoning
- 1Tsp or 1TBS Cajun Seasoning
- 1Tsp Salt
- Whole chicken cut in quarters
- 2TBS Oil added to pot of water
- 5 Pimento seed
Method:
Mix all the seasoning together and add to the chicken. Make sure all pieces are seasoned properly and add 2 TBS of oil to the pot of water before you place chicken in water. Make sure the meat is submerged under the water and boil for 15 minutes.
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Baked Beans
Ingredients:
- 1Lb red kidney beans
- 1Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp black pepper
- 1/4 Cup honey
- 1/4 Cup brown sugar
- 1/4 Cup ketchup
- 1/2 Cup BBQ sauce
- 2TBS Oil
Method:
Before cooking the beans, clean it and wash it from the night before and soak it overnight and cook until soften, then add Seasoning to beans once cooking is complete cook time 15 minutes after adding the Seasoning.
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Flour tortillas
Ingredients
- 3 Cups of flour
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1TBS Baking powder
- 1/4 Cup Vegetable cooking oil
- 1 Cup warm water
Method:
In a bowl place, 3 cups of flour and add 1/4Tsp salt 1TBS Baking powder 1/4 vegetable oil then mix ingredients before adding 1Cup of warm water to the mixture remember you want the dough to come out soft so if the dough comes out a but stiff from just adding a cup of warm water gradually add more water little at a time just remember nit to add too much. Bake time on each side should be a minute stove level on 2 or low.
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Cole Slaw
Ingredients:
- 1 Carrot
- Half of small cabbage
- 4TBS Mayonnaise
- 1/4Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4Tsp Salt
- 1Tsp Sugar
Method:
Use half of a small cabbage and shred it along with one shaved carrot and added our 4 tablespoons of Mayonnaise black pepper salt and sugar and mixed until all ingredients are coated thoroughly and set in the fridge until ready to eat.
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Homemade Barbeque Sauce
(Makes about 1 ¾ cups of sauce)
Source: https://www.myglobalkitchens.com
Ingredients:
¾ cup of catsup
¼ -1/3 cup of honey (or turbinado sugar if there isn’t honey at the Belizean markets)
¼ cup white vinegar
⅓ cup of tamari or soy sauce (I prefer tamari but have to use soy in Belize and I use less)
1 tsp. of crushed dry red pepper flakes or to taste
1 tsp. of regular yellow mustard (dry mustard is good too)
¼ tsp. of ground black pepper
Method:
Using a medium sauce pan, heat all together for 5 minutes or until it just comes to a simmer. Remove from the stovetop and add more honey or crushed red pepper to taste. Cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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Belizean Gacho
Source: .The Bare Pantry Show
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Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Refried beans
- Tomato sauce
- Dutch cheese or Parmesan
Homemade re-fried beans
Ingredients:
- 1 tbs of butter (it can be replaced with coconut oil)
- 2 tbs finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped.
- 2 cups of cooked red kidney or pinto beans
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Method:
Heat a skillet on high temperature, then add 1tbspoon of butter. Once melted, add the onion until soft then add the garlic, slowly adding the cooked beans to the pan. Mash the beans with a potato masher for about 3 minutes, adding water if necessary and cook until the mixture resembles a paste.
Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 can of ‘El Pato” tomato sauce (spicier)
- 1tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 Diced onion.
Method:
Put the tomato sauce in a pot and heat it over medium-low heat to simmer. Add salt and pepper. After a couple of minutes, add the diced onion and stir slowly on medium-low heat until the onions are soft. This process can take up to 10 minutes. Make sure the temperature is not too high; if necessary, add a little water to allow the onions to cook longer and prevent the sauce from burning. You can use this sauce for other recipes like Garnaches.
Belizean Style Tortilla (flour)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup water (depends on type of flour)
- ¼ cup coconut milk
Method:
Mix all dry ingredients, shortening and coconut milk and most of the water saving some to add if needed, mix until smooth. Divide into 9 equal balls, flatten into a tortilla shape (round) and cook on a hot comal. You can substitute a frying pan if you don’t have a comal.
Preparing the Gacho:
Spread refried beans on top of the tortilla. Add tomato sauce and top with Dutch cheese or Parmesan cheese. You will love it!
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March 2024, VOL. 110 Read More
February 2024, VOL. 109 Read More
January 2024, VOL. 108 Read More
December 2023, VOL. 107 Read More
November 2023, VOL. 106 Read More
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April 2023, VOL. 99 Read More
March 2023, VOL. 98 Read More
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Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ | |
Belize Submits Its Counter-Memorial to the ICJ Regarding the Guatemalan Claim
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On June 3rd during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Belize delivered its counter-memorial to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Belize’s counter-memorial makes a robust defense of Belize’s sovereignty over its entire territory including islands and the pertaining maritime areas under international law.
Following the timetable announced by the Court, which was amended as a result of the pandemic, Guatemala submitted its memorial on December 8, 2020, and is due to submit its reply to Belize’s counter-memorial in December 2022. Belize will then have until June 2023 to submit its rejoinder, after which the Court will set a date for the oral hearings. Briceño says that the hearing is expected to possibly be held by 2024.
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Click the Buttons Below to Learn More About the ICJ Process | |
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The information you provide is strictly confidential and used for database purposes only.
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Belizean Diaspora in the USA | |
Belize Business Directory
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USA Database
Here at the Consulate, we continue to work diligently in updating our database by calling members of the Belizean Diaspora and asking for their most recent contact information. This is to ensure we are able to share upcoming events, new services, and business opportunities in a timely manner. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.
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Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans
The Consulate's Belize Business Directory is new and improved!
The Directory's objective is to promote Belizean businesses in the US and in Belize. If you own a business or know of a Belizean who does and would like to publish it on our website, please send us an email with your contact information so that we can add it to our Belizean Business Directory.
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*News Sources for this Newsletter:
Facebook
LinkedIn
GOB Press Office
Breaking Belize News (https://www.breakingbelizenews.com)
Amandala Newspaper (https://amandala.com.bz/news/)
Forbes Magazine
TechBullion (https://techbullion.com)
Channel 7 News Belize
http://belizenews.com
Recommend (https://recommend.com/)
https://vickyflipfloptravels.com/
https://www.travelawaits.com
https://lovefm.com/
https://vaticannews.va
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