August 2023 Vol 103

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the August Newsletter!

Only a day ago, Hurricane Idalia came barreling down on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the area known as “The Big Ben”, in a historical landfall that area hasn’t seen in 150 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this catastrophic storm.

The Consulate of Belize in Florida has in place an emergency hotline number which has been shared in a flyer last Monday, in partnership with the Belize Associations of Central and South Florida, and the Ambassador for Diaspora Relations, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy. If one needs to communicate with a loved one affected in the area, please do not hesitate to contact any of us listed in the flyer.

On a positive note, the Consulate of Belize in Florida wishes Belize a very Happy 42^nd Birthday! On September 21^st, Belize celebrates its Independence from the British who colonized Belize in 1862. For the age of a nation, it’s still in its infancy stage, as with a child experiencing its growing pains along with its memorable and joyful moments, Belize forges on! The Jewel is a young and vibrant nation, full of promise and possibilities for all Belizeans!

The September celebrations are underway, planning all the exciting festivities to include the triumphant Battle of St. George’s Caye Day, when a group of British settlers, buccaneers and slaves boldly fought and defeated the Spaniards from occupying the territory of Belize, thereby completely and forever changing the course of Belize’s history.

There were no casualties reported in this battle. It’s telling of who we are as a nation, that we are a peace-loving people. Hip, Hip Hooray to these valiant folks!!! So lets get marching to the beat of the drums for the freedom we so rightly earned!

The excitement is contagious whether you are away from Belize or at home, these historical and momentous occasions bring us together as a nation and people, so let’s bring out Mr.Peters brukdown, Lord Rhaburn and Garifuna Collective, and cook up some cow foot soup, rice and beans with stewed gibnut and serre and remember to grab a cold Beliken if you can!

The work of the nation was underway in the month of August. The Governor General of Belize, H.E. Mrs. Froyla Tzalam, welcomed four new ambassadors to Belize, H.E. Mrs. Soledad Morales Echeverria, Ambassador of Chile; H.E. Mr. Sidi Mohamad Omar, Ambassador of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic; H.E. Ms. Lilybeth Rodriguez Deapara, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines; and H.E. Mr. Haytham Hassan Mohammed Al-Malki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Governor General also met with the Queen of the Bay candidates. The Consulate of Belize wishes these Belizean beauties all the success in the Queen of the Bay pageant. They are all winners!

As a prelude to the Belize Investment Summit, the Prime Minister has been promoting Belize as the great investment potential that it is. PM Briceño met with South Korea, and both countries agreed that Belize City and Busan would become friendship cities. He also met with the Vice President of Hyundai, who expressed a strong desire to educate young Belizeans about the automotive and maintenance industries.



Additionally, the Prime Minister met with H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, and as a result of the high-level meeting the Saudi Fund for Development has provided a $77 million loan for a 60MW Solar Energy Plant.

The Belize Investment Summit kicked off this morning with the PM giving a warm welcome to the participants, comprised of public and private sector, along with potential investors who travelled from around the world, in this historical initiative by the Briceño administration.

PM Briceño gave an energizing and motivating speech outlining the massive progress his administration has made since the last investment summit in 2021 and communicated his continued plans to focus on increasing job creation and attract intelligent investment opportunities that will build and strengthen Belize’s economy for future generations to come. Please stay tuned to learn more about all the exciting developments from this Summit being held in Ambergris Caye this week. #Belizeisopenforbusiness

The keynote speaker, the former President of Colombia, President Iván Duque, spoke about the huge success of the “Orange Economy” and the tremendous impact it has had in Colombia. The Orange Economy focuses on cultural infrastructure through intellectual property, to attract all other types of investments, thereby creating infinite opportunities for job creation and sustainable long-term economic growth.

If compared to a country’s economy, the orange economy alone (not including other sectors of the economy), in Colombia would be the 13^th largest economy in the world.

Simultaneously this month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has been working on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN Convention Against Corruption, and the Single Electronic Window for Trade with the Organization of American States. This Ministry has been actively engaging in diplomatic relations and fostering international cooperation, while working diligently to address the country's pressing issues and promote economic growth.

The “GOB Movers and Shakers” are doing exactly so! Please read all about it in this section of the newsletter.

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai had a productive meeting with El Salvador's Minister of Agriculture, Oscar Guardado, and his team. They discussed Agricultural Trade and Technical Cooperation with Belize and proposed contracting Belizean farmers to produce corn and red beans, which El Salvador cannot produce.

As part of the nation's commitment to providing quality education to all students, Belize has implemented innovative school programs aimed at providing resources and support to students returning to the classroom after the summer break. 

While the Ministry of Health's "Healthification of Schools" initiative focuses on promoting healthy habits and creating an environment conducive to students' overall well-being.

Also, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transportation has established a bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Belize, with scholarships available.

Additionally, the Chilean government has launched a master's scholarship program for 2024, so students who want to continue their education, have several options.

The Star of the Month in this edition is Ms. Barbara Norales, a Belizean who shares her strong connection to her Garifuna heritage. Barbara is actively involved in several cultural programs and has dedicated her time to helping underserved communities through organizations such as the EU economic development initiatives, the US Embassy in Belize, and Belize's Institute of Culture and History. We hope you enjoy reading her story! #belizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo

#itsgoodtobebelizean

Also in this edition, we've included the section “Belizean Businesses in Florida”. If you would like your business listed in the "Belize Business Directory", please send us an email at miami.reception@mfa.gov.bz with the details so that we can add you to the directory and share your business!

Under the section Recipe of the Month”, and to celebrate Belize, we have included a classic Belizean dish to be enjoyed on special occasions or daily if so desired, the always star of the show is Rice and Beans with Stewed Chicken, along with sweet fried plantain and potato salad!

And because many will be too busy marching and celebrating with no time to cook, street food series reigns at this time when one can pick up some panades, garnachas and salbutes for a quick bite! Enjoy my all-time favorite, Panades, in the “Street Food Series”, Yum Yum!!

As always, don't miss our various sections in the newsletter such as “Tidbits”, “Belizeanism” of the month, and other interesting sections to get the inside scoop on various positive news.

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 #Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Warm wishes,

Governor General Welcomes New Ambassadors to Belize

Four new ambassadors from Chile, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, presented their credentials to Belize Governor General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam at Belize House. They expressed their desire to strengthen bilateral relationships between Belize and their respective countries. The Governor General welcomed the ambassadors and hoped for continued cooperation with their governments. Read More

Governor General Hosts Queen of the Bay Delegates

Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl оf Веlіzе Frоуlа Тzаlаm hоѕtеd thе Quееn оf thе Вау dеlеgаtеѕ. Тhе соntеѕtаntѕ fоr thе 78th Quееn оf thе Вау Раgеаnt аnd Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl dіѕсuѕѕеd thе іmроrtаnсе оf hаvіng роѕіtіvе wоmеn rоlе mоdеlѕ, аnd оthеr tорісѕ rеlеvаnt tо оur ѕосіеtу tоdау. She also ехtеndеd wеll wіѕhеѕ tо аll dеlеgаtеѕ. Read More

The Belize Investment Summit 2023 is Officially Open!

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño welcomed global investors at the second installment of the summit, "Belize: Endless Opportunities!" featuring special guest and former Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez's presentation on the Orange Economy. The next two days will feature panel discussions, presentations, and a Business and Exports Expo. Read More

Vice President of the World Bank Visits Belize

Vice President of the World Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo is in the country visiting World Bank-funded projects.

Belize has a long history of development cooperation with the World Bank. The Bank has aided projects in education, health, infrastructure, and other economic sectors.

Belize and South Korea Partnership

Our partnership with South Korea's President, H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol, will benefit Belize through the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund, providing concessionary financing for our #PlanBelize agenda in health, e-governance, and citizen security.

Read More

Busan and Belize City are now friendship cities.



Busan and Belize City have become friendship cities, with Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner signing the agreement. The partnership aims to enhance maritime, environment, tourism, culture, arts, training, education, and research exchanges.

Read More

Hyundai is Keen on Educating Young Belizeans in the Automotive and Maintenance Sector

At the Investment Summit 2023, Hyundai Motor Group's Senior Vice President, Kim Dong Wook, discussed their plans for electric vehicles and environmentally sustainable operations. He also expressed interest in training young Belizeans in the automotive and maintenance industry.

Read More

Solar Energy

Under my administration, #PlanBelize secured a $77 million loan from the Saudi Fund for Development for a 60MW Solar Energy Plant, demonstrating independence in energy supply for rapid development.

Read More

Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue

CEO H.E. Amalia Mai attended the National SDG Partnership Dialogue in Belize, showcasing multistakeholder commitment to the #SDGs and #Agenda2030, with a symbolic signing.

Read More

Foreign Minister says Belize has a Strong Case for a Schengen Visa Waiver

Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Eamon Courtenay, has stated that Belize has a strong case for a visa waiver, having consulted with member states and received support. He aims to encourage the European Union to include Belize on the list. Read More

Review of Belize's Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosts the country visit for the Review of Implementation by Belize of the UN Convention Against Corruption. The 3-day meeting has been organized by the Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform and Religious Affairs.

Single Electronic Window for Trade

An OAS expert team is in Belize for the second round of stakeholder consultations on the Single Electronic Window for Trade. Which enables a single electronic submission of trade-related document to multiple government entities. The Belizean government is dedicated to increasing the efficiency of trade transactions. Read More

Belize and Guatemala

H.E. Carlos A. Garcia Reyes, Ambassador of Guatemala to Belize, presented his letter of credence to Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay. They committed to continue cordial and cooperative relations through the Partial Scope Agreement & Joint Commissions and to collaborate on border issues. Learn More

Belize Receives Hurricane Lisa Relief Items from the Taiwanese Business Community

Belize received a substantial donation of supplies from the Taiwanese business community, including $10,000 from St. Dominic Catholic High School, to aid in Hurricane Lisa relief efforts, showcasing the 34-year friendship between Belize and Taiwan. Read More

If you missed the Prime Minister’s opening speech during the start of the Investment summit kindly find below the links to read about the topics discussed. As well as a PowerPoint Presentation used during the speech on Orange Economy presented by Former President of Colombia, His Excellency, Ivan Duque

To watch the next days of the 2023 Investment Summit Click Here

Consulate of Belize in Florida

"House Keeping Business"

Belizean Diaspora in the USA

Belize Business Directory

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.

Market your Business in our Consulate's Website

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.

Belize Embassy, Mission and Consulate's

Contact Information

Tourism Tidbits

Rainforest Bridges in the Sky with Cave Tubing: A New Adventure in Belize!

Belize’s natural wonders have a new crown јewel: the Rainforest Bridges in the Sky with Cave Tubing tour! Belize's Rainforest Bridges in the Sky with Cave Tubing tour offers a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy and exploration of Maya civilization-related caves.

Read More

Trade and Investment Tidbits

BELTRAIDE Hosts the "Belize Seaweed Webinar Series 2023"

BELTRAIDE is teaming up with Compete Caribbean and The Nature Conservancy to host the "Belize Seaweed Webinar Series 2023" being held on September 06, 2023. This webinar seeks to inform about the current state of the Seaweed Industry, in hopes to continue its development.

Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Think Equal Program in Belize

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology is partnering with UNICEF Belize and Think Equal Inc. to launch the Think Equal Program in Belize, aiming to strengthen early childhood education through quality short stories, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and positive relationships.

Read More

Ms. Barbara Norales

Ms. Barbara Norales was born in Dangriga, Belize, where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Stann Creek Ecumenical High School, Belize Technical College and St. Johns College. Ms. Norales has always felt a strong connection to her Garifuna heritage. Listening to her parents, aunts, and grandmother’s stories instilled a strong sense of belonging and love for her cultural identity. She states that her paternal grandmother, Marcelia Lucas Flores, was a garifuna song composer and her uncle, Francis Eile Flores, an outstanding Garifuna drummer, who made her “destiny as a Folklife Specialist a done deal”. This role would eventually lead to sharing her culture in spaces foreign to the Belizean musical genre.



In 1993, she worked for a local politician who insisted on teaching the community's children to appreciate and celebrate Garifuna customs, as well as to develop a sense of cultural pride. For example, he encouraged children to plant cassava and use it to make bread, a Garínagu staple food. In an effort to highlight these traditions, Ms. Norales and her coworkers decided to promote local cultural groups for regional carnival celebrations, incorporating live drums, maracas, and cultural chants. Noticing the positive response from the community, they took this concept to another level by participating in the national carnival where they won prizes for originality and top performance.

In 1995, Barbara invited the Latinx Garifuna community to join the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Belize. It was such a delight, that soon after she began planning trips to Guatemala and Honduras for their Garifuna arrival days. That same year, the Belizean government hosted a group from New York called Garifuna Kids, featuring young artists from Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize who were born and raised in New York and could sing in their native tongue. And a couple of years later, in 1997 to be exact, Ms. Barbara had the opportunity to lead a government-sponsored group of musicians, which included the late Belizean Garifuna musical icon Andy Palacio! who helped create a bicentennial celebration remembering the first arrival of the Garínagu to the shores of Honduras.

Over the next eight years, Barbara served as the southern regional coordinator of the Government of Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History; as the coordinator of the U.S. Embassy in Belize’s Arts Envoy Program; and as a coordinator for the European Union’s economic development initiatives in Belize, harnessing her knowledge of underserved communities to help rural Belizean women become advocates of social and environmental change. Through these efforts, Barbara helped the citizens of Belize see themselves as one community with multiple identities.

In 2011, Ms. Norales received training as a UNESCO cultural heritage specialist, and in 2016, she immigrated to the United States with the goal of using her experiences to provide cultural and educational outreach in various capacities. She helped bring Garifuna artists to the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival, and volunteered at New York’s Central Park Stage, globalFEST, Flushing Town Hall, and the New York City Mayor’s Office with multicultural productions. Additionally, she also consulted on a BBC documentary about the Garifuna history and culture, and on the London-based Soul Jazz Records’ Black Caribs of Belize album, a collection of traditional Garifuna rhythms, working with popular groups such as Garifuna Jazz Ensemble and Chief Joseph Chatoyer Dance Group.



Barbara has spent the last five years in Arlington, Virginia. She is currently expanding the scope of BubieBird Productions by collaborating with Garifuna Entertainment Inc. and will formalize her collaboration with the Kilgore Music Foundation in the coming week. Barbara thrives on her mantra "where culture meets culture" and she shares that culture is where we are all connected as human beings. She is a grandmother of four who enjoys learning, enlightening conversations, and long, quiet walks.

 We are proud to call you our Star of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve

Belize's Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is the most extensive cave system in Central America, created over 1000s of years by the Caves Branch River. The reserve is approximately 1 hour from Belize City and San Ignacio and offers tours, including cave tubing, zip lining, ATV riding, and visits to Altun Ha Mayan ruins.

Only Dog Bark A(nd) Chase

Literally: Only dogs bark and chase at once.

Meaning: Do one thing at a time.

• The Ministry of Youth, Department of Youth Services, and UNICEF are Collaborating on a Global Green Transition, Focusing on Developing Green Skills Among the Youth. Read More

• Healthy Habits, Healthy Schools, Healthy Belize: Ministries of Health and Education Plans ‘Healthification’ of Schools Read More

• Ministry of Agriculture is Represented at the Market Information Organization of the Americas Meeting Read More

• The Ministry of Agriculture for Belize and El Salvador Discussed Agricultural Trade and Technical Cooperation with Belize. Proposing Belizean Farmers to Produce Corn and Red Beans, Which El Salvador Cannot Produce. Read More



• Ministry of Health and Wellness Warns of False Health Advisory on New COVID Variant Read More

• Belize Tourism Board to Host “Getting to Know the Latin American Traveller” Stakeholder Mixer in San Ignacio Read More

• Belize Reaffirms Commitment to 2030 Agenda with National SDG Partnership Dialogue Read More

• The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport has Established a Bachelor's Degree Program in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Belize, Offering Scholarships to Young People Read More

• Belize and Taiwan Celebrate the Conclusion of the Women Economic Empowerment in the Adjacency Zone of Belize Project Read More

• Belize Pushing EU to Facilitate Schengen Visa Rules for Its Citizens Read More

• President Yoon of South Korea Urges Belize to Support Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. Read More

• The Organization of Latin American and Caribbean Supreme Audit Institutions (OLACEFS) and Belize’s OAG Collaborate in Anti-Corruption Initiatives Read More

• The Role of International Development Partners in Belize’s Energy Sector Read More

• Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Sign MOU for Collaboration on a Project on Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index (CORVI) Read More

• Commonwealth University Students Travel to Belize to Research Politics, Culture, Economy Read More

• San Pedranos Can Name a Street in La Isla Bonita Read More

• Queen of the Bay Sashing Ceremony Comes to San Ignacio Read More

• People’s Constitution Commission hosts Information Session for Kriol Communities in Belize City Read More

• Marketing Officer William Murillo Selected to the Belize National Team at the 20th North American Regional Powerlifting Championships Read More

• Belize City Gears up for Green Electric Buses by 2024 Read More

• Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef: 5 Incredible Places to Visit in Belize Read More

• Check What Divers Discovered in Belize's Great Blue Hole? Read More

• The Belize Forest Department, is Celebrating 100 Years Since its Creation Under the Theme: “From Roots to Canopy: A Centennial Journey.” Read More

• Belize: A Model of Sustainability and Marine Conservation Read More

• Cabinet Approves New Loans for MSMEs and Solar Energy Read More

• ADO Bus Company Officially Re-enters Belize Market Read More



• Belize’s Energy Market: An Overview and Analysis Read More

• Finance Minister of State Says MSME Industry is Booming Read More

• University of Belize Launches Banking and Financial Institute Read More

• Caye Caulker Airstrip Runway Expected to be Ready for September Read More

• The Government of Chile Launches the Masters’ Scholarship Program 2024 Read More

• ‘Queen of the Bay’ Week Includes Unveiling of Memorial Plaque Read More

• Finals for the National Song Competition will be at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on September 15, 2023 Read More



• Five Belizeans Awarded Chevening Scholarships to Pursue Masters Degree in U.K. Read More

• Where To Stay In Belize Read More

• Alaska Airlines Is Adding More Flights to Belize Read More

• Southwest Airlines Adds Service from BWI to Belize Read More

• Who Needs a Visa to Visit Belize? Read More

• Air Canada Announces Seasonal Nonstop Flights from Toronto to Belize tarting December 8th Read More

Belizean Stewed Chicken with Rice and Beans

Ingredients:

The meat:

• A whole chicken, cut into pieces,
• or conversely 4-5 chicken legs and thighs or breasts with rib meat, skin on.

(Do not under any circumstances try to make this with boneless skinless chicken breast. In fact, I strongly recommend using either a combination of white and dark meat, or dark meat alone, for the best flavour)

The vegetables:

• onion (1 large or 2 small/medium)
• sweet pepper (green) (1 large or 2 small/medium)



The seasonings:

• garlic (2-4 cloves, to taste)
• red recado (about 1 tablespoon, read more about recado here)
• Soy sauce
• Worcesterschire sauce
• cumin (ground)
• thyme (dried)
• oregano (dried or fresh)
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• bay leaf or allspice leaf (optional)
• white vinegar (1-2 tablespoons)
• coconut oil (1-2 tablespoons)
• 1-2 tsp of sugar

Recipe:

1. Take the cut up chicken, place in a bowl and rub thoroughly with a mixture of about 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a piece of recado about the size of half an egg.

2. Add several tablespoons each of soysauce and worcesterschire sauce and about a teaspoon each of cumin, and dried thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Don’t add salt yet.

3. Chop an onion or two and one large or two medium sweet peppers and chop up 3-5 cloves of garlic.

4. Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan to medium high heat. Toss in the sugar. Add the chicken, skin side down, and brown, then turn and brown on the other side. Reserve the marinade from the chicken, this will be used later!

5. Add the onion, garlic and sweet peppers to the pot, turn heat down and saute until onion is transparent, then add the marinade liquid from the chicken bowl, along with a glass or two of water, enough to almost cover the chicken.

6. Let simmer for 40 minutes to an hour, taste for flavour and adjust seasonings as needed. You may need to add more soy sauce, worchesterschire sauce or herbs to your taste. Add salt to taste if needed.

7. Serve with rice and beans or stew beans and rice, fried plantains and a little side salad (potato salad or coleslaw is classic) for a taste of one of Belize’s most popular lunches.

Panades

Ingredients:

Bean filling:

• 2 cans of red kidney beans or black beans
• 2 plugs of garlic
• 1/2 onion
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• Black pepper and salt to taste

Cabbage and onion sauce:

• 1/2 of a head of cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 medium onion diced small.
• 1 chopped hot pepper (habanero, serrano, jalapeno, any you'd like)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup room temp water

Masa:

• 4 cups masa (corn flour)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Water until combines, but not too wet.

Steps:

This recipe involves preparing a cabbage and onion sauce, filled with canned fish, or beans, and masa. The the beans are mashed and mixed with spices while the masa is divided into golf-ball-sized balls and fried in oil. The unfried panades are prepared by pressing the beans into a tortilla press, deep-frying, and garnished with the sauce.

For the step by step guide, and ingredients for the fish filling, click the button below.

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Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ

On September 26, as Prime Minister Briceno addressed the Protocolary Session of the (OAS), he reiterated the important role the organization has played in not only for the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize but in relations among all Member States.

I emphasized our hope for a peaceful solution to the Guatemala Belize matter currently at the ICJ, where Belize is allowed to maintain the integrity of all its borders.