December 2020 Vol 72
The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover
Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the December Monthly Newsletter!
As the curtain falls on 2020 we are relieved to put this tumultuous year behind us, yet understandably apprehensive about what lies ahead in the New Year as we face the continuing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic. While there has been commonality in general global events our individual experiences and journeys have all been unique to our particular circumstances. In this sense, it is appropriate that we nurture and celebrate the gift of life; cherishing each moment, hoping for brighter and better tomorrows, resolved to preserving and protecting ourselves, our families and our humanity.

While so much has changed this year, the will and spirit of the Belizean people remain as bright and as fierce as ever. Belizeans at home and abroad somehow always look at the glass half full and manage to overcome and succeed no matter what the circumstance.

We hope that you all had a Merry Christmas and that you managed to connect with loved ones. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. His birth gives us hope that no matter the challenges we undergo, He is with us giving us comfort and hope.

As we say goodbye to 2020, we remember all those noble Belizean men and women who have passed on, to whose families and friends we extend our deepest condolences.

We were deeply saddened by the passing of the newly elected Area Representative from Corozal Bay, the Honorable David “Dido’ Vega, and were heartened by the recovery of his wife, Mrs. Ingrid Vega. In his memory, we have included a picture in this issue of the newsletter of a stunning sunset over Corozal Bay.

We grieve also for the passing of two brave vibrant and young doctors, twin brothers, -Dr. Kevin Guerra and Dr. Kenneth Guerra - They lost their lives while fearlessly fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle in Belize. They were loved by all with whom they met. May they rest in eternal peace.

In memory of the Honorable David Vega, Doctors Kevin Guerra and Kenneth Guerra and all those frontline workers who have perished, we quote the words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to honor their heroic sacrifices to protect our citizens and to ease the suffering of those in their care and charge, “Today, our front-line services still shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that - even on the darkest nights - there is hope in the new dawn." Indeed, with the creation and launch in record time of the COVID-19 vaccine, there is now hope for the new dawn foreseen by Her Majesty. We all look forward to the many benefits that are certain to accompany this new development in the effort to contain the spread of the virus.

Finally, we pay our respects to two other giants who have each left their legacies for generations to come. Mr. Fredrick Hopkins Hunter (aka Freddy) who served as a PUP Minister for five terms, was given a State Funeral on December 23rd, 2020 when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Eamon Courtenay gave the eulogy saying that Mr. Hunter loved Belize with a passion and that he did his best for the people of Belize. We also lost Belize’s treasured author, Mrs. Zee Edgell who wrote Beka Lamb, amongst other best sellers. Mr. Fred Hunter and Mrs. Edgell will continue to live on among us through their brilliant works.

On an administrative note, we know that many of you who live in the US are in need of applying for a passport renewal or replacement. We are happy to announce that we are now open for consular services in the US. Please call or email your local office to inquire on available appointments.

Finally, we look forward to sharing some of our favorite Christmas recipes with you! The “Recipe of the Month” section you have come to enjoy will still be featured. This month, we will go over the steps in preparing a creamy dreamy Rum Popo and the traditional Belizean Black Fruit Cake with Chef Sean Kuylen. The tried and tested, long standing tradition is here to stay!

Our December newsletter features a seasonal message from Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño as we look forward to brighter days ahead. We also recap the monthly news from the Government of Belize Press Office and share the stories of some visible Belizeans in our Star of The Month Section as well as the Front-Line Responders section.

Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, community engagement, the environment, and much more in this edition

  •  Watch our newly appointed Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño's Christmas message and his statement of Pro-Good Governance and Anti-Corruption.
  • Read the monthly message from the Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC's Desk
  • See how improved protocols have resulted in more efficient and expeditious processing of passengers under our Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations section.
  • Learn about the updated travel requirements to visit Belize
  • Find out which Belizean Resorts won the prestigious Conde Nast Johansen's award for excellence 2021.
  • Watch “12 days of Caribbean Christmas” and learn some of Chef Sean Kuylen’s special recipes for the holidays.
  • Read about talented Belizean's who are making a difference with the new Open Government Action Plan.
  • See how we continue to give thanks to our Belizean Frontline workers around the United States.
  • Read our tribute to Mr. Fred Hunter former Minister of Government and Belizean author, Mrs. Zee Edgell.

Due to COVID-19, unfortunately, several events continue to be postponed or modified; however, we still invite you to check out the section “Upcoming Events” to see the updates on each event and access some informative flyers. 
 
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. 
 
As we update our database, and to serve you better, the Consulate of Belize in Florida continues to conduct phone calls to its constituents to confirm each contact’s information. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information. This is so that you and your family can continue to be informed about services offered by the Consulate as well as get updates on Belize. 
 
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 the Star of the Month could even be you! 
 
Enjoy and share with your friends! 
And remember, it is good to be Belizean! 
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe  
All my best,
Janine Sylvestre
Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida 
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
From The Office of The Prime Minister
Christmas message from Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño
New Year's message from Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño




Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC's Desk
#wavediflag #rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #wearewithyou #holdthefaith #belizeanstrong #thewaitisover
Press Release from the Office of the Governor General of Belize. 
New PGIA COVID-19 Standard Procedures and improved protocols have resulted in more efficient and expeditious processing of passengers.
Two days after Cabinet appointed Minister Andre Perez as the chair of the Phillip Goldson International Airport COVID19 Response Committee, Minister Perez along with Minister Anthony Mahler, CEOs Kennedy Carrillo and Nicole Solano, representatives of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Immigration, Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Airports Concession Company were onsite to witness the arrival of 11 flights and assess the roll out of the new PGIA COVID-19 Standard Procedures for processing passengers. The committee reports improved protocols which have resulted in more efficient and expeditious processing of passengers.

The Ministry of Tourism created a Diaspora Unit to focus on Diaspora Relations, for more information please visit http://tourism.gov.bz/ or call+501 227-2801.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Meets with Maya Leadership
Shortly after the general elections in November, the new Briceño administration announced the creation of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to be led by Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia.
The Indigenous peoples of Belize are comprised of the Kekchi, Mopan, Yucatec Maya and the Garifuna who all make up approximately 18% of the country’s population.
As part of its outreach, Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Minister of State Gilroy Usher met with representatives of the Toledo Alcaldes Association, the Maya Leaders Alliance, and the Julian Cho Society on December 17, 2020. The very cordial and fruitful meeting was held at the invitation of Minister Balderamos Garcia as a first step towards meeting the key partners in the Maya leadership and learning about the complex issues surrounding the Consent Order of the Caribbean Court of Justice on the Maya Land Rights Case.

Government of Belize Receives Humanitarian Relief Donation from Brazil
On December 18, 2020, the Government of Belize received a donation of humanitarian relief which includes food items, hygiene kits, water and mattresses from the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil to assist in the aftermath of Tropical Depression ETA and floods caused by Hurricane Iota.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and Honourable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management were on hand to receive the donation from H.E. Luciano Helmold Macieira, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Belize.
Belize and the Federative Republic of Brazil established diplomatic relations 37 years ago. The two countries continue to enjoy cordial and friendly relations which have improved significantly over the years through the proactive engagement and strong cooperation programs in education, health, agriculture, and cultural exchanges.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Cheque from the Embassy of Mexico for Humanitarian Assistance
December 18, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Amalia Mai, received a check for BZ$59,584.39 from Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Ms. Martha Ofelia Zamarripa Rivas.

The funds will be utilized by the Government of Belize to provide humanitarian assistance, specifically food and sanitizing items, to Belizeans affected by tropical storms Eta and Iota.
Ambassador Mai expressed appreciation to the Government of Mexico for the kind assistance on behalf of the Government and people of Belize, especially in light of the difficult economic situation worldwide as a consequence of the global pandemic.

Belize and Mexico have enjoyed excellent bilateral and political relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1981. Ambassador Mai reaffirmed the Government of Belize’s commitment to continue strengthening the relationship going forward.

Minster of Health Officially Renames Mopan Polyclinic
Minster of Health Officially Renames Mopan Polyclinic to the Drs. Kevin and Kenneth Guerra Polyclinic II.
The Ministry renamed the polyclinic in honor of both doctors who recently passed away, one day apart, due to complications of COVID-19. Dr. Kevin worked at the Placencia Health Center and Dr. Kenneth worked at the San Ignacio Community Hospital. They were originally from Benque Viejo Town. As a validation of true appreciation, the only public health facility in that town was renamed in their honor.

There will be a permanent fix to the broken road at Mile 38 on the George Price Highway. With new leadership, the MidH has come up with a solution at half the expected cost. The work to install pre-cast culverts starts in January and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

Belize Exports First Shipment of Chicken to CARICOM


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise is pleased to announce that on December 23, 2020, Belize exported 16,000 lbs of assorted chicken meat to Grenada, the first ever shipment of poultry products to the CARICOM region.

Belize’s Poultry Industry has been promising for export opportunities since the Caribbean Animal Health and Food Safety Agency’s (CAHFSA) 2017 risk assessment cleared Belize’s two processing facilities as ready-for-export within the CSME.

Belize Road Safety Project Hands Over Six Ambulances to the Ministry of Health and Wellness
Belize Road Safety Project Hands Over Six Ambulances to the Ministry of Health and Wellness
In a brief ceremony today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received six fully equipped Type Three Ambulances from the Second Belize Road Safety Project in support of Belize’s Road Safety Master Plan 2030 and to contribute to the improvement of Post-Crash Care
Belize Travel Health & Safety
Stay Informed-Be Prepared
COVID-19 Myth Busters:
Directory of Consular Offices in the U.S.

We look forward to serving you as soon as this crisis passes. We are with you during this difficult time.
Call or email us with any questions:
What's New...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Three Belizean Resorts Win
 Conde Nast Johansens Award for Excellence 2021
On Monday, December 14, 2020 three Belizean resorts in Ambergris Caye were among the winners of the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2021.In an announcement on its website, Condé Nast Johansens named the following local resorts as winners in their respective categories in the Central and South America regions.

BEST FOR ROMANCE -Cayo Espanto, a Private Island

BEST FOR FAMILIES -The Phoenix Resort 

BEST WATERSIDE HOTEL -Victoria House Resort & Spa


By: Mike Hernandez
Belize featured in "Best Places to Travel 2021" List
Prepare for travel’s comeback: The 12 hottest destinations of 2021!

When Belize’s international airport (BZE) reopened to travelers in October, the tourism board created a “Tourism Gold Standard” recognition program for hotels to give travelers additional peace of mind. Be prepared to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure, download the Ministry of Health’s contact tracing app and wear masks in all public places — including beaches.

Marriott’s Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection property, is slated to welcome its first guests next spring and will mark Marriott’s first foray into the Central American nation. The eco-friendly resort in Ambergris Caye will feature a glass-bottomed infinity pool suspended five stories over the ground. There’s also the forthcoming Four Seasons Caye Chapel, on the first Four Seasons private island in the Americas.


By: The Points Guy
Belize Official Eyes Tourism Expansion Following Reopening
Belize’s resort base is expanding even as the Caribbean nation seeks to re-ignite crucial tourism activity while ensuring visitors and residents experience a safe environment in the wake of the global pandemic.

Under the country’s Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program, Belize Tourism Board officials have implemented stringent health and safety protocols aimed at enhancing hotel and restaurant cleaning practices, tourism organization operating procedures.
In addition, Belize travelers now have a COVID-19 testing option through American Airlines' partnership with LetsGetChecked, an at-home PCR test for consumers planning to travel to the country.

By: Brian Major Managing Editor for Digital Publications & Guides/Caribbean.

12 Days of Caribbean Christmas
On Saturday December 5th, as part of the "12 days of Caribbean Cooking Festival" Belizean Chef Sean Kuylen held a virtual trade show highlighting Belize's traditional Christmas cuisine. Check out his Facebook to see more delicious meals!
Belize International Flight Map
Kindly take note of the most updated flight schedule to Belize, from December to February 2021.
Belize Open Government Action Plan
Open Government is your participation in decision making processes that involve public policy. You can take part through proposing new commitments, access and use of public data, and consultations on public policies.
To learn more about the benefits of this policy and how you can make an impact click here
Marvin Vasquez, Operations Director at Ya’axché Conservation trust speaks about his commitment to the Belize Action Plan through the Integrated Forest Management Database Development.
This will contribute to the Climate Action and Life on Land Sustainable Development Goals of Belize.
The Digitalization of Citizen Procedures centers on transforming many face to face procedures into online or mixed processes. This initiative can help government services become more customer-friendly, with increased accessibility to information, improved processing timeframes, and enhanced transparency and public accountability.
Belizean Frontline Responders around the USA
We thank you for all that you do!
Ramon Gongora Jr. Police Officer​
Chicago Police Department 018th District​
SGT Jorge Mejia
Police Sergeant, North Chicago Police Department.
Lisa Avilez Frazier
Endocrine Nurse, Northwestern Medicine, IL.​

Kirah Quiroz
Medical Laboratory
University of Arkansas for Medical Science

Renowned Belizean author Zee Edgell, known for several great literary works including the book Beka Lamb, died this morning at the age of 80. Еdgеll uѕеd hеr wrіtіng tо mаkе hеr mаrk оn Веlіzе аnd thе wоrld аnd rесеіvеd аn МВЕ frоm Quееn Еlіzаbеth ІІ, fоr hеr ѕеrvісеѕ tо lіtеrаturе аnd thе соmmunіtу bасk іn 2007. Ѕhе wаѕ аlѕо аwаrdеd аn hоnоrаrу dосtоrаtе іn lіtеrаturе frоm thе Unіvеrѕіtу оf thе Wеѕt Іndіеѕ аt Саvе Ніll, Ваrbаdоѕ іn 2009.


Mrs. Edgell was featured on our October 2015 Newsletter as a star of the month, click the link below to learn more about her story.

Tidbits...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Belize Tourism Industry Association celebrates 35th AGM virtually

Тhе nеwlу еlесtеd Рrеѕіdеnt оf thе ВТІА, Ѕtеwаrt Кrоhn, ѕроkе оf thе сhаllеngеѕ thаt fасе thе tоurіѕm іnduѕtrу аnd thе nаtіоn аѕ а whоlе. Кrоhn rеmаrkеd, “Оur іnduѕtrу іѕ rеѕіlіеnt, аѕ іѕ оur соuntrу. Wе аrе nо ѕtrаngеrѕ tо аdvеrѕіtу. Веlіzе wіll соmе bасk…but оnlу іf wе wоrk hаrd аnd wоrk ѕmаrt—аnd аbоvе аll wоrk tоgеthеr.”
Belize, elected as 2nd Vice President of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) Board.

This milestone serves to complement BELTRAIDE’s role as the national Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) responsible for advancing both local and foreign direct investment (FDI) across various industries.
The National Institute of Culture and History announced it's annual Christmas Card Design Contest

The contest started on December 9th and was open to all primary school students until December 14th. Students had to send in an original drawing or painting and submit it with an explanation of its meaning.
The winner will receive $250 cash and $250 towards school fees and supplies.

...of the Month!
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Battlefield Park
In 1863, the Legislative Council resolved to acquire and declare the area a "public" space. The name of the park was derived from the spiritual battles carried out by the Salvation Army's religious crusades. The design that was used at the time for the park when this photo was taken resembles the British Flag.
Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites!
Kine word neva bruk jawbone
English Translation:
Kind words never broke your bones.
Meaning:
You'll never get beat up for saying something nice or polite
Belizean Star of the Month!
Nissan Palacio, MD
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
From an early age Nissan Palacio had a deep interest in Computer Science. Born in Belize City to Dr. Timothy Palacio and Gaynor Ferguson-Palacio. He grew up at the corner of Mahogany and Partridge Street also known as “Back ah Martins” and later relocated to the West Landivar area. There, he attended Saint Joseph Primary School and Saint John’s College High School where his curiosity and investigative nature were developed and nurtured. However, his love for computers started when his father relied on him to help maintain his home office computer. Nissan enjoyed trying to figure out the intricacies of a computer, especially when they would get a virus. Seeing the investigative process and analysis to determine how the computer got infected, and later the process of elimination intrigued him. Thus, he developed a desire to further understand the complexity of computers and the ways they can be abused.

After high school, Nissan relocated to the United States of America where he has been living for the past 18 years. He worked fulltime while completing his undergraduate degree and subsequently relocated to the Midwest where he began working at The Boeing Company through an Information Technology (IT) leadership rotational program. During his time at Boeing, Nissan became versed in cybercrime investigations and incident response in corporate America. And as his role within the company evolved, Nissan solidified his passion for Computer Networking, Information Systems, and Cyber Security. At the end of the Rotational Leadership Program, Nissan was offered a position as Cyber Security Analyst with Boeing and relocated with his family to Maryland.

Upon completing his graduate degree, and various cyber security certifications, he was sought after by Barclays Bank New York for a position as Associate Vice President of Global Information Technology. During his time at Barclays Mr. Palacio was pivotal in implementing tools and processes to help combat various cyber security threats. As a result, he garnered a great deal of experience in Incident response for the financial sector. Having had enough of the brutal winters of the east coast, Nissan relocated to a warmer climate in southern California, where he now serves as an Incident Response Analyst in the Power and Energy industry. In this role he implements cyber security strategies, policies, and procedures and leads many cyber security investigations to combat advanced adversaries with malicious intent. Additionally, Nissan has decided to follow in the footsteps of his family in joining academia. Both his father, Timothy Palacio, and grandfather, Theodore Palacio, were Professors and now Nissan also serves a Professor to a local University in Southern California.
Nissan is constantly looking for ways to give back to his community and his country, because of this he mentors young cyber security professionals and is involved with Belizean Hope Foundation, a charitable organization. Through his involvement with Belizean Hope, Nissan advocates for education and learning in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

He currently serves on the board of directors for Belizean Hope Foundation where he supports the scholarship fund used to send deserving students to high school. Nissan continues to attend numerous conferences and has also been invited to present at events where he continues to network and bring awareness to the importance of cyber security.

As technology advances there is a need to prepare and protect the community from various cyber threats. Nissan is yearning to give back to Belize on a larger scale and aspires to return to Belize to retire and share his skills and experiences to support the nation and its businesses. In the meantime, he has been involved in lending support to increase cyber security awareness in Belize and help the community defend themselves from cyber threats. Nissan is married to his lovely wife, Khaidia Mossiah Palacio with whom he shares two kids, Nylah and Kaiden Palacio.

We are honor to call Mr. Nissan Palacio our 'Star of the Month'.
Our deep condolences to the families of Belizeans at home and abroad who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

May they rest in peace.
Sunset Over Corozal - Belize
Photo Courtesy of Mario Alpuche
"Dido represented the future of PUP, it breaks my heart as I see the suffering of his family, his two little daughters and the people of Corozal Bay where you can see genuine love for David "Dido" Vega."
- Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister.
"Young, vibrant and jovial twin doctors contracting and dying from Covid-19. Their great service was honored countrywide with the wail of sirens at 6:00 pm and motorcades in different communities, as a communal remembrance of Kevin and Kenneth Guerra."
Register as a Belizean in Florida
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
WHAT'S TRENDING
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean
BELTRAIDE's 12 Days of Krismus
Show support for products and services made in Belize! Click the link below to browse their catalogue which includes special Christmas Promotions.
Krismus Raffle
BELTRAIDE also held a Krismus Raffle on December 18 at 7PM, where participants could win 1 of 3 Prizes of Made in Belize Products and Services!
Help Belize
Hurricane Eta Relief - Gofundme.com
Belizean Brothers and Sisters, in light of the huge destruction as a consequence of Hurricane Eta and possibly Hurricane Iota following in its path, the Inter-American Development Bank has agreed to match every dollar up to US$ 50,000 for the Central America, We Are with You Campaign. Belize is among the affected countries and every cent collected for Belize will go towards helping our brothers and sisters.
Operation Christmas Child.
Every year Calvary Chapel in Chico helps collect shoe boxes full of gifts which are distributed to children around the world as part of "Operation Christmas Child."
Action News Now reporter Kristian Lopez spoke with a Butte College student from Belize who is helping with the program, who knows first-hand how big of an impact these gifts can make in a child's life.

Happy Holidays!
Belizean Artist, Katie Numi Usher, named as one of the highlights of this year's Art Basel in Miami
As part of UNTITLED, ART’s Caribbean focused programming, the fair is presenting this panel in Spanish. This conversation will approach the work of two poets and visual artists from the Caribbean, whose work explores intimacy, immigration, memory, affection, health, and colonial persistence in contemporary society. Johan Mijail (Dominican Republic) and Katie Numi Usher (Belize) will be moderated by Miguel A. López, Co-director and Chief Curator of TEOR/éTica, Costa Rica.

IDB Invest contributes to energy security in Belize

IDB Invest, member of IDB Group, provided a US$6 million loan to National Gas Company in Belize for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marine terminal, the first of its kind in the country of Belize.

Read More
Belizean Street Food Series:
Holiday Edition - Cozy up with Rum Popo!
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover

INGREDIENTS
(Makes approx. four 750 ml. bottles)
  • 9 eggs
  • 5 cans evaporated milk
  • 3 cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 pint white rum (Belize’s Caribbean Rum, is the best to use but a good substitute is Wray & Nephew. NO Bacardi)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground fresh nutmeg


TOOLS
  • large mixing bowl
  • hand mixer
  • liquid measuring cup
  • ladle
  • a funnel
  • 4 – 750ml bottles, a punch bowl or a pitcher
DIRECTIONS

– Blend eggs in mixing bowl 15-20 minutes
– Add evaporated milk. Blend for approximately three minutes.
– Pour in condensed milk, rum and vanilla extract. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the mixture.
– Blend rum popo mixture approximately two minutes or until all parts are evenly dispersed.
– Use measuring cup to pour mixtures into bottles with a funnel or ladle to pour into punch bowl or pitcher.
– Keep chilled and stir before serving
– Serve with ice and garnish with cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick

Recipe from: IslandExpeditions.com
Recipe of The Month:
Belizean Black Christmas Cake 
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Ingredients:
Black Christmas Cake
  • 2 lbs. flour 
  • 1 ½ lbs. brown sugar 
  • 1 lb. butter 
  • 1 pint, stout 
  • 1-pint blackening (brown sugar that has been melted down in a tiny bit of water until it literally turns black) 
  • ½ lb. each of raisins, prunes, dates, pecans, cherries and other fruits 
  • 1-pint strong rum (diluted to give 1 quart and used to steep fruits) 
  • 1 tsp. baking powder 
  • 1 nutmeg grated 
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon or 3 tsp. allspice 
  • 8 - 10 eggs 
  • 1 cup syrup or brown sugar for stewing fruits 
  • 1 cup flour for fruits 
Preparation:
Stew fruits the night before, using ¼ - ½ lb. of brown sugar for stewing fruits. Let fruits simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. The next day, grease cake tins with shortening and line them with a brown paper bag. Set aside. Cream the butter or margarine with remaining sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix well. Add flour alternately with black colouring. Mix well with each addition. Add stout and mix well. Cover fruits with 1 cup of flour. Add to mixture and fold in fruits. Bake for 2 - 3 hours in a 300-degree oven or until cake is dried. 
We have also included a video on how to make Black Christmas Cake from Chefs Sean Kuylen & Carolee Chanona from the Flavors of Belize cooking show.  

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with delicious meals.

Recipe From: IslandExpeditions.com
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ICJ- Be Informed
Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduces Belize’s international team for International Court of Justice.

Тhе Міnіѕtrу nоtеd thаt Веlіzе’ѕ аgеnt аt thе ІСЈ іѕ Аѕѕаd Ѕhоmаn аnd со-аgеnt іѕ Аlехіѕ Rоѕаdо. Bеlіzе’ѕ іntеrnаtіоnаl tеаm іѕ соmрrіѕеd оf Ѕеnіоr Соunѕеl Ѕаm Wоrdѕwоrth QС, Веn Јurаtоwіth QС аnd Маthіаѕ Fоrtеаu; Јunіоr Соunѕеl Аmу Ѕаndеr, Рhіlірра Wеbb аnd Каtе Раrlеtt; ѕuрроrt Соunѕеl Саthеrіnе Drummоnd аnd Јаmіе Тrіnіdаd аnd Нуdrоgrарhеr/Gеоgrарhеr Rоbіn Сlеvеrlу. Еаmоn Н. Соurtеnау ЅС аnd Lеѕlіе Меndеz rерrеѕеntѕ thе Gоvеrnmеnt іn thіѕ рrосеѕѕ.
Lеаdеr оf thе Орроѕіtіоn, Раtrісk Fаbеr hаѕ nаmеd Місhаеl Реуrеfіttе аnd Gоdwіn Нulѕе аѕ rерrеѕеntаtіvеѕ оf thе Орроѕіtіоn whо wіll rеmаіn fullу еngаgеd аnd іnfоrmеd оf thе рrосеѕѕ. 

On May 8, Belizeans voted "Yes" to take the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Click the video below to learn more about what happens next.
Extension of the time-limits for the filing of the initial pleadings
THE HAGUE, 24 April 2020. By an Order dated 22 April 2020, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, extended from 8 June 2020 to 8 December 2020 and from 8 June 2021 to 8 June 2022 the respective time-limits for the filing of the Memorial of the Republic of Guatemala and the Counter-Memorial of Belize in the case concerning Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize). Read More
Photo Credit: International Court of Justice
Upcoming Events
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
The Importance of the Caribbean
Live Webinar on January 14th. Free event.
Click the button to register
Scholarships available for CARICOM students in the Green Economy Sector.

Applications open in January 2021!
Scholarship Opportunity

60% tuition waiver for online Master’s Programs in Spanish and English at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, United States for 2021 Spring and Summer classes!

Deadlines
Spring: December 10, 2020 or February 18, 2021
Summer: April 23, 2021