December 2022 Vol 96

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the December Newsletter!

This is the time of year we look forward to with eagerness and anticipation, both young and old and we are inspired to do and be our best.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, buying presents, preparing the ham and turkey for the big day, and visiting friends and families at dinners and parties, there is that special feeling in the air.

We are greeted by happy smiling strangers with that certain twinkle in the eyes, on the street and at the stores, “Merry Christmas”, “Seasons Greetings” and “Happy Holidays”. Indeed, the spirit of Christmas is alive in all of us and will be throughout the ages because we are reminded that over 2000 years ago the baby that was born in the manger on Christmas Day came to save us and bring us real joy that the world cannot.

Amidst so many challenges that still plague us around the world, there is still a feeling of hope. We have undergone so much in the last few years when COVID-19 reared its ugly head at us, but we have overcome and surpassed by sheer determination, resilience, strength, and faith.

And while, when things happen that are beyond our control, such as Hurricane Lisa, Belizeans find a way forward, not looking back, but forward. Today, there is optimism and excitement in the air among Belizeans for their Jewel that has not been felt in a long time.

Belize has rebounded with a stronger economy and policies are in place for future growth and development. Tourism has never enjoyed higher growth in numbers as it does now and the agriculture sector is alive and well, expanding its sectors and export markets.

Belize is respected by its allies, and it continues to make new friends with its sound foreign policy. The new e-passport will soon be underway, changing the way we travel in a more efficient way and so many more projects are in the works, too many to name here.

Indeed, we can count our blessings and be grateful for the big and small things in our lives such as our families, our health, our jobs, and flowers on the table. And while this season evokes strong emotions of loved ones who are no longer with us who once shared Christmas with us, let us lift our glass of Rum Popo and say “Cheers”, to them for all the good times we had with them on earth.

In Florida and other parts of the USA, the Belizean diaspora will bring the Belizean way of celebrating to their homes and each table will have a spread of Belizean delicacies. Far or near, Belizeans take Belize with them because we can all agree that there is no Christmas like a Belizean Christmas! And when the temperatures start dipping, we send you warm hugs from sunny Belize!

Whether you are reading this message in Belize or in another part of the world, we hope that this season brings peace, love, hope and joy to you and your family. ♪♫ “We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” ♪♫.

Ms. Gilda Swasey is December’s Star of the Month! We encourage you to read her biography to find out how she played a key role in working alongside other Belizeans in coordinating donations for the Hurricane Lisa relief efforts and how she has devoted her life to helping Belize and its people.

On the international stage, the Prime Minister traveled to the 6th CARICOM - Cuba Summit in Barbados and to the Dominican Republic for the 56th Heads of Government of SICA Session, where he was named President Pro-Tempore. There he met with leaders of the region to discuss the importance of building closer ties between CARICOM and SICA, as well as other topics like climate change, food security, and the migrant crises. Through this session, Belize was able to gain recognition as a nation that is actively trying to improve the future of its people. And of course, please remember to read all about the “GOB Movers and Shakers” who, every day play a key role in the development of Belize.

In this edition, please read the monthly message from H.E. Lynn R. Young, Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America & Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States. 

We also have the honor of including Prime Minister, the Honorable John Briceño’s Christmas message to the nation as well as Mrs. Rossana Briceño’s, Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children, warm Christmas message filled with cheer and hope.

The tastes and flavors of Christmas are alive more than ever in Belize! We chose one of the many stars of the dinner table for the special day in the Recipe of the Month, Stuffed Turkey to go along with the Christmas ham and other accompaniments such as rice and beans, potato salad cranberry sauce etc.! And to put a different twist on the classic black fruit cake, we are including its sweet twin, the white fruit cake for the ultimate Christmas pairing!

Enjoy and share with your friends.

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!

#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe

All my best,

Belize Assumes Responsibility Presidency Pro-Tempore of SICA



At this the 56th Heads of Government of SICA Session, on behalf of Belize I officially received role of Presidency Pro-Tempore from the Dominican Republic.

Our focus will be climate change, the migrant crises, food security and building closer ties between CARICOM: and SICA.

Read More

Belize and Costa Rica

During the 56th #SICA Session, I sat in a bi-lateral meeting with President of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chaves Robles.

Our two nations share a strong belief in democracy, protection of our environment and a commitment to fight poverty and narco-trafficking.

We committed to find ways to continue our collaboration and ways to work closer together.

Read More

Christmas Season

It was a wonderful evening with our children and people of Orange Walk Central in San Estevan. I enjoyed sharing the seasonal good cheer, chatting with our children and seeing them smile as they collected their gifts. This is the time of the year when we make that extra effort to ensure our children feel the love of this season and families share in happy moments.

Read More

Partnership with the Union of Teachers for Education in Belize

Our Party and Administration has a healthy respect for the role Unions play in development. As a progressive political party, we believe that unions make us strong. The Belize National Teachers Union hosted the 9th Biennial Education Conference. We were honored to represent the functional partnership we enjoy with that Union of Teachers for education in Belize.

Read More

An Expression of Appreciation for Our Servicemen.



The biblical teachings of our Savior is about service to and love for others.

We have established an annual tradition of service and an expression of appreciation for our servicemen. Every year, it is a meaningful event. This year, our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Eamon Courtenay and our Minister of State for Defense Hon. Oscar Mira and Minister of Defense Hon. Florencio Marin joined in the festivities. Our heartfelt gratitude to our men and women of service. Learn More

Prime Minister's Christmas Message

Universal Health Coverage Day

SCLAN is proud to have H.E. Rossana Briceno, Spouse of the Prime Minister, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and Chair of SCLAN be a part of this year’s global campaign. H.E. Mrs. Briceno believes in investing and advocating to strengthen and scale up the implementation of Universal Health Coverage to fulfil the human right to health. Read More

Special Envoy Reflects on International Human Rights Day

“Тhіѕ уеаr, wе fосuѕ оn humаn rіghtѕ undеr thе thеmе “Dіgnіtу, Frееdоm, аnd Јuѕtісе fоr Аll”,” Вrісеñо ѕаіd. Тhе Unіtеd Nаtіоnѕ nоtе thаt іn thе dесаdеѕ ѕіnсе thе аdорtіоn оf thе Unіvеrѕаl Dесlаrаtіоn оf Нumаn Rіghtѕ іn 1948, humаn rіghtѕ hаvе bесоmе mоrе rесоgnіѕеd аnd mоrе guаrаntееd аrоund thе wоrld.

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Women Lead in Every Sphere in our Communities and Nation



On December 9th, I joined a group of entrepreneurial women NIME, who have joined forces in Belize and Guatemala to build up, support and learn from each other as they grow their business ventures and encourage other women in business. Read More

Inclusive Education

With the support of UNICEF, we supported the Stella Maris School, an education institution that is dedicated to including persons with disabilities. We were proud to present Principal Ms. Francelia Cantun, with equipment including sewing machines, an industrial stove and a freezer that will strengthen the program as it serves the developmental needs of its students.

Read More

New US Ambassador to Belize Arrives



Former world champion figure skater and the new US Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Michelle Kwan, has indicated her enthusiasm for her new role, after officially delivering her letters of credence to Governor General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam On Monday December 5th. 

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Belize Holds Second Binational Commission with El Salvador

Delegations from the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of El Salvador met in Belmopan to engage in the 2nd Binational Commission meeting between the two countries.

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The Belize Country Implementation Plan 2022-2023

CEO Amalia Mai and UN Resident Coordinator, Birgit Gerstenberg, signed the Belize Country Implementation Plan 2022-2023 which outlines core activities towards the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda. Learn More

Holiday greetings fellow Belizeans,

It has been quite an eventful year, and as we get ready to celebrate a well-deserved Christmas holiday, I take this opportunity to thank you all for your constant support. Our diaspora turned out in significant numbers at the various townhalls held throughout the United States this year. You emphatically welcomed our Ministers of Government, with an especially warm welcome for our Prime Minister in New York and Washington D.C. around the time of our Independence. The conversations were deep and insightful as you made valuable suggestions. Our leaders listened and took note, pledging to continue to engage you in our efforts to make the Jewel shine.

Our diaspora did not hesitate to help in the wake of Hurricane Lisa, just as you did in the heights of the pandemic when the country’s economy was so hard hit. Your efforts have contributed significantly to Belize’s remarkable rebound this year. Undoubtedly, there is much more to be done, but with your continued support we are confident that Belize will continue to grow and prosper.

Christmas and the advent of the New Year is truly a time for reflection. And for us living abroad, it is also a nostalgic time. A time when we recall how much happiness and togetherness Christmas brings in Belize.

In one of his Christmas songs “Christmas Come” my father (Sir Colville Young) wrote:

“The tree in the park done light up; The City already bright up;

You know it is soon Christmas Day when you go shopping on Albert Street”

In “Christmas Season Mood” sung by Brad Pattico, Sir Colville wrote:

“We do not have snow and holly here; But we can all still be jolly here;

Under the palm, our hearts can be warm in the Christmas Season Mood.”



These verses truly describe the joy of a true-true Belizean Christmas. Whether you are spending it with snow in the north, or under a palm in south, our staff here at the Embassy of Belize in D.C. wish you all a jolly holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

H.E. Lynn Raymond Young

Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America

From bread pudding to tamales, and from coconut tarts to tamarind balls we are sure you'll find the perfect Belizean treat for this holiday season. Make sure to click the button below to check out 36 of the tastiest Belizean foods.

Explore Pantone’s Color of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta

Step into the MAGENTAVERSE and feel the power of Viva Magenta as you explore multiple immersive rooms with textures and interactions that showcase the hue in all of its forms. Created to show what the color can do, the exhibit will also feature content and explorations of space and technology from Pantone partners NASA and Motorola.

Fort Lauderdale’s Bright Winterfest Boat Parade 

This classic of the holidays in South Florida is back on Dec. 10 for its 51st year, with beautifully-decorated boats of all sizes in store. With over a million viewers along the 12-mile route, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution and a classic of the holiday season in South Florida.

Have breakfast at Tiffany’s, Literally

Tiffany & Co. is taking over Miami Design District’s OTL with a beautifully blue pop-up and café for the holidays! Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch (even brunch), you can order coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, wraps and many more delights. You might want to make plans to visit it soon however, because it’ll only be here until January 31st.

Make Sure to Stop by a Festive Holiday Pop-Up Bar

From enchanting Miracle pop-up bars to a holiday village on the riverfront, here some of our favorite holiday pop-up bars in the city and beyond:

• Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, multiple locations
• Gramps, Wynwood
• RUMBAR, Key Biscayne
• The Falcon, Delray Beach

Join the Belize Business Directory!

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, Missions and Consulates

Contact Information

The Consulate of Belize in Florida has compiled a wait-list of applicants who are in need of passport renewals. We are expecting to receive the new E-Passport system by February of 2023. The first appointments will be made for callers on the waitlist, if you would like to be included in the list please call our office at (305) 755-0276 or send us an email to [email protected].

Find Your Bliss In Belize

Travelers looking for authentic experiences will fall in love with the warm and welcoming vibes of Belize. On top of that, the country’s affordability means that you can discover all the wonders of the Central American nation without breaking the bank. Creative explorer Romie Williams recently went to Belize and from the looks of her photos, the trip was nothing short of pure bliss.

Read More

Representatives from the City of Houston, TX in Belize on a Trade Mission

Businesspeople from the city of Houston, Texas are in Belize on a trade mission. The event, organized and led by the Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, has been taking place since 2005. It’s an opportunity for these businesspeople to meet, greet and connect with local officials and business counterparts to develop opportunities in both countries.

Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize Attends Cayo North’s Christmas Arts and Crafts Fest

Оn Ѕаturdау, Dесеmbеr 10, 2022, Таіwаn’ѕ Аmbаѕѕаdоr tо Веlіzе, Dаvіd Кuаn-Сhоu Сhіеn аttеndеd thе ореnіng nіght оf “Сауо Nоrth’ѕ Сhrіѕtmаѕ Аrtѕ & Сrаftѕ Fеѕtіvаl” іn Ѕаn Іgnасіо. Аmbаѕѕаdоr Сhіеn еnјоуеd thе Сhrіѕtmаѕ mаrkеt соmрrіѕеd оf 50 fеmаlе еntrерrеnеurѕ, оrgаnіzеd bу Сауо Nоrth Unіtеd Wоmеn’ѕ Grоuр.

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Ms. Gilda Swasey

Ms. Gilda Swasey was born in May Pen village. The middle child of nine kids, Ms. Swasey has always been passionate about her beloved Belize and giving back to her community. She became interested in education and recognized the need for a school in her town, village of Biscayne, which lacked one at the time. This motivated her to get involved, and at the tender age of 16 she started a school with the help of her father and brother - Geoffrey and Norman, who built it. She stocked the small school with books and chalk boards and began teaching classes to 37 children from the village.

Impressed by her passion and commitment to bettering her community, and fascinated by her potential, the Seventh-Day Adventist church decided to send her to the teacher’s college to further develop her skills while they took over the management of the school. After finishing her studies, Ms. Swasey began teaching classes in the district of Corozal where she lived for one year. Then in 1969 she moved to Belmopan, where she taught for five years before moving to the United States. Ms. Swasey became one of Belmopan’s first teachers and was regarded as a pioneer in her field.

Gilda decided to move to New York City in 1976 in search of new opportunities and adventure. She arrived during the warmer months of the year, but as a true sun loving Caribbean girl, the winter did not suit her. So, she moved to sunny California not long after. Unfortunately, Ms. Swasey’s teaching diploma was not recognized in the U.S., so she changed her career path and studied radio and television broadcasting at Columbia Broadcasting School in California, an education that would soon be used to help her community.

Once Gilda arrived in California, she joined the Belize News Agency as a board member. In the 1970s, it was difficult for Belizeans living in the United States to get news from home. Thus, The California Belize News Agency was founded to serve as an information hotline for Belizeans living in the United States. Gilda’s voice recording would provide news and information to callers who contacted the hotline - a valuable resource for Belizeans who were living away from home and wanted to stay up to date on news and events happening back home.

Gilda was determined to use her knowledge and experience to benefit her home country of Belize. So, in 1982 she moved back home, and began working on a variety of new projects. She started working with Rene Villanueva on a couple of shows. These included the Belize Radio 1 and That Nashville Sound – a country and western show in Belize. Additionally, she also starred in her own tv show called Fun World with Gilda, a learning show for children.

Upon spending some time in Belize, Gilda decided to move back to California where she achieved some exciting accomplishments. The first one was a major contribution to the book, 50 and Going Strong, authored by Nina Heart; Followed by her appearance to the show Caribbean Connection, which aimed to highlight the region's diverse culture and experiences. There, Ms. Swasey was in charge of presenting the news and conducting interviews in Marina del Rey and South Central. Her experiences in Belize as well as her passion for her culture shone through in her work, and she was able to bring the stories she shared to life. The show was such a hit that it was awarded Best Variety Show.

After years of experience with broadcasting and media communications, Ms. Swasey shifted her focus to the insurance industry. She started in a company with over 800 employees and quickly worked her way to the top. Unfortunately, after a major outbreak of violence, looting, and arson, known as the Rodney King Riots of 1992, Ms. Swasey decided to move with her family to Florida. Despite the setback, Ms. Swasey went on to achieve success again, becoming a recruiting trainer at AIG, one of the world's largest insurance companies.

In 2017, after retiring from AIG, she opened her own insurance agency along with her business partner Earl Cunningham. Together they have grown the agency and currently she has 50 agents working under her contract. The agency specializes in life, health, and annuities.

Ms. Swasey has been heavily involved with the Belizean community in Florida, serving as the Vice President and Board Member of the Belize Association of Florida. She has also been part of the Board of Directors for Miami Carnival for the past fifteen years and is always making sure Belizean artists get their chance to shine.

She is driven by her passion for giving back to the Belizean community and actively participates in the community, proactively supporting causes such as the Mango Creek Hurricane, where she and Ms. Mabel Savory were able to send a 17-foot container with donations within a week of the hurricane’s landfall. And most recently with Hurricane Lisa, where she selflessly dedicated her time to pack boxes of donations and gather volunteers to help with the cause.

Ms. Swasey is also part of the “Tati Group”, a foundation that provides scholarships to kids in need throughout the Caribbean countries, and established the “Dresses for Belize” campaign, which gave away prom dresses to graduating girls who did not have the means to purchase them. On a trip to Belize, she personally handed out 70 dresses and 82 pairs of shoes. Just recently, she presented Ambassador Murphy with a check for scholarships given out by her foundation.



Ms. Swasey was married to Mr. Omar Hill ✝, with whom she has one daughter and two grandchildren. She is a Florida resident who describes herself as eclectic, very involved, and committed to helping her beloved Belizean community. She loves music and singing and will always strive to do whatever she can to support her culture. She is an inspirational leader and role model to many, and it is not surprising that she has achieved so much in the Belizean community. Ms. Swasey is truly a shining example of what it means to be devoted to one's people and culture.

We are proud to call you

our Stars of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

• Belize Tourism Board Donates Specialized Gel-Batteries to Belize Defence Force Read More

• Hon. Julius Espat Area Representative and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Cordel Hyde Present Land Certificates to the People of Cayo South Area Read More

• Ministry of Education Distribute Stationery and Sanitary Supplies to Schools Affected by Hurricane Lisa Read More

• Ministry of Health and Wellness and Nurses Association of Belize Receive Donation of Medical Supplies Read More

• Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Hands Over Nine Houses in Cayo, Belize Districts Read More

• The Ministry of Agriculture Held a Graduation Ceremony for Recipients of the Honey Production Redevelopment Support Project. With an Initial Budget of $281,959.00 USD it has Provided One of the Greatest Boosts to the Beekeeping Industry in Belize. Read More

• Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai Assumes Pro Tempore Presidency of SICA’s Central American Agricultural Council Read More

• The Japanese Government and the Belize City Council Continue Longstanding Partnership Read More

• Donation of Buildings and Vehicles Broadens U.S. Security Assistance to Belize Read More

• Belize’s Ambassador to Taiwan Participates in National Yunlin University of Science and Technology’s Forum Read More

• Apples for Kids Fundraiser Was a Success Read More

• Cayo North’s Magical Christmas Commences with a BANG! Read More

• Belize Karate Federation Holds Junior National Championships Read More

• Ministry of Education Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Football Federation of Belize and Belize Basketball Federation to Support Student-Athletes Read More

• Belize Tourism Board Takes Christmas Cheer to residents of Sister Cecelia Home for the Elderly Read More

• Belize Receives 3rd Award for Blue Bond Deal Read More



• COP27 Leaders Aim To Slow Global Deforestation Via Sovereign Carbon Credits Read More

• Global Climate Fund (GCF) Continues to Support Belize, Approves 2 million Dollars Readiness Grant Read More

• Caye Caulker Unveils Fully Recyclable Christmas Tree Read More

• Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation hosts Climate Data and Information Gap Assessment and Action Plan Validation Consultation Read More

• First Belize Fund Grants for Marine Protected Areas Management Handed Out Read More

• From Gwen’s Kitchen to the Bar, A Belizean Success Story Read More

• Ministry of Investment’s Vanilla Cultivation Pilot Project Closes Read More

• Belize Exports Approximately 5,000 Head of Cattle, Valued at BZ$6.25 million, to Mexico in 2022 Read More

• Belize Chamber Wants Minimum Wage to be Introduced Systematically Read More

• Belize Defence Force to Benefit from Medical Center, Battalion Headquarters Under the Belize Integral Security Program Read More

• Atrium Health Extends a Cardiac Lifeline to Residents of Belize Read More

• Fredonia Students Set to Return to Belize For Teaching Experience Read More

• MoECST Receives Donation of Laptops and Chromebooks from Build Belize Inc. Read More

• Interact Club of Sacred Heart College raises $1,100 for Restoration of The Belize Zoo Read More

• The 8 Best Destinations for Your Next Winter Getaway Read More

• 7 of the Best Beaches in Belize Read More



• How to Become a Belize Specialist Read More



• Find Your Way Around Belize with These Top Transportation Tips Read More

Christmas Turkey with Stuffing

Ingredients:

(12 pound) Chicken or turkey

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, sliced

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 cloves large garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

1 teaspoon seasoned all

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 lime

Stuffing:

2-3 lbs ground bread

1 stick melted margarine

2 stalks celery (chopped finely)

1 ½ onion (chopped)

1 sm sweet pepper

¾ tsp salt

1 tsp thyme (dried)

½ cup chicken stock

½ stp black pepper

Bake for 4 hours, or about 20 minutes per pound. Meat thermometer should read 180°F. when inserted into the thickest portion of the breast away from the bone. Remove foil during last 30 minutes of cooking; baste with pan juices for more flavor.

In true Belizean fashion serve with rice and beans, potato salad and your favorite pepper sauce.

Belizean White Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb butter
• 1 1/4 lb. white sugar
• 9 eggs
• 1 1/2 lb. flour
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 3 tsp. Baking powder
• 2 tsp. Vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. rum
• 2 tsp.lemon essence (or mixed essence)
• 1 lb. each: raisins, pecans, citron, the cherries, and mixed peel. 1 egg and flour for fruit

Preparation & Method

• Cream butter with sugar; add eggs one at a time.

• Add flour and baking powder alternatively with evaporated milk, rum and essence.

• Mix fruit in a separate dish with egg and flour then add to the batter.

• Line pans with wax paper and fill 3/4 full.

• Bake in very slow oven at 275 degrees F for about 3 hours.

• Effective July 14th, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test is no longer required upon arrival and for entry into Belize at all official border points (land and sea)



• Effective July 12, 2022, all foreign tourists entering Belize will have the option to purchase the Belize travel insurance. It is no longer mandatory but is highly recommended by the Belize Tourism Board.

For more information Click Here

November 2022, VOL. 82 Read More

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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.