January 2023 Vol 97

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the January Newsletter!

And just like that we are one day away from what is known as the “month of love”. It seems like just yesterday we were speaking of Christmas carols and mistletoes and about the hopes and dreams of the new year. We hope that so far, the new year is holding that promise for you and yours. I read the other day that there is even etiquette for when it’s appropriate to wish someone “Happy New Year”. The greeting cutoff appears to be January 12th.

Did you make any resolutions? I can’t say that I have any specific ones in mind for myself, except to try seizing the moments life offers with gusto. As my father used to say, “tempus fugit, memento mori.” (Life is short, live your life well).

The little Jewel has started the year with a bang, filling January with loads of exciting accomplishments! For starters, Belize has assumed Pro Tempore presidency of CECC (Coordinacion Educativa y Cultural Centroamericana)/SICA, and of the Central American Commission of the Environment and Development.

This opportunity will provide Belize the chance to address important regional issues and work along with other countries for the development of projects. In addition to serving as an endorsement of Belize’s leadership and capabilities in front of international stakeholders.

Similarly, it fills us with pride to share that CNN news named Belize one of the top destinations of 2023! Our pristine beaches, culture, and excursions continue to attract the likes of many. And why not? Belize is Beautiful!

And so are its women. We congratulate Miss Belize, Miss Аѕhlеу Lіghtburn who made Belize proud representing us all in the Miss Universe pageant. We wish her the very best in all her future endeavors!

As we approach the 30th anniversary of Love FM, on February 14th, we decided to pay tribute to the giant of a man behind this radio station. This gentleman is a Belizean icon and patriot who is loved, respected, and adored by all. Dr. Rene Villanueva, journalist, broadcaster, businessman, husband, father, and beloved figure of Belize. Please read more about his detailed biography in this newsletter and the trajectory he has taken.



Rene’s calming and assuring voice for the past thirty years, made its way into our homes bringing news to thousands of Belizeans. It didn’t seem to matter how dire the news was because it was a strong, steady delivery that put us at ease. It was as if Rene was crying and laughing with us in our dining rooms, assuring us that all would be well.

Rene started off at Radio Belize in 1968 as a rookie and made his way up the ladder. He was among other broadcasting giants like the late Mr. Edison Seferino Coleman whose sense of humor was unmatched and who everyday gave us all a good belly full laugh. Do you recall the shark and panades story? I also fondly remember that his go to Christmas song was “Mamacita, donde esta Santa Clause?”

Rene reported on many elections, interviewed all of Belize’s Prime Ministers and other international government leaders, he covered hurricanes, strikes, beauty pageants, when the UK harriers flew into Belize in 1977 like doves after mounting confrontation by Guatemala, Rene was there, and in 1994, Rene reported when the UK garrison packed up and left. He is also known as “the voice of Belize’s independence’ as he captured the historic moments during Belize’s Independence.

Rene continues in his quest to seek the truth in reporting his stories and in the people he interviews. After many years of establishing trust, he has a natural knack for getting people to bare their souls during an interview.

After eleven years of serving at Radio Belize he went on to create his own media empire that today continues growing, having a huge positive impact on generations of Belizeans, spanning five decades.

He coined the words that will forever ring through, “Thanks for choosing Love.”

The show “Belize Watch” hosted by Rene is a niche medium for the Belizean Diaspora to stay connected in real time with their homeland. We were honored when Rene travelled to Florida last fall to interview 14 Belizeans residing in South Florida, offering a glimpse in the lives of those who left Belize to make Florida their home. What we discovered was that we all have Belize in our hearts.

On behalf of the Consulate of Belize in Florida, we thank Rene and Rene Jr., his son, and their crew for this initiative and to MBE Ray Gongora for his generosity in providing his home for the interviews with Rene.

Speaking of the Diaspora, please join the next tour the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations will make to Atlanta and Tampa. Please check out the flyers in this edition for more information.

On the financial aspect, unemployment rates went down by 5% in 2022, and although we were faced with challenges, the Caribbean Development Bank shared that Belize has continued to outperform regional fellows. This is great news for Belize, as it should help to spur economic growth and development in the coming year.

Indeed, the country has made continuous strides in terms of economic progress and overall wellbeing. As a result of this progress, San Pedro town recently announced that they will be getting their own brand-new hospital. The new facility is expected to provide more jobs and improved healthcare services to the local community, further increasing the quality of life in the region. This is a wonderful development and will surely be welcomed by those in the surrounding areas.

In this edition of the Prime Minister’s Desk, we shared his visit to New York City where he was invited to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and attended the Latin American Capital Markets Summit. There, he received the award for Sovereign Restructuring of the Year, pertaining to the country’s responsibility to economic and debt management. We also included exciting news that is happening throughout Belize thanks to the Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy, such as the opening of a new hospital in San Pedro town and other business development with industries that are critical to the economy.

Following the Prime Minister’s active agenda, the Movers and Shakers section also displays the major strides the different Ministries of Government are accomplishing. We invite you to read all about it to find out about the different projects that are happening now.



We are happy to announce that the new ePICS system is now up and running and the Consulate has officially resumed the processing of passport applications.

We invite you to call us to schedule an appointment. Currently, we are reaching out to applicants who were placed on the passport application waitlist during the previous months to schedule appointments for this month. Please feel free to call us at 305-503-5741 or 305-755-0276 so our team can assist you in getting your passport application processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We hope you enjoy this edition and share with your friends.

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!

#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe

All my best,

Sovereign Restructuring of the Year Award

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño received the Sovereign Restructuring of the Year award with great pride, and on behalf of our nation and people of Belize. "Our country's image and international recognition soared when we achieved our Inaugural Blue Bond for Ocean Conservation. It sets an example for integrating fiscal management with conservation and demonstrated this small country's responsibility to economic and debt management." Read More

Prime Minister Visits New York Stock Exchange

"It was a privilege for me to have been invited to ring the bell kicking off today's stock trading day. After that event, I attended the Latin America Capital Markets Summit that discussed the region's capital markets, foreign direct investment inflows into our region and our economies during these current global challenges." Read More

New Hospital for San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye

My Administration is pleased to be answering a long identified and advocated need. The hospital for San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye is one step closer to reality as today we signed the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Belize and Republic of China (Taiwan) for the $33M dollar grant for the facility.

Read More

Belize and South Korea

A courtesy visit to strengthen relations and identify areas for mutual interests and cooperation.

On January 9th, Prime Minister Briceño sat with a delegation from Republic of Korea (South Korea) led by Mr. Jang Sung Min - Senior Secretary for Future Strategy in the Office of the President of Korea.

Read More

Getting the People's Business Done.

"My colleagues and I met for Cabinet to discuss government business and governance issues. One of the presentations to us was from one of the cane farmers' associations - the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. The sector continues to be critical to the economy of the north and the nation."

Read More

Prime Minister and LEAP Global Missions Discuss Plans for New Pediatric Ward

Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr Јоhn Вrісеñо mеt wіth rерrеѕеntаtіvеѕ frоm LЕАР Glоbаl Міѕѕіоnѕ. LЕАР Glоbаl Міѕѕіоnѕ іѕ а grоuр оf рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ thаt аrе dеdісаtеd tо еnhаnсіng аnd еnrісhіng thе lіvеѕ оf реорlе аrоund thе wоrld bу рrоvіdіng frее ѕресіаlіzеd mеdісаl аnd ѕurgісаl ѕеrvісеѕ іnѕріrеd bу thе lоvе оf Сhrіѕt. Read More

Kicking Off Back-to-School on the Right Foot.

Today, I spent assembly with the students of Bishop Martin High School with a motivational address on new beginning, mental health, seeking help and healthy decision making. Let's normalize having open discussions on seeking help and making healthy choices to manage mental health and well being.

Read More

Belize and Mexico Meet at Summit of CELAC Heads of State and Government in Argentina

Тhе Ѕеvеnth Ѕummіt оf Неаdѕ оf Ѕtаtе аnd Gоvеrnmеnt оf thе Соmmunіtу оf Lаtіn Аmеrісаn аnd Саrіbbеаn Ѕtаtеѕ (СЕLАС) іѕ undеrwау іn Аrgеntіnа. Веlіzе іѕ thеrе, rерrеѕеntеd bу Міnіѕtеr оf Fоrеіgn Аffаіrѕ Еаmоn Соurtеnау, whо tоdау twееtеd а рісturе wіth Мехісаn соuntеrраrt Маrсеlо Еbrаrd. Read More

Belize and Japan Hold First Bilateral Consultation 

Веlіzе аnd Јараn hеld thеіr fіrѕt bіlаtеrаl соnѕultаtіоn оn Wеdnеѕdау tо rеvіеw thе ѕtаtе оf thе bіlаtеrаl rеlаtіоnѕ, іnсludіng rеgіоnаl аnd glоbаl dеvеlорmеntѕ thаt іnfluеnсе thе rеlаtіоnѕhір, ѕаіd а Міnіѕtrу оf Fоrеіgn Аffаіrѕ оf Веlіzе ѕtаtеmеnt сіrсulаtеd bу thе Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе Рrеѕѕ Оffісе.

Read More

Belize’s Foreign Ministry Receives Hurricane Relief from Lithuania and Panama

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration continues to engage with its bilateral and multilateral partners in securing Hurricane Lisa relief. yesterday, Belize received a check for the equivalent of 20,000 Euros from the people and Government of Lithuania. Read More

I hope your holiday seasons was happy, healthy, and prosperous across the diaspora as we approach the beginning of 2023 with joy and great expectations.

We are pleased to announce that passport services have resumed in the United States. After an extended hiatus, you will now be able to renew and replace expired and/or lost passports here at the Embassy, or at our consulates in Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The new EPics passport system should help us to process requests more efficiently and provide you with a more secure and universally legible document to ease the challenges of travelling abroad. A special thank you to the technicians from Belize who came to help us set up the machinery, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, & Immigration for helping us standardize this process.

As we learn this new system, we can already see that it will be a much smoother and easier experience. As of now, the projected turnaround is still 2-3 months for renewal once your application has been processed. However, we hope to reduce that time frame in the near future. Please reach out to the office of your nearest consulate to inquire about updated information regarding the fees, requirements, and passport application.

Our consular staff have been working overtime to get the new system working and now they are hard at work trying to clear the backlog of applicants, some of whom have been waiting since September of last year. We are thankful for your patience and kindness as we get the hang of this new system, and work through the backlog of applications.

Now that the pandemic has waned, it seems that Belizeans everywhere have been bitten by the travel bug, and the demand for passport services has exploded! A quick reminder that the consulate in New York City is still not open and so applicants from that area will have to continue to apply through the embassy here in Washington D.C.



All in all, 2023 is off to a good start. Next month, we will be resuming the Diaspora outreach with townhalls in Atlanta and Tampa. I’m looking forward to those engagements. Meanwhile, please continue to be safe and have a most blessed and prosperous 2023.

Sincerely,

H.E. Lynn Raymond Young

Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America

Caribbean Consular Corp

Honorary Consul, Ms. Janine Sylvestre is pictured here along with other members of the Caribbean Consular Corp of Miami during the first consular corp meeting since 2020.

Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami, Florida.

Join the Belize Business Directory!

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 Consulates

Contact Information

Belize Hotel Association Guide 2023

The Belize Hotel Association has compiled a magazine filled with exciting and practical information including events, festivals, hotels, and helpful tips to know before planning a trip to Belize. Take a look by clicking the button below!

Belize Named Top Destination of 2023 by CNN

Belize has been listed by CNN Travel as one of the best destinations to visit in 2023. The article, which highlights 22 other top-tier destinations ranging from Poland to Fiji, was published on January 2, and it makes note of the “low-hassle” enjoyment that visitors to Belize tend to experience even during the peak tourism period from November to April.

Read More

Belize's Cacao Industry To Expand Exports And Improve Livelihoods Through Standby Facility Project

According to the latest Global Chocolate Market Report the industry was valued at US$137.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to increase to US$182.09 billion by 2025. In Belize, these beans account for almost 98 percent of cocoa-chocolate exports to markets in the United States, Japan and the European Union. Smallholder farmers are the largest group in local cacao cultivation and about 15,000 persons are dependent on the industry.

Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Miss Universe Belize Shined with National Costume at Miss Universe Preliminaries

Міѕѕ Unіvеrѕе Веlіzе, Аѕhlеу Lіghtburn ѕhіnеd wіth hеr nаtіоnаl соѕtumе аt thе 71ѕt Міѕѕ Unіvеrѕе рrеlіmіnаrіеѕ іn Nеw Оrlеаnѕ.

Тhе nаtіоnаl соѕtumе waѕ іnѕріrеd bу thе fіrѕt аnd оnlу Јаguаr Рrеѕеrvе іn thе wоrld; whісh іѕ nеѕtlеd іn thе luѕсіоuѕ rаіnfоrеѕt оf thе Сосkѕсоmb Ваѕіn іn Веlіzе. The costume depicts the jaguar in its natural habitat.

Read More

Tribute to Dr. Rene Villanueva

Rene Reynold Villanueva is the Chief Executive Officer of RSV Ltd. He was born on April 1, 1950, in Belize City to parents, Arthur and Helen Villanueva. Rene Villanueva married Susan Vansen in 1970. They are the proud parents of four children – Rene Jr., Renira, Lisa and Janelle. The family has expanded to include eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

For over three decades, Dr. Rene Villanueva has been an influential figure in Belizean broadcasting. His efforts in the communications industry have improved the reach of broadcast media in Belize, allowing more people to access quality content. Through his work, he has become a beloved figure in Belizean homes, and his voice is often heard as a beacon of hope and progress. His inspiring example and significant contributions to the industry have been essential in helping to shape the sound of Belize’s broadcasting industry. This is his story.

Villanueva began his broadcasting career in Honduras at La Voz del Atlantico just before his sixteenth birthday. There he held positions as Assistant in presentation for “Panorama” show, Host of the channel’s gospel show, and as a technical operator.  Shortly after, he would continue to follow his broadcasting dream in Belize when he was employed as a temporary Spanish Continuity Announcer at Radio Belize. There, he spent the following 26 years of his life in various roles where he developed new skills and strengthened his natural talents.

In mid-1980 to 1983 he worked in the private sector as Marketing Manager at one of Belize’s larger firms at the time, the Vogue Limited. He also started two private businesses, Music World Music Shop and Super B’s Burgers. During that time, he maintained a working relationship with Radio Belize, presenting a weekly radio show.

In 1981 as a member of the Committee for the Independence of Belize, he was placed in charge of radio publicity. He emceed most of the activities leading to Belize’s Independence and was often referred to as “The Voice of Belize’s Independence”. Villanueva was the emcee of choice for the official Independence Day ceremony for over 34 years. He also has the distinction of emceeing at almost all State functions.

After leaving the Broadcasting Corporation of Belize, Villanueva opened his own radio station, Love FM. The new station started testing on December 21, 1992 and was officially inaugurated on February 14, 1993. Love FM became the first privately owned radio station to achieve nationwide coverage in 1996.

In 2007, Villanueva published the only documented account of radio broadcasting in Belize and his autobiography entitled “Thanks for choosing Love”. The publication chronicles his career as a broadcaster, serving as Chief Broadcasting Officer for two successive Governments, the creation of the Broadcasting Corporation of Belize, which he left in 1992 and the creation of his private radio station, Love FM in 1993. Love FM is a part of the largest media enterprise in Belize, and has the only nationwide broadcasting signal. It is complemented by Estereo Amor, Belize’s only Spanish radio station, MORE FM, a station targeting a young audience, Love Television which seeks to highlight all things Belizean, Multi Media Systems, an advertising agency and Love Entertainment. The philanthropic arm of the organization is the Love Foundation.

Villanueva who prides himself on serving the public, has served on various boards and organizations; these include Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Galen University, the board of Directors of the Kolbe Foundation, Chairman of the Scout Foundation of Belize, Member of the Board of Directors of the Belize Red Cross, Past Chairman of the Governor-General’s Music in schools steering committee, Chairman of Belize Band Fest Committee, Chairman of the Love Foundation and Chairman of the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Committee.

Villanueva became the first Belizean to receive an Honorary Doctorate from a Belizean University when he received that honor from Galen University. As a Rotarian he served as President of The Rotary Club of Belize in 2003 – 2004. In 2015 – 2016 he held the distinguished post of District Governor of Rotary District 4250 which comprises Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. He also received the Grant of the Dignity of a Commander British Empire on 31st December 2005 and the Grant of the Dignity of Ordinary Member of the British Empire on 31st December 2010. On 18th September 2007, Villanueva received the Meritorious Service Award presented by the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir. Colville N. Young on behalf of the Government and People of Belize in recognition for his outstanding contributions to the broadcast media of Belize.

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Belizeanism of the Month

Wen quarrel day come you hear how 'tory go.

Literally: When quarrel day comes, you hear how the story goes.



Meaning: The truth is uncovered at last.

• Minister Christopher Coye at Voice of South Summit: Belize Among Fastest Growing Economies in Region Read More

• Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Education (MoECST) Assumes Pro Tempore Presidency of Central American Commission for Education and Culture of SICA Read More

• Ministry of Health and Wellness to Upgrade Fleet of Ambulances Read More

• Ministry of Economic Development: 28 Business Process Outsourcing Creates 8,000 Jobs Countrywide Read More

• Ministry of Agriculture Focuses on Expanding Local Production Read More

• The Ministry of Education Launches its Third Round of Curriculum Reform Consultations Read More

• Thе Міnіѕtrу оf Тоurіѕm аnd Dіаѕроrа Rеlаtіоnѕ Hаndеd оvеr 4 Utіlіtу Тrаnѕроrt Vеhісlеѕ tо thе Тоurіѕm Роlісе Unіt. Read More



• The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Launched the Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS) Read More

• Caribbean Development Bank Backs Continued Economic Growth for Region Despite Challenges; Belize “Outperforming” Regional Fellows Read More

• Belize Receives Donation of Hurricane Relief Funds and Vehicles from South Korea Read More

• Taiwan and Belize enjoy 34 Years of Bilateral Relations with a New Medical Project Read More

• Belize in Spain for the International Tourism Trade Fair "FITUR" Read More

• Miami Blazers Announce 11-Man Team, Including Belizean Cyclist Oscar Quiroz Read More

• Special Envoy’s Wonder Woman is Youth Advocate and Entrepreneur Saidy Godette Read More

• Fredonia Students Set to Return to Belize Read More

• Sports Illustrated Cover Shoot in Belize Read More



• Wesley Upper School Opens Newly Renovated Reading Room Read More

• Meet the Woman Ensuring the Coral Reefs of Belize Don't Just Survive, But Thrive Read More

• EJN Reps in Belize to Speak with Journalists Read More

• Belize Assumes Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Central American Commission of the Environment and Development Read More

• Belize’s Soybean Industry Making Strides, Record Harvest Expected Read More

• Minister Orlando Habet: “Protection of the Environment will be Our Primary Focus” Read More

• How Belize Became a Wall Street Lab in ESG 'Debt-for-Nature’ Read More
• “Unemployment down to 5 percent in 2022,” says Statistical Institute of Belize Read More

• CDB Approves US$5 Million Project for Belize’s Small Farmers Read More

• Cabinet Hears from BSCFA on Commercial Agreement Negotiations Read More

• Software Testing Company Introduces Employment Opportunities for Belizeans Read More



• How Can I Get Items Shipped to Belize from the USA? Read More

• Belize Named One of the 10 Best Countries in the Americas for British Expats Read More

• Forbes included Belize in Trending Luxury Communities Bordered by Protected Nature Areas Read More

• Tourism Industry Optimistic About Rebound to 2019 Levels Read More

• Belize Included in the Best Places in the World to Retire Now Read More

• Belize Coders Academy Launch App Development Course Read More

• The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is Offering a Total of 13 Postgraduate Scholarships for Citizens from Eligible Caribbean Countries. Read More

• The Organization of American States (OAS) is Offering Scholarships for 2023 Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Read More



• Mexico Scholarship for Medical Specialties AMEXCID 2023 Read More

• Grab Life and Take the Vacation of a Lifetime in Belize Read More

• The 5 Best Road Trips in Belize Read More

• Dominican Republic Airline Adds Belize to its List of Destinations Read More

• Escape to Turneffe Island Resort On A Glittering Private Island Off The Coast Of Belize Read More

Chicken Escabeche

• 1 Whole Chicken
• 6-8 whole spice seeds
• 6 Belizean oregano leaves or 2 tsp crushed oregano
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp whole pepper corn
• 1 piece of cinnamon
• 1 tbsp consomme de pollo Maggi or Knorr (dried powdered chicken stock)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 plugs garlic
• 2-4 lbs. onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar, a little more or less depending on your taste
• 1 small can of pickled jalapenos or 2-4 whole fresh jalapeno

Belizean Fudge

Ingredients:

• 14 ounce can – sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups – white sugar
• 1 tablespoon – butter
• 1 teaspoon – vanilla
• Raisins, peanuts, or fresh coconut (delicious optional additions!)

Preparation & Method

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Bring the condensed milk and sugar (and coconut, if using) to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir for 7 minutes. 
3. Condensed milk will start to turn caramel in color and will begin pulling away from the edges of the pot, this means the fudge is starting to form. 
4. Test the fudge by scooping a little out with a spoon and dropping it into a glass of water. If it hardens immediately, it’s ready, if not, keep stirring.
5. Turn off heat and quickly add butter, vanilla, and optional additions (raisins, peanuts, fresh coconut).
6. Stir constantly to keep from hardening.
7. Pour immediately onto your prepared cookie sheet. 
8. Let it set.
9. Cut into diamonds or squares before it completely sets. And enjoy!

December 2022, VOL. 95 Read More

November 2022, VOL. 94 Read More

October 2022, VOL. 93 Read More

September 2022, VOL. 92. Read More

August 2022, VOL. 91. Read More

July 2022, VOL. 90 Read More

June 2022, VOL. 89 Read More

May 2022, VOL. 88 Read More

April 2022, VOL. 87 Read More

March 2022, VOL. 86 Read More

February 2022, VOL. 85 Read More

January 2022, VOL. 84. Read More

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.