January 2024 Vol 108

The Consulate of Belize in Florida

Monthly Newsletter


Honorary Consul's Monthly Message



Welcome to the January Newsletter!


Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” —Benjamin Franklin


Each new year brings us a unique opportunity to be better people, gain wisdom from our experiences, set new goals, and dream new dreams. Whether it’s to turn a new leaf and live a healthier lifestyle or take that trip you’ve always wanted to take, we invite you to make each day count in 2024 and live it with purpose!


This year, we pray that God looks down on all of us and the beautiful Jewel, we are privileged to call home, and safeguard and protect it.


Under the stewardship of Prime Minister John Briceño and his government, Belize continues to make important strides in building a stronger economy, creating job opportunities while educating and training Belize’s youths who are the hope for a better future for Belize. As Belizeans, we too also have a duty to contribute to the progress and development of Belize.


We invite you to read about all that the Prime Minister has accomplished in January under the section “Prime Minister of Belize”, as well as the “GOB Movers and Shakers” under which section in this newsletter you will learn what their respective Ministries have done including in important areas such as the Public Service, Education, Health, Energy and Housing.


We also take this opportunity to share with you the Curriculum Vitae of the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honorable Francis Fonseca, an attorney by profession, he also has an extensive and impressive career in Government, making significant contributions while appointed as Attorney General, Minister of Education, Economic Development, Youth, Sports, and Culture amongst others.


Please join the spouse of the Prime Minister and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, Mrs. Rossana Briceño, on February 24th at a high tea fundraiser, “Pretty in Pink” to raise funds for cancer. If you are unable to attend, please nevertheless consider donating to this worthy cause. The information is listed in the flyer included in this newsletter.


Allow us to introduce January’s captivating Star of the Month, Ms. Stephanie Sylvester who has accomplished great things in Miami Florida where she resides. Stephanie was my predecessor serving as the Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida for 9 years, dutifully representing Belize and serving the Belizean diaspora during that time.



I first met Stephanie in 1992 when I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Foreign Service Officer, and she was interning at the Ministry. I was immediately impressed with her keen intelligence and leadership skills.


Throughout her career, Stephanie, an innovator and entrepreneur, has made a success of her various businesses and projects while engaging in charitable organizations. Stephanie recently launched Avatar Buddy, LLC, an artificial intelligence company she co-founded, that harnesses generative AI to uplift marginalized communities.


We take this opportunity to congratulate Stephanie, we are proud to call her the Consulate of Belize in Florida’s Star of the Month! Belizeans do great things wherever they go!


And for one of my most favorite topics, Belizean food! Hence why we have two dedicated sections called the “Recipe of the Month” and “Street Food Series.”


As they say, “Eat your vegetables!” Does “Boil Up” qualify? It’s my idea of starting the new year with a healthier diet. While rice and beans, along with stewed chicken and all the fixings is Belize’s showstopper, Boil Up is a hidden gem that occasionally shows up as the “Special for the day” on a restaurant menu. And boy is it special! As the name implies, all the ingredients are steamed and boiled. Boil Up is a classic dish passed on from our Kriol ancestors.


Typically made with fresh King fish steaks and pigtails as the proteins (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!), the accompaniments are a variety of root vegetables and a homemade flour cake that’s also steamed. The rich tomato sauce that’s slowly cooked and infused with habanero pepper, is poured over the fish and vegetables.


I can’t say enough of another of my favorites under “Street Food Series”, typically enjoyed as a mid-morning breakfast snack by many Belizeans. The Orange Walk tacos’ origins are from the West, a culinary gift handed down from our Mayan ancestors!


While one will find vendors everywhere in the country selling this delicacy, as much as we scoured the internet in search of a recipe, we came up empty handed.


It appears that the recipes are a well-guarded secret. Indeed, I’ve heard that each taco maker claims to have the best and most special “secret” sauce. It is also said that a taco maker will do a “roll dance” (dancing while rolling the tacos).


So, based on all the videos, we came up with our own concoction for you to try. Please bear with us if it’s not perfect. It’s a work in progress. Yes, at times, we’ve got to be chief, cook and bottle washer!


Explore the diverse sections of our newsletter, each offering a unique glimpse into Belizean culture and beyond.


In the section “Belizeanism of the Month”, delve into timeless proverbs that pay homage to Belize’s cultural legacy. The "Landmark Beauty of the Month" takes you on a journey through Belize's epic historical sites which have been preserved through time, a testimony to our origins and history as well as the breathtaking natural wonders of Belize. #Belizeisbeautiful


Immerse yourself into other captivating topics such as "Belize and the World," "Nature and Sustainability," and "Belize and the Market," providing a mix of enjoyment and valuable information.


While navigating through this newsletter, consider registering as a Belizean in the U.S. under the section “Register with us”. 


Furthermore, to highlight and promote Belizean businesses in Belize and the USA, we invite you to join the Consulate’s Belize Business Directory. Send us your information, as outlined under the section “Belizeans doing Business with Belizeans,” and we will promote your business here.


Don't forget to share this newsletter with family and friends. Your involvement plays a crucial role in fostering stronger ties in the Belizean community. Join us in building a vibrant and interconnected Belizean diaspora!


Thank you for reading the newsletter! Please share with all your friends and family! And remember, it is good to be a Belizean!


#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful


Warm wishes,


Janine Sylvestre
Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida 
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida

Dear Members of the Belizean Diaspora,


As we bid farewell to another year and welcome the dawn of 2024, I, on behalf of the Embassy of Belize, extend our most heartfelt greetings and wishes to each and every one of you in the Belizean Diaspora.


This New Year symbolizes not just a change in the calendar, but the perpetual hope, resilience, and undying spirit that defines us as Belizeans. For no matter where we are in the world, we remain eager to participate in the building of our young nation.


The past year has been a mosaic of challenges and triumphs, of learning and growth. We witnessed inspiring initiatives from Belizeans abroad contributing selflessly to their communities and keeping the Belizean spirit alive. Your achievements and contributions, big or small, continue to help Belizeans at home cope with the difficulties that global events have precipitated everywhere.


As we step into 2024, we can help to mitigate these challenges not only by participating in initiatives aimed at helping our fellow Belizeans back home, but also by forging connections and building bridges wherever we are.


The Embassy is committed to serving and connecting with our diaspora. This year, we aim to strengthen our ties and embark on new initiatives that will bring us closer, no matter the distance. Your thoughts, experiences, and insights are invaluable to us, and we encourage you to stay engaged through our various platforms and events.



May this New Year bring you and your loved one’s prosperity, health, and happiness. Let's embrace 2024 with hope, courage, and that unwavering Belizean optimism that continues to make our little Jewel shine!


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Hon. John Briceño attends the inauguration of President Bernardo Arévalo


Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño traveled to Guatemala City to attend the inauguration of Pres. Bernardo Arévalo on January 15. The Prime Minister extended his congratulations, well wishes and desire to work with Pres. Arévalo to improve bilateral relations. Read More

Hon. John Briceño attended the groundbreaking of the Santa Elena Access Road



Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño joined Minister of Agriculture Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai at the groundbreaking of the Santa Elena Access Road, which connects the Corozal Free Trade Zone and Mexico. This road is a key access point and trading zone with large economic benefits. Read More


Hon. John Briceño distributes Chromebooks to schools in Orange Walk


Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño traveled to Orange Walk on January 12 to distribute Chromebooks to students as a part of Plan Belize to help with student success for the modern world. Read More

Hon. John Briceño initiated a community improvement project in Union Town


In a recent Facebook update, Prime Minister of Belize emphasized the commitment of the government to enhance the quality of life in communities. Hon. John Briceño announced the commencement of plans and work for a new community improvement project, focusing on the development of an upgraded basketball court facility in Union Town. Read more

Prime Minister connected with communities in Orange Walk


Hon. John Briceño took to the trails, walking through Orange Walk Central communities to engage with residents. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warm support and kind words received from the people, highlighting the importance of serving the community. Read More

Prime Minister thanked all medical teams who visit Belize annually to offer medical care


Prime Minister John Briceño expressed gratitude to medical teams, including Partners for Medical Relief, for providing advanced and tertiary medical care in Belize. During a visit to Corozal Hospital, the Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of the USA-based Methodist doctors who have been offering ophthalmology services and surgeries since 2004.

Read More

Hon. John Briceño connected with Belmopan residents during municipal visits


Continuing his municipal visits, Prime Minister John Briceño, accompanied by mayoral candidate Pablo Cawich and councilor candidates, walked through the capital city. During the visit, they engaged with Belmopan residents, outlining plans to advance #PlanBelize for the community's benefit. Read More

The Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children's office will host Pretty in Pink High Tea Cancer Fundraiser

The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children will mark Cancer Awareness by hosting a Pretty in Pink High Tea Cancer Fundraiser on February 24th. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer initiatives.

H.E. Rossana Briceño participated in the “Commonwealth Cervical Cancer Awareness Webinar: Get Informed, Get Screened, Get Vaccinated”


On January 31st, 2023, Special Envoy, H.E. Rossana Briceño participated in the “Commonwealth Cervical Cancer Awareness Webinar: Get Informed, Get Screened, Get Vaccinated” by giving some remarks on the importance of cervical cancer screening. In her speech, she highlighted the life-saving benefits of early detection and the advantages for women to know more about the status of their health. Watch Video

Hon. Francis Fonseca Assumes Key Role as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade along with the Portfolios he holds in Education, Culture, Science and Technology

Hon. Francis Fonseca, recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, boasts a distinguished career marked by academic excellence and extensive public service. Graduating from Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Economics (major) from the University of Louisiana (Lafayette) in 1988, he continued his academic journey with a Bachelor of Law (L.L.B. Hons.) from the University of West Indies in 1994 and a Certificate of Legal Education from Norman Manley Law School in 1996.

His dedication extends beyond academia, with notable roles such as Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister (2000-2002), Attorney General (2005-2008) Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Labor, (2003-2008) Member of the House of Representatives for Freetown (2003-Present). The Honorable Fonseca was recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and continues to be Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology. Learn More

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces Opportunities for Belizean Students to Study in Taiwan


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened applications for two prominent scholarship programs for Belizean students eager to study in Taiwan. The "2024 MOFA Taiwan Scholarship Program" and the "2024 TaiwanICDF Scholarship Program" by the International Cooperation and Development Fund. The deadlines are March 22, 2024 and March 15, 2024, respectively. For more details and application guidelines, interested candidates can visit the Taiwan Embassy in Belize's website. Read More

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces International Scholarship Opportunities in Indonesia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently shared an announcement on its Facebook profile regarding the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang Scholarship (KNB Scholarship) offered by the Indonesian Government. The scholarship is designed for prospective international students from developing countries interested in pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degrees at Indonesian universities. The application deadline is on February 23, 2024. Read More

OAS Scholarship Opportunities for Belizean Students


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the commencement of the 2024 Call for Applications for the Academic Scholarship Program by the Organization of American States (OAS). The program offers scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies as well as related research, applicable to academic institutions in any OAS Member State. Read More

Stephanie Sylvestre is a beacon of leadership and innovation, whose career is marked by a series of transformative roles that have significantly impacted both the private and public sectors. With a unique blend of technological acumen and a deep commitment to social progress, Stephanie has consistently excelled in creating high-performance teams and delivering results that resonate with communities and organizations alike.

In 2022, Stephanie was a fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative, where she developed a framework for Asset-based Black wealth creation in Miami-Dade County. This framework focuses on empowering Black professionals, diversifying income streams, and fostering introspective conversations that challenge self-rejection narratives.


Her approach intertwines social emotional wellness with economic empowerment, a testament to her holistic vision for community development. Stephanie's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her co-founding of Avatar Buddy, LLC, an artificial intelligence company that harnesses generative AI to uplift marginalized communities.


Avatar Buddy is dedicated to helping individuals realize their full potential by providing emotional and academic support to students and job and emotional support to employees. This venture reflects Stephanie's passion for leveraging technology to foster self-awareness and self-esteem, which she believes are the cornerstones of self-development.

Her tenure as Chief Programs Officer/Chief Information Officer at The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County is marked by numerous achievements, including the transformation of IT infrastructure which led to a flawless transition to remote work during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the expansion of The Children’s Trust Book Club, which saw a tenfold increase in membership while reducing operational costs by 75%. These initiatives underscore her ability to drive innovation and efficiency in service of community needs.

Stephanie's volunteer work is equally impressive, having served on the boards of several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, where she led a team of women volunteers to build 7 homes in 3 ½ years. Her commitment to civic engagement is further highlighted by her role as the Honorary Consul of Belize for Southeastern U.S., where she brought greater awareness of the Belizean diaspora, a position she held for nine years.



In conclusion, Stephanie Sylvestre's life is a testament to her unwavering dedication to ensuring that everyone has the support they need to become the best version of themselves. Her work across various sectors and her volunteer experiences reflect a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of leadership, technology, and community engagement. Stephanie continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Read More


Tourism Tidbits

Belize Tourism Board's "Grab Life Belize" Campaign Featured in Times Square

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) celebrated a milestone as Belize's "Grab Life" video graced the screens of New York City's iconic Times Square. The video features breathtaking drone shots of renowned Belizean attractions, including the Great Blue Hole, Big Rock Falls, the Pok Ta Pok game at Lamanai, and Caye Caulker.

BTB expressed excitement over this exposure and announced plans to showcase more videos highlighting Belize's spectacular destinations. Read More

Trade and Investment Tidbits

Belize Successfully Represented at FITUR 2024, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain

Belize had a notable presence at FITUR 2024, the esteemed International Tourism Trade Fair hosted in Madrid, Spain. The event, held at the IFEMA Convention Center from January 24th to 28th, served as a global meeting point for tourism professionals and stood out as a leading fair for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America. Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Belize International Music and Food Festival 2024 Edition Confirmed

The Belize International Music and Food Festival is set to make a return in 2024, with the upcoming edition scheduled for July 27 & 28. This annual event, hosted in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, is renowned for its diverse lineup of international and local artists and DJs. Read more

Serving Belize since 1822, the Independent Baptist Mission was established, and shortly afterward, Mr. George Tillett, a close ally of Mr. Henderson and a steadfast supporter of the Church, generously donated a parcel of land.


This property included two small houses and was located at the intersection of Queen Street and Gabourel Lane, with the main entrance facing Eve Street. On this land, the Queen Street Church was constructed and served as the primary Baptist place of worship in the Colony until it was unfortunately destroyed by a hurricane in 1931.

#Belizeisbeautiful

"Sorry fi maga dawg, maga dawg tun roun bite yuh"


Literally: Sorry for a meager helpless dog, meager helpless dog turns around and bites you.


Meaning: You help someone in need who ends up harming you.


  • Ministry of Public Service unveils innovative professional development certificate program at Galen University to elevate public service excellence. Read More


  • Ministry of Education completed the distribution of 5,000 Chromebooks with final batch delivered in Belmopan. Read More


  • University of Belize and Ministry of Health signed agreement for Midwifery certificate program for registered nurses. Read More


  • Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-Governance and San Benito Poite Village signed consent agreement for Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic Micro-grid system. Read More


  • RCCbpo partnered with Land Department and the Ministry of Natural Resources to gift land parcels to over 350 employees, reinforcing commitment to workforce. Read More


  • Belize assumed pro-tempore presidency of the Comprehensive Regional Framework for Protection and Solutions (MIRPS) until 2025. Read More


  • Belize hosts Canadian soldiers training for UN Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Read More



  • Belize sends four Maya activists to Chiapas, Mexico for Mayan Languages Digital Activism Summit. Read More


  • Belize and U.S. officials discuss security, trade, and regional dynamics for strengthened bilateral relations. Read More


  • Baylor University's Health Science Studies program transforms lives in Belize through Wintermester study abroad experience. Read More
  • Port Loyola and Benque Viejo United Secure Victories in Week 3 of the Premier League of Belize 2023-24 Closing Championship. Read More


  • Belize Athletics Association Calls for Special General Assembly to Elect New Executive Committee Members. Read More


  • Sergio Chuc re-elected as President of Football Federation of Belize and Onan Mclean voted in as vice president. Read More


  • FriendShip 2024's Nautical Extravaganza to Harvest Caye Sets the Stage for an Epic Return in 2025. Read More


  • Belize Elite Basketball League adopts new business model for improved financial viability in 2024 season. Read More



  • The National Institute of Culture and History celebrated two decades with panel discussion on “Advancing Culture & The Arts in Belize”. Read More



  • Belize takes stride towards sustainable development with integrated financing approach. Read More


  • Belize Secures BZ$800,000 Grant from CABEI to Propel National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (NSTMP) 2030. Read More


  • Belize explores sustainable path with "Natural Capital" pilot project, a collaborative effort with Stanford University. Read More


  • Government of Belize invests BZ$15M in Blue Bond Marine conservation project: commitment to long-term environmental sustainability. Read More


  • The Department of Environment and Forestry opened permanent offices in San Pedro, addressing development concerns and strengthening environmental oversight. Read More


  • Belize emerges as prime destination for offshore business and tax optimization in 2024. Read More


  • Belize welcomes Trinidad and Tobago delegation on trade mission: exploring diverse economic partnerships across key sectors. Read More


  • The 52nd Agriculture and Trade Show scheduled for April 26-28, Booth Reservations Open Until March 15 Deadline. Read More


  • Belize among top destinations for investors: no capital gains taxes, ideal for growing wealth and offshore strategies. Read More



  • Belize's Tourism soars to new heights with record-breaking growth in 2023, marking a resilient recovery. Read More


  • Belize Tourism Board Launches Groundbreaking Scholarship Program, Empowering Local Media Talents. Read More


  • Fort George Artisan Alley renovation unveiled as landmark for sustainable Tourism and local economic development in Belize City. Read More



  • Tourism Makes Strong Comeback: 2023 Arrival Numbers Recover 3/4s of Pre-Pandemic Growth. Read More


Belize Welcomes First Electric Bus as City Transforms Public Transportation


Belize marks a significant stride towards sustainable urban mobility with the arrival of its first electric bus, inaugurating a new era in the country's public transportation system. The initial electric bus, part of a fleet to be introduced, arrived today, with several more expected in the coming days, a commitment fulfilled by the Belize City Council and the Ministry of Transport.


The initiative, long-awaited and promised by the Belize City Council, materializes through funding from the European Union, with the local UNDP serving as the implementing agency. Minister of Transport, Rodwell Ferguson, announced the imminent arrival of additional electric buses, showcasing a total of five in the initial phase. Read More


Belizean Boil-Up

Source: https://nationalfoods.org/

Ingredients:



2 lbs Fish (sliced)                  

1 Small piece of salted pork (diced)            

2 Eggs            

1 Yam             

1 Cassava                   

2 Large sweet potatoes                    

2 Ripe plantains                    

4 Green bananas                   

1 Onion                      

3 Tomatoes / can of diced tomatoes     


Flour cakes

2 cups of flour      

2 teaspoons Baking powder            

Water             

Pepper           

Salt    

Method:


Prepare Boiled Cakes by combining flour, baking powder, and water to form a soft dough. Separate the dough into three-inch balls and flatten each. Then prepare Tomato Sauce by sautéing onions and then adding diced tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste.


Peel the yam, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Chop them into chunks measuring about three inches. Remove the skin of the green bananas and slice. Peel the ripe plantains and chop them into cubes.



Fill a Dutch oven pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped ground provisions, green bananas, plantain cubes, and the diced salted pork. Cook until everything is tender.

A few minutes before it is cooked, place the boiled cake dough in the water. When cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove everything besides the salted pork. Add the raw fish slices to the pot containing the water and salted pork. Cook together until the fish starts to become tender.


Place the eggs into the pot and hard-boil them. Remove the eggs from the pot, drench them in cold water, and remove the shells. Slice the eggs into halves.



Plate all the boiled food on a shallow dish. Then place the boiled eggs on top of the provisions, bananas, and plantains, along with boiled cakes, fish, and salted pork.


Finish by pouring the tomato sauce over everything.

Orange Walk Tacos

INGREDIENTS:

Filling

1 Whole chicken

6-8 cups water

3 tsp salt

1 Tbls paprika


Corn tortillas


Tomato Sauce

4 whole tomatoes

1 white onion

2 garlic cloves

1 habanero pepper

1 serrano pepper

1 jalapeno pepper

1 tsp salt or to taste

Black pepper to taste

¼ cup lime juice


Toppings


Roasted tomato sauce

2 tomatoes

½ onion

1 habanero pepper

1 jalapeno pepper


Onion Sauce

1 white onion

Sprigs of cilantro

2 tsp vinegar

1/3 cup water

Salt to taste

Method:


Cut the whole chicken in half and clean well with lime and vinegar. Place the chicken in a large pot filled with water. Add the paprika and the salt. Cook on medium to low heat. Meanwhile, blend the tomatoes, onion and garlic, reserving the hot peppers for later.


After one hour of simmering the chicken, add the blended vegetables to the chicken mixture as well as the lime juice and hot peppers. Continue to simmer on medium-low heat for 1 ½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes, adding more water if needed.


The secret to this recipe is the slow simmer during the cooking process so that the liquid is slowly reduced thereby incorporating all the rich flavors.

While the chicken continues to cook, start to make the second tomato sauce which will serve as the topping. Roast the tomatoes, onion and peppers ensuring to remove the seeds in the hot peppers before blending all together. Add salt to taste. Pour into a small bowl and set aside.


The onion sauce is another topping for the taco. Finely chop the onion and cilantro and place in another small bowl. Pour the vinegar and a little water and salt to taste and set aside.


On a serving platter place 4-6 tortillas and add some of the chicken mixture, tomato sauce and onion sauce and roll!

 Enjoy!

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December 2023, VOL. 107 Read More
November 2023, VOL. 106 Read More
October 2023, VOL. 105 Read More
September 2023, VOL. 104. Read More
August 2023, VOL. 103 Read More
July 2023, VOL. 102 Read More
June 2023, VOL. 101 Read More
May 2023, VOL. 100 Read More
April 2023, VOL. 99 Read More
March 2023, VOL. 98 Read More
February 2023, VOL. 97 Read More
January 2023, VOL. 96. Read More
December 2022, VOL. 95 Read More

Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ

On September 26, as Prime Minister Briceño addressed the Protocol 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.

Watch Video
Belize Submits Its Counter-Memorial to the ICJ Regarding the Guatemalan Claim

On June 3rd during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Belize delivered its counter-memorial to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Belize’s counter-memorial makes a robust defense of Belize’s sovereignty over its entire territory including islands and the pertaining maritime areas under international law. 


Following the timetable announced by the Court, which was amended as a result of the pandemic, Guatemala submitted its memorial on December 8, 2020, and is due to submit its reply to Belize’s counter-memorial in December 2022. Belize will then have until June 2023 to submit its rejoinder, after which the Court will set a date for the oral hearings. Briceño says that the hearing is expected to possibly be held by 2024.

Read More
Click the Buttons Below to Learn More About the ICJ Process
Belize's International Team for the  ICJ
Video About What Happens Next
Extension of Time Limits

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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.


Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans


The Consulate's Belize Business Directory is new and improved!

The Directory's objective is to promote Belizean businesses in the US and in Belize. If you own a business or know of a Belizean who does and would like to publish it on our website, please send us an email with your contact information so that we can add it to our Belizean Business Directory.

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