July 2022 Vol 90
The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the July Monthly Newsletter!
July has whizzed by in a blur of refreshing dips in the ocean, weekend jaunts, backyard bar-b-q ‘s and of course plenty of ice cream! Summer and its memories can be magical, and we hope that yours continues to be so.

On the flip side, the dog days of summer have hit us in a big way bringing havoc in different places. Across the pond, the UK’s record heat melted the runway at London Heathrow Airport, the runway of the country’s largest air force base, causing massive delays in flights. Sadly, this heat wave has led to deaths due to heat stroke for many, especially the most vulnerable such as the elderly. We hope that wherever you are, you remain cool, hydrated, and safe.

The United States of America celebrated its Independence Day on the 4th of July. It is difficult to believe that the United States is 245 years old. Its independence is synonymous to freedom and opportunity, a place where one can strive to achieve his or her biggest dreams. For many Belizeans, who reside in the US and are working hard to achieve their goals, we wish them a very Happy Independence Day!

Last year, we joined the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean nations in the commemoration of Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1st. This historical day marks the abolishment of slavery under the British Empire. We invite you to learn more about this national holiday through the lens of NICH’s website, an engaging and informative storybook that helps readers further understand the importance of commemorating this date.

Belize also celebrated Prime Minister, the Hon. John Briceño’s birthday on July 17th and H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño’s birthday on July 26th respectively. On behalf of the Honorary Consul and staff at the Consulate of Belize in Florida, we wish both the happiest of birthdays!

Please read about the continued great work the Prime Minister is doing in building a stronger nation and by strengthening Belize's economy in many ways including the 45% reduction of its debt to GDP ratio since 2020.

Also, please read of H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceno's accomplishments in her capacity as Special Envoy for the Development of Spouses and Children and a member of SCLAN, Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network.

Additionally, don’t miss reading about the work the administration is doing under “GOB Movers and Shakers”.

As always, the Star of the Month is always someone we look forward to reading about, because Belizeans do great things wherever they go. This month, we chose Miss Nina Talamas; who, in full disclosure is my niece. Nina just graduated as a Physician Assistant from Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina and has received a job offer from the University of Florida Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida where she will start employment in August.

In the interim, she is volunteering a month of her time at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, working alongside Doctor Pedro Arriaga. We encourage all Belizeans to offer their time and resources to this great institution which provides medical services to Belizeans every day, in spite of its limited and stretched resources.

In this edition we shared news about CARICOM Day, the reinstatement of public servants’ 10% salary cut, and updated travel measures – Belize drops all restrictions regarding Covid-19.

We also included delicious recipes under our Recipe of the Month which is always a Belizean favorite, Tamales. And because craboo season is in full swing, we are featuring a favorite sweet Belizean classic, Craboo Ice Cream under Street Food Series. We hope you enjoy!
 
Here at the Consulate, we have been working 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.

Through these calls, we are also working on compiling a Belizean Business Directory. Our goal with this directory is to share information about Belizean-owned businesses and help them gain more exposure within communities throughout the U.S. If you are a business owner and would like your company to be shared in our social platforms, I invite you to send us an email or give us a call to our office phone numbers, this information can be found on our website https://www.belizeconsulatefla.com/ .
 
To be sure you are included in the monthly newsletter distribution, you can also send us a quick email with your email address and phone number at [email protected].
 
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
CARICOM Day
Did you know that CARICOM: Caribbean Community is the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world? It began with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4th, 1973, later revised in 2002 to establish the single market and economy. It was my pleasure to represent Belize and serve as CARICOM Chairman from January of this year. It was the first six months as our region opened back after the challenging two years of the pandemic. Let's review all our region has accomplished under the period of time with Belize as Chair country. Click to Watch
Belize and Saudi Arabia Discuss Business Opportunities

Prime Minister Briceño had an interesting meeting with Saudi Arabia Deputy Minister for Investors Outreach Badr I. AlBadr and his colleague the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Saudi Arabia is interested in broadening their interests for investment opportunities in Belize and the Caribbean.

Strengthening Relations in Trade

While in Suriname Prime Minister Briceño along with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Eamon Courtenay, met with Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, Secretary General of the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Where they were updated on the future of the Post Cotonou agreement as well as the upcoming Summit in Angola.
Belize has been invited to attend this very important Summit in December of this year.
Belize and Brazil Discuss Sharing Technical Experiences
"During my official visit to Guyana, I was also able to visit the city of Roraima in Brazil. Here I met with Antonio Oliverio Garcia de Alameida Governor of Roraima Brazil , his wife and other dignitaries.
We discuss trade as the Brazilian State is big on agriculture and is prepared to share technical experiences with Belize. Roraima wishes to do business with Guyana CARICOM and Belize.
Belize would be key to strategically partner with Brazil in accessing the Central American and Mexican market.
Prime Minister Meets Young Entrepreneur Rossy of Rossy’s Shoes

“Веlіzе hаѕ gоt tаlеnt аnd оur уоung реорlе’ѕ еntrерrеnеurіаl ѕріrіt wіll fіnd ѕuрроrt іn mу Аdmіnіѕtrаtіоn…І аm соmmіttеd thаt mу аdmіnіѕtrаtіоn wіll рrоvіdе аn еnаblіng еnvіrоnmеnt fоr МЅМЕѕ. Ореn fоr Вuѕіnеѕѕ іѕ nоt а саtсh рhrаѕе… іt’ѕ vіѕіоn іn асtіоn,” thе Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr аѕѕеrtеd. Read More
H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño
Charting a Pathway to the Elimination of Cervical Cancer SCLAN.
H.E. Mrs. Briceno, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Chair of SCLAN met with Dr. Ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director for Economic, Youth and Sustainable Development Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat along with other members of SCLAN to discuss how we can work together to accelerate actions for cervical cancer elimination by 2030. Read More
Ending Gender Based Violence

The work to end gender based violence and ensure communities are safe havens for survivors include municipal governance bodies as well. We welcome the enthusiasm of the Belize City Council for working with my office and partner agencies on this special initiative. Read More
The Forty- Third Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

"As we respond to the COVID-19 crisis, we must have a strong focus on building more equal, inclusive, and sustainable economies and societies that are more resilient in the face of pandemics and the many developmental challenges that come our way.” Read More
Heads of Government in Suriname

Prime Minister John Briceño and Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay met with H.E. Georges Chikoti, Secretary General of the OACPS, today on the margins of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Read More
Belize and Guyana

PM Briceno, accompanied by Foreign Minister Courtenay, is on an Official Visit to Guyana. The visit resulted in the signing of a MOU for Enhanced Cooperation and a Joint Communique. To watch an informative video showcasing the MOU between Belize and Guyana Click Here
Belize and Panama

On July 14th H.E. Ana Luisa Castro Novey, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, arrived in Belize with her delegation for an official visit.
During the visit, Vice Minister Castro Novey met with Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, to discuss our bilateral relations and cooperation affairs as well as regional political matters.
Dear members of the Diaspora,
 
Greetings from the Embassy of Belize in Washington. As we bask in the warmth of the summer, we continue to be concerned with the world events which continue to impact us here in the United States and at home in Belize. We are living and experiencing unprecedented occurrences which challenges us in ways we could have never foretell.
 
The most immediate challenge continues to be the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thankfully, the continuing spikes caused by the multitude of variants have been less deadly despite being much more contagious. So we urge you to continue to be careful and take all the safety precautions.
 
However, the Ukraine war has also had tremendous and immediate impact, driving up oil prices as well as food prices. It has caused significant supply chain interruptions, making it more expensive to procure goods and increasing the procurement times. Developing countries like Belize are bearing the brunt of the negative effects of the war. Along with a looming recession in the United States, these events threaten the robust economic rebound we have been experiencing at home.
 
These are the immediate challenges facing us. But perhaps the most serious one is the looming threat from climate change, the effects of which are already been felt in many parts of the world. Our government has been on the forefront of the struggle to combat climate change and get concessionary financing to build resilience and recover where possible. This struggle, already urgent, will dominate the global efforts for the next few decades.
 
At the end of June, Belize’s six-month chairmanship of CARICOM came to an end. During that time, as the Coordinator of the CARICOM caucus of Ambassadors here in Washington, I learned a lot about the common issues facing our countries and was able to participate meaningfully in the search for solutions. We are glad to see CARICOM’s efforts to engage the United States on some of these issues bore fruit through very positive interaction at the Summit of the Americas where CARICOM was ably led by our very own Prime Minister. Belize will continue to play a prominent role in the regions efforts to improve the quality of life for all the peoples of the Americas.
 
At home, July and August are the months when folks start planning for September. This year the Embassy is planning for our first in person Independence Day celebration since 2019 under the theme “Valiant and Bold, Proud and Strong!”
 
We are just as excited as the folks back home and here at the Embassy, we are planning two celebratory events. A free concert at the Hall of the Americas on September 22nd, and a “Backyard Celebration” on September 24th at the Embassy. These events promise to be very special so stay tuned!
 
The Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida and staff, wishes Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño a Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you with many more!

Register with us as a Belizean in Florida and keep up to date on all news and events happening in Florida and Belize!

The information you provide is strictly confidential and used for database purposes only. 
Tourism Tidbits
Belize Drops all Covid-19 Restrictions
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for any persons traveling to Belize, at all official land and sea border points, regardless of their vaccination status. Additionally, the purchase of Belize Travel Health Insurance is now optional, although still encouraged, as a form of protection against incurring medical and non-medical emergency expenses. Read More
Trade and Investment Tidbits
Taiwanese Delegations Explores Investment Opportunities in Belize
Taiwan Economic and Business Cooperation Mission visited Belize to explore trade and investment opportunities. The Mission was comprised of thirteen representatives from companies in Taiwan in various sectors including seafood, beverage as well as plastic recycling and biotechnology. Read More
Cultural Tidbits
Corozal House of Culture is Open Once Again
Аftеr mоrе thаn а уеаr оf bеіng сlоѕеd, thе Nаtіоnаl Іnѕtіtutе оf Сulturе аnd Ніѕtоrу (NІСН) thrоugh thе Мuѕеum оf Веlіzе аnd Ноuѕеѕ оf Сulturе, оffісіаllу rеореnеd thе dооrѕ оf thе Соrоzаl Ноuѕе оf Сulturе (СНОС), оn Ѕаturdау, Јulу 9. Minister Fonseca congratulated the new coordinator of the Corozal House of Culture Zeidi Vellos wishing her well in the work that lies ahead.

On January 11th , 2021 the Government of Belize announced that Belize would join its sister Nations of the English Speaking Caribbean in the commemoration of Emancipation Day. This decision was made possible through the lobbying efforts of organizations like the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) as well as other aware groups and individuals.

We invite you to learn more about the history behind this holiday through a documentary created by NICH - National Institute of Culture and History. This beautiful story map contains lectures, photos, and infographics that make learning about history easy and enjoyable.
Nina Talamas
Nina Talamas is a Physician Assistant (PA) from Miami, FL. She was born in Miami, FL to Belizean-born Mother, Marlena Talamas and Miami-local, Wayne Talamas, her Father. While Nina spent most of her life in Miami, Nina has always felt most at home in Belize. In her early years, Nina grew up in Belize City, attending preschool at Bernice York. After moving back to Miami, she spent her summers in Caye Caulker.
Nina decided to pursue medicine because of her desire to help underserved populations. Coming from a family with a history in medical missions, it has long been her dream to return to her beloved Belize and provide medical care to those in need. So, after graduating from Wake Forest School of Medicine in May 2022, her dream became a reality thanks to Dr. Pedro Arriaga who is a resident Primary Care Physician at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). One of Belize’s most invaluable citizens,

Dr. Arriaga is a physician trained in Internal Medicine, specializing in Critical Care. Not only is he a talented physician, he is also humble and generous with his time, never turning away a patient in need. He provides care to the sickest of the sick at the KHMH Unit. Along with a highly skilled team of medical officers, nurses, and staff, Belizeans can feel secure knowing they are being cared for by the best Belize has to offer during their time of most need.
Nina has always had a passion for critical care. So, when Dr. Arriaga agreed to allow her to spend 4 weeks as a medical observer at KHMH, it was a perfect match. During her time in the ICU, she has had the incredible opportunity to learn how critical care medicine is practiced in a limited-resource setting.
Dr. Pedro Arriaga and Nina Talamas (PA), KHMH
Given the complexity and high acuity of these patients, it can be very difficult to provide optimal medical care without the necessary diagnostic tools. Still, Nina has observed how the doctors and nurses offer exceptional skill, compassion and care to these patients, despite limitations in resources. Most of all, this unique opportunity has afforded Nina the privilege to spend time with patients and their families, learning about the many individual needs of each patient. Nina hopes to return to Belize as often as possible, after receiving more training in critical care at the University of Florida Shands hospital, to donate her time and help locate funds for necessary medical equipment in order to support this vital service at the KHMH.
We are proud to call you
our Star of the Month!
#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo
GOB Highlights of the Month

  • Ministry of Tourism Donates $15,000 to the Garifuna Collective for Upcoming European Tour Read More

  • Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Along with Digi, Will Provide Access to the Internet Free of Cost. Read More

  • Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Julius Espat Says Fixing Belcan Bridge is “Number One Priority” Read More

  • Public Utilities Minister Outlines Plans to Expand Electricity and Internet Countrywide Read More

  • Ѕаntа Еlеnа Wоmеn’ѕ Grоuр іn Тоlеdо Bеnеfіt frоm Trаіnіng Wоrkѕhор Cоnduсtеd bу Міnіѕtrу оf Аgrісulturе, Dераrtmеnt оf Со-ореrаtіvеѕ, Rеѕіlіеnt Rurаl Веlіzе Read More
Belize and the World
  • Belize City and Newark, New Jersey Become Sister Cities Read More

  • Belize Bureau of Standards to Sign Cooperation Agreement with Mexican Accreditation Organization Read More

  • U.S. Meets Belize for Biannual National Security Discussion Read More

  • Senior Export Business Advisor, Ms. Diana Hernandez, Proudly Representing Belize and BELTRAIDE at LAC Flavors 2022 in Panama Read More
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

  • Belize Triumphs Over Nicaragua in the 19th Central American U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship Tournament Read More

  • Garifuna People are Using Music to Revive their Endangered Language. Read More

  • Shaun Gill represents Belize in World Athletics Championships in Oregon. Read More

  • UNBELIZEABLUE Upcoming Documentary Follows a Multigenerational Group of Inspiring Women Leaders Striving to Protect the World’s Second Largest Coral Reef System. Read More
Nature & Sustainability
  • Belizean Eco-Entrepreneur Jolie Pollard Shares Insights into Breaking into the Green Beauty Business Read More

  • Dr. Vasquez Will Conduct First National Survey of Belize’s Freshwater Habitats as Fulbright Scholar Read More

  • The Best Eco-Resorts in Belize for Sustainable Encounters in a Tropical Wonderland Read More

  • Friends for Conservation and Development Links Up With Guatemalan Authorities Read More
Business & the Market
  • GOB Launches NIPS, a National Investment Strategy to Create Employment Build Investor Confidence Read More

  • Belize is Being Bombarded by Investors says CEO Martinez Read More

  • Belizean Entrepreneur, Khadija Assales Wins YLAI Solution Pitch Competition Read More

  • Prime Minister: “Belize is Open for Business and Rebounding” Read More
Trending Topics
  • Belize Parliament Approves Legislation Reinstating Public Servants’ Ten Percent Salary Cuts Read More

  • The Belize Education Upliftment Project: Together We Rise. What Will Free Education Mean? Read More

  • U.S. to Increase Work Visas for Mexicans, Central Americans Read More
  • Belize Education Research Conference A Success! Read More

  • International News: Miss Earth 2023 to be Hosted in Vietnam Read More

  • LA’s Only Garifuna Restaurant Melds Belizean Flavors and Afro-Caribbean Cooking Styles Read More
Scholarship Opportunities
  • Learn about the 11 scholarships awarded by Cuba to Belize for the 2023-2024 academic year, starting in February 2023. Read More

  • Belize Tourism Board Offers Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degrees in Tourism Management Read More

  • Scholarships for Belizeans to Attend U.S. Universities Read More

  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Technology List of Scholarships Read More
Travel
  • Belize Tourism Board Launches The First International Music and Food Festival Read More

  • 9 Reasons You’ll Fall In Love With This Stunning Remote Island In Belize Read More

  • Four Seasons Is Opening a Private Island Resort and Residences in Belize Read More

  • Drink Rainforest-Sourced Cocktails Next to Monkeys at This Bar Worth Traveling For Read More

Pork Tamales
Ingredients  
To prepare the pork
  • 1 Large Onion sliced crosswise into 3 rounds
  • 4 Cloves Garlic skins removed
  • 1 Jalapeño peppers
  • 1 Tbs Vegetable oil
  • 3 Pounds Pork shoulder
  • 1 Dried Dried Pasilla chili
  • 1 Dried Dried Guajillo chilies
  • 1 Carrot
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 5 Cloves
  • 1 Tsp Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Coriander seeds ground
  • 2 Tsp Salt
For the sauce
  • 2 Large Onions minced
  • 3 Ounces Dried Pasilla chili
  • 3 Ounces Dried Guajillo chilies
  • 4 Large Cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 Tbs Sesame seeds toasted
  • 5 Large Tomatoes
  • 2 Tsp Honey
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tsp Oregano
  • 1/2 Tsp Cumin ground
  • 1/2 Tsp Coriander seeds ground
For the masa
  • 4 Cups Masa
  • 4 Tsp Baking powder
  • 2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup Butter
  • 2 1/2 Cups Reserved pork stock
For the tamales
  • 1 Package tamales dried corn husks
Craboo Ice Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cup Craboo

  • 1 -14 oz can condense milk

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • Pinch of salt
Directions

  • *Tip: Keep mixing bowl for the heavy cream and whisk or beater attachments in the freezer prior to starting. Also keep your ingredients (heavy cream, craboo and condense milk) in the refrigerator.

  • Place craboo in a bowl and mash with a pestle to remove the seeds. Separate the craboo flesh from the seeds (discarding the seeds) Put the craboo in a blender and mix with the condense milk and salt until creamy. If you need to add a little water to create a creamier consistency, please do so a little at a time.

  • Set aside the craboo mixture in the refrigerator while you beat the heavy cream.

  • Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (careful not to over beat).

  • Take out the craboo mixture from the refrigerator and slowly fold into the heavy cream, folding half of the craboo mixture at a time.

  • Line a baking loaf pan with plastic wrap and add the final mixture to the prepared loaf pan and freeze for 8 hours.

Enjoy! Mrs. Barbara McNab Grinage -The Bare Pantry Show
Belize Travel Health & Safety
Things to Know Before Traveling to Belize


  • 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
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.
Missed an Issue of our monthly newsletter?
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
December 2021, VOL. 83 Read More
November 2021, VOL. 82 Read More
October 2021, VOL. 81 Read More
September 2021, VOL. 81. Read More
August 2021, VOL. 80. Read More
July 2021, VOL. 79 Read More
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 defence 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. Briceno says that the hearing is expected to possibly be held by 2024.
Click the Buttons Below to Learn More About the ICJ Process