July 2023 Vol 102

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the July Newsletter!

Happy Emancipation Day! Today, Belize and our Caribbean neighbors observe this day as a public and bank holiday, commemorating the day when enslaved Africans throughout the British Empire were finally liberated. 

Some trivia for July is that it is the seventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and is the fourth of seven months to have a length of 31 days. But did you know that It was named by the Roman Senate in honor of Roman general Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., being the month of his birth?   

Other fun July facts is that it is the month of ice cream and hotdogs! July too is renowned as the “dog days of summer” marking the beginning of long hot days. If you were born in July, Ruby is your birthstone.

On July 4th, we celebrated two other important milestones, the Independence of the United States of America, and the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of Caricom.

Many comprised of diverse cultures who made the United States their home, gathered in true patriotic form to commemorate the 4^th of July, Independence Day, typically with barbecues and fireworks, a reminder of the nation's founding ideals of liberty, justice, equality, and freedom as outlined in the Declaration of Independence’s basic ideals: “God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Similarly, CARICOM'S achievement of reaching 50 years is a testament to its tenacity and resiliency. It demonstrates how unity can have a significant impact on fostering economic integration and collaboration among Caribbean nations. A range of issues to boost cooperation in areas like trade, agriculture, climate change and health were discussed during the 45^th Ministerial meeting commemorating CARICOM’S 50th anniversary held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 3^rd to July 5^th.

The Prime Minister of Belize attended the 3rd European Union and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Summit. This Summit brought together leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean to discuss important issues and strengthen bilateral relationships. This summit provided an opportunity for the Prime Minister to engage in diplomatic discussions and explore potential areas of collaboration with other nations.

Additionally, #PlanBelize launched the country's national health insurance program, which aims to give all Belizeans access to affordable healthcare. The Government of Belize is attempting to increase the population's general health and well-being through Plan Belize.

Prime Minister Briceño, in a very personable Instagram message, after his early morning workout, urged Belizeans to get moving and start exercising saying that serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart ailments are on the rise in Belize which can be prevented by incorporating exercise in your daily routine.

In the section, “GOB Movers and Shakers” various Ministries continue to be engaged and active in strengthening and building the economy, one Ministry at a time.

Starting with the Ministry of Agriculture, which is discussing Sustainable Agriculture and climate smart workshops with farmers and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, busy repairing the Philip Goldson Highway’s shoulders. Lastly, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is in the process of constructing two football fields for youth, sports, and healthy living.

Remember to mark your calendars on August 30-September 1^st when the next Investment Summit will be held in San Pedro, Belize. Stay tuned to hear about all the exciting accomplishments and plans which will come out of the meetings. #Belizeisopenforbusiness

July has been a momentous occasion having both the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable John Briceño and his wife, Mrs. Rossana Briceño, celebrate their birthdays in July. The Consulate of Belize in Florida wishes them both very joyous days and many more to come! We thank them for the selfless and hard work they do for us all.

Have you been suffering with itchy eyes and other allergies more lately than usual? Well, the answers may lie high in the skies. The Saharan dust has indeed made its way to our parts of Sunny South Florida and while the heavy rain brought some reprieve to the intense heat and helped to dampen the brunt of the dust settling on us, nevertheless it has been a nuisance.

It's that time of year when we expect for the best and prepare for the worst. Hurricane season is upon us, and we urge you to take the usual precautions and have a hurricane preparedness plan in place.

In this month’s edition, we are thrilled to feature some fascinating articles that highlight the beauty and allure of Belize.

One of the attractions of this edition is the inclusion of a Belizean island as one of 2023’s premier island getaways. Can you guess which Belizean island has claimed one of the spots on the list? Additionally, we are excited to announce the beginning of a trade relationship with El Salvador where Belize will export carrots citrus, onions, and pineapples.

Readers can expect to find an in-depth feature on the country's thriving tourism industry, which has become a major draw for adventurous travelers seeking to explore its pristine rainforests, stunning marine life, and ancient Mayan ruins.

We take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Tracy Gomez, the Office Administrator at the Consulate of Belize in Florida who has served in the Consulate for 10 years. We thank Mrs. Gomez for her commitment, initiative, and hard work during this time, while serving countless members of the diaspora, going over and beyond the call of duty.

We are pleased to introduce The Star of The Month, Mr. Jonathan Canton, a Belizean who has managed to turn his passion for science into a successful career. Not only has he achieved personal success, but he has also made it a point to give back to his community.

His story showcases how dedication and a strong sense of purpose can lead to both personal and collective growth. We hope that reading about Jonathan's journey will serve as an inspiration for readers to pursue their own paths with determination and a desire to make a positive impact. #Belizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo

For the Recipe of the Month, we included a savory Belizean Barbecue recipe, featuring succulent grilled meats marinated in a rich blend of spices and local ingredients. This delectable dish captures the vibrant flavors of Belizean cuisine and is perfect for enjoying on hot summer days so get those grills ready!

And for a refreshing tropical treat to cool off, look no further than the Choco Banana, a delightful snack that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgent richness of smooth, creamy chocolate. Check out the recipe for this sweet treat under Street Food Series of this edition.

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Enjoy and share with your family and friends!

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!

#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe #Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Warm wishes,

We hope this message finds you well and filled with the same love and pride for our beautiful Belize as always.

We are almost three quarters of the way through 2023 and as we enter the month of August, I plan to be home to take part in some exciting events. At the end of August, the Office of the Prime Minister will be hosting its second Investment Summit. This follows the first Summit which was held In November 2021 under the theme: "Belize: Open for Business". That remarkable summit witnessed the participation of over 350 attendees from across the world and made a direct contribution to the Government of Belize's efforts in paving the way for the country's sustained economic expansion.

This second biennial Belize Investment Summit will take place from August 30 to September 1, 2023, at the Grand Caribe Resort on Ambergris Caye. It will aptly Belize as a land of "Endless Opportunities", with a focus on the blue, green, and orange economies. The event will feature a keynote address by Prime Minister John Briceño and a special address by the highly esteemed guest speaker, Iván Duque Márquez, former President of Colombia. Additionally, the Summit will include presentations from other high-profile local and international experts, Business to Business Meetings, a Business Expo, and a Power Dinner that will provide exceptional high-level networking opportunities. So, if you are in Belize at the end of August, this is a good opportunity to connect with would-be investors and to learn about opportunities in Belize.

I also plan to participate in two fabulous concerts when I am there. On August 25^th, the Belize International Jazz Festival will be having a concert at the Bliss Institute featuring talented Belizean Musicians as well as internationally renowned artists. Then on September 2^nd, Franke Reneau will be presenting his concert at Bliss Institute entitled “ The Electric 80’s” featuring top Belizean talent singing hits from the eighties. Both concerts should be provide world-class enter.

Looking forward, we have already started planning for September, the most festive month for us Belizeans. We are excited to share that the Pre-Colombian Society of Washington DC will be hosting a Symposium featuring the Postclassic Maya of Belize. The symposium which will feature our World-Famous Archaeologist Dr. Awe, will form a part of our Independence Festivities. We encourage all to visit DC for this special time.

More information about the Symposium can be found at http://www.pcswdc.org/symposium-2023-early-registration

Here at the Embassy, we are planning our celebration for the evening of September in our backyard. Invitations and flyers will soon be sent out and we hope to see as many of you as can make it.

Lastly, as a former Basketballer, I must also say how proud we are of our U17 Basketball team who are doing well in the tournament back home even as I write this message. And of course, we have to congratulate our volleyball ladies who snagged the silver medal in the recent Central American Competition that took place in the Jewel.

I wish you all a very enjoyable end of summer and look forward to meeting you at one of the future events being planned.

3rd EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Summit (EU-CELAC).

Attending the 3rd EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Summit (EU-CELAC), I met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel. The summit aims to renew bi-regional partnerships for peace and sustainable development.

Read More

Argentina and Belize

Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri visits Belize to sign an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Technology, Football Federation, and FIFA Foundation Digital Education Program, aiming to reach 10,000 students.

Read More

The National Health Insurance Scheme

#PlanBelize aims to improve Belize's health and productivity through social justice initiatives. The initiative focuses on implementing the National Health Insurance Scheme in Orange Walk, extending to the North Side of Belize City, and extending to the Cayo District by mid-2024.

Read More

Berger Football Field

Berger Football Field renovations are complete, providing a fully equipped stadium for young people in the city, thanks to Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize Tourism Board, Football Federation, Belize City Council, and National Sports Council.

Read More

CARICOM Day

The Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4, 1973, to establish the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are celebrating #CARICOMAT50 today, July 4, 2023!

Read More

Belize: The Bridge Between CARICOM and SICA

Take a look at a Short Documentary on "Belize: The Bridge Between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) "

Watch Here

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!

Consulate of Belize in Florida

"House Keeping Business"

New Epic System is Now Officially Up and Running!

All those who were on our waiting list for passport renewals have completed their appointments. Our calendar is filling up fast so please call as soon as you can to schedule an appointment.

Contact Information:

Phone:

305.755.0276

Email:

[email protected]rward to hearing from you!

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.

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 Consulate's

Contact Information

Tourism Tidbits

Travel and Leisure Readers Vote Caye Caulker as One of 2023’s Premier Island Getaways

Caye Caulker ranks as a top destination in Travel and Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards survey, attracting readers' attention for its unspoiled beauty and laid-back charm. Read More

Trade and Investment Tidbits

Belize Set to Export Carrots, Citrus, Onion, and Pineapple to El Salvador

Belize's Ministry of Agriculture initiates export of carrots, citrus, onions, and pineapples to El Salvador after El Salvador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock approved PRA requests. Read More

Cultural Tidbits

The Belize BBQ Beef Fest and Rodeo

Experience Belize's finest beef, pork, and sheep cuisine at the Belize BBQ Beef Fest and Rodeo on August 19, in Belmopan.

Read More

Jonathan Canton

Jonathan was born and raised in Belize, and his love of science and dedication to making the world a better place fueled his desire to pursue a career in biology. As he grew older, his dedication to the field grew stronger, propelling him to seek knowledge and expertise in medical and biological sciences in order to make a positive impact on the world.

After completing sixth form at St. John’s College Junior College in Belize City, Johnathan left Belize to pursue a PhD in immunology. As an undergraduate at the University of Florida in Gainesville he studied tropical parasitology, marveling at the interaction between unicellular parasites and the human immune system. Noting his passion, the faculty nominated him for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Award for undergraduate research, which he ultimately received.

As an HHMI fellow he was sent to the Institut Pasteur in Lille, France where he studied how viruses were able to gain access to human cells. On his return to UF, the faculty of Cell Biology and Microbiology recruited him into the doctoral program, awarding him the Grinter Graduate Fellowship as an outstanding incoming doctoral candidate. Upon successfully defending his graduate thesis, Johnathan was awarded the best departmental dissertation for his graduating class. He was then recruited by the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to pursue his postdoctoral work at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning.

After meeting his wife, Amy, and many long conversations, they decided to leave their jobs, friends, and apartment. John had just accepted a fellowship at the Crick Institute in London, England, but called them to say he had changed his mind. They packed their things into “Cutie bubs” (their car) and drove from Toronto to Miami (with lots of camping, surfing, and detours along the way). They hopped on a plane, and finally, arrived in Belize. They had made it home. In the next two years they established a small, organic farm called Kunahmul farm.

Kunahmul translates to “love nest” in Mayan, a name the late George Price gave the farm when he visited decades ago. Kunahmul, which is still operating, firmly believes that food security and economic growth does not have to come at the cost of losing our rich and biodiverse ecosystems and, equally as important, our cultural food identity. While they only currently farm on 1 acre, Kunahmul Organics provides more than 30 varieties of heirloom organic vegetables to Belizean grocery shops, chefs, and restaurants.

Never would they have imagined their collective dream of bringing organic, sustainable, and flavorful products to Belize would bloom the way it has.

In 2018, Johnathan returned to research and took up a fellowship at the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK. In 2021, he was recruited to the University of Calgary in Canada, where he currently resides with his wife Amy and their 2-year-old daughter, Penelope.

Jonathan’s story is one of trying to make this world a better place, but ultimately it is a story of a young talented Belizean trained in the United States, UK, and Canada who, while establishing a leading research program in Canada, is looking forward to a future in which his expertise can continue to be used in Belize.

 We are proud to call you our Star of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Landmark of the Month

Independence Monument

Located on Marine Parade Boulevard, the Independence Monument in Belize City,

memorializes Belize's independence from the United Kingdom

Belizeanism of the Month

Big joota, small joota, same price - gi me the big joota.

Literally: Big shoes, small shoes, same price - give me the big shoes!

Meaning: This proverb is quoted to mean both "try and get the best bargain" and "in pursuing a bargain be careful not to end up buying useless goods".

• CEO for the Ministry of Agriculture, Servulo Baeza, Addresses Sustainable Agriculture Discussions at Central American Council of Agriculture Ministers in El Salvador. Read More

• Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labor and Local Government Recognize Key Stakeholders Read More

• Ministry of Infrastructure Development Works on Philip Goldson Highway Shoulders Read More

• Ministry of Agriculture Holds Climate Smart Agriculture Workshop for Orange Walk Farmers Read More



• Belize Government to Build Two New State-of-the-Art Football Fields to Promote Youth Sports and Healthy Living Read More

• Ministry of Agriculture, International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA) Sign Agreement to Boost the Banana Industry in Belize Read More

• UK and Belize Sign Agreement on Marine Science Expertise Read More

• Belize’s Butterfly Pupae now in Dubai Butterfly Garden Read More

• Singapore Passport Regains World’s Most Powerful Title; Belize Eyes Schengen Waiver to Boost Global Standing Read More

• Belize and Mexico Hold International Forum for Technological Dissemination of Soursop Read More

• BTB Signs Contracts with Belizean Artists Performing at BIMFF 2.0 Read More

• Boss Gyal Wins First Place, Landshark Outdoors Second, in the 7th Annual Grand Caribe Deep Sea Classic Read More

• Placencia, Belize, Gears Up For Annual Lobster Festival Read More



• Belize Secures 2nd Place in XIV Under 19 Women's Central American Volleyball Championship after Defeating Guatemala. Read More

• Belize’s International Music and Food Festival Set to Kick Off July 29th Read More

• One Woman’s Mission to Protect Mangroves in Belize Read More

• Taiwan Ambassador and Minister of Climate Change Discuss Environmental Protection Read More

• Students Benefit from Belize Forest Department Annual Healthy Forests Summer Camp Read More

• Trail Cam Reveals Majestic Jaguars at Chan Chich Lodge in Partnership with Savia Fund Read More

• Belize Centers Women in Sustainable Mariculture Read More

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and ACES Wildlife Rescue Join Efforts to Rescue Sea Turtle in Distress Read More

• New Smart Belize App Revolutionizes the Way Customers Top-Up Credit Read More

• Business Spotlight: Twig and Pearl, a Female-Run Luxury Accessory Store Read More

• BELTRAIDE Presents ‘Pitching Your Business’ Workshop for Small Businesses Owners Read More

• Gross Domestic Product: Industries up in Secondary and Tertiary Sectors Read More

• Movie Blood Knot Starring Michael Douglas to be Filmed in Belize During the Next Couple Months Read More

• Belizean Youths to Participate in World Youth Day Event in Portugal Read More

• Marie Sharp’s Pepper Sauce Is the Fruity, Fiery Flavor of Belize Read More

• Belize Ranked as Top BPO Destination in the Region Read More

• American Airlines Expands Charlotte-Belize Route with Daily Flights Read More

• Belize Named a Top Destination to Visit by Travel Off Path Read More

• WestJet Increases Flight Connections Between Canada and Belize Read More



• The Best Times to Visit Belize for the Ultimate Tropical Vacation Read More

Belizean Barbeque

Looking for an easy way to show off your cooking skills? Try doing some classic Belizean grilling this weekend. The best part is that you don’t need to be a BBQ expert; we’re here to help with some recipes. All you’ll need is chicken and BBQ sauce! You can even make your own homemade flour tortillas with the following recipe. Set your grill and be ready to delight your senses with this finger licking Belizean BBQ!

Belizean BBQ Sauce

• ¼ cup red wine or apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup of water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
• ½ lemon or lime, juiced
• 1 red onion, minced
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Choco Bananas

• 5 ripe bananas (be sure the bananas are still firm and solid).

• 13 ounces chocolate chips.

• 5-10 Popsicle Sticks.

• 5 tablespoons of coconut oil



• 1.5 cups smashed peanuts as topping. You can also use sprinkles, pecans, or almonds. This is optional.

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

November 2022, VOL. 94 Read More

October 2022, VOL. 93 Read More

September 2022, VOL. 92. Read More

August 2022, VOL. 91. 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.