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The month of July was expected to be uneventful with summer in full swing and all the festivities that go along with it.
Instead, on July 13th, we witnessed in horror the assassination attempt on the former President of the United States, Donald Trump which led to an innocent life lost and two others who were critically wounded. We can’t help but recall the words we quoted in last month’s newsletter, by Jesse Jackson, “We must turn to each other and not on each other,” a haunting reminder that this level of visceral hate does exist in the world and that we may still be a long way from acceptance and tolerance. We join the Government of Belize in condemning this heinous and cowardly act of political violence which is an existential threat to any democracy.
And what was supposed to be a happy occasion for many who watched the opening of the Olympics in Paris, France, instead was a sad moment for the millions of Christians around the world who witnessed the mockery of Jesus’ last supper. Jesus was savagely killed two thousand years ago because of some who could not accept him and who felt that by killing him, they would permanently extinguish his light, and message of love, hope and forgiveness, but instead, in three days he was risen to heaven and is alive today more than ever, living in all the hearts who love him.
Indeed, these are trying times in the world so let us pray harder for peace, respect, tolerance and most of all, that love, and truth prevail in all our lives. Let us be valiant in our ideals and bold in our beliefs, so that goodness wins instead of the perpetrators.
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through 2024, and what an eventful year and month it has been so let’s highlight the positive things that happened in July.
Firstly, we celebrated not one, but TWO big birthdays, as Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño celebrated his birthday on July 17th and H.E. Rossana Briceño celebrated hers on July 26th! We are so blessed to have such wonderful public servants in Belize who selflessly give of their talents and time for the people and country of Belize. We wish them good health and success throughout the year and years ahead!
While it was a month of celebration for the PM, he was still at work. PM Briceño attended the North America, Central America, and the Caribbean Directors of Civil Aviation's 12th Conference, where he emphasized the critical role of aviation in Belize's tourism driven economy and led international discussions regarding strategies for improving aviation security, implementing international standards, and advancing sustainable practices.
Additionally, Briceño’s visit to local infrastructure projects in Orange Walk highlights his efforts to enhance community resources. In that same vein, the Prime Minister announced that the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) launched its Decent Work Country Programme with the goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, age, or background can work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. This initiative should be completed within five years.
Prime Minister Briceño also took time to congratulate and attend the inauguration of President José Raúl Mulino on his victory in the recent Panamanian elections, as well as to discuss the fortifications of relations between Belize and Panama for the mutual benefit of their citizens. The Prime Minister has expressed his happiness that this and other elections in the past few years have shown that democracy is alive and well in Central America and the Caribbean.
His engagement with JICA and support for hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean further demonstrate Belize's stance in international cooperation in disaster response.
And let's not forget the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, H.E. Rossana Briceño, who has been a beacon of hope and support for many, making significant contributions to our community. The First Lady was also busy this month attending the Second Annual Global First Ladies Academy in New York City from July 10th to 12th, 2024, where she engaged with global leaders to enhance skills in health and development.
The academy, hosted by the Global First Ladies Alliance and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, provided Mrs. Briceño with crucial insights into managing health issues such as cancer prevention, maternal health, and gender equality. This experience is expected to significantly aid her effectiveness in advocating for positive social change in Belize through strategic planning and leadership. Additionally, on July 7th, the Special Envoy participated in Pathlight fundraising events in Washington, D.C., where she highlighted the importance of Pathlight’s support for education in Belize. These activities are set to strengthen her role in improving family and children’s development in the country.
July is a month packed with other exciting events, starting with National Television Heritage Day on July 1st. This day honors the incredible impact and evolution of television, a vital part of our culture and history. From educating us and providing news to offering endless entertainment, television has shaped our lives in so many ways. To all the television lovers out there, we celebrate this day with you!
We also commemorate World Population Day which highlights the advancements made in population technology and the growth and acknowledgement of traditionally underrepresented populations across the world.
July is also notable for its summertime vibe across the globe. In the USA and Belize, it is the only month of the year where kids are completely out of school, making it an ideal time for seaside fun activities. It is equally important that we commemorate Plastic Free July, a movement which encourages participants to limit plastic waste accumulation in the month of July and urges people to use recyclable and reusable items. It is important to promote sustainability and reduction of plastic waste to keep our oceans and beautiful environment clean and pollution-free. Let us preserve and protect our planet for generations to come.
Belize celebrated its much anticipated and world-famous Lobster Festival this month, where we get to enjoy fresh Belizean lobster, which you will get to sample in this month’s Recipe of the Month, Lobster Thermidor. So let us splurge a little and enjoy this scrumptious dish! Follow that up with a piping hot serving of Coconut Tarts, star of our Street Food Series, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Belizean summer day! Enjoy!
And what would life be without music!? Belize hosted its International Music & Food Festival 3.0 in La Isla Bonita on July 27th and 28th, showcasing artists such as by Shenseea, Prince Royce, Collie Buddz, Valiant and more Caribbean and local artists.
Belize also commemorated CARICOM Day, marking the establishment of the Caribbean Community, of which Belize is a proud member. CARICOM helps to make our region stronger and more powerful and our membership in CARICOM has afforded Belize new opportunities. Happy CARICOM Day to our fellow member states!
It is time for our Star of the Month, and this star certainly shines bright! This month, we feature Dr. Yvonne Goff, an all-star in the world of implant and cosmetic dentistry. Born in Belize City, Dr. Goff relocated to California to pursue higher education. After a successful career in California, Dr. Goff returned to Belize to work in the Ministry of Health, eventually becoming Chief Dental Surgeon of Belize. We invite you to read more of her story in our Star of the Month section! Belizeans do great things wherever they are.
It has been a very busy month at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headlined by the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology who participated in the 19th Special Emergency Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM to discuss the impact of Hurricane Beryl across CARICOM, where he was joined by Prime Minister John Briceño.
Also, the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration H.E. Amalia Mai led Belize’s delegation to the 20th CARICOM-Japan Consultation, where efforts were made to strengthen cooperation with Japan on climate change and disaster risk financing.
It is important to mention that Belize has also formally adopted its report from the 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which demonstrates Belize’s firm commitment to the advancement of human rights.
On the external front, a Belize Cabinet Declaration issued a press release regarding the 29th Anniversary of the establishment of relations with the Republic of Cuba, expressing its intention to further the fraternity between the two Caribbean nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Sir Kier Starmer and the Labour Party for their landslide victory in the #UKElections2024. MFA mentioned that Belize looks forward to working with Prime Minister Starmer and the new UK Government on fostering historic ties between our two nations.
Under “GOB Movers and Shakers” section, please read about how our ministries have been working to make our country better as well!
The Ministry of Investment launched two projects in Corozal Town alongside the Corozal Think Tank, and the Ministry of Agriculture facilitated an educational trip for students of San Francisco R.C. School in Orange Walk.
The Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment attended a meeting of the Central American Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank, in Guatemala City on the matter of the America En El Centro: Development Program for Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic, 2024-2030, a regional initiative that seeks to complement national plans by addressing cross-border development challenges faced by those regions and nations, that accelerate inclusive sustainable development and enhance economic integration.
Finally, the Ministry of Immigration convened a mid-term meeting of the Regional Consultation Group on Migration, while the Ministry of Community Development, partnering with the Taiwan Technical Mission, launched sewing classes for young girls and women in San Pablo, Orange Walk. The Ministry of Health and Wellness received 50,000 doses of the Pediatric Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV) from Brazil.
Remember our usual invitation to look over the other sections of our newsletter, including, Belizeanism of the Month, Landmark Beauty of the Month, Belize and the World, Nature and Sustainability, Belize and the Market, and Travel. #belizeisbeautiful
We invite you to join us in this amazing opportunity to register as a Belizean with the Consulate of Belize in Florida so we can keep you up to date on all the exciting goings-on here. We are also devoted to showcasing and promoting Belizean businesses in both Belize and the United States; therefore, we encourage you to join the Consulate’s Belize Business Directory. You only need to submit your information, as described in the section “Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans” which can be found near the bottom of the newsletter.
Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to family and friends. Your participation is vital in developing stronger ties within the Belizean community. Join us in building a thriving, integrated Belizean diaspora. And remember it is good to be a Belizean! Be sure to share the good news that Belize and Belizeans are beautiful.
#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful
Warm Belizean Wishes,
#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful
Warm Belizean wishes,
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