June 2021 Vol 78
The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the June Monthly Newsletter!
 
A huge highlight for June was Father's Day and we honor all of the fathers, grandfathers and uncles who are the silent heroes, quietly and selflessly filling such important roles in the lives of our families.
 
There is very little fanfare with Fathers so we take this opportunity to thank them for the love, strength and guidance they bring daily to their families. The Father figure, along with Mothers, is crucial to the stability of the family unit. For those of us who have lost our Fathers, we remember and honor them every day for their unconditional love and dedication.
 
To help us celebrate, why not do it with food! So, with lobster season in full swing in Belize, we dedicate this month to a scrumptious classic, sautéed lobster tails, with a recipe straight from Chef Rob's Gourmet Café in Hopkins, Belize.

To complement this delicacy, we also shared a mouthwatering recipe for lemon pie under “Street Food Series” section made with a creamy tart/sweet concoction filling topped with a billowy meringue, so make sure to check it out! Interestingly, this delicacy of a pie is actually made with local “key limes” and not lemons as the name suggests because in Belize, we do it “Our Way.”

In this edition, we present the latest video address to the nation given by the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño where he shares his news on his first formal international visit to Guatemala and his participation in the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SICA with Spain.

Also keep abreast of the very positive and exciting news on the Government’s achievement in getting the IMF to support Belize’s homegrown recovery plan! This is crucial to uplifting Belize’s economy. Indeed, there is recovery in the air for Belize also with news of the imminent return of cruise ships to Belize so stay tuned! 
 
In furthering its commitment to increase dialogue with the Diaspora community in the United States, the Government of Belize appointed Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations. In her new role, Ambassador Murphy will work closely with the Ministry’s Diaspora Unit to raise Belize’s profile on the international stage, attract inward investment, promote trade, and provide support to Belizeans living abroad. The Consulate of Belize in Florida looks forward to working along with Ambassador Murphy in helping her attain her goals.
 
Finally, we recap the monthly news from the Government of Belize Press Office and share the stories of some visible Belizeans in our “Star of The Month”. Additionally, World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, and World Sea Turtle Day were celebrated throughout the month of June. I hope these celebrations remind us of the impact we have on the planet and how making small changes can help protect the environment and lead us to create a better future for the next generation. 
 
Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, community engagement, the environment, and much more in this edition,
 
  • View the weekly message from the Office of The Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño where he talks about an internationally stronger Belize.
  • Learn how H.E. Rosanna Briceño is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to safeguard the future of Belizean children through the Hunger Free School Feeding Project taking place in the Toledo District.
  • Read about the ultra-low temperature storage unit that was donated by the government of the USA to Belize.
  • Read about The Green Climate Fund (GCF) grant of $1.2 million BZ that was approved for a national planning adaptation proposal in Belize.
  • Check out the Caribbean’s first remote work community, Umaya Village!
  • View how Belize continues to push cruise tourism in order to strengthen the economy.
  • Meet the new President of The Belize Hotel Association, Mrs. Alina Saldivar!
  • Get informed about the latest entry requirements for foreign tourists visiting Belize through land borders and a list of vaccines accepted by the Ministry of Health & Wellness.
  • Learn more about how Belize and Guatemala are working towards strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and security.
  • Check out how Belizean music practitioners will receive support to leverage the music industry, under our tidbits section.
  • Watch an interview with Kevin Morales, a self-taught artist who finds his inspiration online.
  • View the virtual fathers and Mother’s Day celebration
  • Get inspired by the life story of our Belizean Star of the Month, Dr. Bennett!
  • Check out our upcoming events where we share different activities that are being held in the next month.
 
For those of you who have not had the opportunity to visit the Consulate's office nor are familiar with the services that we offer, you may visit our website at www.belizeconsulatefla.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to receive updates about Belize, the Consulate, and upcoming events.
 
As we update our database, and to serve you better, the Consulate of Belize in Florida continues to conduct phone calls to its constituents to confirm each contact’s information. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information. This is so that you and your family can continue to be informed about services offered by the Consulate as well as get updates on Belize.
 
If you are aware of a Belizean residing in the United States who is making a positive impact on the lives of others while contributing to their native country, please submit their story to us so that we may feature them in our newsletter. Perhaps the Star of the Month could even be you!
 
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
From the Office of the Prime Minister
of Belize

Hon. John Briceño
Weekly Message: An Internationally Stronger Belize

"Earlier this month I made my first international visit to our neighbor to the west, Guatemala. We share real on the ground connections for example in education, from their primary and secondary school students crossing the border at Benque Viejo del Carmen to the many Belizean students attaining higher education at Guatemalan Universities. Just a couple weeks ago I attended the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SICA with Spain. I participated in a Solidarity Event for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Central America and Mexico. It is imperative that I inform the nation about these important international encounters."
A Decade of Eco-System Restoration

A big idea in our plan BELIZE is to implement laws and programs that bring our people, our natural environment and by definition the climate together toward a culture of LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. The work inside our government regarding Belize’s environment is existential.
H.E. ROSSANA BRICEÑO
On June 3rd, H.E. Rossana Briceño attended the official handing over ceremony "A Systemization Report of the Mesoamerica Hunger Free School Feeding Project in the Toledo District" where she learned about the remarkable work the Ministry of Agriculture, the FAO of the United Nations and AMEXCID are doing to ensure that each Belizean child has food to eat.
H.E. Briceño pledged her support and commitment to the project and encouraged the private sector and civil society to work alongside the Government and our partners to work together to safeguard the future of Our Children.
The USA Government Donates Ultra Low Temperature Vaccine Storage to Belize
The U.S. Embassy facilitated the delivery of an energy efficient, ultralow temperature (ULT) freezer for the storage of COVID-19 vaccines, donated by the U.S. Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the Ministry Health and Wellness. A handover ceremony was held today at the National Vaccine Building in the capital Belmopan. In attendance were Minister of Health and Wellness Michel Chebat, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges, and Ministry of Health and Wellness CEO Dr. Deysi Mendez.
For a Full List of This Month's Government Press Releases Please Click the Button Below
Green Climate Fund Approves $1.2 million Grant for Planning Proposal in Belize
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a grant of $1.2 million BZ for a national planning adaptation proposal for Belize.
The GCF is a unique global platform to respond to climate change by investing in low-emission and climate-resilient development. Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programs that will help the country adapt and mitigate climate change and its impacts.
Belize Opens its Land Borders to Tourists Only
Belize announced the partial reopening of its land borders, which will be exclusively for the entry of tourism through the border of Mexico and Guatemala, ensuring that it has a safe destination. It will be a gradual opening, the authorities warned, ruling out that Belizean citizens can enter Chetumal.
The Minister of Tourism of Belize, Anthony Mahler stated “Belize is a safe destination, the opening of the borders will allow more foreign tourists to arrive, in addition to reactivating the country’s economy,”.
This reopening will be accompanied by a series of restrictive measures to continue with a low incidence of the virus.
Mexico Donates Astra Zeneca Vaccine to Belize
The Government of Mexico has donated 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Belize. A small delegation headed by Maximiliano Reyes Zúñiga, Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Secretariat of Foreign Trade and Immigration, arrived at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to personally deliver the vaccines on behalf of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.
Umaya Village in Belize is the Caribbean's First Remote Work Community
As the world begins to open up again, destinations and resorts are rushing to cater to the growing tribe of digital nomads back on the road. A new addition is Umaya Village in Belize, a utopia for remote workers and the first designated community of its kind in the Caribbean.
Belizean Students in ROC-Taiwan Say Belize-Taiwan Academic Conference is the Product of Innovation and Ingenuity
The Belize-Taiwan Academic Conference (BTAC) to be held in Taiwan on July 3 is a product of innovation and ingenuity, said a statement by Belizean students in Taiwan. “This conference is a medium through which Belizean students can share with Belizeans at home and in the diaspora the benefits of their studies and training in Taiwan.” The conference will be streamed live on July 3, 2021 at 6:00 pm in Belize, on Facebook and YouTube and simulcast on Breaking Belize News, Channels 5 and 7, Positive Vibes, and the Belize Government Press Office.
Belize Celebrates World Blood Donor Day
Each year, on June 14, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) celebrates World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion and the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to the health system. Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, many blood donors across the world have continued to donate blood and plasma to patients who need a transfusion.
“On World Blood Donor Day, we hail the heroism of these donors who generously give a part of themselves to save the lives of others,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness noted.
Iris Centeno Becomes First Woman Named Belize National Team Head Coach by FFB
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) today announced Iris Centeno as the first woman to become head coach of a Belize National Football Team. Centeno will be coaching the U-17 Belize Women’s National Team (BWNT).
“Centeno has been chosen to lead the team as they prepare for the upcoming Concacaf U-17 championship Qualifiers being played in August,” said an FFB statement.
U.S. Embassy’s Entrepreneur Spotlight is on Randy McFadzean!
Since opening in 2011, Pro’z Style Barbershop has expanded to become one of the most popular barbershops in the country, servicing community members and public servants alike.
Even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Randy’s business managed to stay afloat, largely due to the adaptability and organization of his team and a willingness to invest in the safety of customers. Randy’s business has also contributed to the prosperity of the local community.
Belize Continues to Push Cruise Tourism.
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Mr. Evan Tillett, Chairman of the BTB Board of Directors and other delegates from the Belize Tourism Board met with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in Miami. Today’s meeting was conducted to further discuss the efforts to restart the cruise industry in Belize and to do so in a safe manner.
UNICEF Belize Provides Ministry of Health and Wellness with Cold Chain Equipment to Support the National Healthcare System.
“Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health investments we can make for future generations,” stated Representative Parker. Minister Chebat expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government and people of Belize for this donation. We continue to encourage persons whose phases have been called and as well those persons who are due for their second dose of vaccine to go and get vaccinated.
Justin Williams Wins Belize Road Championships
The Belizean-American Williams had previously not qualified to race for his father’s country on a national level, and only officially became eligible to compete in the Belize nationals 48 hours before the race.
“It’s incredible to be able bring my parents’ homeland to a big stage. Winning the Belizean national road race is near and dear to my heart. Cycling is massive in Belize and I hope to give them something to be proud of,” Williams said.
Belizean Athletes Awarded Scholarships to Eastern Wyoming College
Gareth Bruce and Fatoumata Ramirez both were awarded athletic scholarships to Eastern Wyoming College. Bruce grew up in the Lake Independence area of Belize City and was recruited to the Stars Volleyball Club. Looking back on her journey, Gareth remembers the difficulty that accompanied her early days in the sport. She recalls practicing three to four times per day, pushing herself even when she felt like quitting. Her determination paid off in 2019, when she received her first individual awards at a volleyball tournament – “Best Attacker” and “Best Forward.” Gareth says that she plans on continuing her education in accounting at Eastern Wyoming College and beyond, while continuing volleyball “as far as possible.”
Belize Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The day is set aside to raise awareness of the different types of elder abuse that exist, how they are identified and how they can be addressed. In 2020 approximately 4.37% of all domestic violence cases reported were crimes against older men and women. It is estimated that only 1 out of every 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities. The Ministry of Human Development notes that in Belize the most common forms of elder abuse include financial abuse, isolation and neglect.
The Ministry urges all Belizeans to ensure the equal and decent treatment of all older persons and end elder abuse.
Taiwan Assists Belize in Flood Mitigation Efforts
Taiwan hopes to help Belize in its mission to reduce the human and economic costs of natural disasters. With the International Cooperation and Development Fund, Taiwan helped develop an early warning system for flood mitigation efforts and preparedness. The program’s goals are to prepare efficiently, coordinate a response plan and undertake successful recovery efforts. This is a three-year initiative that will cost roughly $1.2 million to help Belizeans prepare for disasters.
Belize Receives Additional Ventilators from Mexican Government 
Belize received a total of four, two of which were already in use as of last September at the COVID-19 Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize City. Mexico is a key partner for Belize through various bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements and projects. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mexican government through, continues to support Belize in areas of priority such as health, environment, education, infrastructure, science, and technology. 
Congratulations to Alina Saldivar on her New Position as President of the Belize Hotel Association
Mrs. Alina started her career working in the offshore banking industry in Belize. Here she got a feel of the tourism industry as it was a source of financing to help international real estate developers with their resort developments in Belize. In 2010, Alina became an entrepreneur as she and her husband developed Island Magic Beach Resort from the ground up in Caye Caulker. She commutes daily to the island as she is a very hands-on manager.  
Belize Elected to Economic and Social Council
The United Nations General Assembly met this afternoon to elect new members of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) by secret ballot. Belize won, by a wide margin, one of the three seats assigned to the Latin America and Caribbean region on the council for the term 2022 to 2024. Belize looks forward to assuming its ECOSOC seat in January 2022 and to contribute to advancing the development agenda of the United Nations.
Famously Known as the Original Caribbean Reggae Artist and Band: Presenting to the world Mighty Iceberg
The emerging band Mighty Iceberg is one of a kind in the genres of Reggae and Soca. With the release of their single titled “Share the Same Love”, Mighty Iceberg brought about a massive wave of music in the Caribbean region and are working further to showcase their level of understanding and passion for music as a band.
Belize And Guatemala Agree To Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Trade and Security
Belize and Guatemala have agreed to improve bilateral relations in the areas of commerce, national security, migration, education, culture and medicine, according to statements made today in Guatemala city where Belize Prime Minister John Briceño met with Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei.
The two Central American leaders spoke at an official press conference following an early-morning meeting of delegations from both countries. (Image above from left to right Belize Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay, Belize Prime Minister John Briceño, Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei and Guatemala Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo).
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, implementation of bilateral agreements and strengthening of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana) relations. SICA Member States are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic as Associated Member State.
BTB Congratulates New Ambassador for Diaspora Relations
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) extend congratulations to H.E. Sandhya Murphy on her recent appointment as Ambassador for Diaspora Relations. Ambassador Murphy will work closely with the Ministry’s Diaspora Unit. The Unit’s role is to raise Belize’s profile on the international stage; attract inward investment; promote trade; and provide support to Belizeans living abroad.

Ambassador Murphy has a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Florida and has worked in the private and public sectors for over 20 years. We wish her every success in her new role as Ambassador.
Governor General Swears in New Minister of State
This afternoon, Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos, was sworn in as the new Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. She was sworn in by Her Excellency Froyla Tzalam, Governor General of Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan.
The new minister of state was elected in the by-election of March 3, 2021, and sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives on April 9, 2021. Hon. Vega-Samos is the first woman to be elected as area representative for Corozal Bay.

Hon. Vega-Samos succeeds Hon. Gilroy Usher who will now join Hon. Rodwell Ferguson as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics.

Minister Samos was joined by her family and members of the House of Representatives during her swearing-in.
Learn About the Systematization Report of the Mesoamerica Hunger Free School Feeding Project in the Toledo District
The Government of Belize with the support of the Government of Mexico through the Mexican International Development Cooperation Agency, AMEXCID, successfully executed its Sustainable School Feeding Program. The pilot project benefitted four communities in the Toledo District under the Mesoamerica Hunger Free initiative.
A systematization report of the Mesoamerica Hunger Free School Feeding Program Project in Toledo District was officially handed over to the Government of Belize by representatives of AMEXCID and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Belize Travel Health & Safety
Things to Know Before Traveling to Belize
  • Vaccinated travelers must present a vaccination record card, with full inoculation completed at least two weeks before their arrival into Belize.

  • Persons entering Belize are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Health App prior to arriving.

  • International tourists must book a stay at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.

  • You must present a negative PCR Test taken within 96 hours of travel or a Negative Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel.

  • You can also take a Covid-19 Test at the airport upon arrival, the cost is $50 USD per person, and only positive cases will receive a notification within 24 hours.

For more information Click Here
CDC Announces Temporary Dog Travel Ban from 100 Countries Due to Rabies Risk
Starting July 14th, if you are traveling from Belize into the U.S. you will not be able to bring in your pet.
Earlier this week, the United States announced a surprise move: banning dogs from entering the country for first time or returning to the area after spending time outside. Starting July 14, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will ban you anyone else for that matter) from importing dogs from countries that the CDC considers to be high risk for rabies.
In fact, you won’t be able to import dogs that have spent any time in such high-risk countries during previous six months either.
 The CDC currently lists 113 countries as high-risk that have been providing an estimated 6% of all dogs imported into the U.S. The measure will affect more than 100 countries, including Belize.

The only way to get past these new bans will be to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit and send an email CDC at least 30 business days (which translates to about 6 weeks) before you intend to enter the U.S. The C will then review your case and reasoning, rendering a decision. And this decision will be final. Without such advanced written approval from the CDC, you can’t get an exception to the ban. It is important to stay up to date with travel alerts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD this ban is expected to be temporary. Meanwhile, the countries on the list may change.
Tourism Tidbits
Alaska Introduces Nonstop to Belize, Delta Fare Sale, Southwest Offers New Payment Plan

As leisure travel continues to rise thanks to vaccination confidence, airlines are continually adding new routes and services in response to consumer demand. This week’s travel news includes a new international destination with Alaska Airlines, new technology and a fare sale with Delta, and an optional payment plan with Southwest Airlines. 
Trade and Investment Tidbits
GOB Optimistic that Belize Will See an Increase in Exports to Guatemala

Following the formalities between the leaders and delegations for Belize and Guatemala, the official discussions began with one of the main topics being the idea of a partial scope agreement. Briceno says it will be an extended document, and that the government is optimistic that this will see Belize increasing its exports to Guatemala.
Cultural Tidbits
Belizean Music Practitioners to Receive Support to Leverage the Music Industry

Belizean music practitioners are to receive support honing their skills for the international music industry.
Artistes, promoters, and managers will get the opportunity to participate in a Business of Music incubator program designed to demonstrate how to enter the music market, develop the right contracts and protect intellectual property rights. Participants will produce tracks and perform at a live virtual music festival to be held at the end of the program.
Cahal Pech
Cahal Pech is a Maya site located near the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize. The site was a palatial, hilltop home for an elite Maya family, and through the most major construction dates to the Classic period, evidence of continuous habitation has been dated to as far back as 1200 BCE during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic), making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize.
No Change-i black daag fo monkey
English Translation:
Don't exchange a black dog for a monkey.

Meaning:
Don't be fooled when things have a superficial resemblance but are quite different in value.
Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites
Belize Celebrates World Ocean Day
Belize joined the rest of the world in marking World Oceans Day. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and the Belize Coastal Zone Management held a small ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Belize City this morning. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kennedy Carrillo, in her keynote address, spoke on the importance of maintaining a healthy ocean and a healthy reef system.
Happy World Sea Turtle Day
Belize is known as home to three species of sea turtles; the loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles. The annual sea turtle nesting season runs from May to November. Due to all the threats sea turtles face, Belize implemented full protection of all sea turtle species in 2002.

Internationally, Belize’s is one of the fifteen parties of the Inter-American Convention (IAC) for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles, an intergovernmental treaty that provides the legal framework for countries in the Americas and Caribbean to take actions for the benefit of sea turtles.
Solar Panels in Graham Creek
On June 24th, three Mayan engineers, with the assistance of Toledo based NGO Plenty Belize and the Belize Coast Guard, left Punta Gorda Town enroute to the remote community of Graham Creek. With supplies in hand, the female engineers have already started installing solar power to homes in the community, as they did in Machakilha days ago. The solar electrification project has been made possible through the collaboration of Plenty Belize, GEF Small Grants Program and the Ministry of Rural Transformation.

Meet Kevin Morales, the Self-Taught Artist Who Finds his Inspiration Online
Meet Mr. Kevin Morales, a rising artist from Bella Vista. Like many artists he has a studio, but what is not as obvious is that this self-taught painter learned all his techniques from online classes. Now he is not only making his living from art; he is exporting it as well. Reporter Andrea Polanco has tonight’s artist profile. We will let her introduce you to Kevin Morales, the young man who put down his hammer and picked up a paint brush.
Happy Father's Day!
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and the People’s Committee for Orange Walk Central celebrated a Virtual Mother’s and Father’s Day commemorating all the wonderful mothers and fathers that have been pillars of their community, in addition to their families, in these difficult times. Click on the button below to watch!
Belizean Star of the Month!
Dr. Chris Bennett

Dental Surgeon, B.D.S. (Univ. of London); L.D.S.R.C.S (England); D.D.P.H.R.C.S. (England)
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Dr. Chris Bennett worked for the Ministry of Health in the Government of Belize for twenty-five years and is the first Former Chief Dental Officer.
 
Dr. Bennett grew up on Glynn Street on the south side of Belize City, and attended the Salvation Army Elementary School. After graduating from Technical High School and the Belize Technical College Junior College, he taught Mathematics at Belize Technical College and St. Hilda’s College. Except for the Anglican Priest, he became the first male teacher at the all-girls High School.
 
With a Government of Belize Professional and Technical Scholarship, Dr. Bennett proceeded to London, England to study Dentistry at the Royal Dental Hospital, School of Dentistry, at the University of London. Upon his return to Belize, Dr. Bennett was disappointed to find out that the Belize Government’s Dental Services consisted only of providing dental extractions. Belizeans were demanding to have their teeth extracted as if having one’s own teeth was getting ‘out of style’. Dr. Bennett was determined to change this attitude and applied for a British Commonwealth Fellows Scholarship and went back to London to complete a degree in Dental Public Health, at the Eastman Dental Institute, University College of London. With that Dental Public Health training, Dr. Bennett returned to Belize and developed a Belize National Oral Health Plan which was then implemented by Government Dental personnel in all six Districts of Belize. With the assistance and collaboration of the Government of Belize, the Government of Japan, the Belize City Hospital Auxiliary, the British Government Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO), the US Peace Corps, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Belize-Michigan Partners, and various other Non-Government Organizations , the Dental Personnel conducted Dental Health Education and Promotion Programs, Schools Dental Disease Prevention Programs, and Schools Incremental Care Fillings and Fissure Sealant Programs. There was a change in the attitudes of the Belizean people after these programs created a greater awareness to Dentistry and Dental Treatment, and hence a greater demand to save teeth.
 
Over the years Dr. Bennett has served as President of the Belize Medical and Dental Association, President of the Belize Dental Society, and as Chairman and member of the Medical Council of Belize, which deals with the Registrations of Medical Practitioners and Dentists to practice in Belize. He has received many awards from these professional bodies. He also served on the Board of Directors of the CARICOM Caribbean Atlantic Regional Dental Association (CARDA).
In 1989, Dr. Bennett joined a team of four International Clinical Researchers from Finland and the USA in conducting a 40-month Double Blind Cohort Clinical Study in Belize. The study was needed to determine the efficacy of Xylitol Chewing Gum in reducing and controlling dental decay and gum diseases. The successful results of this Study were published in many international dental journals. As a direct effect of the results of the study in Belize, Xylitol became recognized internationally as an effective, pleasurable method to control bacterial plaque and prevent dental decay.
 
In Belize, Dr. Bennett was also actively involved in many Volunteer Organizations. He served as a member of the International Board of Directors of the Partners of the Americas. A President of the Belize -Michigan Partners where he implemented a major project which saw the introduction of Moringa, ‘The Miracle Tree’, with all its health and medicinal benefits, into Belize. More than 20,000 young Moringa plants were given away free of cost to families all over Belize. As the three- time President of the Belize City Lions Club and Zone Chairman of Belize Lions Zone 59, several important projects were implemented. One crucial project is that of the Belize National Eye Screening Program in which the Lions Clubs of Belize tested the eyes of all the children in schools and paid to provide eyeglasses for those who needed them.
 
Dr. Bennett is now retired and currently residing in Florida. He is widower to his deceased wife Irma. Irma and Dr. Bennett have three children, Robert ‘Bobby’ Bennett, Natasha Bennett Cain, and Jason Bennett, and Dr. Bennett now enjoys seven grandchildren. He continues to maintain an interest in Lionism in Belize, especially the LIONS Clubs Belize National Eye Screening Program. He still shows an interest in the activities of the members of the medical and dental professions.
 
 Dr. Bennett wrote a book, “My Reflections of Dentistry in Belize.” It is an historical document of his personal experiences and challenges during his practice of Dentistry in Belize. The book is informative, educational, and quite humorous. It is being sold for $20 US plus postage. It is available to order by telephone – (954)-298-7394, or by email at chrisirmabennett@gmail.com. It can also be purchased in Belize for $40 BZE at Major Department Stores and Bookstores, or call 621-5056, or by emailing perdidoe@yahoo.com.
 
We are proud to call Dr. Bennett
our Star of the Month!
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.
Lemon Pie
Ingredients for Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 to 7 tablespoons cold water, as needed

Filling and Topping
  • 5 eggs yolks, reserve whites for meringue
  • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/3 to ½ cup lime juice, plus 1 teaspoon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
Directions for the Crust:
Preheat oven to 400F. Combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until coarse crumbs form. Add water, a little at a time, and stir until mixtures form a ball. May add more water or useless to get the dough to a rolling consistency. Roll dough on floured surface to approximately 10 inches and arrange in a 9” baking dish. Prick dough generously with a fork and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Set aside. Reduce oven to 325F.

Directions for Filling:
Beat egg yolks in a bowl just until mixed. Add condensed milk and combine. Add 1/3 to ½ cup lime juice, slowly to desired taste; should be a little tart. Pour into pie crust. Beat egg whites on high, until foamy and thick. Reduce speed and slowly add 1 cup of sugar while continuing to beat. Increase to high until sugar is incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice and cream of tartar and beat until thick peaks form. Spread on top of the egg yolk mixture. Be sure to spread the meringue so that it touches the pie crust, thereby forming a seal. Touch top of merengue with spatula to form peaks all over. Bake at 325F for approximately 25 minutes or until peaks are golden.
Gourmet Lobster Tails
Ingredients

  • Lobster Tails: 6 tails, 6-8 ounces each, cut in large chunks
  • Lobster Crust: 1 pound
  • Dry White Wine: 1/2 bottle
  • Local Dark Aged Rum: 3 fluid ounces
  • Heavy Cream: 4 fluid ounces
  • Carrots: 1 medium size
  • Onions: 2 medium size
  • Celery: 1 stalk
  • Tomatoes: 7 medium sized
  • Zucchini: 1 medium size
  • Sweet Pepper: 1 medium sized
  • Garlic: 4 cloves
  • Thyme Leaves: 1 teaspoon
  • Bay Leaves: 3 whole leaves
Directions:

Sauté the lobster crust in some olive oil. Set aside 1 tomato, 1 zucchini, 1 onion, and 1 sweet pepper for later and the add the remaining vegetables and herbs and continue to simmer for 10 more minutes. Add the white wine and 4 cups water and bring the sauce to boiling point. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes before straining it through a fine sieve. Reduce the liquid till half remains and thicken with a bit of cornstarch if required. Bring sauce to boiling point and season with salt & pepper.

Cut the remaining onions, peppers and tomatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Take the lobster tails out of the shell and cook the shells in some boiling water. Cut the lobster into large chunks and season them with some salt & pepper. Sauté them in a little olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add the vegetables and continue to sauté for 3 more minutes. 

Flame the seafood with the rum and add the lobster base sauce and heavy cream. Bring the dish to boiling point and let simmer till the lobster is cooked. Place the cooled lobster shell on the plate and fill the shells with the seafood mixture. Serve this dish with some white rice or fresh baked Creole Bread.
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Belize Suzuki Summer Institute 2021 Cello, Viola, Violin
Jul 19 – 23,
The Belize Suzuki Summer Institute is being held in association with Daniela Gongora Music Academy. Our institute will be housed at an outdoor resort where accommodations will be in glamping cabins or (regular tents) and classes can be held outdoors and/or semi-outdoors. 
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Enjoy a lovely hotel accommodation with daily hearty breakfast, two & a half day tours around Belize, Yoga on the beach (optional), kayaking, bike riding, relaxing pools and more! Visit us in Belize on July 1 to enjoy a well deserved vacation where you do nothing and experience everything!
Placencia Lobster Crawl 2021
Enjoy Lobster season with a variety of restaurants offering scrumptious bites, tasty snacks, drinks, and even dinner during the Placencia Lobster Crawl. Taking place on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. To learn more, please contact Placencia Beach Club or follow the link below.
BAS Trailblazer 5k
As part of a campaign to highlight the physical and mental benefits of visiting Belize’s Protected Areas, the Belize Audubon Society is organizing its first ever trail run at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. The event will offer runners an exciting new challenge, taking on the tough terrain of the park’s Jungle Trail – a 5k like no other!
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Advancing Open Government in the Caribbean: Strategies and Tools to Increase Transparency and Citizen Participation in Public Policy
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