June 2023 Vol 101

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the June Newsletter!

The month of June brings beauty in all forms, from flowers to sunlight, marking the beginning of summer and the start of endless celebrations.

Traditionally known as the month of blushing brides, it is also a time for our young men and women to graduate from school, transition into new beginnings, and start new careers and experiences. We congratulate and wish them the very best in all their future endeavors!

It’s apt indeed that we celebrate the youth this month. Did you know that interpretation of the origins of “June” says that the name came from the Latin "juvenis", young people, who were celebrated at this time? June is also known for the feast day of John the Baptist who came to signal that someone greater than he was coming.

It is also a time to pay homage to the unsung heroes of this world, our fathers. Father’s Day is a time to say thank you to our fathers and celebrate them! Statistics show that fathers play a pivotal role in the lives of children, positively impacting their self-confidence and self-esteem.

The long-awaited summer holidays are finally here, along with fun in the sun! Wherever you choose to spend it, may you have an enjoyable and safe one. Hot days are ahead so please stay cool and hydrate.

The Consulate of Belize in Florida takes the opportunity to congratulate the Honorable John Briceño on his 30th anniversary serving in the public service of Belize! Prime Minister Briceño truly embodies the meaning of “public servant”, humbly serving his fellow man, providing from their most basic needs to fighting for the rights of men and women, while ensuring that all Belizeans can aspire to a better life.

Speaking of anniversaries, isn’t the name “Belize” the most beautiful and unique name you’ve ever heard? It just rings beautifully and perfectly! Well, this month the country celebrates 50 years since it was first named, BELIZE!

The well-oiled machinery that drives the Jewel has been churning amazing accomplishments led by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable John Briceño, and his cabinet who are focusing on improving the lives of Belizeans by strengthening the country's economy, education, and social sectors.

The Honorable Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, continues to work diligently with Belize’s diplomatic bilateral and multilateral partners on the world stage ensuring that Belize’s well-crafted foreign policy is at the forefront when garnering support to Belize’s important national interests.

Under the GOB Movers and Shakers section of this newsletter, you will find that June was a productive month in the areas of educational development and investment, healthcare innovation, and cultural preservation for the respective Ministers of Education, Health, and Tourism.

The Business and the Market section shares the exciting news that Belize was recently named a top emerging market for investors by NewsinAmerica.com. Meanwhile, Minister Jose Mai has embarked on the initiative to increase exports to Mexico. We also spotlight and extend kudos to Belize’s Development Finance Corporation, which recently received the regional award for Top Finance Facility.

Please mark your calendars and join us in Belize from August 30th to September 1st, for the Belize Investment Summit where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from the leaders of different industries about the prime sectors for investment.

We take this opportunity to thank the Office of Foreign Missions of Florida in hosting the Consular Corp of the Caribbean along with Assistant Secretary of Diplomatic Security, Gentry Smith, and OFM Principal Deputy Director, Cliff Seagroves from the US State Department who gave each of our country's representative, an opportunity to dialog and identify pathways to work closer with the Caribbean Consulates in Miami.

We are pleased to introduce Yogi Chart as our Belizean Star of the Month. With his extensive experience all over the world, Charu has become an internationally renowned yogi and globe trotter. Throughout his career, Charu has given back through charitable initiatives and has inspired countless individuals through his teachings, we hope you enjoy his story!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

The Consulate of Belize in Florida expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the former Consul General of Belize in Los Angeles, Hon. Roland Yorke on his passing. Mr. York served as Consul General from 2008 – 2018. May he rest in eternal peace.

Finally, what better way to continue honoring the fathers in your life and kick off the start of Lobster Fest than with a recipe for coconut curried lobster under the Recipe of the Month section! Join Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia in celebrating the tastes of the SEAson!

And for the Street Food Series, we invite our foodie readers to reimagine the seemingly simple but deliciously satisfying mango treats we included. For the savory palate, we invite you to try them with chili-lime salt, and for those with a sweet tooth we recommend transforming them into a healthy, fresh, and frozen sorbet.

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,

Dear Belizean Diaspora,

Greetings to each and every one of you, scattered across the United States and united by our shared love for Belize. As we embrace the month of June, I would like to dedicate this message to honoring the commendable work and accomplishments of the many Belizean organizations in the USA. Organizations such as Build Belize, Champions of Belize, Friends Supporting the Anglican Diocese of Belize, and Pathway International, have been instrumental in fostering connections, providing support, and making a meaningful impact in Belize.

I cannot say enough good things about Ambassador Murphy and her Build Belize initiative which, in its first year of existence has been able to direct over US$600,000 in assistance to the Jewel. Build Belize has focused on assisting the Diaspora in their efforts to help improve the lives of Belizean, and your response has been nothing absolutely praiseworthy. We applaud the dedication and the positive changes Build Belize bring to our homeland with your support.

On June 11th, I was honored as the guest speaker at the dinner and dance fund raiser of Friends Supporting the Anglican Diocese of Belize. FSADB exemplifies the power of collaboration and compassion. Their efforts in strengthening the Anglican Church in Belize, supporting educational institutions, and providing vital resources have contributed to the spiritual and educational growth of countless individuals. Their unwavering commitment to the people of Belize serves as a shining example of faith in action. I remain very grateful for to President Claude Stuart and his excellent team in New York for the opportunity to participate in their signature event.

Meanwhile, Pathway International continues to be a guiding light for Belizean students pursuing higher education in the United States. Their mission to assist and mentor young Belizeans in their academic journey has opened doors to countless opportunities. Pathway International's dedication to guiding and supporting our talented youth, helping them navigate the complexities of the American education system, is truly commendable.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to these organizations and the remarkable individuals who tirelessly work behind the scenes, making a difference in the lives of Belizeans both at home and abroad. Their collective efforts demonstrate the power of unity, compassion, and shared purpose.

To the Belizean Diaspora, I urge you to support and engage with these organizations. Whether through volunteering your time, contributing resources, or spreading awareness, your involvement can amplify their impact and help shape a brighter future for Belize.

Additionally, I encourage you to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership within the Belizean community and beyond. Together, we can leverage our collective strength and knowledge to address the challenges we face and create sustainable solutions.



In closing, let us celebrate the achievements of our Belizean American organizations. Their dedication and commitment to Belize exemplify the spirit of service, unity, and love for our homeland. May their endeavors continue to inspire us all as we work towards a prosperous and inclusive Belize.

Belize Constitution Reform

The People's Constitution Commission has created a survey to solicit feedback on Belize's Constitution from Belizeans living abroad. They want to better understand what the Diaspora is thinking. This survey is divided into three sections: Overview, Feedback, and Your Voice. It will only take you 5 minutes to complete. Make your voice heard! 

Caribbean Consular Corps Roundtable Discussion

Honorary Consul Ms. Janine Sylvestre recently attended the Caribbean Consular Corps Roundtable in Miami. The roundtable discussion covered a wide range of topics such as strengthening relationships between Caribbean nations and the United States and promoting intercultural understanding. Ms. Sylvestre emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address shared challenges and promote mutual prosperity. Her presence at the roundtable signifies Belize's commitment to strengthening its ties with its Caribbean neighbors.

Governor General Welcomes Four New Ambassadors to Belize

Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl Неr Ехсеllеnсу Dаmе Frоуlа Тzаlаm rесеіvеd fоur nеw аmbаѕѕаdоrѕ tо Веlіzе thіѕ mоrnіng аt thе Веlіzе Ноuѕе іn Веlmораn. Н.Е Неrоnіа bу Теlаku, Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Коѕоvо; Н.Е. Маеvе Vоn Неуnіtz, Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Іrеlаnd; Н.Е. Аtѕumі Yаѕuhіrо, Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Јараn; аnd Н.Е. Кіm Нојlund Сhrіѕtеnѕеn, Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Dеnmаrk еасh рrеѕеntеd thеіr lеttеrѕ оf сrеdеnсе tо thе Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl. All ambassadors expressed their wish to continue to strengthen and build the bilateral relationships between their respective governments and Belize. Learn More

Official Transfer of the Pro Tempore Presidency of SICA

In a symbolic handing over of the SICA flag to Vice President Felix Ulloa Jr., of El Salvador, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño officially transferred the Pro Tempore Presidency of SICA to El Salvador. Belize transfers not only the work program but a commitment to strengthening SICA and the values of unity and integration it upholds. Read More

U.S. - Caribbean Leaders Meeting

Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr Јоhn Вrісеñо еmbаrkеd оn а dірlоmаtіс mіѕѕіоn tо Nаѕѕаu, Ваhаmаѕ. He раrtісіраtеd іn а сruсіаl Мееtіng оf thе Неаdѕ оf Gоvеrnmеnt оf thе Саrіbbеаn Соmmunіtу (САRІСОМ), which included thе Рrеѕіdеnt оf thе Dоmіnісаn Rерublіс and thе Vісе Рrеѕіdеnt оf thе Unіtеd Ѕtаtеѕ. Read More

Prime Minister Welcomes Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

“А frіеnd аnd аllу іn glоbаl роlіtісѕ аnd dеvеlорmеnt, Веlіzе аnd Таіwаn hаvе ѕhаrеd mаnу аѕріrаtіоnѕ аnd gоаlѕ. Ноn. Yuі аnd І dіѕсuѕѕеd оur соntіnuеd раrtnеrѕhір, аrеаѕ fоr соllаbоrаtіоn аnd rеnеwеd оur рlеdgе оf mutuаl ѕuрроrt,”

Read More

Prime Minister Hosts Representatives in Belmopan

Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr Јоhn Вrісеñо hаѕ dеtаіlеd а mееtіng wіth rерrеѕеntаtіvеѕ оf Тhе Nаturе Соnѕеrvаnсу (ТNС) “dіѕсuѕѕіng оur Вluе Воnd раrtnеrѕhір, оur соmmіtmеntѕ аnd рrоgrеѕѕеѕ, сhаllеngеѕ аnd mарріng а wау fоrwаrd.” Read More

Celebrating 50 Years as Belize

June 1st commemorated our country's golden anniversary of the name Belize. Under our bold, innovative, and people centered development agenda of #PlanBelize, the peaceful constructive revolution known as Belize continues.

Prior to this, our country's name was British Honduras. Read More

A Message from the Prime Minister

"At midterm, our Administration has revived the Belizean economy. We are achieving record change with opportunities for all. Let's recap our successes and join me as we continue on our path of a revolutionary development agenda for a better Belize."

Click to Watch

30 Years of Public Service

June 30th... 30 years of political public service. Join me now as I celebrate my years of service and chat with Love FM about my years as a political and public representative and now my Administration serving our Belize and people. Watch Here

Dia de San Pedro

We joined the island municipality in celebrating the opening of the new Boca Del Rio Bridge.

The population, commerce, and tourism of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, as well as the geographic expansion of its residential and commercial areas, have grown exponentially. The bridge is a much-needed piece of infrastructure that improves connectivity and transportation between the island's two parts. Read More

Prime Minister Nominates New Attorney General

Belize's new Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre, has been nominated by Prime Minister John Briceño. Sylvestre, an attorney-at-law, has held various positions on committees and boards, including Chairman of the University of Belize, Director of Belize Electricity Limited, and National AIDS Commission. He also served as a Senator and Crown Counsel. Read More

Migration Ministerial

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay co-chair the Los Angeles Declaration Anniversary Ministerial at the World Bank in Washington, DC.

Watch Here

UN-GOB Joint National Steering Committee Meeting

Bringing together the Belizean government and the UN country team to review and oversee the implementation of the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-26 in Belize. Read More

Foreign Minister Hon. Eamon Courtenay Addresses the 53rd Organization of American States

Minister Courtenay raised an issue regarding the absence of a number of other foreign ministers from the session, citing the dire financial straits that the O.A.S. is presently faced with.

Read More

SICA and CARICOM Join Forces in Crucial Meeting for Regional Integration

SICA and CARICOM member countries held a joint meeting in Placencia, aiming to bridge Central America with the Caribbean Community. Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade emphasizes the importance of these meetings for both regional groups and Belize. Read 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 Consulates

Contact Information

Dia De San Pedro

Every year, Ambergris Caye looks forward to Dia De San Pedro – festivities that combine religion and culture, as well as a carnival and music, to celebrate the patron saint of the island, San Pedro or St. Peter. You can read a brief modern history of the island – one that goes from the Caste Wars of the Yucatan and the fleeing of many to northern Belize to coconut plantations and copra production to a fishing industry to tourism – here, in Part One and Part Two .

Tourism Tidbits

"Reef With A Beef"

As a bold yet playful call to action for World Oceans Day 2023, the Belize Tourism Board launched today a social media campaign "Reef With A Beef," aimed to raise awareness on ocean sustainability through humor. This initiative was born from the reality that while Belize is doing a great deal to protect its oceans, there are others around the world who simply aren't doing enough.

Read More

Trade and Investment Tidbits

Belize Formally Accepts the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Belize deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 16 June, making it the first Central American WTO member and first WTO member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to do so.

Read More

Cultural Tidbits

September Celebrations Theme Announced

Ѕерtеmbеr 10 аnd 21 аrе ѕuddеnlу lооkіng muсh сlоѕеr frоm thіѕ ѕіdе оf Јunе 1, аnd ѕо іt іѕ tіmе tо bеgіn thе соuntdоwn tо thе аnnuаl Ѕерtеmbеr Сеlеbrаtіоnѕ. Тоdау thеrе wаѕ thе оffісіаl рrеѕеntаtіоn оf thе thеmе fоr thе оссаѕіоn: “Норе іgnіtеd, hаndѕ unіtеd, vіѕіоn rеnеwеd: Веlіzе@42!”

Read More

Yogi Charu is a Belizean born Yoga & Meditation teacher who travels the world sharing the wisdom of the ancient Vedic Culture. His yoga journey began in Belize at age 15 when he encountered the Bhagavad Gita through a friend and left home shortly thereafter to pursue a life of yoga. He spent most of his early career in Los Angeles and India where he trained in Bhakti Yoga and Himalayan Yogic ashrams. Living as a Yogi in simplicity, dedicated to fasting, cleansing, Mantra Yoga, Kirtan, proper breathing and study of the Vedas and other Yogic texts.

As a teacher, he moved from the Himalayas to Hong Kong in 2000, where he was among the first to teach at the Hong Kong Country Club, the HK Pacific Club, and privately to the staff of UBS and HSBC, Nike, International, and various law firms. His private clients grew as they desired to go deeper into detoxification of the body and mind while also seeking to evolve spiritually. Yogi Charu traveled and trained students to be teachers in Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan from his base in Hong Kong. In 2006, he relocated to Australia to co-manage Govinda's Lotus studio, where he studied under Anandakapila Saraswati. 

His teaching style stems from classical yoga traditions including pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (poses), kriyas (cleansing techniques), and tantric meditations. Additionally, he shares his love for yoga philosophy through workshops on the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, Vedic numerology and more.

Yogi Charu relocated to New York City in 2009, where he assisted in the establishment of Yoga and Meditation classes at The Bhakti Center and Pure Yoga. He oversaw Pure Yoga's 200-hour Yoga teacher training as well as their 100-hour Meditation Teacher Training. 

In reflecting on 2013, one particular memory stands out to Mr. Charu. It was a year of great gratitude and growth, as he had the opportunity to teach his first teacher training in Belize. The experience was transformative, not just for the fellow Belizeans he had the privilege of teaching, but also for himself as an instructor. Sharing the knowledge of yoga and mindfulness with others in his home country was a satisfying and inspiring experience. 

In 2019, he launched the Om Chandra Meditation Project, with the goal of bringing 'Mental Hygiene' to everyone. With the pandemic, the program has shifted to an online format in which he leads Mental Hygiene sessions for students all over the world every weekday. 

Today as a new resident of Tampa Florida, he continues to joyfully share the gifts of purifying the body, mind and heart to whomever crosses his path.

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

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Landmark of the Month

The Maya Ruins of Caracol

This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize. Once home to 150,000 people, it has a dominant place in Maya history. Ancient Caracol was larger in population and area than present-day Belize City. Read More

Belizeanism of the Month

Finger no say "look ya", e say "look deh".

Literally: Finger Doesn't say "look here"; it says "look there".

Meaning: We are readier to blame others than ourselves.

• Міnіѕtеr оf Неаlth Кеvіn Веrnаrd Attеndѕ Ѕmаll Іѕlаnd Dеvеlоріng Ѕtаtеѕ Міnіѕtеrіаl Соnfеrеnсе оn Nоnсоmmunісаblе Dіѕеаѕеѕ аnd Меntаl Неаlth іn Ваrbаdоѕ Read More

• Ministry of Agriculture Hands Over Kitchen Items Valued at $US 7,500 to St. Martin’s Government School in Belmopan Read More

• Ministry of Tourism Sets Eye on Attracting More Mexican Tourists to Belize Read More

• Government of Belize Commits $1 Million for Construction of New School Building at St. Matthew’s Government School Read More

• Minister of Education Presents Loan Motion for BZ $15 Million for Skills for the Future Program Read More

• Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Culture Unveil Newly Acquired Deer Dance Attire and Marimba Read More

• Belize Concludes Pro-Tempore Presidency of SICA, Offers Support to Incoming El Salvador Read More

• Tourism Sector Workers to Participate in Special Certification Courses from Florida International University Read More

• Belize Representative Appointed to the Chemical Review Committee of the Rotterdam Convention Read More

• Belize Participates in World Travel Expo in Miami Read More

• Beltraide Promotes Belizean Products at Taipei International Food Show 2023 Read More

• 26th Annual Bowen & Bowen National Spelling Bee winners crowned Read More

• LOBSTERFEST Belize Dates Read More

• Gabrielle Gabourel wins Women’s National Cycling Individual Time Trial Championship Read More

• Flowers Bank Festival 2023 marks definitive moment in Belize’s history Read More

• Belize Birding Festival is Back After Three-Year Hiatus Due to Pandemic Read More

• Preserving Traditional Deer Dance and Maya Culture Read More

• The Debt-for-Nature Lifeline Read More

• Department of the Environment Celebrates Achievements of Reef Management Project Read More

• Belize Becomes First Country in Region to Deposit Instrument of Acceptance on Fisheries Subsidies Read More

• Manatees, Sea Turtles and Pelicans Accompany eDNA Expedition in Belize Read More

• Quantifying Mangroves’ Value as a Climate Solution and Economic Engine Read More

• Why Panama and Belize Are Top Emerging Markets for Investors Read More

• From Crisis to Renewal: Examining the Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery in Belize Read More

• Belize Gains Export Opportunities to Mexico During 2-Day Visit by Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai Read More

• Shrimp Industry Eyes Comeback, Targets Export to Mexico Read More



• Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Wins Regional Award for Top Finance Facility Read More

• Belize Certified Malaria-Free by WHO Read More

• House of Representatives Approves $69 Million in Supplementary Expenditures Read More

• Government to Provide $500,000 to Extend Belize Amnesty Program Read More

• San Antonio Village Council Announces the Oxmul-Kah Farmers Market: A Celebration of Local Agriculture and Community Entrepreneurship Read More

• Belizean Cyclist Marlon Castillo is in New York for Prosthetic Forearm Fundraiser Raffle at Invitation of Project Jumpstart Belize Read More

• Landmark US$45 million Loan for Tertiary Hospital Project Gains Senate Approval Read More

• Top Ten Things To Do in Belize Read More

• JetBlue To Offer Nonstop Route To Belize Read More

• 11 Best All-inclusive Belize Resorts Read More

• Southwest Airlines Marks 52nd Birthday with 40% Discount on Flights, Including Belize Read More

• Belize Shines as Coco Plum and Manta Island Resorts Top TripAdvisor’s Best Small Hotels Rankings Read More

Coconut Curried Lobster

Ingredients

• 3-4 Medium Sized Lobster
• 4 tsp Curry Powder
• 1 Red Pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 Orange Pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 Green Pepper, (thinly sliced)
• 2 Small Habanero Peppers (thinly sliced) or Hot Mama’s Pepper Mash
• 1 Leek (thinly sliced)
• 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 3 Cups Coconut Milk
• 1 Cup Fresh Chopped Tomato
• 6 tbsp. Olive Oil

Mango Treats

Ingredients:

Frozen Mango Sorbet

• 4 heaping cups frozen mango (~two 10-oz bags)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

Full Recipe

Savory Mango

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
• ½teaspoon fine sea salt
• Pepper or Chili powder to taste
• 2 ripe mangoes (1½ pounds), peeled, pitted and cut into ½-inch slices

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

July 2022, VOL. 90 Read More

June 2022, VOL. 89 Read More

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.