Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Belize

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to March's Newsletter!

In only a few days we will be celebrating the much-anticipated Easter Sunday with our loved ones. We hope that we are renewed and energized after spending our Lenten days in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (the three pillars of Lent).

There is a crispness in the air and spring beckons us to enjoy the season under billowy blue skies, an open invitation to plunge into Belize’s stunning turquoise waters, feel the soft warm sand under your feet and find the nearest hammock to take a Belizean nap.

Belize is also famous for its untouched rainforest, where the river, with its pristine waters lazily but assuredly, winds its way through Belize’s lush jungles, lifting and energizing one’s spirits.

It’s truly a unique experience to be standing in the middle of the rainforest enveloped by the lush green that abounds and except for the chirping of birds and other wildlife, the silence and stillness is blissful. Once home to a thriving Mayan civilization, Belize’s rainforest is a place of refuge to the protected jaguar, tapirs, howling monkeys and over 500 bird species. The wild flora and fauna that thrives in the rainforest is also a beauty to behold with the exotic black orchid, along with 250 species of orchids as well as various bromeliads and medicinal plants.

And now, for a subject that is near and dear to my heart - Belizean cuisine! Don’t we all love an excuse to bite into a hot cross bun, a treat we’ve waited all year to enjoy at Easter? There is nothing sweeter than the aroma of these buns as they bake in the oven or even better the fiya haart. So please try your hand at this Easter delicacy made with Belizean ingredients and enjoy with your favorite hot beverage.

Also, a favorite at this time of year is the conch ceviche made the Belizean way with simple and fresh ingredients, crunchy carrots, tomatoes, habanero, and lots of lime juice.

However you choose to spend your Easter, we wish you a very happy and blessed one!

Let’s now jump into the business of the day. Belize continues making steady progress both at home and abroad. The Honorable John Briceño, Prime Minister, remained focused on strengthening the country’s economic, social, and technological landscape. He marked the tenth sugar cane harvest with the Santander Group—highlighting continued growth in the agricultural sector—and his administration implemented salary increases for public officers, reinforcing its commitment to improving livelihoods.

The government also took steps toward digital transformation, signing an agreement with the Belize Robotics Federation to promote innovation and education. At the same time, the Prime Minister engaged with the private sector, including a visit to Transparent BPO, exploring opportunities for expansion and job creation—particularly for women in rural communities—while continuing discussions on the National Budget and other key priorities.

Meanwhile, H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño remained actively engaged in initiatives focused on health, gender equality, and community development. Mrs. Briceño was invited to Washington by the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump, to attend the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit where they discussed child welfare in the digital age and explored opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Back in Belize, Mrs. Briceño continued her impactful work by hosting the “Let’s Talk Menopause” forum in Orange Walk Town in collaboration with national partners and honoring outstanding Belizean women in celebration of International Women’s Day under the theme “Balance the Scales.” Through the Office of the Special Envoy, she also led the “Pink Masquerade” fundraiser, supporting the Orange Walk Cancer Support Group and strengthening efforts to uplift families and communities across Belize.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stayed actively engaged on the international stage this month, continuing to strengthen partnerships and advance key priorities. Foreign Minister, the Honorable Francis Fonseca reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and dignified return for Belizeans, while also representing the country at the UK–Caribbean Forum in London, where climate change and regional cooperation were front and center. He also updated Commonwealth partners on the Belize–Guatemala territorial dispute, highlighting continued support for Belize’s sovereignty.



Belize also marked an important step with the reopening of its permanent mission in Geneva, reinforcing its commitment to multilateralism. While H.E. Amalia Mai represented Belize at the 10th Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit and the first-ever CELAC–Africa Forum, helping to strengthen connections and cooperation across regions.

Under GOB Movers and Shakers, Belize kept the momentum going both at home and abroad. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, alongside the Belize Forest Department, worked with regional partners to advance conservation of the Greater Maya Forest. At the same time, the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics represented Belize at the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL) Assembly, supporting the region’s digital transformation agenda.

And on to additional impactful stories, you won’t want to miss this month’s star, Mr. Bilal D. Morris. From his roots in Belize City to building a meaningful career in Los Angeles as an educator, broadcaster, and community leader, his journey reflects resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to giving back. Through his work in media, education, and the Belizean diaspora, he continues to uplift and connect communities. Make sure you don’t miss it!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo #Belizeansarebeautiful

This month we also celebrated National Heroes and Benefactors Day, a meaningful occasion to honor the individuals whose vision, courage, and service have helped shape Belize’s history and continue to inspire its future. Their legacy reminds us that each of us has a role to play in building a stronger, more united Belize, no matter how big or small our contributions may seem. May we continue to carry their teachings forward with pride.

While this season brings renewal and celebration, we also remain mindful of ongoing, concerning developments around the world, including recent escalations in the Middle East and evolving immigration policies in the United States.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to review the latest immigration laws and guidelines issued by United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS), particularly for individuals currently in the United States without legal status. These updates include important information on options such as voluntary departure, which may help individuals avoid potential detention by ICE.To learn more, please Click Here.

You may also contact the Consulate to inquire about an Emergency Travel Document, which allows you to travel if your passport has expired or been lost.

During this time, please remember that you are not alone. Our consular offices across the U.S. are here to provide guidance, support, and assistance as you navigate these challenging times.

A full list of Belize’s Consular Offices in the United States, along with their contact information, can be found here: Click Here.

For additional details, kindly review the Housekeeping Business section.

On behalf of the entire team at the Consulate of Belize, thank you for reading, for staying connected, and for being part of our extended Belizean family. We truly appreciate the time you take to open and engage with this newsletter, prepared each month with great care and a whole lot of heart.

#BelizeIsBeautiful #BelizeansAreBeautiful #BelizeansDoGreatThingsWhereverTheyGo 

Warm Belizean Wishes, 

National Symbols of Belize

Prime Minister Briceño Celebrates a Decade of Harvest Success

10 years, 10 harvest seasons—a milestone worth celebrating. I was honored to share this special moment with the Santander Group as we mark the tenth sugar cane harvest in Belize. Here’s to continued growth, prosperity, and many more successful seasons ahead for our farmers and our country. Read More.

Prime Minister John Briceño Welcomes Robert Venes to Belize

Prime Minister John Briceño welcomed UNICEF Regional Director Robert Venes to Belize for high-level discussions on the organization’s regional work plan and policy priorities. The meeting emphasized strengthening collaboration and amplifying the voices of Latin American and Caribbean nations in advocating for children’s issues on global platforms. Read More.

Belize Advances Digital Future with Robotics Partnership

In a significant step toward modernization, Prime Minister Briceño highlighted the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of E-Governance and the Belize Robotics Federation. The initiative represents part of the government’s “big push” to build a modern economy driven by responsive education and the embrace of emerging technologies. Read More.

Belize and Guyana Advance Bilateral Cooperation

Prime Minister Briceño marked a meaningful day for the community of San Estevan Village as the expansion of their water system moves closer to reality. Improving water access in rural areas is a cornerstone of our #PlanBelize 2.0 rural development strategy. 

Read More.

Empowering Rural Women Through Remote Work

The Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño discussed with Transparent BPO the expansion of operations in Belize, with a strong focus on creating remote job opportunities for women in rural communities. The initiative aims to provide flexible employment while supporting economic growth outside urban centers. Read More.

Prime Minister Briceño Discusses National Budget and Key Development Priorities

On The Morning Show, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño discusses the National Budget and key issues such as infrastructure, jobs, social development, and education. Make sure not to miss it. Click Here

Special Envoy H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño Addresses Youth Leaders in Mexico City

At the International Youth Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City, the Special Envoy Mrs. Rossana Briceño received the “Role Model for Humanity” award and delivered remarks underscoring the importance of positivity, empathy, and resilience. The envoy highlighted the vital role of young people in addressing global challenges and encouraged continued engagement in shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking future. Read More.

Special Envoy H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño Engages Learners in Belize City

The Special Envoy Mrs. Rossana Briceño visited Eglah’s Training Center for Women & Families in Belize City, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and family literacy. The envoy commended the center’s role in empowering learners of all ages and emphasized education as a foundation for stronger families and communities. Read More.

Special Envoy H.E. Mrs. Briceño Hosts “Let’s Talk Menopause” Forum in Orange Walk

In collaboration with national partners, the Special Envoy hosted the “Let’s Talk Menopause” forum in Orange Walk Town, creating a safe and informative space to address an often-overlooked stage of women’s health. Guided by a panel of experts, the discussion promoted awareness, reduced stigma, and emphasized the importance of access to knowledge and support for women. Read More.

Special Envoy H.E. Mrs. Briceño Advances Child-Focused Digital Innovation at Global Coalition in Washington, DC

At the “Fostering the Future Together” Coalition in Washington D.C., hosted by the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Melania Trump - the Special Envoy of Belize, H.E. Mrs. Rossana Briceño played an active role in high-level discussions alongside global first spouses. Over two days, the Special Envoy highlighted Belize’s national efforts to expand digital access and technology opportunities for children. Emphasizing the importance of safe, equitable, and meaningful use of technology. She also discussed the need to pair digital access with literacy, prioritize child protection in innovation, and ensure that no child is left behind in the digital age. Read More.

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USCIS

New Rule Requiring Certain Noncitizens to Complete Alien Registration

As of April 11, 2025, USCIS has implemented a new rule requiring certain noncitizens to complete alien registration. Failure to comply can result in serious penalties—including up to $5,000 in fines or 30 days in jail, plus civil fines of up to $1,000 per day. Additionally, not updating your address within 10 days of moving may lead to deportation unless you can show it was not willful or was reasonably excusable. For full details and other key immigration updates Click Here

Alien Registration Requirement

The policy, set to take effect immediately, requires undocumented individuals aged 14 and older to register, provide fingerprints and addresses, and carry proof of registration or face fines and possible jail time.



The Department of Homeland Security emphasized strict enforcement, with Secretary Kristi Noem stating that undocumented individuals should leave the country or face consequences.

Learn More

CBP Home Mobile App

Voluntary Return Incentive:

$1,000 and Free Plane Ticket via CBP App

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently offering an incentive for individuals who choose voluntary self-departure from the United States.

Through the CBP One app, eligible individuals may receive $1,000 in assistance plus a free plane ticket to facilitate their return to their home country. or another country where they have lawful status.

This initiative is an effort to encourage voluntary compliance with immigration laws. Learn More

Key Features:

• The app allows undocumented immigrants to voluntarily notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of their intent to leave the U.S., potentially facilitating their return through legal channels in the future.

Tourism

From reef to rainforest: CTO’s Sustainability conference in Belize explores culture, conservation, and community

Read More

Trade & Investment

Belize represented at 2nd International Participants Meeting for Expo 2027 Belgrade


 Read More.

Cultural

How to Celebrate Easter in Belize

Read More

Mr. Bilal D. Morris

Mr. Bilal D. Morris is a native of Belize City, Belize, Central America, and currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He is a dedicated educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), as well as a respected broadcaster, producer, and community organizer. Born to Mr. Ernest Morris and Mrs. Lydia Morris, Mr. Morris has balanced family life with a lifelong commitment to education, media, and service to the Belizean diaspora.

Mr. Morris is a graduate of St. Michael’s College in Belize City and later pursued higher education in the United States, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Television Production from Los Angeles City College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from California State University, Los Angeles. Despite the challenges of raising a family while continuing his education, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

His career in media includes serving as a broadcaster and producer of the Belize-Caribbean Pulse radio show on KPFK 90.7 FM with the Pacifica Radio Network from 1986 to 1996. Throughout his journey, Mr. Morris has demonstrated resilience, attributing his success to hard work, persistence, and faith. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Journalism Award from the Pacifica Radio Network, a Patriotic Award in Journalism in 2019, Visionary and Jury Choice Awards from the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival in 2017 and 2018, and a Journalism Award in 2024 for his Belizean Legends Documentary Series.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Morris has been deeply involved in community service. He has worked as a Belizean community organizer with organizations such as Los Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMBS) and the Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance (BREDAA). He also serves as a Liaison Officer for the Belize City Council’s Hubert Pipersberg Diaspora Help Desk and is the host of “Navel String Connections,” a program featured on XTV, Facebook, and YouTube in collaboration with the Belize Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations.

Mr. Morris draws inspiration from his faith, having embraced Islam in 1983, as well as from his family and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. His personal interests include writing, reading, music appreciation, and playing the piano. He is also a donor to both Islamic and Belizean charitable organizations and actively participates with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Los Angeles.

As he looks toward the future, Mr. Morris plans to retire from LAUSD while continuing to educate and mentor young people in both the United States and Belize. He remains committed to strengthening the Belizean diaspora and contributing to national development through community engagement.

Mr. Morris encourages aspiring individuals to believe in themselves, maintain faith in God, and remain consistent, persistent, and patient in their efforts to uplift their communities both at home and abroad.

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

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is a cave located near San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize, known for its significant Maya archaeological remains, including skeletons, ceramics, and stone artifacts. The main chamber contains several areas where human skeletal remains can be found.

Chicken Merry Da Ma(r)ning, Hawk Pick A(m) Befo(re) Night.

Literally : The Chicken is merry in the morning but the hawk seizes.

Meaning: Often a state of happiness finds speedy reversal.

Let us Preserve and Protect our Historical Landmarks

• Ministry of Sustainable Development and Belize Forest Department Host Trinational Workshop on Greater Maya Forest Conservation Cooperation. Read More.
• Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Represents Belize at CITEL Assembly on Regional Digital Transformation Agenda. Read More.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Strengthens Commitment to Multilateral Engagement in Geneva. Read More.
• NCFC, UNICEF Belize, and Ministry of Human Development Launch Blue Teddy Bear Campaign to Strengthen Child Protection. Read More.

• Department of Civil Aviation and FAA Launch Regional ACR-PCR and FAARFIELD Workshop in Belize Read More
• Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico Strengthen Regional Cooperation to Protect the Greater Maya Forest. Read More
• Ministry of Agriculture Advances Regional Trade Talks on Transit of Belizean Agricultural Products via Guatemala. Read More.
• Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing, Taiwan ICDF, and CABEI Conduct Site Visit on Philip Goldson Highway Expansion Project. Read More.
• Belize launches a national Integrated Border Management Strategy process with EU-IOM support. Read More.

• Belize Makes Its Pitch as the Caribbean’s Next Sustainability Leader. Read More.
• Belize Hosts Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 Read More.
• Belize’s Barrier Reef Gains Global Spotlight with ‘Wealth Untold’ Documentary Premiere at San Diego Film Festival Read More.
• Unlocking Belize’s Blue Frontier: The Transformation of Turneffe Atoll Through Sustainable Investment Read More.

Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons instant dry yeast
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon white cane sugar
• 1/2 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar, white or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, heated until very hot (evaporated milk or coconut milk can be used)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 cup raisins and 1/4 mixed peel, soaked in hot water or Caribbean rum

Icing Ingredients:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

• Mix yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to bubble up.

• In a big bowl, combine butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add warm milk and let it cool. Then, mix in the yeast and eggs. Slowly add 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour until the dough is soft. Stir in raisins and mixed peel.

• Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.

• Lightly butter the dough, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 1/2 hours or until it’s doubled in size.

Conch Ceviche

Ingredients:

• 1 lb conch meat chopped into small cubes
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 red onion, diced
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1-2 habaneros, finely chopped if you like it hot, or ringlets if you want to be able to remove them later
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. In a large bowl, combine the conch meat, and lime juice. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator the acidity of the lime “cooks” the meat.
2. Add the sliced red onion, habanero peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro to the marinated conch. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve chilled.

February 2026, VOL. 133 Read More

January 2026, VOL. 132 Read More

December 2025, VOL. 131 Read More

November 2025, VOL. 130 Read More

October 2025, VOL. 129 Read More

September 2025, VOL. 128 Read More

August 2025, VOL 127 Read More

July 2025, VOL. 126 Read More

June 2025, VOL. 125 Read More

May 2025, VOL. 124 Read More

April 2025, VOL. 123 Read More

March 2025, VOL. 122 Read More

February 2025, VOL. 121 Read More

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.

Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans

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.

*News Sources for this Newsletter:

LinkedIn

Individual Ministry Facebooks

MFA and PM Facebook

Associations Facebook

GOB Press Office

Breaking Belize News

Channel 7 News Belize

http://belizenews.com

https://amandala.com.bz/

https://lovefm.com/