May 2022 Vol 88
The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the May Monthly Newsletter!
Welcome to our May Newsletter!
 
As May slips us by, we can recall so many things we love about the Month of May in Belize. It is when mangoes and plums abound and the flowering trees in our backyards and in the country-side blossom with their golden orange, red and bright pink hues, bringing life and joy to our day!

Our parents recall the days in Belize when the doors of schools closed in May signaling the beginning of long, hot and lazy summer days when families packed up to go to the country or to the cayes to beat the heat and get in some rest and relaxation.

For those who remained in Belize City, there was always Sports Ice cream to help stay cool. It was the simple but good life that today we fondly remember and miss.

To the students of today, you came this far in the year and hats off to you! This Consulate heartily congratulates the graduating classes of 2022! Let this milestone be a reminder of your hard work, determination and grit to come one step closer to achieving your goals and dreams. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.

This month was filled with many celebrations, beginning with a very special holiday in both the US and Belize, Mother’s Day. To all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and other women in our lives that love us unconditionally, we hope that you had a very Happy Mother’s Day! We love you and thank you! 

May is also known as the Month of Mary, our heavenly Mother, Mary said yes to God so let us unite ourselves to her love and devotion for her son, Jesus.

Also celebrated in the Caribbean, was CARICOM week from May 2nd - 6th. This year marked 49 years of the Caribbean Community and Common Market. Almost five decades where all 15 members have been able to promote economic integration and cooperation, by taking advantage of a joint GDP of $107.82 billion and a population of almost 18,000,000 people. Learn More

May 22nd was World Biodiversity Day. Thanks to our geographical location, Belize enjoys lush jungles, wildlife reserves, and different species of flora and fauna. Belize has а unique mix of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, in addition to being home of the largest unbroken barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the largest cave system in Central America. Indeed, Belize is blessed to have landscapes јuѕt аѕ dіvеrѕe аѕ its culture.

After enjoying 40 years of diplomatic relations with Mexico, and in a historical move, the Government of Belize signed a tariff agreement with Mexico, whereby Mexico agrees to remove all tariffs of Belizean products entering Mexico. This is a big victory for Belize, as this young country takes a closer step in strengthening its economic growth through trade and fostering an environment for increased business opportunities for all.

On a different note, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Did you know that in the U.S. 50 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life? And half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. Learn More

In Belize, we are taking definitive strides in dealing with mental health issues but so much is left to do in combatting this illness that affects so many in the Jewel.

 If you or anyone you know is going through a difficult time, remember that even in the darkest moments, one is never alone. Seeking help is an important step in taking control of your well-being. We have included interesting infographics and contact information for you to check out.

Yesterday, May 30th, the U.S. commemorated Memorial Day, a time to honor, reflect, and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Consulate of Belize expresses its gratitude to all the brave military personnel who gave their lives fighting for their country ensuring that one and all can enjoy the freedom and democracy it enjoys today.

The Consulate of Belize in Florida would like to express its support and solidarity to the families and loved ones of the victims from the terrible Uvalde mass shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Uvalde community during this tragic time.

We also stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba after the massive gas explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana.

In recapping the monthly news in Belize, we take this opportunity to share stories that will interest you. We invite you to read all the important accomplishments by Prime Minister John Briceño under “Prime Minister of Belize Section”
 
Please read our section, “Movers and Shakers of Belize” where you will learn about the hard work each Ministry is doing to help make Belize stronger and better in the areas of agriculture, foreign affairs, trade, tourism, public service, housing, education, immigration and so much more.
 
As always, please remember to read about this month’s Star of the Month because Belizeans do great things wherever they go!
 
The Consulate of Belize in Florida, takes pride in serving the Belizean Diaspora in providing the upmost care and customer service. The consular staff comprised of Mrs. Tracy Gomez and Miss Daniela Valle do an amazing job every day in processing all of your passport and nationality applications amongst other consular services. Last week, Wednesday, the Consulate was honored when Tracy was nominated by the H.E. Rossana Briceño as a Belizean woman for Wonder Woman Wednesday. We congratulate Tracy on this accomplishment!
 
Finally, this month as we close the conch season, we included a popular Belizean dish, ceviche, made with Belize’s world- famous conch! Perfect for a fresh summer snack or light meal, you can find the recipe under our Recipe of the Month. As for our Street Food Series, we shared a crowd-pleasing dessert, a delicious Belizean rice pudding recipe!  
 
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.
 
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
Plan Belize Working for National Development and Better for Belize
Іn bіlаtеrаl nеgоtіаtіоnѕ соnduсtеd оn Ѕаturdау bеtwееn thеіr соuntrіеѕ, thе Рrеѕіdеnt оf thе Unіtеd Мехісаn Ѕtаtеѕ, Аndréѕ Маnuеl Lóреz Оbrаdоr, аnd Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr оf Веlіzе Јuаn Аntоnіо Вrісеñо соnсludеd multірlе аgrееmеntѕ dеѕіgnеd tо bеnеfіt ехсhаngеѕ bеtwееn bоth соuntrіеѕ оn vаrіоuѕ іѕѕuеѕ. Read More
Mother's Day Message
In my Mother's Day message, I spoke of the boundless love that mothers have for their children, grandchildren and families. The compassion with which they lead their families.
Mothers play a critical role in the family, which is a powerful force for social cohesion and integration. The mother-child relationship is vital for the healthy development of children. Mothers are not only caregivers; they are also breadwinners for their families.
Happy Mother's Day to all our Belizean mothers!
Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño Sashes the Farmers of the Year

Three farmers were awarded Farmers of the Year at the opening ceremony of the National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) in Belmopan on Friday, May 27th. They will also bе rесеіvіng multірlе gіftѕ frоm buѕіnеѕѕеѕ іnсludіng саѕh аnd gіft сеrtіfісаtеѕ. Тhе Аwаrd Сеrеmоnу аlѕо іnсludеѕ thе рrеѕеntаtіоn оf аn аwаrd tо thе Міnіѕtеr оf Аgrісulturе Јоѕе Аbеlаrdо Маі fоr hіѕ wоrk іn rеvаmріng аgrісulturе іn thе соuntrу. Read More
Belize and Colombia

Building bilateral ties with potential for collaboration in areas of tourism, citizen security, and education.
Our courtesy call with the Non- Resident Ambassador of Colombia His Excellency Carlos Rodriguez Bocanegra and my team discussed strengthening relations in these key areas. We also discussed the possibility of our delegations having a bilateral meeting in the margins at the upcoming Summit of America's.
Prime Minister John Briceño Lead Delegation at the CARICOM Agri-Food Investment Forum and Expo Held in Guyana

Тhе Саrіbbеаn Соmmunіtу (САRІСОМ) Аgrі-Fооd Іnvеѕtmеnt Fоrum аnd Ехро wаѕ hеld іn Gеоrgеtоwn, Guуаnа, frоm Мау 19-21, аnd Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr Јоhn Вrісеñо lеd а dеlеgаtіоn tо thе еvеnt tо rерrеѕеnt Веlіzе. Learn More
Plan Belize

Belize leading our region as we work towards achieving a 25% reduction in our food imports by 2025.
Our Agriculture sector is contributing $600M annually to our economy, representing 80 percent of Belize’s domestic exports, and directly employing 18% of the Belizean population. Also, The BPO industry is employing approximately 8,000 persons within 27 companies and shows potential for much more growth in an improved investment climate.
Network of NGOs

A productive meeting with a group of social partners from the Belize Network of NGOs looked at environmental issues and issues for the elderly and Indigenous populations with an overarching theme of collaboration. We acknowledged that advocacy doesn't mean adversary and made pledges for better working relations. Read More
Sowing Life Project
Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, and Mr. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Mexico held a bilateral meeting where they signed a Letter of Intent for the implementation of the Sowing Life Project in Belize. Read More
CARICOM - EU Partnership Discussions

Foreign Minister Courtenay , Chair of CARICOM's COFCOR, is co-chairing a EU-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting in Panama City to discuss the future and development of the CARICOM-EU partnership. The EU is one of Belize's most important development partners.
Belize and Vienna

CEO Ambassador Amalia Mai lead a high-level technical and scientific visit to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Austria, Vienna
Hon. Eamon Courtenay Calls for Greater Collaboration Among CARICOM Nations at Recent Regional Meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration Eamon Courtenay hіghlіghtеd а numbеr оf реrtіnеnt іѕѕuеѕ іnсludіng gеороlіtісаl tеnѕіоnѕ аnd thе еrоѕіоn оf multіlаtеrаlіѕm, thе аѕѕаѕѕіnаtіоn оf Наіtіаn Рrеѕіdеnt Јuvеnаl Моïѕе, thе wаr іn Ukrаіnе, аnd thе wоrrуіng есоnоmіс оutlооk bесаuѕе оf thе СОVІD-19 раndеmіс, аѕ mаttеrѕ thаt nееdеd thе аttеntіоn оf Саrісоm.
Dear members of the Belizean Diaspora,

Greetings from the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. As we look forward to summer, we are excited that people can once again get together here in the United States and back home. We still need to be cautious, follow the advice of the medical professionals and take the necessary precautions. But it is an absolute joy to be able to meet with friends and family once again.

In that vein, we are looking forward to the weekend of June 17th when the Belize American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will be holding their Belize Investment Forum here in Washington D.C. The Belize Investment Forum will be an official part of the NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH that is being presented by the US State Department within its LEGISLATIVE WEEK agenda.

This forum will provide opportunities to engage with key industry, community and political leaders, experts, and attendees from the Caribbean Basin and also from the around the United States to participate in dialogues relating to Finance and Access to Capital Markets.

The Forum will close with what promises to be an exciting “BACC-YARD” Reception & Mixer at our Embassy. We are keenly looking forward to meeting as many of you as we can, although space is limited due to continuing COVID-19 precautions that we feel compelled to follow. I have been informed that none other than my good friend Rene Villanueva “The CHIEF” from Love FM will be there in person and DJ Special himself will be in charge of the entertainment, so we can expect it to be a blast!!

But even before we get to the Investment Forum, I am looking forward to participating in the Summit of the Americas which will take place the first week of June in Los Angeles. The summit will be attended by a high-level delegation from Belize as we seek to advance our country’s interest at the premiere multilateral event in this hemisphere.

I am also excited to report that we are making good progress with the Belize Social Security Board to be able to offer services to you at our Embassy and at our Consulates. We are aiming to have these services in place by the last quarter of this year. We are also anticipating the implementation of our new passport system which should significantly improve and reduce the time it takes for us to deliver passport related services to you.

Finally, I close by appealing to you to support Ambassador MURPHY’s “Donate to Educate” initiative. Ambassador Murphy as ambassador for the Diaspora has formed Build Belize Inc., a nonprofit focused on providing the means for you in the diaspora to contribute to the development of our country. Initiatives such as hers, and those of the Belize American Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of Michael D. Young, and Pathlight International under the leadership of Irv Henderson are making a positive difference and deserve all our support.

Please stay safe, and let’s continue to work together to develop our Jewel in the heart of the Caribbean Basin!


His Excellency Lynn R. Young 
Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America 
& Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States 
2535 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 332-9636
Website: belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz
For a Full List of this Month's Press Releases Click the Link Below

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Tourism Tidbits
BTB Launches Fuel Subsidy Program to Assist Tourism Stakeholders
The Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) are partnering in a fuel subsidy program for licensed tour and tender operators. The program is designed to alleviate operational expenses as fuel prices continue to rise. The BTB’s Director of Capacity Management, Abil Castaneda says that this is to assist these stakeholders as the industry continues to rebound from the financial strain it has been under for the past two years. Learn More
Trade and Investment Tidbits
Tariff Free Trade Between Belize and Mexico
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that all Belizean Agricultural products, including cattle, will be allowed to enter Mexico free of tariffs. Agriculture Minister Jose Abelado Mai says, this is one of the greatest moments in the history of both nations and will radically change the future of agriculture in the nation". Read More
Cultural Tidbits
Why Belize Should Be On Every Culinary Enthusiast’s Radar
In a country where nature is medicine and food has long been the foundation of ancient civilizations, tapping into Belizean culture means tasting it. With a uniquely Caribbean and Central American identity shaped by several cultures, including Kriol (Creole), Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, Mennonites, East Indian, and Chinese, the flavors here are just as diverse as the landscapes. Read More
Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter
Fоr thе lаѕt 4 уеаrѕ, Dr. Кеndrа Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr hаѕ bееn а Рrоfеѕѕоr оf Ѕосіаl Wоrk аt Саlіfоrnіа Варtіѕt Unіvеrѕіtу (СВU) іn Rіvеrѕіdе, Саlіfоrnіа. Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іndісаtеd thаt whеn ѕhе іntеrvіеwеd fоr thе роѕіtіоn аnd mеt wіth thе Unіvеrѕіtу Рrоvоѕt аnd Рrеѕіdеnt ѕhе ехрrеѕѕеd аn іntеrеѕt іn dеvеlоріng а раrtnеrѕhір іn hеr hоmе соuntrу оf Веlіzе tо hеlр thе соmmunіtу іn whаtеvеr сарасіtу ѕhе соuld tо іmрасt сhаngе. Ѕhе wаѕ іmрrеѕѕеd thаt nеіthеr ѕhоt dоwn thе іdеа rаthеr vеrу еnсоurаgіng. Еvеntuаllу, ѕhе mеt wіth thе Dеаn оf thе Соllеgе оf Веhаvіоrаl Ѕсіеnсеѕ Dr. Јасquеlіng Guѕtаfѕоn tо gаіn guіdаnсе оn hоw tо dеvеlор аn іntеrnаtіоnаl раrtnеrѕhір.

Ѕо, оvеr thе lаѕt 3 уеаrѕ, ѕhе’ѕ bееn wоrkіng wіth thе іnѕtіtutіоn tо hеlр еѕtаblіѕh а раrtnеrѕhір wіth thе Unіvеrѕіtу оf Веlіzе (UВ). Тhеrе wеrе а ѕеrіеѕ оf ѕеvеrаl zооm mееtіngѕ wіth thе UВ Dераrtmеnt оf Ѕосіаl Wоrk Сhаіr Fеrmіn Оlіvеrа аnd Lесturеr Аzаlіа Lаrrіеu tо іrоn оut dеtаіlѕ оf thе МОU. Fіnаllу, hеr hаrd wоrk раіd оff аnd rесеntlу Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr аnd hеr bоѕѕ Ѕосіаl Wоrk Dераrtmеnt Сhаіr Dr. Сhаrlеѕ Lее-Јоhnѕоn vіѕіtеd Веlіzе аnd mеt wіth thеіr UВ соllеаguеѕ іnсludіng thе Dеаn Dr. Lіѕа Јоhnѕоn tо оffісіаllу ѕіgn а mеmоrаndum оf undеrѕtаndіng (МОU) bеtwееn thе 2 іnѕtіtutіоnѕ.

Wіth thе МОU nоw іn рlасе thе СВU ѕосіаl wоrk dераrtmеnt wаѕ аblе tо еѕtаblіѕh а ѕсhоlаrѕhір fund fоr ѕtudеntѕ аttеndіng UВ рurѕuіng Васhеlоr оf Ѕосіаl Wоrk (ВЅW) dеgrееѕ. Саlіfоrnіа Варtіѕt Unіvеrѕіtу, Dераrtmеnt оf Ѕосіаl Wоrk hаѕ рlеdgеd tо ѕроnѕоr 2 ѕtudеntѕ fоr thе Fаll 2022 ѕеmеѕtеr tо аttеnd thе Unіvеrѕіtу оf Веlіzе Ѕосіаl Wоrk рrоgrаm. Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іѕ ехtrеmеlу fіllеd wіth grаtіtudе thаt СВU wаѕ wіllіng tо gіvе hеr thе орроrtunіtу tо lеаd аnd еѕtаblіѕh thіѕ раrtnеrѕhір. Ѕhе ехрlаіnѕ thаt hеr gоаl nоw іѕ tо соntіnuоuѕlу rаіѕе fundѕ fоr оur еѕtаblіѕhеd ѕсhоlаrѕhір tо hеlр ѕtudеntѕ іn Веlіzе оn а соnѕіѕtеnt bаѕіѕ tо gеt thеіr ВЅW dеgrееѕ. 
Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr nоtеѕ thаt “аѕ а Веlіzеаn, І аm рrоud tо wоrk fоr а unіvеrѕіtу соmmіttеd tо thе Grеаt Соmmіѕѕіоn, СВU’ѕ mіѕѕіоn іѕ tо рrоduсе ѕtudеntѕ whо аrе (1) асаdеmісаllу рrераrеd, (2) bіblісаllу rооtеd, (3) glоbаllу mіndеd аnd (4) еquірреd tо ѕеrvе.” Аddіtіоnаllу, ѕhе ехрrеѕѕеd thаt “аѕ а рrоfеѕѕоr, І gеt tо tеасh аnd рrераrе ѕtudеntѕ tо еntеr thе wоrld аnd bесоmе іndереndеnt ѕtеwаrdѕ оf thе соmmunіtу.

І аm ехtrеmеlу hарру thаt І gеt tо hеlр ѕtudеntѕ іn Веlіzе tо gаіn а quаlіtу еduсаtіоn аnd bесоmе ѕеlf-ѕuffісіеnt. Моѕt іmроrtаntlу bесоmе а ѕосіаl wоrkеr thаt hеlрѕ thе mоѕt dіѕеnfrаnсhіѕеd аnd vulnеrаblе іn оur соmmunіtіеѕ.” Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іndісаtеѕ thаt “bеіng а раrt оf thіѕ grеаt lеgасу іѕ mе lіvіng mу Gоd-gіvеn рurроѕе.” Му соmmіtmеnt tо Веlіzе runѕ dеер аѕ І knоw whаt іt іѕ lіkе tо wаnt аn еduсаtіоn but аm nоt ѕurе іt’ѕ rеасhаblе. Ѕhе dесlаrеѕ ѕhе’ѕ ѕо hарру tо bе а раrt оf thіѕ mоmеnt іn bоth СВU’ѕ аnd UВ’ѕ hіѕtоrу bу еѕtаblіѕhіng thіѕ раrtnеrѕhір fоr mаnу уеаrѕ tо соmе.

Dr. Flores-Carter is graciously sending an open call to all Belizeans in Belize and Abroad to be the change for Belize through education. For those interested in donating to the University of Belize Social Work Scholarship Fund, for the direct link Click Here once on the website select “other” and enter “20-2210 Belize Partnership” in the box. Your donation will go directly into the established fund for the UB students. If there are any organizations interested in making a tax-deductible contribution, please reach out to me directly for further assistance at kflores-carter@calbaptist.edu.
Dr. Кеndrа Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іѕ а Рublіѕhеd Аuthоr, аt Саlіfоrnіа Варtіѕt Unіvеrѕіtу, а Рrоfеѕѕоr оf Ѕосіаl Wоrk, аnd а Rеѕеаrсhеr іn thе ѕосіаl аnd bеhаvіоrаl ѕсіеnсеѕ fіеld ѕресіfісаllу wоmеn’ѕ аnd сhіld hеаlth. Аn аdvосаtе fоr ѕосіаl јuѕtісе аnd сhаngе, ѕhе hаѕ dеdісаtеd hеr саrееr tо brіngіng еduсаtіоnаl аwаrеnеѕѕ tо dіѕраrіtіеѕ/еquіtу соnсеrnѕ іn hеаlthсаrе ехреrіеnсеѕ аnd vаrіоuѕ оthеr рѕусhоѕосіаl іѕѕuеѕ аffесtіng mаrgіnаlіzеd wоmеn аnd сhіldrеn. А fоrmеr Меdісаl Ѕосіаl Wоrkеr fоr оvеr 10 уеаrѕ Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr wоrkеd tо рrоvіdе ѕеrvісеѕ tо сhіldrеn ѕuffеrіng frоm Тrаumа rеlаtеd tо Сhіld Аbuѕе/Nеglесt аnd wоmеn ехреrіеnсіng ѕіgnіfісаnt lіfе сrіѕеѕ ѕuсh аѕ Іntіmаtе Раrtnеr Vіоlеnсе, Ѕubѕtаnсе Аbuѕе Соmрlісаtіоnѕ, Іnсаrсеrаtіоn, Ноmеlеѕѕnеѕѕ & Меntаl Іllnеѕѕ. Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іѕ rесоgnіzеd bоth lосаllу, nаtіоnаllу, аnd іntеrnаtіоnаllу аѕ аn ехреrt еduсаtоr іn wоmеn’ѕ аnd сhіld hеаlth. Dr. Flоrеѕ-Саrtеr іѕ thе fоundеr оf thе Јаnеt Dоn’t Сrу Fоundаtіоn, а nоnрrоfіt dеdісаtеd tо brіngіng еduсаtіоn, ѕuрроrt, & rеѕоurсеѕ оn mеntаl hеаlth glоbаllу.
We are proud to call you
our Star of the Month!
#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

H.E. Rossana Briceño's Wednesday Wonder Woman is Our Very Own Tracy Gomez!
Our Wonder Woman for this Wednesday is a daughter of the soil with a big heart and a commitment to serve and give back to her community. Let's meet Tracy Eiley Gomez.
Tracy was born on the quaint island of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. She comes from a family of three siblings, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Growing up, Tracy witnessed the activism and community work of her mother. She emulated civic pride and love of country from the lessons her mother taught her.
Tracy attended the local schools and obtained both her High School Diploma and an associate degree in Tourism Management. In 2005, Tracy and her parents (Norman and Susana Eiley) established El Fogon Restaurant, where she gained customer service and hospitality skills.
In 2013, she joined the team at the Consulate of Belize in Florida, which has given her the opportunity to be an active part in serving her beloved country, Belize. Tracy thrived at the Consulate of Belize in Florida, she has spent the past nine years helping hundreds of Belizeans obtain and renew their Belizean documents, like passport renewals, naturalization, consular identification cards among many other services needed from Belize in the United States. Through the Consulate of Belize in Florida, Tracy has facilitated official services for the Government of Belize. She assists in a monthly electronic newsletter which features positive news on Belize and is shared amongst the diaspora and Belizeans back home. She has also been part of promoting Belize abroad in grand international events, such as The See and Taste Belize Inc.
In 2018 Tracy had the honor to be sworn in as Justice of the Peace in Florida. This allowed her to have the tools to help her fellow Belizeans aboard at an even higher level.
In December of 2021, she began volunteering with the only children's home in San Pedro Town, Hope Haven Belize. Tracy organized a toy Drive and designed matching pajamas for each child.
Tracy is a loving mother of two children and is married to Belizean, Giancarlo Gomez. She manages to balance her career and home life while serving her home country, Belize.
GOB Highlights of the Month
  • Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing Continues Upgrade Works in Orange Walk Read More

  • Ministry of Health & Wellness Receives Large Air Cargo of Medical Equipment and Supplies From World Hope International of Boston Read More

  • Minister of Religious Affairs Hosts Meeting with Church Leaders Read More

  • Thе Міnіѕtrу оf Есоnоmіс Dеvеlорmеnt Hоѕted іtѕ Fіrѕt Dеvеlорmеnt Раrtnеrѕ Fоrum іn Рlасеnсіа, Ѕtаnn Сrееk. Read More

  • Nеw Prосеѕѕіng Fасіlіtіеѕ аnd Invеѕtmеntѕ аrе Cоmіng tо thе Agrісulturе Sесtоr Aссоrdіng tо Міnіѕtеr оf Аgrісulturе, Fооd Ѕесurіtу аnd Еntеrрrіѕе, Јоѕе Аbеlаrdо Маі. Read More
Belize and the World
  • Why is the Belize Barrier Reef One of the Most Successful Coral Restoration Projects in the World? Read More

  • Caribbean Creative Sector to Benefit from ACP-EU 3 Million Euro Grant Support Program Read More

  • U.S. Air Advisors Support Belizean Counterparts with AERONet Course Read More

  • Belize and Colombia Discuss More Collaboration, Particularly in Agriculture Read More
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
  • The Police are Using Sports to Fight Crime Read More

  • A Shout Out to Inspiring Teachers Read More

  • “Time Fu Eat”, a Short Film by Carlo Habet Made to be Uniquely Belizean Read More


  • Teachers and Government Celebrate Teacher’s Day 2022 Read More
  • Food Trucks Serving Delicious Central American Cuisine Wrap Up Tour in Taiwan Read More
Science, Technology, & Infrastructure
  • Government of Belize Learning Sargassum Disposal Techniques from Mexico Read More

  • Will Tren Maya Stretch into Belize from Mexico? Read More

  • Construction Begins in Multi-Million Dollar Road Upgrade Project Read More

  • Belize participates in Green Climate Fund Technical Dialogue with the Caribbean held in Antigua and Barbuda Read More

  • Goff’s Caye to Receive New Infrastructure Read More
Business & the Market
  • Taiwan Signs LOI with Financing Bank to Help Belizean Economy Read More

  • Belize Tourism Board Joins the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) to Drive Trade Bookings and Raise Awareness Read More

  • Belize to Support Programs for Incentives for Business, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Tourism Read More

  • ‘Online Business Registry One Step Closer to Completion,’ says Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry Read More

  • Belize’s Sugar Industry Stands to Benefit from India’s Move to Restrict Its Sugar Exports Read More
Trending Topics
  • Belize’s First-Ever International Music & Food Festival is Set to Take Place in San Pedro on July 30 and 31 Learn More

  • Belizean Ambassador to Taiwan, Dr. Candice Pitts Delivered Commencement Speech at National Chung Hsing University Read More

  • It Took Four Tries and 40 years, But a Jesuit-Founded School in Belize Will Soon be a Four-Year University. Read More

  • Belize Zoo Declares ‘Sharon Matola Day’ to Honor Founder Read More

  • Peace Corps Back in Belize for Special Projects Read More
Scholarship Opportunities
  • CCRIF-UWI Undergraduate Scholarships 2022 Learn More

  • Ministry of Health Offers 15 Nursing Scholarships Read More

  • Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program Read More

  • Belizean Born Professor in U.S. helps establish University of Belize Social Work Scholarship Fund Read More

  • European Commission Peace Ambassador Scholarship Read More

Travel
  • “Rеіmаgіnіng Веlіzеаn Тоurіѕm- Whеrе аrе wе Gоіng аnd Hоw Dо Wе Gеt Thеrе -” This is the Theme for an Upcoming Tourism Summit for Belize. Read More

  • The Black Expat: "In Caye Caulker, Belize We Can Live Our Most Joyful, Authentic Lives" Read More

  • USA-Based Lifestyle Publication Lists Belize Among the Top Picks for Honeymoon Destinations Read More

  • Belize Called the World's True Cradle of Chocolate By the BBC Read More

  • Turtle Inn’s ‘Hands – On’ video Wins Travel Video Association Award for Best Video by a Hospitality Brand Read More

Belizean Conch Ceviche
Ingredients:
  • 1-pound conch, trimmed, peeled, diced
  • 2 cups tomatoes, deseeded, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, deseeded, diced
  • 1 cup onion, diced, rinsed with cold water
  • ½ cup cilantro, minced
  • 1 habanero pepper, deseeded, minced,
  • optional 12 large limes, juiced
  • Salt, to taste 
Directions:
Wash conch thoroughly before dicing. Combine all ingredients and season to taste. Let stand in the refrigerator 1 hour or more before serving. Immerse yourself in the Belizean cuisine and enjoy this delicious seafood plate.
Belizean Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 sticks cinnamon,
  • 2-inch long
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 14 ounces can sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 ounce can evaporate milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon powder, to taste
  • 1/2 cup raisins, optional
Belize Travel Health & Safety
Things to Know Before Traveling to Belize


  • Fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a negative test but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize's airport, land borders or sea ports.

  • Visitors to Belize are required to purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance. The cost of the policy is $18 USD and provides coverage for up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses related to treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days. 

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

  • Unvaccinated travelers 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
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.
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