November 2024 Vol. 118

The Consulate of Belize in Florida

Monthly Newsletter

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the November Newsletter!

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday, many of us will be gathering with family and friends to mark this special holiday. With an estimated 79.9 million people traveling across the US this year, we wish everyone a safe and warm celebration. Thanksgiving, which began in 1621 when English colonists and Wampanoag people shared a harvest in peace, is a reminder that food can unite us, even in the face of differences.

While today’s Thanksgiving tables may not always be free from debates, it’s a time to pause, respect each other’s differences, and appreciate the many blessings we have. As we near the end of the year, the festive spirit grows with the upcoming Advent, Christmas, and New Year celebrations. The crisp air, the scent of pinecones, and the sparkle of lights make it feel like Christmas already. To help get into the holiday spirit, we've included some classic Belizean Christmas music in this edition.

In honor of the season, we’ve included a Belizean-style stuffed turkey recipe, a beloved dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This month, we also feature two desserts to celebrate the holidays—Pumpkin Pie, a nod to the first Thanksgiving in 1621, and the beloved Black Fruit Cake, a classic Belizean favorite. We encourage you to try these homemade treats for a truly festive experience.

We also extend congratulations to President-Elect Donald J. Trump of the United States on his victory in the 2024 elections, and to President-Elect Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay. We look forward to continuing strong relations with both nations. Additionally, we wish our CARICOM neighbors—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Suriname, a happy independence celebration!

Finally, we honor Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, remembering the first Garifunas who arrived in Belize and enriched our culture with their vibrant traditions. We hope everyone had a joyful and meaningful celebration!

In his Year in Review, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño highlighted key achievements of the #PlanBelize initiative, including plans to reduce poverty by 50%, raise the minimum wage, and restructure bonds to reduce national debt. He emphasized efforts to empower women and families, such as supporting training programs in cell phone repair and sewing for women in the Orange Walk District. The Prime Minister also engaged with the NTUCB to discuss bills impacting trade unions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, and praised the success of the Tripartite Partnership.

Additionally, P.M. Briceño visited Mexico City to advocate for Belize’s infrastructure interests, including supporting CEO Kennedy Carillo’s bid for the International Civil Aviation Organization Board. He also met with Mexican officials to strengthen bilateral relations and discussed progress on the Tren Maya initiative. The Prime Minister chaired important meetings on statistics, insurance, and economic planning in Belize, while also visiting areas affected by Tropical Storm Sara in the Cayo District to assess damage and support affected communities.

H.E. Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Children and Families, had an engaging month, speaking about her ongoing campaign about combating gender-based violence in Belize. To this end, she delivered remarks at St. Catherine’s Academy on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, held an Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence Training at Brother Martin High School, and attended two women’s empowerment events in Orange Walk.

The Special Envoy joined Minister of Health and Wellness Hon. Kevin Bernard on a trip to Yucatan, Mexico to discuss access to cancer care for Belizean children and adults at the Hospital Horan in Merida. In the same vein, the Special Envoy attended the launch of the new and enhanced National Breastfeeding Policy for Belize, closing the gap for support for mothers in Belize.

H.E. Rossana Briceño was also one of eight First Ladies and Gentlemen featured in an article by ELLE Ukraine after she attended the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, hosted by First Lady Olena Zelenska, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Please find the article in the Special Envoy Section of our newsletter!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Francis Fonseca, has had a highly productive month, marking significant milestones in diplomacy and development. A standout achievement was the participation of a Belizean delegation at the prestigious Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. During this summit, Minister Fonseca had the invaluable opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strengthening bilateral ties and discussing a range of strategic topics. He also met with Belizean students studying in Guyana, offering support and encouragement to the next generation of leaders.

The Ministry has also been at the forefront of empowering Belizeans and fostering economic growth. In collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission and various local agencies, the Ministry launched a groundbreaking vanilla cultivation program aimed at empowering women in rural Belize. This initiative not only creates new economic opportunities for women but also contributes to the diversification of the country's agricultural sector.

Hon. Minister Fonseca, together with H.E. CEO Amalia Mai, celebrated the official opening of the High Commission of Belize in Guyana, further cementing Belize’s diplomatic presence in the region. A special moment was the appointment of H.E. Gale Miller-Garnett as Belize’s first High Commissioner to Guyana, a historic step that underscores the growing strength of bilateral relations.

CEO Mai also led Belize’s delegation to the Second CARICOM-India Joint Commission, discussing trade, sports, science, and other mutual interests between India and Belize. Along with CEOs Jose Urbina and Valentino Shal, she met with UN Partners to finalize the Just Energy-NDC Solar Project, which will bring electricity to southern Belize.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez represented Belize at the Commonwealth Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Meeting in London, where he met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, primarily discussing advancements in climate finance, focusing on sustainable tourism and technical support for Belize’s National Trade Policy.

This month, the Consulate of Belize celebrates Dr. Elisa Fahmie as our Belizean Star of the Month. A pageant queen turned pharmacist, Dr. Fahmie aims to improve healthcare and the pharmacy system in Belize. Read more about her in our Star of the Month section!

In our Human-Interest section, we take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize who proudly represented Belize at the Miss Universe competition this month held in Mexico City. Halima’s beauty and poise shines through wherever she goes, and we are confident that great things await her in the future. She will always be a winner! Congratulations to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, crowned Miss Universe 2024.

We are proud to feature an article about the recent stunning discovery of 4,000 year old Mayan canals that were built in Belize as a source of freshwater fish and fresh water. Read more about it in our What's Trending section!

We invite you to explore the other sections of our newsletter, including GOB Movers and Shakers, Belizeanism of the Month, Landmark Beauty of the Month, and more. Additionally, we encourage Belizeans to register with the Consulate and join the Belize Business Directory to stay connected and promote Belizean businesses. Forward this newsletter to family and friends to strengthen our Belizean community. It's a great time to be a Belizean!

#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful

Warm Belizean Wishes,

Janine Sylvestre

Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida

Trade Representative of Belize in Florida

National Symbols of Belize

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño Year in Review

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño delivered an address before the government, listing the achievements of his administration in the past four years, highlighting Belize’s economic growth and lifting up to half of Belizeans out of poverty, achieved by raising the minimum wage, reducing debts, and creating new business opportunities. Read More

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño Surveys Damage from Tropical Storm Sara

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño flew over and visited damaged areas from Tropical Storm Sara, where the major rainfall has garnered widespread flooding. While the Prime Minister is glad the damage was not as severe as it could have been, he still advises Belizeans in affected areas to heed emergency warnings and directives from local government agencies. Read More

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño Participates in Fabric of Hope Event

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño joined his wife, H.E. Rossana Briceño, at a training for 11 women in San Estevan on sewing techniques. This training is another in a series of trainings meant to teach women skills to better their employment opportunities and empower women and families. Read More

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño Chairs Economic Planning Meeting

As Belize grows, important economic and population planning is essential to ensure the prosperity of the nation. The Prime Minister chaired an important meeting with Ministers of State to this end, specifically focusing on energy projects in the coming years.

PM Briceño Advances Belize-Mexico Ties, Focuses on Energy, Security, and Trade

Prime Minister John Briceño met with Mexican Undersecretary Raquel Serur Smeke to discuss strengthening Belize-Mexico relations, focusing on security, trade, tourism, and the Tren Maya project. They also addressed energy cooperation, including expanding power agreements and developing green energy.

Strengthening Child Safety Through Global Collaboration

In September, Her Excellency Rossana Briceño attended the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Ukraine, founded by Olena Zelenska. Now in its fourth year, the summit fosters global unity in addressing child safety challenges. H.E. Rossana Briceño participated in exclusive interviews with ELLE Ukraine, alongside other esteemed leaders, to discuss their global missions and the importance of international collaboration for a safer future for all children.

Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

H.E. Briceño addressed the staff and students of St. Catherine's Academy on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In her speech, she highlighted the significance of this day, which marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. She encouraged the girls to be allies to women—advocates, mentors, and champions for change. Read More

H.E. Rossana Briceño Leads Gender Equality Initiative at Bishop Martin High School

As part of the "Engaging Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality and Help Prevent Gender-Based Violence" initiative, H.E. Rossana Briceno visited Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town. Thirty-two participants completed training on preventing Gender-Based Violence, building healthy relationships, and promoting gender equality in Belize. This session was made possible through collaboration with SCLAN, the Ministry of Human Development, and the Taiwan Embassy. Read More

Launch of Enhanced National Breastfeeding Policy

H.E. Rossana Briceno attended the launch of Belize’s new National Breastfeeding Policy under the theme "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All." She joined the Minister of Health and Wellness, Hon. Kevin Bernard, and the Minister of Human Development, Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, in officially launching the policy. This initiative aims to support and encourage mothers to breastfeed, promoting a vital bond and practice that benefits both mother and child. Read More

25th Anniversary of Belize-Ukraine Diplomatic Relations

Her Excellency Rossana Briceño attended the reception marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between Belize and Ukraine at Old Belize. The event celebrated the enduring partnership between the two nations, with addresses from Mr. Brisiuck, Director General for the Western Hemisphere, and Mr. Kosenko, Representative of Ukraine University. The evening featured an exhibition showcasing Ukraine’s rich heritage and resilience. H.E. Briceño was honored with commemorative stamps symbolizing the strength of the friendship between the nations, reaffirming Belize’s commitment to future collaboration with Ukraine. Read More

Empowering Women in Orange Walk Town: A Day of Support and Education

H.E. First Lady Rossana Briceño had the privilege of attending two impactful events in Orange Walk Town focused on empowering women. The day began with a Free GBV & Legal Consultation for Women, where expert lawyers covered important topics like women’s rights and health. Later, H.E. Briceño joined the "No Excuse" Self-Defense & First Aid Workshop, where participants learned essential skills to stay safe. Read More

Strengthening Healthcare Ties: H.E. Rossana Briceno and Minister Kevin Bernard Visit Mexico

H.E. Rossana Briceno and Minister Kevin Bernard met with health officials in Mexico, including the Secretary of Health of Yucatán, to discuss renewing a Memorandum of Understanding with Merida's Hospital Horan. Key topics included improving cancer care for Belizean children and expanding radiotherapy services to adults. The Ministry appreciates the collaboration and looks forward to continued support from our neighbors in health. Read More

Closing Ceremony for the Fabric of Hope Sewing Workshop

The OW Central Committee, United Women's Group, and Special Envoy H.E. Rossana Briceno held the closing ceremony for the Fabric of Hope Sewing Workshop. The initiative successfully trained 11 women from San Estevan Village in sewing techniques, empowering them through entrepreneurship and enhancing the quality of life for their families. This program is a step forward in supporting women’s economic independence, one stitch at a time.

CEO Amalia Mai Attends Signing of Just Energy-NDC Solar Project

CEO Amalia Mai joined CEOs Jose Urbina and Valentino Shal in a meeting with UN Partners to finalize and sign the Just Energy-NDC Solar Project, which will bring electricity to villages in southern Belize. CEO Shal signed to represent the Government of Belize. Read More

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Launches Vanilla Cultivation Project

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade partnered with the National Women’s Commission, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit, and the Taiwan Technical Mission to launch a vanilla cultivation program meant to empower women towards economic independence by teaching them the vital skills of vanilla cultivation. Read More

H.E. CEO Amalia Mai Leads Belizean Delegation to CARICOM-India Joint Commission

H.E. CEO Amalia Mai led Belize’s delegation to the Second CARICOM-India Joint Commission. The discussions covered a wide range of topics of mutual interest to CARICOM and India, including trade, science, sports, agriculture and resource building, among others. Read More

Minister Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez Represents MFAFT in London

Minister of State Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade at the Commonwealth Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Meeting in London. While there, Hon. Dr. Martinez was able to meet with the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Read More

High Commission of Belize Opened in Guyana

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Francis Fonseca was on hand in Georgetown, Guyana to inaugurate the High Commission of Belize in Guyana. The Foreign Minister spoke about the importance of forging strong relations with Belize’s fellow CARICOM members. Read More

Hon. Francis Fonseca Greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Francis Fonseca met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. This summit serves as an important event for building relations with India in the areas of sustainable growth and trade. Read More

Hon. Francis Fonseca Meets with Belizean Students in Guyana

In his role as Minister of Education, Hon. Francis Fonseca took time to meet with Belizean students furthering their studies in Guyana, primarily in the fields of law and medicine. These students shared their experiences living and studying in Guyana with Minister Fonseca. Read More

The Independence Spirit

Warm congratulations to the people of Suriname, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda! May your nations continue to thrive in peace, prosperity, and unity. Today, we honor your freedom and the bright future you are building.

Cheers to your independence!

Strengthening Ties and Promoting Prosperity: Congratulations to Presidents Trump and Orsi

The Government of Belize extended its sincere congratulations to the newly elected Presidents, President-elect Donald J. Trump of the United States, and President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay. We look forward to strengthening our ties and collaborating to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the Americas.

Wishing you both great success in your leadership!

Dr. Elisa Adelaine Fahmie

Dr. Elisa Adelaine Fahmie, born Elisa Gongora in Belize City, Belize, is a dedicated Doctor of Pharmacy currently residing in Miami, Florida. She is an accomplished healthcare professional, specializing in cardiology support services at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Baptist Health. With a rich educational background, she has earned an Associate's Degree in Business (2005), a Bachelor's in Business (2015), an MBA (2017), and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from LECOM School of Pharmacy (2024). She also holds certifications as a Business Specialist (2019) and in pre-pharmacy studies (2019).

Raised in a large family as the third of eight children, Elisa grew up in Belize City and spent many summers and holidays in the coastal town of Placencia. Her childhood was filled with love and strong family values. She attended St. Joseph's School for elementary education, St. Catherine's Academy for high school, and St. John's College for junior college in Belize City. After leaving Belize to pursue higher education in the United States, Elisa balanced her aspirations with raising her children, Ryan and Kristen, and managing family businesses.

Her career was fueled by a childhood dream to become a doctor. She envisioned a degree in medicine and ultimately pursued pharmacy, finding fulfillment in this vocation of service. Her path to a doctorate was not without challenges. She raised her children as a single mother, overcoming the difficulties of balancing school, work, and family life, all while enduring a rare genetic bone disease that required multiple surgeries on her leg. Despite the physical pain and challenges, Elisa remained resilient and grateful, viewing her condition as an opportunity for personal growth and creative problem-solving.

Elisa has worked in various pharmaceutical environments, gaining extensive experience in community pharmacies like Publix and Costco, inpatient and emergency pharmacy at South Miami Hospital, ambulatory care at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, and oncology pharmacy at the Miami Cancer Institute. Her diverse background also includes work in acute care, orthopedic care, and specialty medication management across several healthcare systems. She plans to combine her love of business with her pharmacy expertise, aiming to contribute to corporate pharmacy in the future.

In addition to her professional achievements, Elisa has received numerous recognitions, including being named Dade County Parent of the Month (2001) and serving as PTA President (2001-2003). She was also an elected member of the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) and was honored on the Dean’s Honors List (2005). Elisa is a member of Sigma Beta Delta Honors Society (2018).

Her impact on society extends beyond her work in pharmacy. As Miss Belize Florida 1989-1990, Elisa has represented Belize at events in Miami and has participated in Belize’s independence celebrations. This experience was pivotal in shaping her promise to one day return to Belize and contribute to the country's healthcare system. Elisa continues to aspire to this goal, believing that her greatest impact on her home country and the Belizean diaspora is yet to come.

Elisa credits her parents as her greatest role models, teaching her to be humble, kind, and resilient. Her children, Ryan and Kristen, inspire her every day, and she is committed to leading by example, providing them with a solid foundation for their own future.

A firm believer in the importance of giving back, Elisa is motivated by the principle that healthcare is a shared responsibility. Her goal is to help improve patient care within her community, advocating for better health outcomes in both the U.S. and Belize. She plans to contribute to the development of healthcare in Belize by serving as a resource of knowledge in the proper use of medicines.

In her personal life, Elisa enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, cycling, cooking, and spending time at the beach, which reminds her of childhood memories in Placencia. She is also actively involved in her local church, St. John Neumann.

Elisa's advice to others is simple yet profound: "Never give up on your dreams. Stay true to yourself and know that your gifts and journey are unique. Believe in your purpose and know that someone is counting on you." Her message to the Belizean community is one of generosity and support: "Give back in any way you can, whenever you can. Share your knowledge and experience—no contribution is too small."

Dr. Elisa Fahmie's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, family, and service to others, and we are proud to call her our Belizean Star of the Month!

We are proud to call you our

Star of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Nominate a Stellar Belizean!

Tourism Tidbits

Ka'Ana Resort & Spa in Belize Named a Top Yoga Retreat Destination in Central America

Out on the Western Highway, between San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, the Ka’Ana Resort offers the best in Belizean eco-tourism. But its focus on deep relaxation also makes it the perfect yoga spot. Enjoy complimentary morning classes surrounded by nature or book a private class. And don’t forget to enjoy the spa, the highlight of this place! Read More

Trade and Investment Tidbits

Belize Advances Trade and Investment Opportunities in London

Dr. Osmond Martínez, Belize's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led a successful Trade and Investment Mission to London. He secured key engagements with the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Export Finance, and investors, focusing on sustainable tourism and technical support for Belize’s National Trade Policy. The mission also explored potential UK investments in renewable energy, port development, tourism, and agro-processing. Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Belize’s Mystery

Engages Artists

SUNY Cortland students worked with the San Antonio Women’s Group in Belize to help revive traditional Mayan pottery-making techniques, including glaze creation and vessel decoration. The project combines hands-on pottery work with archaeological research to preserve ancient Mayan practices. Students gained valuable insights into Mayan art and history through direct interaction with local artisans and historical artifacts. Read More

Fort Barlee, Corozal Town

Fort Barlee was constructed in Corozal Town by Lieutenant Governor Frederick Palgrave Barlee in the late 1870's.

The fort was built to protect British interests and Yucatecan settlers in Corozal during the later years of the Guerra de Las Castas (Caste Wars) that was waged by the Cruzob (Santa Cruz) Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and northern Belize.

The fort had four gun turrets made of red bricks and wooden palisades that spanned the distance between the turrets. The bricks were originally used as ballast by ships that traveled from Great Britain to the West Indies and Belize. On their return, the ships were filled with mahogany and logwood.

Soldiers stationed at the fort were members of the British West India Regiment who mostly came from Jamaica and Barbados. At Fort Barlee, British Honduras witnessed some of the rare military incidents that helped shape Belize into what it is today. #Belizeisbeautiful

Let us Preserve and Protect our Historical Landmarks!

Halima Hoy Shines at the 73rd Miss Universe

We are proud to celebrate Halima Hoy, who made a stunning impression at the 73rd Miss Universe competition. Representing Belize with exceptional grace, poise, and confidence, Halima showcased the beauty and strength of our nation on the global stage.

Learn More

To Sweat Other Peoples Fever

Meaning: To be overly concerned about injustices to others, especially strangers

Merry Belizean Christmas!

We know Christmas is still a month away, but we wanted to start getting in the Christmas spirit with some music and a video about Christmas traditions in Belize! Feel free to have this playing in the background every day until December 25th to drum up the anticipation for the holiday season!

Belizean Christmas Traditions

Belizean Christmas Music

Minister Orlando Habet Leads Belize’s Focus on Climate Financing at COP29 in Azerbaijan Read More

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Belize Ambassador to Taiwan Attend Opening of 2024 Taiwan International Tea, Coffee, and Wine Expo Read More

Ministry of Investment Introduces Vanilla Cultivation Training for Women in Toledo District Read More

Hon. Oscar Mira Celebrates Completion of Maya Mopan Bridge Approaches: A Symbol of Progress and New Leadership Read More

Ministries of Health & Wellness and Education Partner to Offer Fifteen Annual Scholarships for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Read More

Belize Education Upliftment Program: A New Initiative by the Government of Belize Read More

Ministry of Agriculture announces 2025 School Garden Competition Read More

Belizean Journalist Named 33rd David Kaplan Memorial Fellow Read More

Belize Strengthens Commitment to Malaria-Free Future with Intensive Training for Laboratory Personnel Read More

Elderly Woman Gifted New Home by Hand in Hand Ministries Read More

Ancient Maya Saltworks Discovered in Belize Read More

Revitalizing Toledo Farmers: A Collaborative Effort to Rebuild Livelihoods After May Wildfires Read More

Belize Bird Rescue offers 6-month paid internship Read more

Belize City gets Climate Action Plan Read more

Exciting development for Arenal Village: Sustainable Water and Energy Project approved Read More

Transforming Belize’s Cattle Industry: Towards a Net Zero Sustainable & Resilient Future Read More

Undergraduate Students Provided Speech and Audiology Support to youth in Belize Read More

World Bank Caribbean Launches Essay Competition for Caribbean Youth Read More

Belize City Council invites public to 7th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! Read More

World Children’s Day 2024: Listening to the Future and Advocating for Children’s Rights to Build a Better Tomorrow Read More

Belize and other Caribbean Countries Drive Surging Cruise Tourism with $4.27 Billion Economic Impact Read More

Belize, El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala Experiencing Skyrocketing Growth in Latin American Airline Industry Read More

A Barefoot, Botanical Retreat at the Coppola Hideaways in Belize Read More

Belize: A Hidden Gem in Central America, Unspoiled by Mass Tourism – Featured by Renowned French Website Read More

Ramon’s Village Resort Named Best Resort in the Caribbean and Atlantic Read More

Ancient 4,000-Year-Old Canals Used by Maya Predecessors Discovered in Belize Read More

Belizean Actor and TikTok star Wani Arzu honored at Belize Liberator Film Festival Read More

No General Sales Tax for Land Acquired for Residential Purposes Read More

Last-Minute Climate Deal at COP29 in Baku Pledges $300 Billion Annually to Support Developing Nations by 2035 Read More

Belizean-Inspired Thanksgiving Turkey

Turkey Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (size depends on your needs; adjust cooking time accordingly)
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tbsp recado (achiote paste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Prepared stuffing (refer to the stuffing recipe above)

Stuffing Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium sweet pepper, diced
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup turkey or chicken stock
2 tbsp capers

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your fingers under it to create pockets.

Make Recado Butter:

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with recado paste until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Butter the Turkey:

Spread the recado butter mixture under the turkey skin, focusing on the breast and thighs. Massage the turkey to distribute the butter evenly and enhance flavor.

Stuff the Turkey:

Fill the cavity with your prepared stuffing. Be sure not to overpack it to allow proper cooking.

Season the Exterior:

Rub any remaining recado butter over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Roast the Turkey:

Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Roast for 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 12-pound turkey would cook for about 4 hours. Remove the foil in the last hour to crisp up the skin.

Check for Doneness:

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh. For the stuffing, ensure it also reaches 165°F.

Rest and Serve:

Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and flavorful turkey.

Enjoy your Belizean-inspired Thanksgiving turkey!

Watch Video

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 9-inch Homemade pie crust , or store-bought, deep dish, unbaked
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
15 ounce can canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree
12 ounce can evaporated milk

Black Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

2lb flour
1lb butter
3lb brown sugar(set 1lb of sugar aside for stewing fruit)
16 oz of stout
1/2 pt. caramel coloring
32 oz. of rum
1lb raisins
1lb currants
1lb citron
1lb dates
1lb cherries
1lb mixed peel
1lb pecans/walnuts
8 eggs
1tsp. baking powder
1tsp allspice
1tsp nutmeg

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