Belize Celebrates The Garifuna People and their Culture. Read More.

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to November's Newsletter!

As November comes to a close, many of us are still reeling from the tumultuous events that happened near us and around the world, the effects of which will be felt for a long time. To our dear friends in Jamaica who have suffered greatly from hurricane Melissa, our thoughts and prayers are with them.

The physical damage in Jamaica is equivalent to 41 percent of the country’s GDP, representing a significant loss of US$8.8 billion. We applaud the Government of Belize for donating $200,000 each to Jamaica and Cuba to support their immediate humanitarian relief and recovery efforts. 

In the US, we lived through the longest government shutdown in US history affecting millions of Americans and how they live.  



But amidst the dark clouds, the sun always finds a way to peep through and brighten even the darkest of days. And so, in these difficult times we must cling to God who gives us hope and new beginnings. 

And with that, we are gearing up for a season filled with hope, love, peace and celebration. In the US, we are excitedly preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with the traditional turkey, ham and all the fixings sharing with family and friends. Cheers to life, laughter and good times. In Belize, we are preparing for Christmas by soaking the fruit in Belizean rum for the cakes, buying new paint, curtains and picking out the ham and turkey to mark the birth of Christ.

In the old days on Albert Street where I grew up, I have the fondest of Christmas memories, recalling when the men driving the three-wheel carts would deliver the linoleum to be laid on the wooden floors while the smell of freshly painted varnish would fill the house, and my grandmother busy in the kitchen baking her scrumptious fruitcakes.

Our national treasure, the late Mr. Seferino on Radio Belize would be playing the traditional Christmas tunes such as “Donde Esta Santa Claus” which meant that Christmas was near. And let’s not forget the highlight of Christmas day when the Jankunu dancers went house to house entertaining us with their beautiful dances. 

Another highlight of a traditional Belizean Christmas for me was when my sisters and I were treated to a trip to Romacs Supermarket by my parents There was always a magnificent display of Christmas decorations throughout the store, and the smell of fresh bright red apples and green pears perfumed the cool crisp air. The highlight though was the shiny new toys on display waiting to be put on Santa’s list. It was a special and magical time. 

Christmas doesn't feel the same since Romacs closed its doors and with the recent closure of Hofius after 132 years, marking an end of an era, Christmas will be different. There was an exodus of the old traditional Belizean families from South Side many years ago. The beautiful colonial homes made with Belize’s precious woods, freshly painted, which once adorned the south side neighborhood, sadly too have disappeared for the most part.

Some of our Caribbean neighbors have preserved and protected these colonial homes and structures, making them the highlight attraction for tourists around the world. 

In November we also honored Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, celebrating the first Garifunas who arrived in Belize and enriched Belize’s culture with their vibrant traditions.  

The work of the nation continued as Prime Minister John Briceño, alongside Mrs. Rosanna Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh. This Royal visit marked a significant milestone in the historical and good relations we have with Great Britain. 

Their discussions focused on Belize’s priorities in women’s empowerment, child welfare, and environmental protection, while reaffirming cooperation between Belize and the UK. Additionally, the Prime Minister submitted $210 million in supplementary spending to Parliament, highlighted by a historic wage and pension increase for public officers, teachers, and security personnel. This phased adjustment of 8.5%, valued at about $60 million when fully implemented, marks the largest compensation increase granted by a Belizean government to date. 

Prime Minister Briceño also served as keynote speaker at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) event, where 10 new maritime scholarships were announced for Belizean students. Themed “Talent in Your Backyard Caribbean: A Sea of Opportunity,” the event highlighted Belize’s growing collaboration with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) to build national capacity in maritime fields. 

This month, the Special Envoy, in collaboration with the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), hosted the final forum of the Engaging Men and Boys (EMB) initiative. Over two years, the program has reached more than 700 students across 23 schools, promoting youth awareness and advocacy on gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence. 

On the international front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, under Hon. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, had a productive month. Minister Fonseca welcomed H.E. Salem Rashed Salem Alowais, Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate of the United Arabs Emirates (UAE), to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and agriculture.

He also participated in the EU-Caribbean Mini Leaders' Summit alongside the European Union- Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) Summit, focusing on regional issues, climate change, and implementation of the Caribbean Regional Protocol of the Samoa Agreement. 

During this period, Minister Fonseca met with several international leaders, including the President of Colombia, H.E. Gustavo Petro, to reaffirm Belize’s commitment to bilateral cooperation. He also met with Nadia Calvino, President of the European Investment Bank, to discuss expanding Belize-European Investment Bank (EIB) cooperation. 

After engaging in international efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), turned its focus home, successfully concluding its four-year Women’s Economic Empowerment program reaching over 2,000 women through 63 projects that provided vital vocational skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to strengthen local communities. 

Minister Fonseca also met with Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh, during her visit to Belize, when she received the best of Belizean hospitality. 

Be sure to check out our “GOB Movers & Shakers” section, highlighting initiatives driving progress and innovation across Belize.

This month, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs hosted the 5th group of the National Children’s Parliament, offering students the chance to experience the roles of members of parliament and senators and shape them into the nation’s future leaders.

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, together with the Belize Fisheries Department, reaffirmed the central role of sustainable fishing as a cornerstone of Belize’s Blue Economy. 

In this edition of “Star of the Month,” we proudly highlight Mrs. Veronica Richardson Gongora, a devoted mother, community leader, and proud ambassador of Belizean culture. From her roots in Belize City to her years of service in San Francisco and South Florida, her journey reflects resilience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting others.  

Whether empowering adults through education or preserving Belizean heritage abroad, Mrs. Gongora continues to inspire with her dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief that “learning is part of the process.” Read more about her remarkable story!

I have known Veronica for 17 years and have always admired her strength, courage, talents, and beauty. Likewise, her husband, Ray Gongora MBE, a giant in the Belizean diaspora in the US, who has given the Consulate of Belize in Florida his unconditional support throughout the years, we applaud and thank him for all that he does. Together, Veronica and Ray make a power couple! The Consulate of Belize is so very proud to call Veronica our Star of the Month! Belizeans do great things wherever they go! 

It’s only apt to feature pumpkin as our star ingredient because it’s Garifuna Settlement Day month and Thanksgiving! So, while some of us will enjoy a pumpkin pie with a hot cup of joe, others will be savoring a warm stewed pumpkin dessert cooked slowly in cinnamon, brown sugar and spices to warm the heart. Also to pay tribute to the grand opening of conch season in Belize, we should have a hot bowl of homemade conch soup. Find the full recipes under our Street Food Series and Recipe of the Month and enjoy! 

 Thank you for staying connected with the Consulate of Belize in Florida. Your love for the Jewel shines brightly, and we are grateful you keep Belize close to your heart.

Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and treasured moments.

#BelizeIsBeautiful #BelizeansAreBeautiful

Warm Belizean Wishes!

National Symbols of Belize

Belize and the United Kingdom Reinforce Cooperation on National Development Priorities

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh was welcomed to the Laing Building by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and Mrs. Rossana Briceño. Their discussions highlighted Belize’s key national priorities including women’s empowerment, child welfare, and environmental protection, while reaffirming strong Belize–UK cooperation ahead of the Duchess’s visit across the country. Read More.

Prime Minister Tables Record Public Sector Pay Increase for Parliamentary Review



The Briceño administration has submitted $210 million in supplementary spending to Parliament, highlighted by a historic wage and pension increase for public officers, teachers, and security personnel. Prime Minister John Briceño noted that the phased 8.5% adjustment, worth about $60 million annually when fully implemented, marks the largest compensation increase ever granted by a Belizean government. Read More.

Government of Belize Unveils Major Cabinet Restructure

Prime Minister Briceño has announced one of his administration’s most significant Cabinet reshuffles, effective November 17, 2025—realigning key ministries to strengthen governance and national development. Major shifts include new leadership for Home Affairs, Immigration, and an expanded Foreign Affairs and Education ministry, while several core ministers retain their portfolios. The reshuffle also brings notable updates across Defence, Rural Development, Blue Economy, Public Service, and Human Development. PM Briceño maintains oversight of Finance and E-Governance. Read More

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Belize for a series of official engagements that highlighted the shared priorities and longstanding friendship between Belize and the United Kingdom. Upon her arrival at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, she was warmly welcomed by H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor-General of Belize, and H.E. Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Her visit underscored the close ties Belize enjoys as a Commonwealth realm and reaffirmed the mutual commitment to advancing areas of cooperation.

As part of her itinerary, The Duchess visited the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI), where she was greeted by Executive President Mrs. Joan Musa and Executive Director Mrs. Carla Ayres Musa. During her tour, she learned about the national impact of BCVI’s work and explored various sections of the facility, including its diagnostic, eye-care, and rehabilitation centers. Her Royal Highness also interacted with students and rehabilitation officers, observing demonstrations in Braille instruction and adaptive technology key tools in supporting the independence and education of visually impaired individuals in Belize.

Her visit continued in San Antonio Village, Cayo District, where she spent time at the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative. There, she was welcomed by Manager Ms. Timotea Mesh and the cooperative’s members, who showcased their initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment through traditional crafts and entrepreneurship. The Duchess viewed a pottery-making demonstration, toured an art exhibition, and experienced traditional Maya food preparation, gaining insight into the cultural heritage and livelihoods that sustain rural women in Belize.

In the evening, Her Royal Highness joined residents of Seine Bight Village for vibrant Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations. Immersing herself in the music, dance, and customs of the Garifuna community, she witnessed firsthand the cultural richness that forms an essential part of Belize’s national identity. The event offered a meaningful cultural exchange and highlighted the importance of preserving Belize’s diverse heritage.

The Duchess concluded her visit with a formal departure from Price Barracks, where Belizean authorities expressed their appreciation for her presence and the significance of her engagements. Her visit reinforced the enduring partnership between Belize and the United Kingdom and celebrated ongoing efforts to support social development, cultural preservation, and collaboration between the two nations.

Belize Embassy, Mission and Consulate's

Contact Information

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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

Belize Pushes for Stronger Flight Links to Europe

Read More

Trade & Investment

Belize and Mexico Deepen Trade Talks at Corozal Free Zone

Read More

Cultural

A Celebration of Resilience and Culture

Read More

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!

Born and raised in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Mrs. Veronica Richardson Gongora, a proud Belizean, married Mr. Ray Gongora, MBE, and embraced Belize as part of her cultural identity, making Belizeans her family. Veronica has always embodied the virtues of her life’s journey—virtues deeply shared by Belizeans everywhere: strong devotion to family, commitment to community, and pride in the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Central America.

Her educational path began at St. Mary’s Primary School and continued at Pallotti High School in vibrant Belize City, where she excelled in English and nurtured a passion for sharing her Belizean heritage. Like many Belizeans, life’s circumstances led her to San Francisco, California, where she lived for seventeen years. There, she became an active member of the Association of Bay Area Belizeans, serving as a board member and contributing significantly to the success of its events and initiatives.

After nearly two decades in California, Mrs. Gongora relocated to South Florida and pursued higher education at Nova Southeastern University. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and full-time employment, she earned her undergraduate degree and, rather than stopping there, pressed forward to complete a Master of International Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. Remarkably, she completed a traditional four-year undergraduate program in two years and a two-year master’s program in just one year. Her achievement became a living lesson for her children: “Where there is a will and desire, there is a way.” She challenged them to equal or surpass her academic accomplishments, all while supporting their artistic and athletic pursuits, preparing family meals, and cherishing time with her husband and extended family.

Her professional journey also included presenting at numerous conferences across the country, encouraging adults to pursue secondary education—a mission that empowered parents to advance their careers while inspiring their children’s futures. Throughout this time, she remained an active member of the Belize Association of Florida, serving joyfully as a board member.

When reflecting on her sources of inspiration, Mrs. Gongora honors two individuals. The first is her mother, Selma Richardson, a single mother of seven whose perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering love provided a strong foundation for her children’s success. The second is her uncle, Leigh Richardson, a revered Belizean patriot, teacher, journalist, and politician. His legacy of advocacy—co-founding the Honduran Independence Party and championing the rights of Belizeans through the People’s United Party—continues to inspire her philanthropic spirit and dedication to the Belizean community both at home and abroad.

Today, Mrs. Gongora volunteers at Broward County Library, teaching in the English Café program. Through free classes, she helps individuals strengthen their English conversational skills, drawing on her bilingual abilities to empower learners in their personal and professional growth.



Her advice to those facing challenges is simple yet profound: “Life is short, enjoy every day. Learning is part of the process.” With perseverance and hard work, she reminds us, obstacles can be overcome, and joy can be found in life’s simplest moments.

Mrs. Veronica Richardson Gongora’s journey is a testament to resilience, service, and love, a legacy that continues to inspire her family, her community, and Belizeans across the diaspora.

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

Our Father's Drums



The Drums of Our Fathers monument stands at the entrance to Dangriga in Stann Creek, at the roundabout on George Price Drive, formerly known as Y Park. Recognized as the cultural capital of the Garifuna people in Belize, Dangriga hosts this sculpture featuring three dügü drums and a pair of sísira rattles. The drums symbolize the Garifuna people’s past, present, and future, with the central and largest drum lanigi garawoun representing the present. Drums play a central role in Garifuna spiritual and cultural traditions, while the sísira rattles are equally important in their music.

No Ebryt'ing Weh Gat Sugar Sweet

Literally : Not Everything That Has Sugar is Sweet

Meaning: What is Tempting Can Prove Disastrous

Let us Preserve and Protect our Historical Landmarks!

• Ambassador of Belize to the OAS Presents Credentials. Read More.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates Successful Conclusion of Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative in Partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Read More.
• The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and Belize Fisheries Department Joint Workshop on Science-Based Fisheries Management for a Resilient Blue Economy. Read More.
• The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs announce the introduction of two Bills aimed to expand immediate protection for survivors of Domestic Violence. Read More.
• Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs Hosts 5th Cohort of the National Children’s Parliament: Empowering Future Leaders Through Civic Engagement. Read More.

• Belize Wealth Management and the Rise of Central America's Financial Hub. Read More.
• Why's Belize Has Become the Caribbean's New Private Island Investment Hotspot. Read More.
• Belize Invests in Infrastructure to Boost Growth Potential. Read More.
• Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Investment Lead Launch of Belize’s Global Digital Services and Orange Economy Investment Policy. Read More.

• Two Cohorts of the Belize Police Department Receive Community First Aid Response Training. Read More.
• Minister of State for Foreign Trade Represents Belize at CARICOM’s Sixty-First COTED Meeting. Read More.
• OPM Meets with Representatives from Quintana Roo to Boost Collaboration. Read More.

• Liat Air Confirms new Panama, Belize and Colombia routes. Read More.
• Spirit Airlines has now officially begin Nonstop Service to Belize. Read More.
• Belize signs major tourism partnership with Saudi Arabia at Global Assembly. Read More.

• Belize Bishop Elected West Indies Archbishop. Read More.
• Ursuline Swimmer Davia Richardson Talks About her Career and Competing for Belize. Read More.
• Brookings Church Holding Silent Auction to Support Belize Mission. Read More.

• How Belize Chocolate Supports Rainforest Conservation. Read More
• Fauna & Flora's COP30 priorities for Enabling Nature-Based Climate Action. Read More.
• Belize Advances Science-Based, Collaborative Pathway for Sustainable Fisheries Management. Read More.

Conch Soup

Ingredients:

Recipe:

• At least a pound or two of cleaned, tenderized conch cut into big bite sized pieces.
• One salt brined piece of pigtail or other similar salty pork product.
• Garlic
• Onion
• Sweet Pepper
• Some kind of what we call in Belize "Groundfoods". Sweet potato, coco-yam, cassava, breadfruit or green banana or plantain can be used, cut into large chunks so they wont dissolve as they cook.
• Some firm ripe plantain to add a sweet balance to the dish
• If you want to throw in okra, chayote or any other addition, feel free. This dish is flexible.
• Tomatoes are a common addition to the pot if you desire.
• Flour
• Coconut oil
• Seasonings: I like cilantro or culantro and a big leafed tropical oregano that is common throughout Belize and which some people call "thyme". Fresh ground black pepper. The brined pigtail is salty, so dont add salt til you have tasted the finished product.

• Cut up the pigtail into pieces and heat up several tablespoons of coconut oil in a heavy bottomed pot. Toss in the pigtail and 3-4 tablespoons of flour and stir vigorously until the flour-oil mixture turns a medium brown.

• Add chopped up onion, garlic, sweet pepper, ground foods and other ingredients (okra, tomatoes, whatever else you are adding) except for the conch. Saute for a few minutes then add water to cover the ingredients.

• Simmer until the groundfoods are cooked through then add the ripe plantain and conch and cook until tender.

• Serve with habanero pepper sauce and a cold glass of lime juice to cut the heaviness of the meal. Traditionally rice cooked with coconut milk is served with these hearty stews, but it is already filling without that addition.

Dulce de Calabaza

•  A large (10lbs.) dried pumpkin (squash)
• 4 lbs. brown sugar
• A dozen allspice seeds
• Optional spices to include are cloves and cinnamon sticks.

Recipe:

• Wash the pumpkin thoroughly.
• Cut the pumpkin in half and remove all seeds. (Tip: Save the seeds to roast as pepitos, a popular local snack.)
• Dice the pumpkin halves into small cubes, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.
• Place the diced pumpkin into a large pot.
• Add sugar and spice seeds to the pot.
• Cook on low heat for 8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Check for doneness, the snack is ready when the pumpkin is tender and coated in a golden syrup.

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

January 2025, VOL. 120 Read More

December 2024, VOL. 119 Read More

November 2024, VOL. 118 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/