The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover
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Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the October Monthly Newsletter!
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It is difficult to believe that, yet another month has slipped by us and that the new year is around the corner. It was said by Henry Ward Beecher that “October is the opal month of the year. It is the month of glory, of ripeness.” Ripeness, another word for maturity or readiness, is an attribute of character that is usually achieved through adversity. We know that adversity brings tough times but thankfully they don’t last, however tough people always do.
Indeed, the world is experiencing tough times when hardship, grief and loss abound. But the human spirit is strong, and by the grace of God we receive the needed sustenance to get up and face each day and all that it brings with courage, faith, and hope. It is having the absolute knowledge that no matter how difficult times might be, we will get through it because we are not alone. Let us continue therefore to preserve in this spirit.
It is in this vein that we recount all the accomplishments by the Government of Belize, who although they continue to face the difficult challenge of combatting COVID-19, continues to tirelessly work for the people and country of Belize. We pray for the families of those who have lost their loved ones during this pandemic, and we join the churches in Belize who are praying for the Government and people of Belize because praying in numbers is very powerful in receiving prayers with lightning speed. And so, we ask that God grant the Government of Belize all the graces it needs to fully eradicate this horrible pandemic. This week, the Honorable PM Briceno thanked Pastor Dennis Slusher from the Seventh Day Adventist for his prayers of guidance and protection and for welcoming him into the virtual 40 days of prayer.
Here we take the opportunity to share with you some of these accomplishments: Of utmost importance to the economy of Belize and the survival of its people is the restructuring of Belize’s debt with the Blue Bond, and the partnership with the PSU and BNTU in the difficult fiscal management and decisions to save the economy. The PM also succeeded in restructuring climate management putting in measures to protect Belize’s pristine environment and barrier reef for 10,000 more years. Additionally, in furthering their commitment to stimulate the economy, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, Investment, and Economic Development are hosting The Belize Investment Summit, under the theme “Belize is Open for Business” which aims to attract and promote investment for economic development.
On US soil where many Belizeans reside, the tour of US Cities Diaspora Town Hall meetings were all a huge success! The delegation led and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, comprised of the Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations; the Hon. Henry Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform; H.E. Lynn Young, Ambassador of Belize to the United States and Permanent Representative of Belize to the Organization of American States; Mrs. Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations; Mrs. Nicole Solano, Chief Executive Officer in the MTDR; Belize City Councilor Mrs. Stephanne Hamilton, Councilor for Tourism and Diaspora Relations; and Ms. Sandra Mahler, Senior Liaison Officer in the MTDR. Many Belizeans attended and more importantly actively engaged with the delegation on ways to make their return to Belize fruitful and productive. The Consulate of Belize was honored to receive the delegation in the State of Florida, and we look forward to establishing a closer collaboration on achieving their goals and objectives.
October 1st marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer among Belizean women? Fortunately, it is also the largest group of all cancer survivors. I invite you to watch Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and Special Envoy for Women and Children H.E. Rosanna Briceño share their monthly message “Together We Are Stronger Than Cancer”. We also included informative posts that explain step by step how you can do a self-breast examination at home and the importance of getting a yearly screening at the doctor’s office.
Belize has been blessed in being a culturally diverse country and although Belize’s roots are British because it was a colony of Great Brittan, it honors its neighboring Central American countries. All those who live in the Jewel who, through their Hispanic Heritage, have influenced and enriched Belizean society. Happy Hispanic Heritage month!
In this edition, we present the latest video address to the Nation by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. John Briceño along with the Special Envoy for Families and Children, H.E. Rossana Briceño where they share a special message titled “Together We Are Stronger Than Cancer” and state the importance of getting regular cancer screenings and living a healthier lifestyle.
Similarly, we invite you to read this month’s informative message from the Ambassador of Belize in Washington, DC, His Excellency Lynn R. Young, under “Ambassador’s Desk”.
We also recap the monthly news from the Government of Belize Press Office and share the story of Dr. Albert Williams, an inspiring Belizean who has impacted the lives of many students, under our “Star of The Month” Section.
The Consulate of Belize in Florida extends its deepest condolences for the passing of Ms. Norma Young, who was the sister of former Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir. Colville Young, and the aunt of H.E. Ambassador Lynn Young. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Young family during this difficult time.
Finally, we invite you to check out a couple of delicious Belizean recipes under our Street Food Series and Recipe of the Month section. In this edition we shared how to make a heavenly treat, sweet potato pone! A crowd pleaser and a perfect addition to any holiday party. As for our recipe of the month, we included a flavorful Mayan dish, Chimole. We hope you enjoy!
Do not forget to check out the section “Upcoming Events” to find out more about scholarship opportunities, seminars, school drives and job openings.
Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, community engagement, the environment, and much more in this edition:
- Watch Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and Special Envoy for Women and Children H.E. Rosanna Briceño share their monthly message “Together We Are Stronger Than Cancer”
- See the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration sign the letter of intent for The Women Empowerment Project along with Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize H.E. David Chien.
- Read how Belizeans living abroad continue to contribute to Belize’s economy under The Diaspora Desk.
- View Ambassador H.E. Lynn Young’s monthly message from Washington, DC.
- Find out why the vacation home market is booming in Belize.
- Read about the newly launched employee assistance program.
- Learn how a new TIP module will help combat human trafficking in Belize.
- Watch the video about 150 starter homes being allocated to the needy in Belize.
- Read about the virtual travel expos that are being hosted by Belize Tourism Board for UK travel agents.
- Look inside Belizean culture and tamale making under our Cultural Tidbits section.
- Get inspired by our Belizean Star of the Month
- Check out our upcoming events where we share different activities that are being held in the next month.
For those of you who have not had the opportunity to visit the Consulate's office nor are familiar with the services that we offer, you may visit our website at www.belizeconsulatefla.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to receive updates about Belize, the Consulate, and upcoming events.
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.
If you are aware of a Belizean residing in the United States who is making a positive impact on the lives of others while contributing to their native country, please submit their story to us so that we may feature them in our newsletter. Perhaps the Star of the Month could even be you!
Enjoy and share with your friends.
And remember, it is good to be Belizean!
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe
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Janine Sylvestre
Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
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Prime Minister's Statement on Climate Change |
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Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño's Statement on Climate Change at the United Nations General Assembly. "Mother nature is rebelling. She is reacting to our destructive tendencies and our refusal to take urgent corrective action. We can do better." |
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Message From the Prime Minister and Special Envoy for Women and Children
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Together we are stronger than Cancer
From October 18th - 29th, the Ministry of Health & Wellness will be celebrating Cancer month. The Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceno and Special Envoy for Women and Children, H.E. Rosanna Briceno joins the Ministry to urge persons to live healthier lifestyles and get regular cancer screenings – early detection increases your success in treatment and it may save your life.
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Belize Participates in Korea and Central America Special Roundtable |
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Ambassador Amalia Mai is participating in the Korea-Central America Special Roundtable in Seoul . The cooperation program is focused on key areas of development such as health, green economy, digital transformation, climate change and agriculture. |
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Strengthening Relations with Taiwan |
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Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay on a call with Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Belize expressed condolences on the loss of lives as a result of a fire in Southern Taiwan |
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Belize and Cuba Bilateral Relations |
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Her Excellency Maria Caridad Balaguer Labrada, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Belize, Presented Her Credentials to Foreign Minister Courtenay Today. |
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Belize and Taiwan Sign Letter of Intent on Women Empowerment Project |
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The Foreign Minister of Belize, Hon. Eamon Courtenay and H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, formally signed a letter of intent for the project titled, " Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean in the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Era: Technical Assistance for Women Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Inclusion". |
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Near-neighbors Belize and Honduras have shaken hands on a number of agreements made during an official visit by Tegucigalpa’s Foreign Secretary Lisandro Rosales Banegas.
Secretary Banegas met with his Belizean opposite Eamon Courtenay, their discussion covered several areas of bilateral cooperation including agriculture and food security, the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, tourism, air transport and services, migration, as well as the call for the operationalization of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. Minister Courtenay also briefed Secretary Rosales on Belize’s preparation for COP26.
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Dear members of the Belizean Community,
“ Good morning, I sent you guys a small gift of appreciation via uber eats! I just wanted to say thank you for being so kind and accommodating to me and my friend! I truly appreciate the amazing services you guys offer to us!”
Those are the words of appreciation from Ms. Judy Turton, a member of the Diaspora who travelled all the way from Pennsylvania to the Embassy in Washington DC to get her passport renewed. These words truly validated our efforts to improve our service to you, the people that we are striving to serve. We received invaluable feedback from you by way of our interaction during the recent diaspora tour and we have been taking steps to implement the suggestions that were received and address the most pressing issues affecting you.
One of the loudest cries was for improvements in the response time with respect to the provision of consular services. To this end, we have hired two new employees at the Embassy, and we are in the process of programming our new telephone system. This new system includes a toll-free number (833) 888-1743 that will be exclusively devoted to Consular Services. Already, we have reduced the number of missed calls from over sixty percent (60%) to under ten percent (10%). Our goal is to not miss any calls. We are also now responding to emails within a day or two, and we have cleared up the backlog of appointments for passport renewals.
We are now analyzing our processes with the aim of making them more efficient. We especially want to reduce the time it takes to obtain important documents from Vital Statistics and the time it takes to renew passports. I take this opportunity to remind you that in the first half of 2022, Belize will be issuing a new and more secure passport at which time, the process will be greatly improved.
So, October was a very productive month. But it is with much enthusiasm that we welcome November. Yes, it is the month of thanksgiving, but more importantly, for us is that Belize will be hosting its first Investment Summit on the beautiful Island of San Pedro from November 10th to 11th. This summit is very timely. As Prime Minister Briceno said, “Belize, like most countries in the World, continues to be affected by COVID 19 and the ravages of the global economy.” It will take all our combined efforts to restore our economy and set the country back on a sustainable path towards prosperity. We have been achieving good success in our efforts to vaccinate the entire population as we fight to combat the challenge of the Delta COVID Variant. There are enough vaccines in the country to vaccinate the entire population. Achieving that goal will help us and the rest of the World to get past this Pandemic that has brought so much havoc all over the World. When that time comes, we want to be ready for business, and the time to prepare is now.
So, this is the opportune time to invest in Belize. The summit will be a hybrid event (in-person and virtual). We encourage everyone to join in virtually if you cannot be there personally and seize on the many opportunities that the Jewel has to offer.
Before I close, I want to take this opportunity to publicly express condolences to the family of the late Norma Young. Ms. Norma Young, a member of the Diaspora, was the sister of my father, Sir Colville Young, the former Governor General. She was a true Belizean.
Finally, I close as always by reminding everyone to please get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so!
Sincerely,
His Excellency Lynn R. Young
Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America
& Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States
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During the week of September 28 - October 3, 2021, about 400 Belizeans living in the USA attended Town Hall Meetings held in Houston, Chicago, New York, and Miami. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations through its newly established Diaspora Relations Unit. The Belizean diaspora plays an integral role in the overall development of Belize. It is estimated that over 300,000 Belizeans are currently living abroad, and the majority of those are residents of the United States. Belizeans living abroad continue to contribute to Belize’s economy in many ways including investment, tourism, expertise exchange, philanthropy, and remittances. The main objective of the meetings was to reach out to a wide cross-section of Belizeans living in and around these cities and to exchange information and ideas that will contribute toward nation-building.
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For a Full List of This Month's Government Press Releases Please Click the Button Below |
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Africa’s Seychelles Blue Bond Economy Inspires Belize |
The tiny African island nation of Seychelles’ blue bond economic roadmap, using an integrated approach to the sustainable development of ocean resources, has inspired Belize to attempt a similar approach to lower its debt. Belize recently announced a tender offer for its existing $553 million Eurobond due in 2034, which will be financed by the concurrent placement of a blue bond.
Will Belize be able to find the same success as Seychelles, the first sovereign entity to issue a blue bond, by leveraging its “Blue Bond Economy” playbook to reduce national debt?
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Roman Catholic Church in Belize Hopes to ‘Journey Together’ in Public Dialogue with Opening of Synod 2021-2023 |
The Roman Catholic Church, at the behest of Pope Francis, formally opened a two-year process called a “Synod on Synodality,” an expansion of its usual “Synod of Bishops,” and under this process, bishops from around the world will consult with everyone from parishioners to monks, nuns and Catholic universities before coming together for a larger discussion in 2023. In Belize, the Synod kicked off today with the Ministers of Education and Human Development among those in attendance. |
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Retired Tucson Educators Help Enhance Education in Belize |
Retired TUSD administrator Harriet is Garifuna. Her culture is that of the Garinagu people, formerly called Black Caribs, driven from St. Vincent Island to the Central American coast in the eighteenth century. In their retirement, Harriet and her husband Tom, former principal of Cholla High School, have been offering professional development to educators in Belize, only fully independent from Britain since 1981. Consummate educators, they want to “give back.” Harriet, 68, seems to have been born to teach. |
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Belize Explores Feasibility of Exports to El Salvador |
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai made a visit to El Salvador last week to explore the feasibility of initiating exports to El Salvador. “Right of the top I can tell you that we can export watermelon, carrots, ginger, potatoes, and even tomatoes, we can compete with,” said Minister Mai. El Salvador imports 85 percent of what it consumes and appears a good market for Belize according to Minister Mai who said he made the trip by road to see what it would be like for the exports to reach that country. He recounted that it took eight hours to get across Guatemala to reach El Salvador. |
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Government of Belize Sends $200,000 Donation to Cuba |
The shipment which left Belize on Saturday, October 16, 2021, includes food supplies, sanitation and assorted hygiene products valued at BZ$200,000. Belize and Cuba have had a history of collaboration dating back 26 years, so the donation can be seen as returning a favour to Cuba who has helped Belize with a medical brigade in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Resilient Rural Belize is a Go |
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding for the formation of the Program Management Unit of the Resilient Rural Belize Program (RRB), which is aimed at increasing the overall resilience of smallholder farmers against climate change through the adoption of climate resilient practices, the diversification of production and facilitation of access to commercial market chains for the sale of surplus produce. |
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Belize Chamber of Commerce Issues Congratulations on Superbond Success |
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued congratulations for the majority buy-in of 84 percent of the holders of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Belize US Dollar Bonds 2034.
The Chamber commended the speed of this achievement – in 11 days after the launch and well before the November 19 landslide. It recognized as well the innovative structure of the new instrument, which, among other things, ultimately represents close to a 12 percent reduction in Belize’s overall national debt, thereby, alleviating the strain on the country’s foreign assets.
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Vacation Home Market Booms in Belize |
As an English-speaking nation with low property taxes and strong airlift, Belize has caught the attention of the new digital entrepreneurial class seeking safe and easily accessible sanctuaries. "Belize is like Costa Rica, the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands thirty years ago, untouched and unspoiled in its natural beauty but with better accessibility and a more modern infrastructure to suit the lifestyle needs of today's digital nomads," stated Turley. |
Belize Wants to Get Connected to el Tren Maya, a Mexican Tourist Railroad Says Mexico’s Ambassador |
“El Tren Maya – a President López Obrador project – could reach all the way to Belize, on the petition of Prime Minister John Briceño,” said Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize Martha Zamarripa on Facebook on Friday, September 29. El Tren Maya (The Maya Train) is a tourist railroad that the Mexican Government is building in the Yucatan Peninsula.
EL Financiero said that el Tren Maya, which is a priority project for President López Obrador, is valued at U$6,294 million. It would cover over 970 miles crossing five states in Mexico’s southeast, namely Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo.
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PAHO/WHO Belize Donates Communications Equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to Boost COVID-19 Campaign |
“During a global pandemic like COVID-19, community preventive measures are crucial to fighting and controlling this disease. Thus, proper risk communication plans and actions are key to introducing and ensuring public health interventions and raising awareness of the seriousness of the pandemic,” said PAHO/WHO. The appropriate risk communication equipment is essential in ensuring the country’s population is provided “with relevant and empowering information” that makes them realize that COVID-19 vaccines are “a vital defense in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”. |
Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center Trains 12 in Basic Fire Management |
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center held basic fire management training for 12 trainees. “The work continues in the Maya Forest Corridor to build capacity for effective fire management among communities, private landowners, and NGOs in this important landscape,” said The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC). The training basic fire management training this past weekend taught the trainees theoretical and practical applications of fire, in order to reduce threats to public health, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
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Belize Receives Another Shipment of Vaccines from Mexico |
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Health & Wellness, received 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Government of the United Mexican States through its embassy in Belize. The handing over ceremony was held at the Philip Goldson S.W. Goldson International Airport. Senior Reporter, Hipolito Novelo reports.
Forty-six point seven percent of the population have received a first vaccine dose and thirty one point four percent have been fully vaccinated.
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Official Launch of Belize Investment Summit 2021 |
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The Belize Investment Summit 2021 is a first-of-its-kind event focusing on attracting and promoting investment for economic development in Belize. This high-profile occasion is being led by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, Investment, and Economic Development under the theme: “Belize is Open for Business”. It is a call to both local and international investors for identifying opportunities and showcasing Belize’s readiness to support global investment through vastly improved service delivery. The Summit will be delivered in a hybrid virtual and face-to-face setting allowing participants the advantage of in-person networking among investors, government officials, and other key economic agents.
Don't miss it! Dates are November 10 - 11, 2021 from 9am to 5pm in Grand Caribe, San Pedro, Belize.
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Newly Launched Employee Assistance Program |
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Through the partnership of the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and non-profit organization, Mind Health Connect, healthcare workers in the COVID-19 Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital will benefit from a newly launched Employee Assistance Program. Phase one of the program was launched earlier this week with the goal of providing healthcare workers with the necessary support and resources for their mental wellbeing. |
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Agribusiness Incubation Train-the-Trainers Workshop
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have successfully completed the implementation of an Agribusiness Incubation Train-the-Trainers Workshop. The workshop uses an appropriate incubation system for strengthening the technical capacity of young and female entrepreneurs to develop and implement business ventures that are sustainable and climate-smart in different areas of the food system including production, processing, distribution, and commercialization. |
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Launch of a New TIP Module to Combat Human Trafficking in Belize |
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The IOM partnered with the MHDFIPA since 2018 to strengthen the data collection and case management systems for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council which is chaired by the Ministry. The TIP’s module will strengthen the M&E processes of the Council, specifically, by strengthening the information system and Results -Based Management (RBM), developing a multi-agency online platform to investigate, track, and manage cases of human trafficking, providing an accurate platform for statistical reports and analysis, incorporate a comprehensive security system, with access to information defined by a combination of agency, role and user levels. |
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150 Starter Homes to be Allocated to the Needy |
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The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is building 150 starter homes to be allocated to the neediest of the needy. By providing houses, the ministry is also restoring dignity and basic human rights, including the right to shelter and running water. An affordable payment plan allows recipients to achieve what many dream of: a place to call home.
Interested persons can pick up an application form from the ministry or email [email protected] to request a copy.
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Belize Introduces New E-Wallet System |
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The National Bank of Belize (NBB) kicked off its national tour in Dangriga. Constituents of Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek were invited to the NBB's presentation and were able to meet with bank representatives to enroll in their newest program, NBB Pay. NBB Pay is an e-wallet which will eliminate the cost of traveling to the bank to make deposits and the risk of traveling with cash that small business owners in rural areas face. |
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Belize Travel Health & Safety |
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Things to Know Before Traveling to Belize |
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- Vaccinated travelers must present a vaccination record card, with full inoculation completed at least two weeks before their arrival into Belize.
- Persons entering Belize are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Health App prior to arriving.
- International tourists must book a stay at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.
- All 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.
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Belize Tourism Board and Diaspora Relations |
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Belize Tourism Board Hosting Virtual Travel Expos for UK Travel Agents
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is hosting a series of travel expos for travel agents in the United Kingdom(UK), in preparation for travelers from the UK to be able to access Belize next month.
The UK-based travel site Travel Weekly said that that the expos will bring travel agents together with hotels, tour operators, destination management companies, tourism service providers, and associations to learn more about the country’s unique tourism offerings.
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Trade and Investment Tidbits |
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Prime Minister John Briceño Promotes Belize Investment Summit 2021
Belize has $500 million-plus in investment opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism says an advertisement promoting the Summit. “The summit is a bold initiative of the government of Belize to position the country as a promising investment destination where participants can confidently invest in the abundance of opportunities that Belize has to offer,” says the Belize Investment Summit 2021 website.
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A Look Inside Belizean Culture and Tamale Making
“We’re all one we’re all the same people we all have more or less the same beliefs the same upbringing more or less and family means a lot to us, so this is a time for us to get together and love on each other,” said Lozano. One way she celebrates that love is by cooking. “I made tamales today, Belize style,” said Lozano.
While the chicken is boiling, we prepped the masa of course with me as sous chef. Finally, after a few taste tests and making the Coll, we finally laid the tamales.
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Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary |
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Stann Creek District of south-central Belize. It was established to protect the forests, fauna and watersheds of an approximately 400 square kilometers area of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. |
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The Stillest Calf Suck the Most Milk |
English Translation:
N/A
Meaning:
The quiet, uncomplaining person often gets the most out of a situation.
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Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites |
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A Distinguished Belizean American Living in South Florida
Dr. Albert Alexander Williams
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Dr. Albert Williams has his roots from down south from the beautiful town of Punta Gorda (PG), Belize. He attended the Methodist primary school and Claver College in PG. He then went to Saint John’s College Sixth Form (SJC) in Belize City, where he majored in mathematics and economics. Dr. Williams began serving Belize right after graduation from SJC sixth form by returning to his high school in PG to teach mathematics to hundreds of students. He developed a strong interest in helping his students to develop their potential. Many of his students have continued their education and have become professionals. They have been serving Belize and the wider world and have improved the standards of living for their families and themselves.
At an early age of fourteen, Dr. Williams developed an interest in playing the guitar. Throughout his career, he has played his guitar. For example, as a math teacher at Claver College, he regularly played his guitar for school events, including weekly mass for the students.
After two years of teaching at Claver College, at an age of 21, he was blessed to have received a scholarship to study mathematics education at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. He completed a bachelor’s degree in education and returned home to continue serving Belize. He wanted a job in PG but Claver College had no opening at that time so he went to Belmopan Comprehensive School (BCS). He taught mathematics there for five years. He again touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom have continued their education to become professionals and leaders in Belize and other countries. Dr. Williams continued his service to Belize as a highly trained mathematics teacher and a talented guitar player.
While studying in Canada, Dr. Williams got married to his Belizean fiancée, Juana. They had three children, who were all born in Belize.
After 5 years of teaching, Dr. Williams changed his career and went to the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as a project officer in the Economics and Statistics Unit. He was still connected to education as he was the student loans officer. He processed dozens of student and housing loans.
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Dr. Williams embraced the opportunity to continue his studies in economics by going to the University of Georgia to complete a masters in agricultural economics. He returned home and became an agricultural economist in the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). In this position, he evaluated agricultural projects for the ministry. He was also responsible for agricultural data collection and dissemination for the country. Being a teacher at heart, he also taught courses in agricultural economics and agricultural management at the Belize College of Agriculture (BCA).
After a few years, Dr. Williams returned to the University of Georgia and completed a doctoral degree in agricultural and applied economics and finance. He returned to Belize and became the chief executive officer of the Belize Marketing Board (BMB). In this position, he was able to work with about 1,500 small and large rice producers mostly from the Toledo District. He was responsible for the purchasing of rice paddy and the sale of rice to the Belizean consumers. He improved the quality of rice sold to Belizeans, by working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Caribbean Agriculture Development Institute (CARDI), the rice farmers, and the employees at the BMB. He wanted the cooks, especially the housewives, to spend more time cooking rather than ‘picking’ rice.
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During his time at the BMB, he also played his guitar at his church at Belmopan. He played for weekly masses, weddings, and funerals. He also found time to teach a few classes in economics and management at the University of Belize. Again, Dr. Williams was contributing to the development of Belizeans at the leadership level, as an adjunct faculty at the university, and a musician for his community.
After 4 years at the BMB, Dr. Williams was reassigned to the Ministry of Agriculture. Around that time, his immigration application to the United States was approved. He and his family migrated to the U.S. to start a different chapter in their lives. This was an opportunity for his wife and children to get higher education in their fields of interest. This goal was accomplished.
His first job in the US was a commodity analyst at Burger King Corporation (BKC). He evaluated large contracts for chicken, fish, bread, tomatoes, potatoes, etc. – all items used in the BKC restaurants.
He then returned to academia and taught at several universities in South Florida. In 2007, he took permanent employment at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and is presently still there. He has touched the lives of thousands of students at NSU and the other universities that he has taught. He always said that he did not teach economics and finance. He taught people. He continues to encourage, motivate, and care for his students. He helps them to grow by seeing how they can improve their lives from the knowledge gained from his classes. His prior professional career enables him to share a variety of interesting real-world examples with his students. Recall that he was a high school mathematics teacher, a development banker at DFC, an agricultural economist at MOA, a CEO of the BMB, and an analyst.
To continue reading please click the button below.
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We are proud to call you
our Stars of the Month!
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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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Street Food Series:
Sweet Potato Pone
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Directions
Grease a 9x13 pyrex dish and preheat oven to 450 f.
Wash, peel, and grate sweet potatoes.
In large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, ginger, raisins, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well. Add milk and butter; stirring to incorporate throughout mixture. Pour into pyrex dish. Bake on the bottom shelf of your oven for 30 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350 f and move the dish to top shelf. Cook for an additional hour until top is brown, and knife comes out clean. The top will look very sticky.
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Recipe of the Month:
Chimole
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Chimole is a delicious stew/soup of Maya origin and very popular in Belize. It is made with a spice blend called black recado that adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the dish like nothing I have had before. You can find the black recado online or you can make it yourself. The pork meatballs are outstanding and sop up the broth with a homemade tortilla…. Excellent! |
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Ingredients
- 1 Chicken Divided
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 3 Hard-Boiled Eggs Chopped into Small Pieces
- 2 Raw Eggs
- 3 Tablespoons Black Recado
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Tomatoes Diced
- 1 Bell Pepper Diced
- 1 Onion Diced
- Optional – ½ Teaspoon Cumin ½ Teaspoon Thyme
Directions
In a small bowl add the recado with enough water so that it will dissolve (add the cumin as well if you are going to use it). In a separate bowl mix the ground pork with the hard-boiled eggs and the raw eggs, add salt and pepper to taste and the thyme if you wish. Form into small meat balls and cook in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Brown the chicken with the garlic. When the chicken is brown put in large pot, add the recado liquid and fill the pot with water until the chicken is covered. Add in the diced tomatoes, diced pepper, diced onion, and bay leaf - cover the pot and cook over medium-high heat for 30 minutes. Add the meatballs and cook another 5 minutes. If you like your soup thicker, just add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water at the end. Serve with rice or flour tortillas.
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