October 2022 Vol 94

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the October Newsletter!

The month of October has whizzed by us but certainly not without incident. It was only a few days into the month when a massive category 4 hurricane hit the state of Florida wreaking havoc in Lee County and taking many precious lives. Shortly after, tropical storm Julia made its way to Central America as a category 1 hurricane, causing damage and loss of lives in these countries while also bringing massive country-wide flooding in Belize. As life goes on for many of of us, sadly for people in the areas affected, they now need to rebuild their lives. We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

As we speak, there is an indication from the weather authorities that hurricane Lisa is brewing in the Caribbean and Belize is one of the countries named as a potential target. We pray that this is not the case for Belize nor for any of our neighbors. Please read in this newsletter about how best to prepare during hurricane season. While hurricane season is winding down, we must still prepare and heed all warnings. 

 Here at the Consulate, it was business as usual. During the week of October 10^th, the personnel who handle the issuance of passports and other consular matters from the Consulate of Belize in Florida, traveled to Belize, along with other staff members from other foreign missions of Belize who underwent training for the new electronic passport system “e-pics”. We take this opportunity to thank the authorities in the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for organizing such an important training, vital to the work ahead.

The project is anticipated to be finished in phases, with the new technology being fully updated in 7 years.

To make access to these services simpler, new passport offices are opening in several Belizean districts. All offices will have the tools available to serve you. We are currently updating our websites to reflect the new specifications. We are expecting the new equipment to be installed in consular offices during the month of November and we hope to begin processing passports by the middle of December. In the interim, you are free to call us with any questions or you may make a tentative future appointment. We apologize for any inconvenience in the interruption of service, and we thank you for your patience.

Meanwhile, the Consulate’s Belize Business Directory has been revamped and is now new and improved to better serve you. Its purpose is to promote Belizean-owned 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 your information at Miami.reception@mfa.gov.bz.

Also, on another positive note, Belize received three readers' choice honors from Condé Nast Traveler. These categories were "Top Countries in the World," which came in at number 32, "Top Islands in Central and South America," which came in at number four, and "Top 10 Resorts in Central America," which featured not one, but three resorts in Belize at the top spots! You can read all about it here: Read More Learn More #belizeisbeautiful

We invite you to read about the Prime Minister’s work alongside Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Cordel Hyde to resolve land issues of residents of Orange Walk Central and how the creation of a Marine Spatial Plan will help towards designing the Belize Sustainable Oceans Plan (BSOP), among other areas of work the Prime Minister is doing. Additionally, in our "GOB Movers and Shakers" section, we also checked in with our government officials and highlighted what they had been up to this month.

The Prime Minister acknowledged and praised the high school kids who excelled in the Global Challenge Robotics Competition in Switzerland by winning first place! The Consulate of Belize in Florida is proud of this huge accomplishment!

We take the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Gianni Avila on being the newly appointed Belize Ambassador to the European Union. Dr. Avila was First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations in New York as well as a trade economist in the Ministry of Trade. Most recently, Dr. Avila was a part of the legal team that advanced Belize’s first legal case before the Caribbean Court of Justice.  

Mr. Cornelius Cacho is our Star of the Month for this edition. His academic and professional path are nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Cacho is an excellent educator who has influenced the lives of many of his students. We hope you check out his story and find some motivation for your own aspirations!

#belizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo

This edition features a brand-new segment called "Belize Watch," where we share excerpts from Dr. Rene Villanueva's numerous interviews with Belizeans living in Florida, conducted by Love FM. We encourage you to give them a look and learn more about each or the person’s interviewed fascinating story and how, while they physically left Belize, their spirits are still in Belize because each one stills carries Belize in their hearts. The Belizean diaspora is a dynamic group of people who have made a success of their lives in the US but who continue to contribute to the development of Belize.

In addition, we shared exciting stories such as being named one of the friendliest countries in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, winning the title of Best Water in the Caribbean, and much more.

It’s always good times when its conch season so let the celebrations begin! There are so many scrumptious ways of cooking, eating, and preparing conch! For this month’s edition, we opted for simplicity because sometimes less is more so enjoy dining on this conch in garlic and butter sauce, yum! It’s pumpkin season in these parts so why not start stewing some of that pumpkin? Here’s a tasty dish of sweet, stewed pumpkin with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg in a luscious, luxurious sauce, comfort food at its best! And if you are feeling a bit adventurous, pour some creamy pet milk over your stewed warm pumpkin. Happiness awaits!

Here at the Consulate, we have been working 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.

Through these calls, we are also working on compiling a Belizean Business Directory. Our goal with this directory is to share information about Belizean-owned businesses and help them gain more exposure within communities throughout the U.S. If you are a business owner and would like your company to be shared in our social platforms, I invite you to send us an email or give us a call to our office phone numbers, this information can be found on our website https://www.belizeconsulatefla.com/ .

To be sure you are included in the monthly newsletter distribution, you can also send us a quick email with your email address and phone number at miami.reception@mfa.gov.bz.

Enjoy and share with your friends.

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!

#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover #staysafe

All my best,

Prime Minister's Statement of Hurricane Lisa

We know our flood proned areas. We are mindful that much of our coastal and low lying areas are vulnerable. Our areas near our rivers and streams are likely to experience rising waters in heavy rainfall. The recent rains and floods have given us a recent indicator for areas of concern. I urge you to take heed. Be prepared... be ready to move and secure lives in any eventuality. To our farmers and producers, please be vigilant and be ready to act... move livestock early and attend your farms and produce appropriately. Read More

Belize Starts Drafting its Marine Spatial Plan

The process of creating a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for Belize has officially started. A meeting for the implementation of an inclusive, science-based exercise geared towards defining how we use our ocean space took place in Belize City on October 19th. Four overarching goals have been set out, and users of our marine spaces are to work together to design the Belize Sustainable Oceans Plan (BSOP), which is the name that has been selected for the country’s MSP. Read More

World Teacher's Day

On October 5th we celebrated World Teacher's Day, I express gratitude for all teachers in Belize . Our teachers are foundational to the development of a child and has great impact on the child's future.

We continue to pledge our support and commitment to education and supporting what teachers do in the classroom.

Thank you for your service to our children and the nation.

International Day of Girl Child

On October 11^th UNICEF celebrated the International Day of Girl Child with the theme ‘Our Time Is Now – Our Rights, Our Future.’ This day allows us to focus attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. We celebrate our girls and advocate for their inclusion in decision-making on issues of national importance and also on all issues that impact their lives and development. Read More

Working on Land Issues



Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño has joined Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, to help resolve land issues of constituents of Orange Walk Central. On its first day, 150 residents have turned out to take advantage of the services offered at the mobile clinic as the Government of Belize continues to take its services to the people. Read More

New E-Passport System Launched

A new ePICS and ePassport system was launched on Monday, October 24th, 2022. In his address, Hon. Eamon Courtenay highlighted that national pride is the theme of the new passport, which was designed by a joint team from the ministries of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, and NICH. The e-Passport was produced by Canadian Bank Note Company Limited.

Learn  More

Hon. Eamon Courtenay's Address

Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay delivered the keynote address at the Caribbean Association of Customs Brokers Conference 2022, where he encouraged greater involvement in Trade Facilitation implementation measures and keeping pace with developments in regional trade and tariff policy for the benefit of businesses and consumers

H.E. Amalia Mai's Address

H.E. Amalia Mai, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade addressed the Caribbean Association of Customs Brokers on the importance of Special Economic Zones in attracting FDI and the importance of their service towards the success of these national programs.

Interview with Honorary Consul Ms. Janine Sylvestre and Dr. Rene Villanueva

We cordially invite you to view Dr. Rene Villanueva's one on one interview with Ms. Janine Sylvestre, the Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida. Dr. Rene gets up close and personal with Janine and they talk about how the Consulate has evolved throughout the years.

111th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Ms. Janine Sylvestre represented Belize at the 111th Independence day celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held in Miami , Florida

Consular Corp Luncheon

New E- Passport System Officers Training

To receive proper instruction for the new E-Pics system, personnel from overseas missions traveled to Belmopan, Belize where the Department of Immigration conducted extensive training sessions. Pictured below are some of the passport officers from the Embassy in Washington D.C., Consular Offices in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as from the London High Commission. 

Learn About Our Belize Business Directory!

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

Belize Embassy, Mission and Consulates

Contact Information

Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines

As hurricane Lisa approaches Belize, we want you to be prepared for the impacts this storm can have. We have shared a link below where you can learn about hurricane safety rules and how to keep safe during this time.

For a list of National Shelters please click the button below.

Hurricane Ian Aftermath

We continue to think about those who were impacted by Hurricane Ian as well as the harm the storm's aftermath has caused. To those who were impacted by the hurricane, you may find the links below to be helpful.

For Disaster Assistance Kindly Browse the Links Below

• Disaster Distress Helpline
• FEMA Assistance
• Animal and Pet Resources for Hurricane Ian
• "Help After a Disaster" Brochures
• Search and Rescue Efforts

Organizations Helping with the

Aftermath of Hurricane Ian & Accepting Donations

• World Central Kitchen
• International Medical Corps
• Airlink
• Global Empowerment Mission
• Operation Blessing

The state of Florida has a Florida Disaster Fund that you can donate to here or by texting “disaster” to 20222.

The BTB Holds its First Elevate Training Expo

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has launched a project seeking to build the Belizean brand of excellent service. Today the BTB held the first annual Elevate Training Expo in Belize City. The two-day event is focused on providing expert training in various areas of service to stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Read More

Taiwan Brings New Trade Opportunities to Belize

Тhе Еmbаѕѕу оf Таіwаn іn Веlіzе аnd thе Таіwаn Ехtеrnаl Тrаdе Dеvеlорmеnt Соunсіl (ТАІТRА) аrе рlеаѕеd tо аnnоunсе thе раrtісіраtіоn оf 30 Таіwаnеѕе еntеrрrіѕеѕ іn thе Таіwаn Ехро 2022 іn Веlіzе

 Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Discovering Reefs, Rainforest and Ancient Maya Ruins on a Journey through Belize

Just last year, Belize’s protected lands grew to an impressive 40% of its total landmass. Meanwhile, the government committed to doubling its marine reserves to cover 30% of its ocean territory by 2026 with the support of the world’s largest ‘blue bonds’ debt-restructuring deal.



Read More

Mr. Cornelius Cacho

Even as a child, Cornelius “Pat” Cacho valued education above most things. Born into modest means in Belize, he took advantage of every opportunity to learn and better himself.

It paid off, and he’s been paying it forward ever since. Mr. Cacho has changed the lives of countless young people over the past 30 years, including dozens of Florida Gulf Coast University students. In appreciation for his many contributions and tireless support, FGCU recently bestowed the honorary Doctor of Law degree upon him.

Mr. Cacho, 96, grew up the only child of parents who possessed few worldly goods but fierce determination and unity of purpose when it came to ensuring their son received an education. They worked hard to pay the tuition required to send him to school. After completing his high school education, he became a messenger in the national Treasury Department and took correspondence courses to become an accountant.

A supervisor took an interest in the ambitious young man and arranged to send Mr. Cacho to England to study. There he earned his accounting certificate, fell in love with economics and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the London School of Economics.

Upon returning to Belize, he was appointed the assistant secretary of natural resources, a position in the country’s ministry responsible for assessing and managing natural resources.

“I didn’t know a damn thing about natural resources,” he says.

But he learned. Among his accomplishments was establishing an agreement with a group of Mennonites to relocate from Mexico to create a community in Belize that remains today. The job exposed him to many opportunities, including a six-month attachment to the World Bank through which he made many professional contacts. He spent four years in Trinidad and Tobago, working at the University of the West Indies as a bursar and a lecturer on international economics. Then the World Bank offered him a job as an operations officer. He spent the next 20 years in various capacities within the organization in countries across Africa, Asia, and Central America.

Upon retiring, he and his wife, Laura, chose to live in Naples. As they got to know their new community, they saw what he describes as “large and disturbing gaps in education and training among African American children and educational deficiencies in the Black population generally.”

That helped the couple decide what they would do next.

Mr. Cacho visited the Collier County superintendent of schools and volunteered his services. For 18 years, he tutored high school and middle school students, primarily Black individuals, whom he believed he could help. One cultural difference he saw disturbed him: “Black Americans suffer from a terrible inferiority complex. We tried to make them feel that people should respect them.”

He also urged the students he mentored to pursue careers in science, believing there is a great need for more people of color in STEM fields.

Mr. Cacho has given his time, talent and treasure to organizations such as the Collier County Community Foundation, Cleveland Clinic, Greater Naples Leadership Council, Early Childhood Coalition of Southwest Florida, Model United Nations, FunTime Early Childhood Academy and many more.

His wife was dedicated to similar activities until she died in 2007. Mr. Cacho has since married Leonie Samuels, a former Punta Gorda teacher, who shares his community interests.



FGCU has been fortunate to receive a great deal of his attention and generosity. Mr. Cacho has served on the FGCU Foundation Board, is a member of the President’s Society and supported the STEM Camp program, international programs, WGCU Public Media, the College of Education Literacy Festival and the College Reach Out Program. He also provided scholarships for more than two dozen students.

Among those is Kaelyn Julmeus, who graduated in May 2022 and won 11 student awards along with her biology degree. One of those awards was a Fulbright grant to teach English in Poland this fall. Much like her benefactor, Ms. Julmeus understands how valuable an education is and makes the most of the opportunities afforded her. The Honors College alumna chose to be a non-degree seeking student for the summer so she could conduct research in the Peruvian Amazon for 3 ½ weeks. Her plan upon returning home was to study for the MCATs and then head to Poland. After that, she hopes to go to medical school to become a surgical oncologist.

She is grateful to Mr. Cacho — as well as Lee Health and Uncommon Friends — from which she received sufficient scholarship money so that she graduated debt free.

“I like what his goal is,” Ms. Julmeus says. “He thinks Black students are underrepresented and don’t have access. He wants more Black students to succeed.”

Madelyn Isaacs, a retired founding faculty member who taught counseling at FGCU and has known Mr. Cacho for 30 years, says, “Pat is one of a kind. He never slows down. He is the model of what someone can do with passion for young people.” Jean Sagesse, a senior majoring in exercise science, is a fine illustration. The Naples resident’s future changed when he signed up for a STEM camp and met Cacho. Read More

We are proud to call you

our Star of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Belizeanism of the Month

'Tan saafly better than beg paad'n.

Literally: To stand softly (i.e. to put one' foot down carefully) is better than to beg pardon (i.e. for stepping on someone's toes). 

Meaning: Prevention is better than cure.

Journalist Dr. Rene Villanueva visited the United States throughout the month of October to conduct interviews with Belizeans who resided there. We cordially encourage you to watch the Florida-based interviews that are posted below to discover more about how these Belizeans' lives have changed after moving to the United States.

Ray Gongora

Malaqui and Jameli Bedran

Wilburn Defoe  

                   Marina Staine 

June Henderson 

Owen Torres

Ronnie Leslie

             Glenda Lewis

Dr. Albert Williams 

Wayne Savery

Barbara Reneau

Stephanie Sylvestre &

Aileen Neal

• Minister of Rural Transformation Oscar Requena Virtually Addresses 4th Urban Economy Forum in Canada Read More



• Government Appoints New Belize Ambassador to the EU Read More

• Governor-General Issued First Belize E-Passport Read More



• Government of Belize High Level Delegation Attended the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings Read More

• Minister of State, Hon. Dr. Louis Zabaneh and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Dian Maheia as well as representatives of our Stann Creek District Education Centre, Attended World Food Day 2022 Read More
• 
• World Renowned Belizean Mathematician, Dr. Arlie Petters, Provost of the New York University (NYU) in Abu Dhabi Met with Minister Francis Fonseca and Minister of State Dr. Louis Zabaneh to Discuss Potential Areas of Mutually Beneficial Partnerships. Read More

• Belize Signs MOU with Canada Read More

• Belize Commemorates World Mental Health Day Read More

• Cuba and Belize Conclude Talks on Migration Issues Read More



• Team Belize Wins Gold at First Global Challenge Robotics Competition in Switzerland Read More
• 
• Belize Cancer Society of California Continues Service to Belizean Cancer Survivors Read More



• 1,500-Year-Old Salt Works Submerged in Belize Lagoon Reveals Rare Mayan Architecture Read More

• The Garifuna Collective Will Be Part of the Womad Lineup for 2023, as the World of Music, Arts and Dance festival Returns to New Plymouth After a Two-Year Gap. Read More

• Bright Side: Art and Mindfulness to Cope with Mental Health Challenges Read More

• High School Volleyball Tournament underway in Belize City Read More



• Launch of the Cuban Culture Day Exhibit Read More

• Sustainable Tourism Ambassador Destiny Wagner Sources Donation of Sporting Equipment for Seine Bight Village Council Read More



• European Union Applauds Preservation of Xunantunich Archaeological Site Read More

• Turneffe Flats and Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) Announce Innovative Conservation Partnership Worth $1.5 Million Over Next 6 Years Read More

• Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub Supports Belizeans to Gain Skills in Mobilizing Funds Read More

• Finastra’s Core Solution Helps Belize Bank Achieve its Expansion Goals Read More

• Three Female Entrepreneurs in Belmopan Receive $2,500 Read More

• Belize Participates in the 6th Korea-LAC Business Summit in Korea Read More

• 80 Businesses Participate in Day 1 of MSME Roadshow in Twin Towns Read More

• Belize Wins Best Water in the Caribbean! Read More

• Health Professionals Participate in Painting Activities to Support Emotional Well-Being Read More

• Belizean Centenarian Alice Banner of New York City Celebrates Her 107th Birthday in Solid Health Read More



• University of Belize Awards Honorary Doctorate in Law to Right Honorable Said Musa Read More

• International Scholarships For Belize Read More

• Latin American-Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship Read More

• Funding Opportunities Read More



• Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) Scholarship 2022 Read More

• Yahoo News Recommends Travelers Come to Belize for Spring Break Read More

• Destiny Wagner goes to Miami for Latinx Travel Summit 2022 Read More 

• Happy World Tourism Day from Belize! Read More

• Conde Nast Traveler: Belize is One of the World’s Friendliest Countries Read More

• You Can Rent this Private Island in Belize for Under $900 a Night Read More

Garlic Butter Conch

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of conch.
• 3 garlic cloves.
• 1 cup of butter (2 bars).
• 2 packets of sazon goya seasoning.

Preparation & Method

• Start by cooking the onions and garlic until translucent, about 5 mins.
• Mix in the tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. 
• Add in 2 bars of butter and mix until the butter is halfway melted. 

• Once the butter has started to melt add the packets of goya sazon seasoning. 
• Lastly, put in the conch and let the misture cook for aboute 6-7 minutes. 

Belizean Stew Pumpkin

Ingredients:

• 1 small - medium pumpkin
• 1 and 3/4 cups of brown sugar
• 8 cups of water
• All spice and cinnamon to taste

Preparation & Method

1. First wash your pumpkin, make sure to scrub it with a clean brush to get rid of all the dirt. Once it is clean, cut the pumpkin into small chunks (as shown in the video) and clean out all the seeds.
2. In a pot add about 8 cups of water (roughly half of the pot you are planning to use).
3. Add in the brown sugar and let it dissolve.
4. Then add in the chunks of pumpkin and turn on the stove to medium heat, let the water come to a boil - about 30 minutes.
5. Check to see if the pumpkin gets tender.
6. Add in all spice to taste or cinnamon.
7. Let it boil for 1 hour and half longer. Then let it sit for 6 hours.
8. After it sits for 6 hours, turn on the heat again and let the liquid reduce until the water thickens. 

September 2022, VOL. 92. Read More

August 2022, VOL. 91. Read More

July 2022, VOL. 90 Read More

June 2022, VOL. 89 Read More

May 2022, VOL. 88 Read More

April 2022, VOL. 87 Read More

March 2022, VOL. 86 Read More

February 2022, VOL. 85 Read More

January 2022, VOL. 84. Read More

December 2021, VOL. 83 Read More

November 2021, VOL. 82 Read More

October 2021, VOL. 81 Read More

September 2021, VOL. 81. Read More

August 2021, VOL. 80. Read More

Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ

On September 26, as Prime Minister Briceno addressed the Protocolary Session of the (OAS), he reiterated the important role the organization has played in not only for the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize but in relations among all Member States.

I emphasized our hope for a peaceful solution to the Guatemala Belize matter currently at the ICJ, where Belize is allowed to maintain the integrity of all its borders.