The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover
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Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the September Monthly Newsletter!
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“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” (unknown).
We bid summer goodbye and welcome the cooler days of Fall with that certain freshness in the air signaling perhaps new beginnings in our lives.
The month of October marks the start of wonderful holidays such as Garifuna Settlement Day, Thanksgiving and culminated by Christmas!
During the celebratory month of September in Belize, we commemorated The Battle of Saint George’s Caye Day and Belize’s Independence Day. We also honored the passing of the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price.
The Rt. Honorable Price, reminds us of what it means to truly serve Belize and each other with humility, dignity and honesty. He was a God-fearing man who religiously walked to the Holy Redeemer Cathedral for daily mass. He believed that serving God first is the foundation to a good and happy home which spills over into a good and happy country. His moral attributes ring true today. The key of a thriving and peaceful society starts at home because the family is the foundation of a society and when the home is broken so is the country.
Mr. Price never sought glory for himself but for his country. “I believe that a country's first duty is to set its own house in order; and having set its own house in order, it can contribute better to the community of the world” (Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price). We invite you to keep this message in mind, since it could foster a very powerful and positive outcome.
In only a couple days, we will welcome the Honorable Minister Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, the Honorable Minister Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining, and the Honorable Minister Henry Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform for a Diaspora Town Hall event, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations to be held on Sunday, October 3rd at MiaCucina in Promenade Shops, Aventura FL.
We invite you to join us at this event when you will have the opportunity to engage with the delegation who are interested in hearing from you. They will be providing you with information on investing or retiring in Belize. Please register here as soon as possible. Space is limited!
Because in September we celebrated Belize’s Independence, we also paid homage to Belize’s rich ethnic diversity and so in this issue, we represent the different ethnicities that make part of our unique and beautiful heritage and have included typical dishes such as Hudut, a delicious dish representative of Garifuna cuisine.
Included also as a street food favorite is Dukunu, a scrumptious treat which originated from the Mestizo culture and has become a staple for many Belizeans. It’s so perfect, it can be eaten alone or as a side dish to another of Belize’s favorite, stewed chicken and sweet plantains. The recipes can be found under our Recipe of the Month and Street Food Series sections.
In this edition, we present the latest video address to the Nation by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. John Briceño where he shares a special message titled “Together We Rise”. Additionally, please see his Independence Day speech where he stated, "…even amid this pandemic that has tested us and taken so much and so many from us, our love for this land and everyone who lives here has never been stronger and never more determined."
Also included in this edition is the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs's participation at the United Nations (UN) where they attended, along with 83 other foreign leaders of Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
Please take the time to read their speeches included in this newsletter. During the visit at the UN, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, the Honorable Eamon Courtenay along with the Foreign Minister of Russia, the Honorable Sergey Lavrov signed a historic visa waiver agreement. This will facilitate and boost tourism to both countries.
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 stories of some visible Belizeans who were awarded prizes in various areas such as literary arts, community action, development of traditional knowledge, and much more! You can find these exceptional creative leaders under our “Star of The Month” Section.
Do not forget to check out the section “Upcoming Events” to find out more about “Scholarship Opportunities”, “Town Hall Meetings” and much more!
Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, community engagement, the environment, and much more in this edition:
- Watch Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño’s monthly message where he talks about Independence Day and the importance of rising together as a nation.
- See the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration’s sign historic Visa Waiver Agreement with the Government of the Russian Federation.
- View Ambassador H.E. Lynn Young’s monthly message from Washington, DC.
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Read about the upcoming Town Hall Meeting being organized in Miami and other US cities and how you can participate. For Miami’s event please rsvp here.
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Watch the Live recording of Belize’s 40th Independence Day and the Official Flag Raising Ceremony.
- Learn how Belize is planning to sustainably manage dozens of finfish species.
- Read about BELTRAIDE and DFC’s agreement to provide financial support to businesses.
- Look at the unveiling of different murals in the Corozal District honoring Belize’s 40 years of independence.
- Watch our tribute to Belizean Patriots in our Covid-19 Heroes Awards.
- Find out about the Innovation Challenge being held by Belize Tourism Board and how you could help transform the future of tourism and win $10,000 dollars.
- Get inspired by our Belizean Stars of the Month and learn why they were granted different creative leadership awards!
- 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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Independence Day Ceremony |
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"Today, at 40 we celebrate as a nation. We celebrate even amid this pandemic that has tested us and taken so much and so many from us. Yet our love for this land and everyone who lives here has never been stronger and never more determined." - Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño on the 40th Anniversary of Belize's Independence
Click the link to access the full album of photos.
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76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly |
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Watch The Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño deliver his address to the United Nations General Assembly. The theme “Building resilience through hope – to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the United Nations” has been proposed for the general debate at the seventy-sixth session, pursuant to resolution 58/126.
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Belize at 40 "Together We Rise"
LIVE Concert
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"Today there are 193 member states in the entire world, that we are only one of 193 countries should never be a cause of being entitled or to expect special treatment, but it should stand as a testament to our duties and our responsibilities to ourselves, to our regional neighbors, and to the international community. One year ago, we undertook a massive consultation campaign to develop our Plan Belize. In our discussion some important questions kept coming up such as how we would reshape our economy, how would we reorganize our education system, these questions must be kept in the front of our minds as we continue to work through the challenges". |
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Message From the Office of the Prime Minister |
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Fellow citizens, as a nation we, like the rest of the world, continue to face the daily challenges caused by this awful coronavirus pandemic. For the second year in a row our National Celebrations have been greatly curtailed by this pandemic. Let me be clear, Government will do what is necessary to pass appropriate legislation that will protect our children, health care workers and vulnerable citizens who are doing everything possible to ensure each other’s safety. I know we can all do this because we have done it before. |
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Official Flag Raising Ceremony |
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Signing of Visa Waiver Agreement Between Belize and Russia |
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On September 24th, Foreign Ministers Eamon Courtenay and Sergey Lavrov signed a Visa Waiver Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Russian Federation within the margins of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly |
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Signing of MOU to Strengthen Belize-Kosovo Cooperation |
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize, the Hon. Eamon Courtenay, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora from Russia, Mrs Donika Gërvalla, signed a MOU to strengthen Belize-Kosovo cooperation. Prime Minister John Briceno and President Vjosa Osmani witnessed the signing. |
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Belize-Portugal Relations |
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The Foreign Minister of Belize, the Hon. Eamon Courtenay met with H.E. Francisco André, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss latest developments and Belize-Portugal relations. |
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Celebrating 40 Years of Partnership!
In honor of Belize’s Independence Day and four decades of strong diplomatic ties and friendship between the United States and Belize, we have invited past U.S. Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires to share their own messages to the Belizean people. The tenures of the Ambassadors and Chargés offering messages today span across five different U.S. Presidential Administrations, starting in 1987. We are honored to share their best wishes with all of you today.
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Dear members of the Belizean Community,
September has been a most busy and exciting month. As we celebrated 40 years of Independence, we naturally took an introspective look at the progress of our young nation. The progress has undoubtedly been good, but nation building is not an easy task, and there are many challenges still ahead of us; challenges that have been exacerbated by events beyond our control such as climate change, the Pandemic, and the resulting social strains that has engulfed our region.
Recognizing the enormity of the challenges facing us, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora relationships have embarked on a series of town hall meetings and round table business discussions with the diaspora to deepen engagement and help us to better tap into your vast resource of experience, knowledge and goodwill.
I was very excited to be a member of the team. Our first engagement in Houston was a great start. More than seventy Belizeans came to BOW’s Taste of Belize to attend the Town Hall on Tuesday night. This was followed by a round table business meeting the following morning. We had a great discussion with lots of great ideas to put to work.
I want to especially thank Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, the owners of Taste of Belize, and also the Belize Association of Houston. Their hospitality was outstanding, and the level of discourse was stimulating.
I must also express appreciation to our new Ambassador of Diaspora Relations, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy. Her enthusiasm for Belize is infectious and I believe that she and her dynamic team will be make a big difference.
Then there is my good friend D.J. Special. He did a splendid job, playing some great Belizean Music for our entertainment. I met many Belizeans that I had not seen for years, including my Aunt Melba Jean Staine. I am certainly looking forward to returning to Houston to continue engaging with our Belizean brothers and sisters there.
But the highlight of the night were the presentations by Minister Mahler and Minister Henry Usher. Their grasp of the issues facing Belize and their explanations of the solutions being pursued left everyone with full confidence that we are on a solid path with a bright future.
Like everyone who attended, I left Houston with a deep sense of optimism, and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting more of you as we continue the tour. This initiative is clearly long overdue and our sincere congratulations to the organizers and all who participated.
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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Join Us This Sunday October 3rd at MiaCucina for The Diaspora Town Hall Meeting in Florida! |
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Face Masks Are Mandatory. |
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For a Full List of This Month's Government Press Releases Please Click the Button Below |
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Belize Develops Plan to Sustainably Manage Dozens of Finfish Species |
Belize’s government is collaborating with fisheries managers, scientists and fishers to develop a management plan for 47 of the nation’s most important finfish – bony fish – species.
The Caribbean country is prioritizing the sustainable use of fishery resources, especially as climate change exerts unprecedented impacts on ecosystems and communities.
Belize’s fisheries sector directly supports the livelihoods of more than 2,500 fishers and indirectly benefits more than 15,000 Belizeans.
The country’s fisheries exports – mainly spiny lobster and queen conch – were valued at $21.3 million in 2019, and there’s an opportunity to generate more value for finfish products in both domestic and international markets.
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Google Helps Hotels Worldwide Including Belize ‘Go Green’ |
With more travelers demanding sustainable travel – a Booking.com global survey released in June found that some 83 percent of 29,000 respondents said they found sustainable travel to be vital, with 61 percent noting that the pandemic has increased their interest in traveling sustainably – Google is launching a program identify “eco-certified” hotels in its search engines according to Bloomberg.
The new feature, launched today, relies on 29 certification programs to do the hard work of establishing a hotel’s green credibility; the property must have an array of sustainability measures audited by third-party experts. It’ll be up to hotel staff, rather than the search engine, to update hotel listings, using the free Google My Business Profile.
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Belize Wants to Connect to the Mayan Train of López Obrador |
Prime Minister Briceño, visited Mexico for the 200 years of its independence, and met with various Mexican authorities, including the general director of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur), Rogelio Jiménez Pons, in charge of the Mayan Train project.
According to the ambassador, the meeting raised the possibility of the Mayan Train crossing the border between the two countries, from Chetumal (Mexico) to Santa Elena (Belize).
The Mayan Train is a priority project of President López Obrador and has an investment of 6,294 million dollars for about 1,554 kilometers in the five states of southeastern Mexico: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo.
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Belize Featured in National Geographic As a Diving Hotspot |
Belize is featured in the Dutch version of National Geographic’s September issue as one of the world’s best diving destinations.
Diving expert Carrie Miller says in her article In The Deep End, which was first published in the National Geographic Traveler magazine in its third issue of 2021, that Belize is a hotspot of biodiversity.
Miller said during 2018 and 2019, she and her husband visited 50 dive sites in 35 countries adding that if you limit yourself to land you miss out on half the natural beauty of the world.
She said that while “illegal logging, deforestation and shark fishing are a problem … major steps have already been taken in this small country in the field of nature conservation.” Miller said.
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Embassy of Belize in Taiwan Holds Virtual Event Celebrating 40 Years of Independence |
Ambassador Dr. Candice Pitts delivered the opening remarks, thanking Taiwan for its friendship and close ties. She said that Belize and Taiwan place great importance on safeguarding territorial integrity and that they both understand and appreciate the significance of sovereignty.
Pitts said that although COVID-19 has affected Belize’s usual Independence Day festivities, the people must always celebrate the holiday. As the nation has reached 40 years of independence, it is vital that Belizeans remember the difficulties and agonies they faced to achieve freedom, she said.
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The Belize High School Celebrates Eleven Years of Operations |
On Monday, the Belize High School (BHS) celebrated its eleventh birthday anniversary. The secondary school was opened in 2010, fifteen years after the opening of the Belize Elementary School, after the school’s Board of Governors sought to develop the concept of a new secondary school, giving birth to BHS. Unlike previous years; however, this year’s celebrations were dialed down and limited due to the pandemic. Jamie Usher, the high school’s Principal spoke to Love News about how the school has grown since its induction and has been able to smoothly transition into online learning. |
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Why Belize Has Begun Booming Among American Tourists |
TIME Magazine last month featured Belize as one of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2021”. While the outlet applauded the country’s efforts to protect its enviably pristine natural setting, it also acknowledged that tourism revenue is becoming more central to the destination’s economy and that Belize now faces the challenge of striking a delicate between environmental conservation and human development.
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Belize to Trade “Superbond” for TNC’s Blue Bond |
“Superbond” negotiating team and a committee representing almost 50% of the holders of that bond have reached an agreement that will allow Belize to attempt to purchase, redeem and cancel all of the outstanding bonds through a forthcoming cash tender offer and accompanying Consent Solicitation, which will be possible through a new and unique debt instrument known as a Blue Bond. TNC is looking to unlock a $1.6 billion conservation fund to protect 1.5 million square miles of ocean habitats and 63 million miles of coastlines. The new blue bonds are expected to be delivered to up to 20 countries over a five-year period. |
U.S. Government Donates Mobile Field Hospital to Belize |
U.S. Embassy Belmopan joined the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) today for the official handover of a U.S.-funded mobile field hospital to the Belizean government. The field hospital donation is another pillar of the United States’ continuing commitment to helping Belize respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other medical emergencies. On August 18, the United States donated the first tranche of more than 345,000 doses of the anti-COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.
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Belize Hotel Association Launches Photo Competition – ‘Soul Of Belize' |
The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) is launching its inaugural photography competition “Soul of Belize” on occasion of the 40th year of Independence under the theme “Belize @40: Hopeful Hearts, Steady Hands, Together We Rise”. The BHA said the photo competition “aims to capture the soul and beauty of Belize through still images showcasing unique aspects of our country through the eyes of our travelers and is open to participation by novice and experienced photographers” |
BELTRAIDE and DFC Sign Agreement to Provide Financial Support to Businesses |
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which will be aimed at getting financial support for Belizean businesses. “This project aims to diversify the national economy of Belize by strengthening and improving the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including those with export potential, through financing and technical assistance,” BELTRAIDE said. |
PM Briceno Announces the Formation of a Reform Commission |
The Commission shall be appointed on or before 31st October and have a one-year term of office. As efforts at reform continue, the Ministry of E-Governance recently passed major legislations that give life to Government’s plan to achieve and roll out its digital agenda and action plan that will see government services such as vital statistics, criminal records, land applications, e-passport services, and the creation of a national ID.
This is in context to our commitment to an open government through digital transformation for the benefit of all.”
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The Unveiling of the Belize@40 Mural in Corozal. |
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In Corozal today, at the official unveiling of the patriotic mural, Mayor Rigoberto Vellos said, "It was done with love and the Corozaleños will treat it with love." Ambassador David Kuan-Chou Chien noted that Taiwan has helped Belize in several areas including health care, agriculture, and now art. |
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The National Women's Commission Travelled to Dangriga Town to Host Another Session of the Girls Roundtable. |
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The National Women's Commission travelled to Dangriga Town to host another session of the Girls Roundtable. with Support from Commissioner Anthony Sabal and in collaboration with the Dangriga Town Council, twenty girls are participating in the sessions discussing topics such a Self Esteem, rights, leadership and impact of COVID-19.
The goal of these sessions is to provide the space for girls to share with other girls in their community on their experiences of violence and ways they can protect themselves while becoming aware of leadership skills they posses.
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A Chat With Ambassador Fiona Clouder |
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Fiona Clouder, the UK Government's Regional Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean for COP26, concluded her visit to Belize as a part of a regional tour. The tour is in anticipation of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which will be hosted by the UK Government in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 21, 2021. We sat down with Ambassador Clouder to discuss COP26, her role as regional ambassador and Belize's role in combating climate change. |
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Back to School With RESTORE Belize! |
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Once again, RESTORE Belize would like to express its sincerest appreciation and gratitude to another one of its donors in the I AM Belize Scholarship Program, Belize Water Services. BWSL’s partnership in the I AM Belize Scholarship Program commenced in 2016-17 school year. Total investment over the period of five school years from 2016-17 to 2020-21 amounted to $43,000.00. For the new school year 2021-22, they have donated another $5,000.00 more giving a grand donation total of $48,000.00.
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Prime Minister John Briceño has announced a special token to be awarded hopefully once in a lifetime. During the Tribute to Belizean Patriots to be held during the September Celebrations, a “Special COVID-19 Heroes Award” medal will be presented to various frontline workers in recognition for their service during the pandemic. Click the link below to watch the live recording of the event. |
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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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Transforming Tourism for the Future
Belizean students and recent graduates from tourism management and business classes can land 10 thousand dollars from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) for the next big thing in the industry. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has launched its business innovation challenge under the theme: INNOVATION CHALLENGE: TRANSFORMING TOURISM FOR THE FUTURE. The objective of this event is to provide a financial opportunity to local academia to pitch a viable innovative business plan for a product or service that will create significant returns for Belize’s tourism industry.
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Trade and Investment Tidbits |
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First CARICOM-Africa Summit Held September 7
The African Union generously agreed to invite CARICOM to be part of the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) for the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines which allowed the Community to benefit from bulk purchasing. The vaccines began arriving in CARICOM last month. There have been reciprocal visits between Caribbean leaders and African leaders from 2018 to 2020, as well as technical reviews by African agencies of Caribbean governmental organizations.
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Honoring the Life of Ms. Leela Vernon
Punta Gorda is the hometown of the late and great Belizean icon, Leela Vernon. Ms. Vernon has left her mark both nationally and internationally as a proud Belizean. And now, a vibrant image of Ms. Leela and depictions of her love for culture don the patriotic mural in the heart of Punta Gorda.
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English Translation:
The pot (which is very black) is cursing the kettle (which isn't)
Meaning:
Fault finders are full of faults themselves.
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Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites |
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Remembering the Father of our Nation
Honorable George Cadle Price
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January 15, 1919 - September 19, 2011. |
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In September 2000, Price became the first person to receive Belize's highest honour, the Order of National Hero, for the prominent role he played in leading his country to independence. He has received similar honours in other Caribbean and Central American countries. In 1982, he was made a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. Price died on 19 September 2011, at the age of 92. Almost 30 years earlier he united the people of Belize in the struggle for independence.
We invite you to learn more about the life of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price and the contributions he made to our country
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Battle of St. George's Caye
September 3, 1798 – September 10, 1798
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Every year we take September 10th to celebrate what some might say was a pivotal moment in the history of Belize: The Battle of St George’s Caye. Click the link below to read a short summary of the historical event that took place over 200 years ago.
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As a part of this year’s September celebration activities, the National Celebrations Commission established the “Belize @ 40 Prize”, which are awards created to celebrate and honor past and present Belizean creatives.
The awards recognized achievements in culture, heritage and arts. The prizes were as follows:
The Zee Edgell Prize for Literary Arts to Evan X Hyde
The Andy Palacio Prize for Belizean Music to Lucio Alcoser Sr.
The Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to Florencia Castillo
The George Gabb Prize for Visual Arts to Fernando Cruz
The Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance to Althea Sealy
The Leela Vernon Prize for Creative Community Action and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage to Leonides Sanchez
The Beverly Smith Lopez Prize for Acting in Theatre and Film to
Leroy Green
Click the button below to learn more about our stars and their achievements.
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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:
Dukunu
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Ingredients
- Several corn husks, pre-soaked in water until soft.
- 2 tablespoons of water.
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk.
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- 6-8 ears of corn, shucked.
- 2 tablespoons of butter (melted).
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Directions
Pre-heat your oven to 375 Fahrenheit (190 Celsius). Use the butter to coat corn. Wrap each corn in foil and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender. Remove corn from oven, and use a knife to slice off corn kernels. Mix corn kernels and water in a blender until liquefied. Add coconut milk, remaining butter, salt, sugar, and baking powder to blender. Mix until smooth. Use 1-2 tablespoons of corn mixture to fill a corn husk. Fold over sides of husk towards the center. Repeat until all corn husks are filled. Steam “tamales” for 30 minutes in a steamer, and serve piping hot.
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For added authenticity, replace mixing roasted kernels and water in a blender, and instead mix by hand in a bowl. Continue to mix ingredients by hand. The resulting corn mixture will be less uniform. |
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Recipe of the Month:
Hudut
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The Garifuna have many delicious foods that are part of their culinary heritage, but one classic staple graces the tables of Garifuna families all over Belize. Hudut is a delicious stew that contains plantains, fish, and coconut.
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Ingredients
- 4 green plantains
- 2 ripe, soft plantains
- 2 medium-size fish (such as red snapper), cleaned and filleted
- 2 cans of coconut milk
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 handful of okra
- Cilantro, fresh
- Oregano, fresh
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Season fish fillets with salt and pepper. Dice the onion and garlic.
Mince the oregano and cilantro. In a pot, add coconut milk, oregano, cilantro, okra, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook coconut liquid on medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent curdling, until it begins to boil. Using a frying pan, lightly sautee the fish in oil until it is browned. Add fish to boiling coconut mixture. Boil fish and coconut mixture together for 20 minutes. Serve with plantains on the side.
Cooking notes: The stew will begin to thicken as it cooks. Be sure to keep stirring the mixture continuously throughout the cook.
Instructions for making the plantains:
The plantains are served as a side dish for the main stew.
Peel the green and ripe plantains and cut into three-four pieces.
Boil green plantains in water 7-10 minutes until well softened.
Add the ripe plantains to the water and continue to boil.
Once well softened, remove from water.
Allow to cool for one minute and then blend in food processor until smooth.
Note: If the plantain mixture is too thick, add a little water.
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Upcoming Events
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Participate in BTB’s Tourism start-up competition for a chance to win $10,000 cash! The “Innovation Challenge: Transforming Tourism for the Future!” seeks out entrepreneurs from our local academia soliciting early-stage funding for an innovative product/service that will create significant returns to our Belize tourism industry |
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