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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I write you with a heavy heart thinking of all those who lost their lives or are suffering from the devastating effects of hurricane Ian which made landfall in the gulf coast of Florida last Wednesday as a category 4 hurricane, the likes this state has not seen in decades. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who lost loved ones. Our hope is that all Belizeans and their families living in the affected areas are safe.
The Consulate has a dedicated hotline for you to call us for assistance in communicating with your loved ones if necessary. Please call us at 305 300-7520. We have also provided you in this newsletter with emergency numbers in each of your local areas where you can contact for support and assistance.
By contrast to the somber farewell of September, the month started off with high spirits to celebrate the many important and historic milestones with the Battle of Saint George’s Caye Day and Belize’s 41st year of independence. This year’s theme was “Valiant and Bold, Proud and Strong! Belize rebounds at 41!” and in true celebratory fashion we have very exciting news to share throughout this edition.
Happy 41st Independence Day Belize! If you still haven’t done so, I invite you to watch Belize at 41’s Music Video shared by the National Celebrations Commission Click Here.
Indeed, the people of Belize are resilient, bold, proud, and strong and is vividly seen especially when the chips are down. Undoubtedly, Belizeans around the world will rally to help their families and friends in Florida who were affected by this terrible storm so that they can get back on their feet and rebuild their lives very soon.
It was also a somber and sobering reality for the world the day we woke up to the news that the Queen of England, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, quietly passed away on September 8th. She left her country, its colonies, and the world a better place by her grace, kindness, wisdom, strength, and vision. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and may her soul rest in eternal peace.
Please read about the Governor General of Belize, Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam’s visit to England for the Queen’s Official State Funeral. As the representative of British Monarchy in Belize, she also attended other events associated with the passing of Her Majesty.
In memory and honor of the Queen, we posted one of her favorite desserts, Chocolate Biscuit Cake in the recipe section of this newsletter.
The month of September also witnessed positive things such as NASA’s sponsored educational program coming soon to Belize for both students and teachers as well as FIFA’s President stating how impressed he was with the progress achieved by Belize’s soccer team. We also shared about an 8-million-dollar loan that will promote foreign direct investment in the country and new opportunities with the recent establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It was a very busy time for the Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceno, who, among other world leaders attended the United Nations 77th General Assembly in NY. There, he continued to emphasize the importance of global climate change and investments aimed at sustainability practices.
Many positives also came out of his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken where they both discussed the great accomplishment of restructuring of the super bond, preserving the natural resources of Belize, strengthening ties with Taiwan and other donor countries, and plans to continue to grow Belize’s economy. Please read all about it under the Prime Minister’s Desk.
And for this month’s Star of the Month section, we included the seven recipients of Belize at 41 Awards. This year’s awardees were Ray Gongora, Pen Cayetano, Dawn Adderley, Lawrence Vernon, Susano Blanco, Bredda David Obi, and Brad Pattico. In 2021, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC) established the awards ceremony to recognize those Belizeans who have contributed significantly to safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage. We invite you to read more about how these outstanding individuals are making an impact within their industries. We are proud of all of them and congratulate them on this achievement! #becausebelizeansdogreatthingswhereevertheygo
September is also a time to remember Belize’s national heroes by honoring the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price, whose goal, and objective was freedom for all. The Rt. Honorable Price embodied all the qualities of a great leader: humility, honesty, strength, fairness and most importantly, he was a man of God.
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 help to foster a better and stronger nation for all.
As we shared in our previous edition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be implementing a new e-passport system where applicants will be able to apply online and bypass having to travel to their nearest Consulate for renewal services. Currently, all foreign missions have paused their passport renewal services while they receive training throughout the month of October. We expect the system to be fully operational by the end of the year. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this time of transition.
Belizeans can never get enough of rice and beans. When asking a Belizean what they have as their Sunday meal, the answer is usually always, “Rice and Beans, baked chicken with potato salad and ripe plantain.” When asked what the meal during the week is, the response usually is “Rice and Beans or Beans and Rice with stewed chicken, beef or pork.” So, we thought it only apt to include this all-time favorite in the Recipe of the Month section. I can’t agree more, it’s also my go to for comfort food. Like many Belizeans when visiting Belize, it’s our very first meal request!
Here at the Consulate, we continue to work diligently in updating the database by calling members of the Belizean Diaspora and asking for their most recent contact information. This is to ensure we can share upcoming events, new services, and business opportunities in a timely manner. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information.
In times of natural disasters such as now, it is particularly important to be able to have us contact you so please help us by sharing your updated contact information. We look forward to talking with you soon!
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
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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 Message for Independence Day
"With the guidance of our creator, let us march forward to 42 and beyond, and with that singular Belizean faith - that unshakeable belief - that the greater glories of tomorrow are sowed today."
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño
Independence Day 2022
Watch Video
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General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
"At COP27, the G20 must bring new commitments to close the emissions gap, bring financing for adaptation and establish a financing facility to substantively address loss and damage. We are extremely concerned that these expectations may be jeopardized by G20 dynamics." Read More
Watch Video
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PM on Technological Opportunities | It's a pleasure to lead the Caribbean delegation as the Vice President of Small Island Developing States DOCK initiative. Here, I am with officials in Berlin, Germany as we prepare to meet with a technology based firm Variodin AG to discuss and learn about the technological opportunities that may be transferable to our region with positive impact. Read More | | |
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Strengthening Relationships for Increased Sustainable Management of Blue Resources | |
Prime Minister Briceño met with Mr Carter Roberts - President of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in an effort to increase the partnership Belize has with WWF
Our goal is strategic enhancement for marine protection and strengthening the Blue Economy Financing for Reef Protection. Read More
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U.S. Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Prime Minister John Briceño Before Their Meeting
"Belize is a strong partner for the United States on so many issues of mutual concern. We are following up together on the very important meeting that President Biden and Vice President Harris had with CARICOM and the leaders of CARICOM at the Summit of the Americas, working on a strong agenda together on climate, on energy, on food security, on finance. And I look forward to sharing some of the progress that we’ve made with the Prime Minister." Read More
Watch Video
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Prime Minister Addresses Belizean Delegation
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and his delegation of government officials met with members of the Belizean diaspora in New York and Washington D.C. Addressing the gathering at the special celebration, the Prime Minister thanked the diaspora for assisting Belize’s efforts in combating COVID-19 and for the donations they have made towards education and cancer awareness in Belize.
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The Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) | As the 77th Session of the United General Assembly continues, SCLAN held a meeting among its members to provide an update on current projects and trajectory for its 2023 work-plan. Following the side event “Health Financing and Gender Equality”, the meeting also created a space for members to provide insight on the current events within their home countries and to explore areas for further collaboration and partnership. Read More | |
Valley of Peace Seventh Day of Adventist School | Our visit with NaRCIE was to see how we could support a special situation for a student who is diagnosed with Ectodermal dysplasia. The condition requires the classroom has an air conditioning unit to avoid any complications as a result of the illness. Read More | |
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Representative, Alison Parker, visited the school and met with Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, Mrs. Rossana Briceno and Principal Francella Cantun. The students are in full production mode and we saw samples of their creations. Principal Cantun also talked with us about the work to revamp the curriculum and create the environment for children with special needs to learn skills to transition into productive citizens and have dignified lives. Read More | |
Belize and Argentina SCLAN | |
Shared experiences and interests... today I met with H.E. Fabiola Yanez - First Lady of Argentina. The concerns of women, our children and families are the same despite borders and different country names.
We have an opportunity to amplify our work and impact in our broader region of the Americas. Read More
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Belize and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have Made Official their Diplomatic Relations
Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of the Government of Belize, while Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia, signed on his country's behalf.
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Barbados Appoints Non-Resident High Commissioner to Belize
Barbados’ non-resident High Commissioner to Belize, H.E. David Comissiong, presented his letter of credence on September 6, to Belize’s Governor General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam, at the Belize House in Belmopan.
Read More
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India CARICOM
On 23 September within the margins of #UNGA77, Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers Meeting. The meeting discussed our development partnership, health cooperation, digital linkages and capacity building.
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Belize and the U.S.
Earlier this week within the margins of #UNGA77, Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay met with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mr. Brian Nichols, and discussed priorities on the bilateral agenda with the United States.
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Diplo Week 2022
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' #Diploweek2022 strengthened bilateral and multilateral relationships and provided opportunities for engagement on current global issues such as climate change, trade, the environment, technology and security.
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Government to Launch New Electronic Passport Control System in October
Тhе Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе wіll lаunсh а nеw аррlісаtіоn рrосеѕѕ fоr еlесtrоnіс раѕѕроrtѕ thrоugh thе Еlесtrоnіс Раѕѕроrt Іѕѕuаnсе аnd Соntrоl Ѕуѕtеm (е-РІСЅ) іn Осtоbеr. Тhе Іmmіgrаtіоn Оffісеrѕ whо wіll ореrаtе thе nеw ѕуѕtеm wіll bе trаіnеd frоm Осtоbеr 11 tо 21, 2022. “А соmрlеtе ѕuѕреnѕіоn оf ассерtаnсе оf раѕѕроrt аррlісаtіоnѕ wіll оссur оn Осtоbеr 17, 2022, аnd rеgulаr ѕеrvісеѕ wіll rеѕumе durіng thе wееk оf Осtоbеr 24, 2022, whеn Веlіzеаnѕ wіll bе аblе tо аррlу fоr thе nеw е-раѕѕроrtѕ,” ѕаіd thе Рrеѕѕ Оffісе. Read More
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Belize and Ukraine
On 22 September, Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba signed an MoU on Bilateral Consultations between MFA Belize and MFA Ukraine which will facilitate dialogue and cooperation on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Read More
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Honorary Consul Ms. Janine Sylvestre's Interview with Caribbean Today | |
For Disaster Assistance Kindly Browse the Links Below | |
Organizations Helping with the
Aftermath of Hurricane Ian & Accepting Donations
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The state of Florida has a Florida Disaster Fund that you can donate to here or by texting “disaster” to 20222.
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Register with us as a Belizean in Florida and keep up to date on all news and events happening in Florida and Belize!
The information you provide is strictly confidential and used for database purposes only.
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Governor General Travels to London for Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral | |
Governor General, Her Excellency, Tzalam joins other Commonwealth community representatives in attending the late Queen's State Funeral. The prime ministers of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, along with many other representatives of non-Commonwealth members like United States President Joe Biden, were invited to the memorial service. | | |
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UnCruise Adventures Announces Eclipse Cruise in Belize
UnCruise Adventures has launched a cruise for the viewing of the annular eclipse in 2023. The nine-day cruise will depart October 13, 2023, offering guests an opportunity to join eclipse enthusiasts and guides for viewing the ring of fire eclipse off the coast of Belize. The all-inclusive itinerary will appeal to photography enthusiasts, nature lovers and umbraphiles. Read More
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Trade and Investment Tidbits |
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Caribbean Products to be Featured at London Specialty Food Fair | |
Тwо Саrіbbеаn рrоduсtѕ wеrе сhоѕеn bу а tор рrоfеѕѕіоnаl сhеf tо bе fеаturеd аt Lоndоn’ѕ Ѕресіаltу аnd Fіnе Fооd Fаіr 2022, thе Ѕt. Кіttѕ Оbѕеrvеr rероrtѕ. Тrulу Тurmеrіс Раѕtе mаdе bу Веlіzеаn соmраnу, Nаlеdо wіll bе fеаturеd іn а сооkіng dеmо аnd ѕеmіnаr оn ‘Тhе hеаlthу fооd mоvеmеnt – аn unѕtорраblе trеnd’.
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Belizean Paintings Debuted During Belize’s Culture Month in Taiwan | |
Оn Ѕерtеmbеr 13, 2022, thе Веlіzе Еmbаѕѕу іn Таіwаn аnd Сеntrаl Аmеrіса Тrаdе Оffісе hоѕtеd thе іnаugurаl сеrеmоnу fоr thе ореnіng оf Веlіzе’ѕ Сulturе Моnth аѕ wеll аѕ thе соmmеmоrаtіоn оf thе 41ѕt Аnnіvеrѕаrу оf Веlіzе’ѕ Іndереndеnсе Dау.
Read More
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The seven recipients of the Belize at 41 Awards were honored today at the Belize City House of Culture, where they each received a commemorative plaque. This year’s awardees are Ray Gongora, Pen Cayetano, Dawn Adderley, Lawrence Vernon, Susano Blanco, Bredda David Obi, and Brad Pattico.
Ray Gongora received the Beverly Smith Lopez Award for Acting in Theater and Film. Gongora is an actor, comedian, and a key figure in the Belizean Artistic Renaissance of the 1970s, having produced and performed in stage productions across the Americas.
Beloved Dangriga artist and founder of the Punta Rock genre, Pen Cayetano, is the recipient of the George Gabb Prize for Visual Arts. Through his art, as well as his music, Cayetano has spent decades sharing his Garifuna heritage with the world. Like Cayetano, Bredda David Obi, the recipient of the Andy Palacio Price for Original Belizean Music, is a renowned musician best known for creating the Kungo genre of music.
Lawrence Vernon, former Chief Librarian at the Belize National Library Service, was honored with the Zee Edgell Prize for Literary Arts. In addition to his extensive work with the library system in Belize, Vernon has penned several short stories and historical non-fiction works.
Susano Blanco, for his work in preserving the craft of indigenous medicine, is the recipient of the Don Eligio Panti Prize for Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge. And for her many years spent dedicated to the art of dance, choreographer Dawn Adderley received the Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance.
Brad Pattico, one of the country’s most renowned Kriol folk music artists, was the recipient of the Leela Vernon Award for Creative Community Action and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage.
Bredda David Obi, upon receiving his award, summarized the importance of recognizing outstanding Belizeans in one, very poignant sentence:
“Yuh nuh wait till di man dead fi tell ah ih good,” he said.
Those words were echoed by Merilyn Young, the Interim President at NICH and Co-Chair of the NCC, who also underscored the importance of honoring persons for their work while they are alive.
In 2021, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC) established the awards ceremony in an effort to recognize those Belizeans who have contributed significantly to safeguarding the country’s culture and heritage.
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We are proud to call you
our Stars of the Month!
#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo
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GOB Highlights of the Month | |
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Belize Delegation Participates in the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Global Conference in Korea Read More
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U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Education sign agreement for Belizean students to benefit from NASA- sponsored educational program Read More
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Thе Міnіѕtrу оf Ѕuѕtаіnаblе Dеvеlорmеnt аlоng wіth thе Міnіѕtrу оf Nаturаl Rеѕоurсеѕ Hаvе Jоіnеd Effоrtѕ tо Dеvеlор а Grоundwаtеr Mоnіtоrіng Sуѕtеm fоr thе Mаnаgеmеnt оf Aquіfеrѕ іn Веlіzе. Read More
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Ministry of Investment Embarks on Tour of Southern Agro-Processors Read More
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Quintana Roo and Belize Sign International Agreement that Will See More Border Businesses Read More
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Belizean Educators Can Widen Their Professional Horizons With Participate Learning in the USA Read More
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Belize Participates in UN Transforming Education Summit 2022 in New York Read More
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Belize Stands in Solidarity with Ukraine and Taiwan, as Both Nations Have Encountered “Aggression” From Their Neighbors Read More
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Sports, Entertainment, & Culture | |
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FIFA President Impressed by Progress During Visit to Belize Read More
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MDC North Campus Professor Refurbishes Computers For Kids In Belize Read More
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Archaeologists Find 1000-Year-Old Maya Settlement in Central Belize Read More
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Belize City Children’s Rally Returns to the Civic Center Read More
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month This Year By Heading To Fort Worth Read More
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Belize at 41 Mural Unveiled in Orange Walk Read More
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Belize to Block Mining Proposal on Environmental Concerns Read More
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Belize is Committed to Enabling a Green-Investment Environment Read More
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Belize Receives US$15 Million Loan to Push Sustainable Farming and Tourism Read More
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High Schoolers Will Be Able to Participate in Real Science Experiments Thanks to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program Read More
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Development Finance Corporation is offering ‘Empowered’ Business Loans for Women and Young Men to Help Expand Their Businesses Learn More
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U.S. Embassy Economic Officer and American Businesses Discuss Doing Business in Belize Read More
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Chamber of Commerce and Total Business Solutions to Launch Expo Belize Marketplace APP Read More
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US $8 Million Loan from IDB to Promote Belize’s Foreign Direct Investment Approved Read More
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Galen University Holds Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony Read More
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Three Female Entrepreneurs in Belize City Receive $2500 Read More
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National Forensic Science Service Receives Critical Equipment to Upgrade Forensic Capabilities Read More
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PathLight Belize Signs Education Cooperation Agreement with Organization of American States Read More
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Scholarship Opportunities | |
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Belize 79 Belizean Students Receive OAS Scholarships Read More
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PAEC OAS-Universidad Europea Scholarships Read More
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Tropic Air Belize Adds Service To San Pedro Sula Read More
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13 Amazing Outdoor Adventures I Loved In Belize Read More
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Diving Deeper into Belize’s Eco-Tourism Activities Read More
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Caribbean Gem: Belize's 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts Read More
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Ingredients
- 1 LB dry kidney beans.
- 3 cups of rice
- 5 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 large onion (peeled and chopped)
- 1 green pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
- 1 bay leaf
- minced parsley leaves1 tbsp.
- 2 cans coconut milk (400 ml)
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- black pepper½ tsp.
- Salt
- Water
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- Soak the beans overnight, then drain.
- Place the beans in a large pot and pour in adequate water to cover the beans.
- Add 4 of the whole cloves of garlic to the pot of beans.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the beans for about one (1:00) hour or until soft.
- In a separate pan, sauté the crushed garlic clove, onions, celery, bay leaf, and green pepper in a tablespoon of coconut oil, then add this to the pot of beans.
- Add the chopped parsley to the beans, then season with salt and black pepper.
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Rinse and drain the rice, then add to the pot of beans.
- Add the cans of coconut milk and the remaining coconut oil.
- Stir well, adjust the salt and cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook over medium-low heat for forty-five (0:45) minutes until the rice is tender.
- Serve the Beans and Rice with any choice of meat or seafood, along with fried plantains and potato salad
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The Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake | |
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Ingredients:
- 225g Rich Tea biscuits
- 115g softened unsalted butter
- 115g golden caster sugar
- 115g dark chocolate, 53% minimum cocoa solids, chopped
- 2 tablespoon warm water
- Ganache:
- 125g dark chocolate, 53% minimum cocoa solids, chopped
- 125g whipping cream
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Preparation & Method
1. Butter and line a 15cm (6") loose bottom cake tin and set to one side.
2. Break the Rich Tea biscuits into small pieces, about 1 to 2 cm in size. Do not break them up too small, they should NOT be crumbs, but small pieces.
3. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Melt the chocolate in the microwave, or in a pan set over boiling water.
5. Once the chocolate has melted, pour it over the butter and sugar mixture, and mix thoroughly.
6. Add the water the chocolate mixture, and the the broken biscuits, Mix them well, so all of the biscuits are covered and coated in the chocolate mixture.
7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin, and press down gently to create an even texture and surface. Place the cake into the fridge and allow it to chill for 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, make the chocolate ganache. Put the broken chocolate into a bowl. Pour the whipping cream into a pan and bring it to a simmer.
9. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and mix well, stirring all the time until the chocolate has melted and you have a glossy and shiny ganache.
10. Remove the cake from the fridge and turn it out, placing it in a wire rack with a tray underneath.
11. Spoon the ganache over the cake, making sure it is all coated, including the sides of the cake. Allow to set and cool, before placing it on a serving platter.
12. Serve cut into slices.
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Belize Travel Health & Safety | |
Things to Know Before Traveling to Belize | |
- Effective July 14th, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test is no longer required upon arrival and for entry into Belize at all official border points (land and sea)
- Effective July 12, 2022, all Foreign Tourists entering Belize will have the option to purchase the Belize travel insurance. It is no longer mandatory but is highly recommended by the Belize Tourism Board.
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Missed an Issue of our monthly newsletter? | |
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
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Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ | |
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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.
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Belize Submits Its Counter-Memorial to the ICJ Regarding the Guatemalan Claim
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On June 3rd during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Belize delivered its counter-memorial to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Belize’s counter-memorial makes a robust defence of Belize’s sovereignty over its entire territory including islands and the pertaining maritime areas under international law. Following the timetable announced by the Court, which was amended as a result of the pandemic, Guatemala submitted its memorial on December 8, 2020, and is due to submit its reply to Belize’s counter-memorial in December 2022. Belize will then have until June 2023 to submit its rejoinder, after which the Court will set a date for the oral hearings. Briceno says that the hearing is expected to possibly be held by 2024. | |
Click the Buttons Below to Learn More About the ICJ Process | | | | | |
