Hard as I try (Belizeans say “ah no weh lie yu”),it is almost impossible to start this month’s newsletter on a positive note. The people and country of Venezuela are experiencing what no person or country should have to face at any time in their lifetime.

The twin earthquakes that struck near the coast of Caracas last week have left hundreds of souls dead, thousands injured and missing. It is unimaginable what they must be experiencing at this time. I pray to God that neither the Jewel nor any of our neighboring countries ever experience this kind of suffering.

In 2001 when I worked at the Free Trade of the Americas, I had the opportunity to go to Caracas for a meeting, and I was impressed by the energy and dynamism of the Venezuelan people. It is also an amazingly beautiful country blessed with many natural resources.

Because of the unbreakable spirit of the Venezuelan people, who have struggled but also triumphed, I have faith that they will overcome and as a result be a stronger, more resilient nation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Venezuela. Please donate to the Red Cross to help the victims and their families by clicking here.

The reality is that our lives are all hanging by a thread. We can only do our best with the time we have on earth and follow the one true rule that will ring until the end of time, “love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

For many of us in the US diaspora, we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. And while it is not necessarily our birth country, it is where we choose to live.

We are blessed that we were not forced to flee the Jewel because of political unrest. It was a choice, a right we have as a free people.

The love for Belize, however, never wavered. In fact in many cases, being away only makes the love for the Jewel fiercer and more ardent.

The annual remittances from the Belizean diaspora to their families in Belize tell the whole love story. Thanks to the forefathers of Belize and the United States, we can enjoy this freedom.

Therefore, on July 4^th, raise your glass and say “cheers” to all the blessings we enjoy every day. We will have another important milestone to celebrate, to reflect and be grateful on September 21^st for Belize’s 45^th independence anniversary. What a momentous occasion!

There are indeed a great many positive events happening in the world. There is also the excitement of the World Cup! Which team are you cheering for? Are you glued to the TV, stocked with your favorite treats to root for your team? 

Last Sunday, while the game was on, I had to turn down one of my game-day favorites, nachos, because the restaurant ran out of cheese. Imagine nachos without cheese?

Come the following morning, I am sure that most woke up with a hoarse voice. Sports, like music, culture, and food, unite people across nations, and for this we must celebrate!

Let us break out that grill and throw on some meats of your choice. Our Recipe of the Month calls for chicken, well-seasoned, as Belizeans know how, but feel free to throw on some steaks and sausages as well.

And since craboo is in season, why not sweeten and cool off your day with craboo ice cream? Try your hand at making it in our Street Food Series.

Belize has been equally focused on building a stronger, more resilient future. Across government, strategic investments continue to expand access to inclusive education, strengthen the nation's healthcare system and surgical capacity, support rural communities through improved water systems and essential infrastructure, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Together, these initiatives reflect the Government's ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life and creating greater opportunities for all Belizeans.

The Honorable Prime Minister John Briceño remained actively engaged on both the national and international stages, leading important discussions and initiatives focused on digital innovation, sustainable development, economic growth, and strengthening partnerships that will help shape Belize’s future.

The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the people of Venezuela during a call with President Delcy Rodríguez and reaffirmed Belize's solidarity with the country following the devastating earthquake. The PM also offered Belize's support for the recovery efforts, including the deployment of Belizean electrical linesmen to help restore power.

We take this opportunity to officially welcome the new CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, H.E. Ambassador Oscar Arnold, who will now lead the Ministry in advancing its policies and strengthening Belize’s diplomatic ties on the world stage.

We look forward to working with CEO Arnold and wish him every success in his new role.

Since officially assuming the role, CEO Arnold has hit the ground running. He recently joined regional leaders and experts in discussions on digital resilience, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation across the Caribbean, underscoring the importance of preparing the region for an increasingly interconnected future.

CEO Arnold has also welcomed several diplomatic counterparts, receiving a courtesy call from the Ambassador of Panama and meeting with the Ambassador of Taiwan, and the Director of the Organization of American States (OAS) Adjacency Zone Office, reaffirming Belize's commitment to strengthening international partnerships and regional collaboration.

We invite you to learn more about these developments and other noteworthy initiatives in this month's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and GOB Movers and Shakers section.

Progress is measured not only by policies and partnerships, but also by the achievements of individuals who embody the creativity, determination, and spirit of Belize. In this edition, we are delighted to recognize Mr. Cameron Tillett as our Star of the Month.

You may also notice something new in this month's edition. We have given the newsletter a fresh look and introduced a new Sports section, all with our readers in mind.

We hope you enjoy the updated design and would love to hear your feedback.

As always, we invite you to discover the many stories featured throughout this edition—from our Tidbits section and breathtaking landmarks to sporting highlights and community achievements.

We hope this edition offers a moment of inspiration, connection, and pride in all that Belize and its people continue to accomplish.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and safe summer season!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please help us share it with your friends and family! And do not forget to follow us on Facebook here and Instagram here.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to review the latest immigration laws and guidelines issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These updates include important information on options such as voluntary departure, which may help individuals avoid potential detention by ICE. To learn more, please click here.

You may also contact the Consulate to inquire about an Emergency Travel Document, which allows you to travel if your passport has expired or been lost. 

During this time, please remember that you are not alone. Our consular offices across the U.S. are here to provide guidance, support, and assistance as you navigate these challenging times. 

A full list of Belize’s Consular Offices in the United States, along with their contact information, can be found here

For additional details, kindly review the “Housekeeping Business” section. 



On behalf of the entire team at the Consulate of Belize, thank you for reading, for staying connected, and for being part of our extended Belizean family.

We truly appreciate the time you take to open and engage with this newsletter, prepared each month with great care and a whole lot of heart. 

#BelizeIsBeautiful #BelizeansAreBeautiful #BelizeansDoGreatThingsWhereverTheyGo 

Warm Belizean Wishes,