February 2020 Vol 62

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The Consulate of Belize in Florida Monthly Newsletter #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message Welcome to the February Monthly Newsletter ! Love is in the air this Valentine month giving us the chance to show our love and appreciation to those we care about. We hope that you all had a very Happy Valentine’s Day and that every day is Valentine’s Day for you! Every month our team works tirelessly in gathering, researching, reading and seeking positive news about Belizeans living abroad and at home. We even interview the Star of the Month so that the information you get about them is authentic and personal. We are happy to be sharing once more this month as highlighted below: We say “Hasta luego” (“until next time”) to Belize’s Lobster Fishing Season Watch the video of the accomplishments of the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence Join Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women & Children, in her fight towards a cancer free world Check out the first episode of the Economic Development Council’s e-Governance Mini-series Meet the new Honorary Consul of Belize in Arizona Discover what took place during the Great Backyard Bird Count Lean about the most recent China Travel Ban Familiarize yourself about the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to properly wear and dispose a mask and how to protect yourself from getting the new coronavirus Find out who were the Belizeans awarded for outstanding volleyball performance in Canada Read about the removal of Belize from the EU’s list of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes Watch the interview with Alex Sanker, artist from Belize, who travelled to LA to honor Kobe Bryant with his paintings Discover more about the life of our “Star of the Month”, Dr. Kareem Usher, and all he has done for Belize through research Check out, “What’s Trending”, regarding the Belize Tertiary Options and Opportunities Education Expo at UB, the American Society of Travel Advisor Houston Chapter Tradeshow, Live and Invest in Belize Conference, and El Carnaval de San Pedro! Read the monthly message from the Ambassador of Belize in Washington, DC, H.E. Daniel Gutierez, under “Ambassador’s Desk.” This month, Ambassador Gutierez introduces and welcomes Dr. Richard Strand, first Honorary Consul of Belize in Arizona, to the Diaspora and the Consular offices in the US. Learn also in this edition how to prepare a refreshing treat, “Frozen Chocolate Colada” in our “Recipe of the Month” section because it’s nice to pair a scrumptious meal with a delicious drink. As much as the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples loved cacao 3,000 years ago, so will you fall in love with the fresh and locally grown cacao from Toledo too! And of course, don't forget to check out the section Upcoming Events to find out more about “Luck of the Caribbean Picnic”, “International Day of Forest 2020”, “2020 Spring Fling”, “Passport DC” and much more! Finally, we sadly regret the deaths of Mr. Harrison Carlton Garbutt, Mrs. Anna Marie Menzies-Lewis, and Mr. Robert Anthony Leslie in the section, “Honoring the life of”. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult time. 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 in order to serve you better, the Consulate of Belize in Florida continues to conduct phone calls to its constituents to confirm each's contact information. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information, 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 for March could even be you! Enjoy and share with your friends! And remember, it is good to be Belizean! #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean Janine Sylvestre Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida Trade Representative of Belize in Florida

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From the Ambassador's Desk H.E. Daniel Gutierez

Dear Members of the Belizean Community,  We take the opportunity to tell you that we have officially opened a Consulate of Belize in the State of Arizona. With this new consulate, we hope to continue our endeavor to have Belize represented in strategic areas of the United States thereby enhancing the visibility for our beloved country.  We hereby thank, and congratulate Dr. Richard Strand, whose Bio shall be attached in this newsletter, for taking on the mantle as our Consul for Arizona. Kindly see link for Bio and Consulate address:  https://arizonaconsularcorps.org/belize.php As Belize celebrates National Heroes and Benefactors Day on March 9th, we want to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable celebration. We also take the opportunity to remind you that Easter is only a few weeks away and we encourage you to make plans for an Easter visit to the motherland.  Again, we send warm regards from the Government of Belize through our Embassy and consular offices and we invite you to follow us on Facebook.  Sincerely  His Excellency F. Daniel Gutierez  Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America  & Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States

What's New... #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

2020 Taipei Lantern Festival “Together We Glow” – Embassy of Belize, Taiwan hosts Press Conference Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office Belmopan. February 7, 2020. The Embassy of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted a Press Conference today to unveil lanterns depicting elements of Belize's Maya-Mestizo Heritage: the Lamanai Mask Temple, Deer Dance Festival, and Marimba. For the second year in a row, Belize will be participating in the Taipei Lantern Festival on February 8-16, 2020 and the Taichung Lantern Festival on February 8-23, 2020. The lanterns on display in Taichung will be depicting the Great Blue Hole as well as an array of species of marine life found in the Belizean Barrier Reef. Read More Closure of the Lobster Fishing Season Photo Credit: Belize Fisheries Department The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform fishers and the public that the lobster season will be closed on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2020. The public is advised to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone number: 224-4552/203-2623 or by email: [email protected]. Read More Meet the First Honorary Consul of Belize in Arizona Photo Credit: Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC. ABOUT CONSUL STRAND  Dr. Strand has been visiting, investing in, and loving the beautiful country of Belize for the past 35 years. He is now serving as first Honorary Consul of the new Belize Consulate of Arizona. Dr. Strand is a Board Certified Diagnostic Radiologist and has served as Chief of Radiology for several Phoenix health care facilities. He has also designed and built a resort in Belize, Tranquility Bay. Currently he is working with archaeologists from the University of Texas San Antonio and Northern Arizona University to study and excavate a 2,500 year old Maya City in the Cayo District of Belize. Dr. Strand was a NCAA All American 400 meter runner at the University of Nebraska. He has a true love of sports and is a big fan of all our sports teams. He has tried to give back to the sport of Track and Field that was so beneficial for him. He has volunteered with USA Track and Field for over 30 years. From 1992 to 2000 he served as Chairman of Substance Abuse, Education and Testing for USA Track and Field. In 2000 he realized a life long dream and became a United States Olympian, serving as team physician for our Mens and Women's Olympic Track and Field Teams in Australia. Locally, he has been a long time Fiesta Bowl supporter and is currently a Life Member. Honors received: All American Track and Field Presidents Award, USA Track and Field Life Member Fiesta Bowl USA Olympian Trustee, University of Nebraska Foundation Dr Strand is married to his wife Naomi. He has three children and four grandchildren. He is very grateful for his growing family and enjoys his group of great friends. He loves adventures, traveling, boating and a good book is always a pleasure. The Honorable Richard Strand, MD Consulate of Belize 7358 E McLellan Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Tel. 480.239.3810 Fax. 480.595.2564 [email protected] Chef Tim August Takes Over Dara Feeding Program for the Day! Video Credit: Channel 5 Belize February 5, 2020. The students in Dara’s Feeding Program got a special treat on Tuesday. Guest Chef Tim August took over lunch for the day. August and his team worked to pull off a menu that featured his signature breadfruit fries for the fifty students. Tim August “I heard Dara’s cry for a little assistance and I am not the guy with a lotta money so I am just giving back what I can give, which is as a chef I can prepare a decent meal and I am sure the kids will love what I did."  Joel ‘Dara’ Robinson, Founder, The Dara Feeding Programme “I welcome the brethren on the level of how he cook. So, the children should enjoy a nice meal today. I feel blessed, brethren. On behalf of Dara and the kids, I feel blessed.” Read More Belizeans awarded for outstanding volleyball performance in Canada Photo Credit: BK Volleyball Foundation February 24, 2020. Karym Coleman and Bryton Codd have just wrapped up their second season for the Briercrest Clippers in the tough Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, leading their Clippers to a 14-10 record. This has them sitting in 4th place going into the playoffs where they will face the number 1 seed from the North Division, the NAIT Ooks. Read More Belize is removed from the EU's List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes Photo Credit: European Council February 19, 2020. The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on February 18, 2020. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to both the Income and Business Tax Act and Tax Administrative and Procedure Act on December 23 rd  have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of harmful preferential tax regimes (Annex II). Read More It's Carnival Time in San Pedro! Photo Credit: The San Pedro Sun February 20, 2020. El Carnaval de San Pedro is one of the biggest carnivals in Belize which traditions that date back to the 19th century. From Italy, the custom spread to Spain, Portugal, and France and, through colonization, to the Caribbean, Latin America and parts of North America. The carnival of Cádiz, Spain, even now one of the best known, was particularly influential in shaping the traditions that would later predominate in San Pedro. Under the theme Vivelo y Gozalo, the festivities started on Saturday, February 22nd with official ceremonies along with a block party and culminated with the symbolic  burning  of Don Juan Carnaval (the celebration’s patron) on Wednesday, February 26th. Read More Artist from Belize comes to LA to honor Kobe Bryant with his paintings Photo Credit: ABC 7 February 26, 2020. Vendors swarmed Figueroa Street selling souvenirs in honor of Kobe Bryant. There was one man's stand in particular that stood out to people walking by as he painted. Only thing was that his paintings are not for sale to the public. "I have no intention of selling it to the public. This gotta end up at the right place because I have too much value for it. It's not about money or fame, it's about leaving a legacy for my number one team, which is Lakers and let them also enjoy," said Alex Sanker, an artist who travelled from Belize to paint outside of the memorial for Kobe Bryant. With some of Sanker's family being in Los Angeles, and his respect for Kobe Bryant he has been a Lakers fan for years. "He did a lot...he did a lot for the sport in general and the world is mourning, so I wanted to do something that stands out," said Sanker. Photo Credit: ABC 7 Read More

Message from Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women & Children Video Credit: Special Envoy Belize Join Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women & Children, in her fight towards a cancer free world. Watch Video Congratulations to The Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence Video Credit: Government of Belize February 19, 2020. Since 2009, the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence has been serving the Pickstock constituency and surrounding communities through the provision of programs for all members of the family. The Center has served as a place where students not only receive academic support but also have fun learning how to play an instrument while adults learn about cosmetology, culinary, entrepreneurship, and much more. Watch Video Check out the first episode of the Economic Development Council's e-Governance Mini-series - eGovernment in Belize Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office February 4th, 2020. This video highlights how the Government of Belize is seeking to become more efficient in its interactions among Ministries, Departments and Public Agencies, thereby empowering itself through the use of digital technology and process re-engineering. Watch Video Government of Belize Issues Travel Ban for Travelers having Recently Visited China Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office Belmopan. February 8, 2020 . Given the recent situations with travel history that have been documented upon arrival at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and other points of entry, both the Ministries of Health and Immigration are hereby directing that all travelers who have been in China within 14 days immediately prior to arrival in Belize be denied entry. This directive is an overall provisionary measure to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to Belize and will remain in place until further notice. Recommendations from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention on the Coronavirus Photo Credit: CDC February 26, 2020 . While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:  It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. If you are a healthcare provider, be on the look-out for people who recently traveled from China and have fever and respiratory symptoms. If you are a healthcare provider caring for a COVID-19 patient or a public health responder, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures. If you have been in China or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. For people who are ill with COVID-19, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. Click here for full Situation Summary Do you know what is the correct way to wear and dispose a mask? Photo Credit: World Health Organization (WHO) Watch Video What can people do to protect themselves and others from getting the new Coronavirus? Video Credit: World Health Organization Watch Video The Great Backyard Bird Count Photo Credit: Belize Audubon Society February 18, 2020. The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual citizen science activity for birders of all ages and experiences! From February 14th-Feb 17th, the Belize Audubon Society went out birding with schools of the protected area's buffer communities as well as with the  Scout Association of Belize  in Belize City. Children had a terrific time and learned the basics of birding like bird identification, how to use binoculars, and recording a checklist. All sightings were then submitted to  birdcount.org . Each GBBC checklist helps researchers at the   Cornell Lab of Ornithology  learn more about how birds are doing, and how to protect them and the environment we share.  More Pictures The New York Times lists Belize as a Perfect "Spring Break" Destination Photo Credit: Lorenzo Gonzalez February 25, 2020. For many families in winter, escaping the cold is top of mind. Gary Leff, whose blog  View From The Wing  focuses on travel deals and maximizing frequent flier miles, encourages people to travel farther afield — whether it’s Mexico, Central America or elsewhere in Latin America. His reasoning? It’s cheaper to be on the ground there, so airfare gets amortized across several nights, and offset by savings on hotel, meals and activities. He notes that Costa Rica and Belize can be reached with United Airlines miles, flying on their partners Avianca (via Bogotá) and Copa (via Panama City). Read More And the best place to swim, snorkel and dive is...? Photo Credit: Metro Creative Connection February 27, 2020. The Texarkana Gazette, a daily newspaper founded in 1875 in the US, published an article about family travel listing the Top 5 destinations to swim, snorkel and dive. Can you guess who was the winner? You got it right, it was Ambergris Caye, Belize!! List of Top 5 Destinations 1. Ambergris Caye, Belize 2. Harbour Village, Bonaire 3. The Florida Keys 4. Brac Reef, Cayman Brac 5. Grand Wailea Resort, Maui Source: https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/features/story/2020/feb/27/family-travel-5-exploring-world-beneath-our-waters/818366/ Read More

Tidbits... #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

Tourism Tidbits Photo Credit: Getty Images Highly acclaimed publication,  Forbes , has listed Belize in the Top Five Birding Destinations for 2020! Read More

Trade & Investment Tidbits Photo Credit: BELTRAIDE In taking advantage of its strategic location, Belize has been able to position itself as a competitive nearshore destination for outsourcing of services. Currently, Belize hosts twenty-six (26) contact centers which offer numerous services. Read More

Cultural Tidbits Photo Credit: Institute for Social and Cultural Research (NICH) NICH and Cultural Stakeholders launched the Belize Living Heritage Website. The website is an online portal dedicated to promoting the cultural skills, traditions, and knowledge that are transmitted, continuously practiced and safeguarded in communities across Belize. Read More

...of the Month! #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

Landmark Beauty of The Month St. John's Cathedral Photo Credit: Ambergris Caye Located in the heart of  Belize City , St. John’s Cathedral is one of the few physical legacies of the long period as a British colony. Built in 1812 as the Church of England’s headquarters in Central America, today, the cathedral is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize. Watch Video! Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks!

"Belizeanism" of The Month "Blood falla vein." Meaning: Family comes first.

Belizean Star of the Month! Dr. Kareem Usher #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

Photo Credit: Dr. Kareem Usher Dr. Usher was born in Belize City and attended Grace Primary School on Amara Avenue. He then went on to St. John's College for high school and St. John's College Sixth Form where he graduated in 1994. Upon receiving an opportunity to continue his studies in the United States, he attended Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Dr. Usher returned home for two years and worked for the Belize Tourism Industry Association and later the Belize Family Court where he served as Coordinator, before returning to the United States to pursue his Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Louisville. He later earned his doctoral degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.   After graduating from Florida State, he worked as a Post-doctoral Research for one year with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. The following year, he joined the faculty at the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture (at Ohio State University) as an Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning. He conducts research on urban food systems, particularly where it intersects with food access, social justice, regional governance and community, and economic development. His work involves compassion as a planning approach and utilizes community-based participatory research methodologies to explore perceived as well as objective measures of access to healthy food by food-insecure families in low-access (‘food gap’) communities. "Growing up in Belize, I learned self-discipline, respect for myself and others and humility, which are virtues that I continue to exercise in all aspects of my life." Read Full Project in PDF 1. How long have you been in the US?   I have lived in the United States for 20 years.   2. What part of Belize are you from? Did that influence the way you live your life today?   I was born and nurtured in Belize City. Growing up in Belize has certainly influenced the way I live my life. The Belizean culture has taught me to consider how my actions affect others and to persevere through difficulties. I learned how to make "do with less". In completing a task, I pay attention to details and always do the best I can, given available resources. Growing up in Belize, I learned self-discipline, respect for myself and others and humility, which are virtues that I continue to exercise in all aspects of my life.   3. Discuss the way/ways you are giving back to Belize.   As a professor of city and regional planning at The Ohio State University, my contributions to Belize over the past years have been through research. I have partnered with the Belize Association of Planners (BAP) to develop a report (along with my students) on connecting parks and water-ways in Belize City for resiliency. Along with BAP, SJCJC, YMCA and the Belize Health Department, I directed a study abroad course where my students worked on small local projects such as working with rural (Maskall Village, Nagobac, St. Anne's, Corozalito and Santana) and urban (Belize City) community health workers to deliver care, re-design the SJCJC campus to mitigate flooding and develop a recreational area for students, and to conduct a neighbourhood planning project in the area bounded by Haulover Creek to Water Lane, and from East Collet Canal (Fish Market) to East Canal (Bus Station). Incidentally, I spent my formative years in this area; I lived on Mosul Street. I have also conducted research in Q'eqchi'-Mopan Maya villages in the Toledo District - Jalacte, Santa Cruz and Aguacate.   I hope to continue and to be able to do more for Belize. My plan is to create a research centre ('think tank') in Belize that would conduct town and village planning for every settlement in the country as well as research in order to inform social and developmental policies - that is, planning for sustainability; how many houses to build and where should they be built; transportation planning; hazard mitigation planning; and others. Other Projects Include:

Neighbourhood Reimaging of Belize City: Between the Canals Students worked on a visioning plan for an older, once vibrant area in Belize City. They described ideas to maintain the remaining historic homes and buildings in the area, beautify and improve the neighbourhood Primary School – Calvary Temple School, and re-connect the Haulover Creek which divides the city between north and south. Mangrove Lounge: Rest and Recreation Park – St. John’s College Junior College This project was developed through a partnership between The Ohio State University and St. John’s College Junior College in order to address city and regional planning needs in Belize. Such needs were met through community service learning and the application of classroom techniques and knowledge towards the solution of real-world problems.

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Honoring the Life of...

Harrison Carlton Garbutt

December 28, 1961- December 22, 2019

Anna Marie Menzies-Lewis

July 23, 1961- February 23, 2020

Robert Anthony Leslie

September 22, 1937- February 16, 2020

Register as a Belizean in Florida #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

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WHAT'S TRENDING #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean The Ministry of Foreign Affairs participating at the Belize Tertiary Options and Opportunities Education Expo at UB Gymnasium Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs American Society of Travel Advisor Houston Chapter Tradeshow

Photo Credit: Belize Tourism Board

Photo Credit: Belize Tourism Board

Live and Invest in Belize Conference

Photo Credit: BELTRAIDE

Photo Credit: BELTRAIDE

Photo Credit: BELTRAIDE

El Carnaval de San Pedro

Photo Credit: The San Pedro Sun

Photo Credit: The San Pedro Sun

Photo Credit: The San Pedro Sun

Recipe of The Month #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean

Frozen Chocolate Colada

Photo Credit: LORA WILEY-LENNARTZ

History: The Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples were big fans of cacao which was widely cultivated more than 3,000 years ago. They often prepared beverages from the bean (sometimes using it as a ceremonial drink) and used the bean as a currency. In Belize, both tourists and locals have the privilege to taste delicious drinks like the "Frozen Chocolate Colada" using fresh, organic, and locally grown cacao from the beautiful Toledo District.  Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/cocoa-food

Ingredients:  2 oz light rum 2 oz dark rum 2 oz coconut rum 8 oz coconut cream 6 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons shaved dark chocolate divided 1+1/2 cups Ice

Preparation: Place all ingredients and three tablespoons of the shaved chocolate in a blender and combine. Pour into two tall glasses, Top each with the remaining tablespoon of shaved dark chocolate and serve. Using high quality, organic chocolate is highly recommended.

Recipe Courtesy of The Cotton Tree Lodge

Upcoming Events #Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean