July 2020 Vol 67
The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover
Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the  July Monthly Newsletter !
Time seems to slip through our hands like sand. We are now entering into the month of August after having been in a suspended time bubble for over four months. Thankfully, there are signs that the world is awakening with a renewed fighting spirit. The truth is that COVID-19 may be prolonged until a cure and vaccine are in place, however with education and facts about the virus, we can better protect ourselves while confidently resuming our lives and our livelihood because putting it on hold indefinitely is not an option.
 
And we can take our cue from our homeland, Belize which is preparing its grand reopening of the Philip S W. Goldson International Airport on August 15th after successfully protecting the country and people by implementing precautionary measures these past few months. Yes, albeit with continued precautionary measures and new protocols, Belizeans will once again be able to reunite with their loved ones in Belize. Belize will also welcome tourists alike who are also waiting in anticipation to visit. Visitors can get up-to-date information on reopening, protocols, and national guidelines including documents that may be required at  https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety .

The protocols for Belizeans travelling to Belize are being finalized by the Ministry of Health so as soon as this information is available we will be sharing it with you. 

For the Diaspora who reside in the United States, they celebrated its 244th Independence Day Anniversary on July 4th and witnessed the historic and successful launching of the Perseverance Rover on Thursday, July 30th, 2020 to the red planet, Mars! 
 
Belizeans don’t need an excuse to cook up something delish and concoct an impromptu gathering with family and friends so how about a good hot cow foot soup to celebrate the moment?! Until we can get home to taste the real deal check it out in the “Recipe of the Month” and don’t forget to wash it down with some Belikin Beer!  
 
In this edition, we present the latest video addresses to the nation given by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow broadcasted on Wednesday, July 29th, 2020 announcing the launch of the special line of credit for tourism stakeholders, and on Friday, July 31st, 2020 announcing the launch of an economic recovery strategy for Belize.
 
Similarly, we invite you to read this month’s informative message from the Ambassador of Belize in Washington, DC, H.E. Daniel Gutierrez, under “Ambassador’s Desk”. 
 
Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, international relations, the environment, and much more in this edition: 
 
  • We take this opportunity to congratulate H. E. Nestor Mendez who was re-elected for a second term as the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Another Belizean doing Belize proud!
  • Discover how Tropic Air prepares safe flights within Belize following the reopening of the airport. 
  • See the travel requirements for tourists.
  • Information regarding Belizeans travelling to Belize will be forthcoming.
  • Learn how to make the most out of your trip to Belize and what you need to know about the coronavirus.  
  • Explore Belize's First Earthship in San Pedro Columbia.
  • Show your support to The Belize Zoo and check the recent findings of a Belizean marine ecologist.
  • Go back in history to learn why the US celebrates July 4th with fireworks. 
  • See what are the countries that are still welcoming tourists. 
  • Learn more about the life of our “Star of the Month”, Ms. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a Belizean woman who remains the only doctoral-level trained social worker in Belize and facilitated the acceptance of the Bachelor of Social Work of UB in the United States of America. 
  • Get excited to learn about the spacecraft that the US sent to Mars, the upcoming World Cup 2022, and the appointment of Dr. Arlie O. Petters - Benjamin Powell as Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi on the “What’s Trending” section. 
 
Due to COVID-19, unfortunately, several events continue to be postponed or modified; however, we still invite you to check out the section “Upcoming Events” to see the updates on each event and access some informative flyers.  
 
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'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 August 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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All my best,

Janine Sylvestre
Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida 
Trade Representative of Belize in Florida
From The Office of The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
Watch the Latest Virtual Press Conferences:

  • The Launch of Special Line of Credit for Tourism Stakeholders held on July 29th, 2020.
  • The Launch of Economic Recovery Strategy for Belize held on July 31st, 2020.
‌
From the Ambassador's Desk
H.E. Daniel Gutierez
Dear Members of the Belizean Community,

We had hoped that by the time of the publishing of this month’s newsletter, we would be able to advise our Belizean community of a re-opening date for our offices in the United States. 

Unfortunately, due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation of COVID-19 in the United States and with consideration for the health and safety of our staff as well as the Belizean community in the US, we are still unable to provide you with re-opening information. 

However, if you have an emergency situation, we encourage you to contact your nearest consular office for advice on how to proceed.

As we continue to monitor the situation here in the United States, Belize is preparing to welcome Belizeans and visitors in a safe and organized manner. We know many of you have been anticipating the re-opening of the Philip Goldson International Airport and many of you have been in contact with our offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles. The authorities in Belize have been collaborating to provide you with the most accurate, up to date information to help you plan your trips home. 

To that end, the Belize Tourism Board has updated its Frequently Asked Questions Page. We invite you to visit the site at  https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety . The page provides easy to follow, step-by-step guides on safely travelling to Belize.  

You will note that one of the requirements is that all visitors, including returning Belizeans, must download the Belize health app. We understand that this app will be available for download in the first week of August. If you are planning on visiting Belize, we encourage you to download the app. 

We will continue to monitor the situation here in the United States and in Belize and commit to continue to provide updates as they become available to us through our social media sites. We encourage our Belizean community to continue to listen to your health authorities in your areas and follow the advice of health authorities. We look forward to seeing you in person in our offices as soon as it is safe. 


Sincerely,
His Excellency F. Daniel Gutierez 
Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America 
& Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States 
#wavediflag #rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #wearewithyou #holdthefaith #belizeanstrong #thewaitisover
Good News Coming from the "Jewel"!
Belize Travel Health & Safety
Traveling to Belize is simp le. If you are a tourist, just follow these easy-to-use, four-step system when planning your next trip to Belize.
To date, three airlines have confirmed resumption of service when the international airport is reopened on August 15th:


Please contact your respective airline regarding the requirements you will need to meet upon your return to the United States.
* The protocols for Belizeans travelling to Belize are being finalized by the Ministry of Health. As soon as this information is available it will be shared.*
Stay Informed-Be Prepared
COVID-19 Myth Busters:
Directory of Consular Offices in the U.S.

We look forward to serving you as soon as this crisis passes. We are with you during this difficult time.
Call or email us with any questions:
What's New...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Ambassador Nestor Mendez Assumes Second Term as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS
Photo Credit: Belize Press Office
Belmopan. July 17, 2020. 3:00 p.m. Today, during a virtual meeting of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Nestor Mendez assumed his second term in office as the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the period 2020-2025. Read More
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Tropic Air prepares for safe flights within Belize following opening of international airport
July 14, 2020. When the Philip Goldson International Airport opens on August 15th, Tropic Air will assign separate aircrafts for international and domestic passengers. This is part of a plan focusing on a comprehensive health and wellness protocol for customers and staff.  Read More
25th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Belize and Cuba
Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
Belmopan. July 15, 2020. 12:30 pm.
Today, Belize and Cuba are turning twenty-five years of having established diplomatic relations. Therefore, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the evolution of the bilateral relationship.
The Belize-Cuba bilateral relationship bears all the signal markers and achievements of a robust, deep and fruitful partnership. Read More.
Belizean Students Become Doctors in Cuba amid the Pandemic
Photo Credit: MyBelize
July 22, 2020. For the first time in history, and despite the hardships that COVID-19 has brought, four Belizean students who were on scholarships studying medicine in Cuba have earned “Titulos de Oro” – the highest possible grade point average a student can earn in Cuba.

Congratulations to Lucio Eulogio Salomón Nuñez, Shaphan Arioch Robateau, Paolo Ronnier Ack, and Roger Eric Keme for making Belize proud!
How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Belize
Photo Credit: Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle
July 16, 2020. Going on vacation is a moment that should be treasured. If you would like to visit  Central America,  you should consider going to Belize. Read More.
What to know about coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel to Belize
Photo Credit: Belizing.com
July 21, 2020. As the coronavirus situation evolves around the world, we will provide regular updates to help you make informed decisions about your Belize travel plans. Learn More.
Climate Change and Security: Belize Speaks for AOSIS at the UN Security Council
Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
Belmopan. July 24, 2020. 1:30 p.m.
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, represented the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Climate Security held on July 24th, 2020. Read More.
German Broadcaster DW Features Belize's First Earthship
Photo Credit: Deutsche Welle (DW)
July 3, 2020. It all started in March 2012 when architect Mike Reynolds and his crew began construction of Belize's first Earthship in the village of San Pedro Columbia. This energy self-sustaining building made from recyclable materials has brought the attention of many travellers around the world as it lies within sight of the Maya ruins of Lubaantun.   Watch Interview.
Belize Shows How Healthy Mangroves Can Help Countries Mitigate, Adapt to Climate Change
Photo Credit: The Pew Charitable Trusts
July 23, 2020. In celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, The Pew Charitable Trusts caught up with  Leandra Cho-Ricketts , a Belizean marine ecologist and co-founder of the University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI).  Read More.
The Belize Zoo Needs Your Support!
July 29, 2020. The Belize Zoo is one of the greatest little zoos in the world, providing loving care to almost 200 exotic animals and thrilling thousands of viewers each year. Right now The Belize Zoo is in need of support from the community to continue providing that great level of care, since COVID-19 has significantly impacted its income streams.

To support this exemplary cause you may visit www.belizezoo.org and click "donate now" or tune in to their Telethon scheduled for Saturday, August 1st.
Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks?
Photo Credit: YinYang/Getty Images
July 3, 2020. It’s hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks. But how did this tradition get started?
As it turns out, setting off mini-explosions of all shapes and colors (but particularly red, white and blue) on July 4 goes back almost as far as American independence itself. Read More.
The handful of Countries still Welcoming US tourists
Photo Credit: CNN
July 27, 2020. Amid the current pandemic, it is important to know what are some of the countries that still welcome US tourists. Belize is one of those countries yet with some restrictions in place. Read More .
Belizean Frontline Responders around the USA
We thank you for all that you do!
Anne Hernandez
Palmetto Hospital
Miami, FL
Nashla Habet
North Shore Hospital
North Miami, FL
Tidbits...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Photo Credit: BTB
Do you know of any unique and hidden tourism sites & destinations within the jewel?
For more information about the BTB's Asset Inventory and to complete the survey click here:  https://bit.ly/2ZeNMcO
Photo Credit: Beltraide
Why Invest in Belize?
Belize has simply something that you won't find anywhere else. With a broad range of investment opportunities, who wouldn't want to make business in paradise?
Photo Credit: ISCR
How does your art reflect your culture?

Check out how  Ruth Budram Art  and Andy Chuc Batab Maaskab Masewal are inspired by our Belizean culture in their creations.
...of the Month!
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Harley’s Department Store on Regent Street
The Harley's Store was one of the major department stores in downtown along with Brodies in the early to mid 1900's. It was destroyed by fire in 1953 and later rebuilt; however, after being destroyed again by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, it never reopened yet remained an iconic site in Belize City.
Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites!

" Weh aiy noh si, haat noh grieve. "

English Translation:
What your eyes don’t see, your heart won’t grieve.

Meaning:
What you don’t see, won’t hurt you.
Belizean Star of the Month!
Carolyn Gentle-Genitty
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
Photo Credit: Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty
Born in Belize to hard-working and God-fearing parents, Ms. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty learned at a young age to hustle for opportunities and give her all in everything she does. She not only received a Jesuit education at St. Johns Junior College but also worked diligently "before school, after school, and into the night."

After obtaining her bachelors and masters degree in social work in 1999, she taught for the University of West Indies, and the University of Belize while serving as Executive Director of YMCA Belize.
She later moved to the US to pursuit her Ph.D. in 2004 and has ever since remained the only doctoral-level trained social worker for Belize, thus, serving the country with her ample expertise and scholarship in her field. Thanks to Ms. Gentle-Genitty's hard work and in-kind donation of over $25,000 USD, the University of Belize’s Bachelor of Social Work is now accepted in the United States of America.
Ms. Gentle-Genitty has over 170 products of teaching and research presentations , publications , grants, creative and service products with active dissemination and access to her work by persons from over 160 countries worldwide. Currently serving as a member of the Belizean Academic Forum through the Embassy of Belize to the US in Washington DC and a longstanding advocate and worker for Belize, Dr. Gentle-Genitty stands ready to train, educate, research, and give service where needed to her country. 

She serves as the Assistant Vice President and Director of the Indiana University's Academic Policy and Transfer Office, respectively, while sitting on several Committees in Belize and on the Board of LIFE (Living Independently in Full Existence) a non-profit for older adults 60 years and older in the Southside of Belize.
Honoring the Life of...
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.
Register as a Belizean in Florida
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
WHAT'S TRENDING
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean
Photo Credit:   NYU Abu Dhabi

Arlie Petters Selected as Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi
July 24, 2020 . NYUAD Vice Chancellor  Mariët Westermann  today announced the appointment of Dr. Arlie O. Petters - Benjamin Powell Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at Duke University, and former Dean of Academic Affairs for Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Duke - as the Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi, effective September 1, 2020.   Read More
World Cup 2022 dates and times revealed as FIFA announce four games a day in Qatar
Photo Credit: ESPN
July 15, 2020. World Cup fans will be able to watch an unprecedented four games a day on television, spread out over 11 hours, during the group stage of the Qatar 2022 tournament after the schedule was confirmed on Wednesday. Read More.
3 missions to Mars launch this month
Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
July 13, 2020. By this time next year, Mars will be abuzz with robotic activity. That's because three countries are sending spacecraft to the red planet this month. In the final weeks of July, the US, China, and the United Arab Emirates all plan to rocket rovers or orbiters into space. Read More.
Recipe of The Month:
Cow Foot Soup
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
History:
An old legend has it that in the 18th century, plantation owners would take the best cuts of cows while leaving the tail, feet, head, and organs to workers. Little did the local cooks from that time know that their brilliant resourcefulness amid scarcity, would create one of the most popular and beloved soups in Belize and the Caribbean.
Ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 pounds cow foot
  • 2 cups white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 to 8 cups cold water
  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • 2 pounds tripe
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 allspice seeds
  • 2 cups carrots, diced,
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 pounds cocoa, quartered
  • 1 pound okra, diced

This rich soup is best enjoyed with the acidic spicy roasted habanero radish sauce.

Habanero Radish Sauce

  • 3 habanero peppers, deseeded, roasted
  • 1 cup green onion
  • 6 large radish, julienned
  • 1 cup onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, minced
  • 2 large limes, juiced
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Preparation:
  1. In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil to a smoke and saute the cow foot until brown.
  2. Add the onions, garlic and sweat until translucent.
  3. Add the tomato paste to deglaze the brown bits from the cow foot then fill the pot with cold water.
  4. Add the tripe, bay leaves, allspice, carrots and celery and bring to a boil.
  5. Continue to cook until the cow foot is soft, about 3 hours.
  6. Then, add cocoa and okra and boil until cooked.
  7. Mash habanero peppers and green onions to a paste and combine with radish, onion and cilantro.
  8. Cover with lime juice and vinegar.
  9. Season to taste.
Source: Flavors of Belize
Missed an Issue of our monthly newsletter?
June 2020, VOL. 66 Read More
May 2020, VOL. 65 Read More
April 2020, VOL. 64 Read More
March 2020, VOL. 63 Read More
February 2020, VOL. 62 Read More
January 2020, VOL. 61 Read More
ICJ- Be Informed
On May 8, Belizeans voted "Yes" to take the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Click the video below to learn more about what happens next.
Extension of the time-limits for the filing of the initial pleadings
THE HAGUE, 24 April 2020. By an Order dated 22 April 2020, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, extended from 8 June 2020 to 8 December 2020 and from 8 June 2021 to 8 June 2022 the respective time-limits for the filing of the Memorial of the Republic of Guatemala and the Counter-Memorial of Belize in the case concerning Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize).  Read More
Photo Credit: International Court of Justice
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