As we recount the month of May, let us celebrate all Mothers and thank them for all that they do unconditionally for us. We welcome the beautiful signs of spring in Belize with the Mayflower and the
Flamboyant trees that grace our gardens with their magnificence.

For many of the faithful, the month of May is also the month of Mary and we honor her as our spiritual Mother, the Mother of Christ.

We congratulate all high school and college graduates, parents, teachers, and school administrators who amid the pandemic, managed to persevere and come up with creative ways to commemorate their graduation. Congratulations to all the graduating classes of 2020!
  
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones to this pandemic and we continue to pray for your safety and well-being, especially for the elderly and the most vulnerable. Wherever you are, stay safe and well. And for all the healthcare professionals who continue to risk their lives for us every day, you are our heroes!

While it has indeed been a challenging time for all of us, we have renewed hope that very soon we will be putting this ordeal behind us. Belize remains COVID-19 free now for over 30 days and in the US, the overall number of cases and deaths has been decreasing, hence the reason why both countries are slowly and methodically opening up in phases. This will help to get folks back at work and our country’s economic engines rolling again. Very soon we will be able to enjoy the things we miss the most, a nice meal at a restaurant, travel and attend our places of worship.

If you are a Belizean who is in the US and is desirous of returning to Belize, there is now an opportunity for you to do so. Please visit  www.covid19.bz  where you will be able to find detailed information about the process and application through the “Belize Controlled Repatriation Form”. 

This month marked another important milestone in the awareness of mental health. During the lockdown, the number of mental health cases has spiked around the world, sadly resulting in an increase in suicide, alcohol and drug addiction. If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety or depression, please know that you are not alone and seek professional help at:   www.mindhealthconnect.com   in Belize, or  www.nami.org  in the United States. Remember that there is a solution to every problem.

In this edition, we present the latest video address to the nation given by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow broadcasted today, Friday, May 29th, 2020, announcing important information on the next phase of re-opening and the state of affairs of the country.

Read the usual informative monthly message from the Ambassador of Belize in Washington, DC, H.E. Daniel Gutierez, under “Ambassador’s Desk”, bringing important information on the re-opening protocols for the Embassy and Consulates of Belize in the United States. The Ambassador’s message is followed by a video, “Diplomatic Messages of Hope: A Message of Hope from Belize.”

Amidst the sadness around us, indeed there is hope. And so, while this pandemic may have slowed us down, it did not stop Belizeans from doing amazing things wherever they were through their selfless acts. In this edition, enjoy reading all the inspiring stories of the stellar work of Belizeans who bring love, joy, and life to whatever they do:

  • Get answers to your questions about the New Repatriation Process for Belizeans abroad.
  • Discover why “Forbes says Belize will be the Best Place to Live and Retire Post the Coronavirus.”
  • Read more about the “Musicians who have Opened Up about their Mental Health Struggles.”
  • Watch the video “Dear Belize” to learn why so many miss Belize.
  • Go over the important “Things to Know Before you Go” to Disney Springs.
  • Find out why you should “Invest in the Agriculture Sector in Belize.”
  • Take the “Belizean Diaspora One on One Survey” and share it with friends and family.
  • Meet more extraordinary Belizean Frontline Responders around the USA. 
  • Enjoy cooking following the recipes of the “New Cookbook: Culinary Creativity with a Purpose.”
  • Take a look at the article “What’s in Season Now?” to learn about the benefits of eating seasonally.  
  • Discover more about the life of our “Star of the Month”, Dr. Dorian Arnold, who currently serves as Director of Graduate Studies in Computer Science and Informatics at Emory University.
  • Check out, “What’s Trending”, to “Meet the Spanish Flu and COVID-19 Survivor” and learn more about how “Belize Remains COVID-19 Free.” 

Thanks to all who eagerly responded to our survey asking what you missed most from Belize during the lockdown, because the response has been overwhelming! The consensus is (Drumroll…) that of all our delectable Belizean treats, most Belizeans miss their hot meat pies (with a cold bottle of Red Fanta) and so we are sharing a meat pie recipe with you. While there is nothing better than getting your hot pies at Darios or Pou’s (depends on who you are loyal to), the next best thing is to make it yourself, so check it out in the “Recipe of the Month”. 

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. 

Finally, we sadly regret the deaths of Mr. Osman Clinton Michael, Mr. DeLeon Carrington, Mr. Rudolph Harrington Davis Sr., Mr. William James Anthony Lightburn, Ms. Gwendolyn Adela Winnifred Betson, and Mr. Glenn Alexander Baptist in the section, “Honoring the life of”. We extend our deepest sympathies to all the families who have lost their loved ones.

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 June could even be you!

Enjoy and share with your friends!

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!
#RememberitsgoodtobeBelizean #Staysafe