The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
#rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #thewaitisover
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Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
Welcome to the October Monthly Newsletter!
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We are approaching a historical and important milestone in the United States and Belize. Both countries are holding its general elections on November 3rd and November 11th respectively. We can be proud that we are able to exercise our patriotic duty as citizens to vote. It is a huge responsibility and we should do so responsibly. Also, respecting the choices made by others, even if we don’t agree, is important in preserving and protecting our democracy.
In the US, this time of year is signaled by the seasons when the leaves change colors. Life too is about adapting to change in the different phases of our lives. My Father used to say that the beauty of life is the surprises it brings in not knowing what is waiting for us around the corner. So, let us face the changes life has to offer us with faith, hope and a positive attitude. We can all take comfort in the fact that God is near and in control.
Of significance in Belize, the of the Rt. Honorable Dean O. Barrow stepped down as leader of the UDP party after handing over to the newly appointed leader, the Honorable Patrick Faber. The Prime Minister and his cabinet were elected for three consecutive terms.
Another change is happening in Belize’s diplomatic service with the departure of the Ambassador of Belize in Washington, DC. H. E. Daniel Gutierrez from his post as Ambassador of Belize to Washington, DC. Please read the Ambassador’s personal message to you, under “Ambassador’s Desk”. On behalf of the Consulate of Belize in Florida, we wish Ambassador Gutierrez and his family all the best in their future endeavors. We are humbled to have served under his excellent stewardship and in assisting him realize many of his goals and endeavors.
As the fight and struggle against COVID-19 continues unabated both in Belize and the US, every effort is being made to preserve the safety and good health of all, while simultaneously opening its economies to ensure that families can be provided for. Striking a balance between safety and getting back to life is key to finding success during these unpredictable times.
We know that many of you who live in the US are in need of applying for a passport renewal or replacement. We are happy to announce that we are now open for consular services in US. Please call or email your local office to inquire on available appointments.
Conch season is finally here! In the recipe of the Month and the new ‘Belizean Street Food series’, it is “Everything Conch” because we can never get enough of conch! So please check out the grilled conch recipe and conch fritters.
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 on October 16th, 2020.
Enjoy scrolling through the news in the areas of tourism, community engagement, the environment, and much more in this edition:
- Learn about the virtual event hosted by Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and Spouse of the Prime Minister
- The Philip Goldson International Airport Successfully Reopens
- Office of the Prime Minister Announces Election Date
- 50th Anniversary of the National Assembly Building
- Read about the Belize Academic Forum
- The Mental Health Association extends it appreciation to all who supported the virtual fundraising event
- Take note of the "Hurricane Preparedness Tips" to protect yourself and those you love, including your pets
- Learn more about the life of our “Star of the Month”, Dr. Kyla Heusner-Banks, who currently serves as Lead physician and primary care provider at Optum Florida. She is a member of the Bay Area Medical Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness and provides a collective voice for many of the over 150 African-American physicians within the Tampa Bay Area.
- See how some happy students received a donation of I-pads
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 contact’s information. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information. This is 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 October 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
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From The Office of The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister |
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Watch the Latest Virtual Press Conferences: |
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From the Ambassador's Desk
H.E. Daniel Gutierez
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October 22, 2020
Dear Members of the Belizean Community,
Greetings from your Embassy in Washington DC. Over the last few weeks, we have seen the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport and with that the arrival of many Belizean Americans to Belize. We take this opportunity to thank you for your decision to make your first vacation, one to the homeland.
We also want to thank you for doing so in a safe manner, by this we mean that you wear a mask, you practice social distancing and follow recommended hygiene practices. Belize and your family cannot thank you enough for being conscious of your health and of everyone’s wellbeing during this difficult time.
We have reopened our consular services and I want to publicly thank our consular teams throughout the United States for their professionalism, preparedness and willingness to serve despite this difficult pandemic.
My friends I also take this opportunity to write to you as Belize’s Ambassador for the last time. On the first days of November my tenure as the Ambassador of Belize to the United States comes to an end. I want to underscore the gratitude of my family and I for having been welcomed with open arms and hearts by Belizeans in many different parts of the United States. Whether it was a small gathering in someone’s back yard in New York, or a large convention setting in Chicago, whether it was on a radio show in LA, or a meeting with our people in Dallas, Belizeans have only been kind and helpful to me. I hereby express my profound gratitude to each and everyone of you. It was a distinct honor to serve our beloved Belize in Washington DC.
I hereby ask that you continue doing the good work for Belize that so many of you do with such passion every day. Belize and our government thanks you for this, trust me it is not a labor unnoticed. Lastly, I ask that you continue working closely with my successor in Washington and show him or her the love that you never failed to show me.
With profound gratitude,
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His Excellency F. Daniel Gutierez
Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America
& Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States
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#wavediflag #rememberitsgoodtobebelizean #wearewithyou #holdthefaith #belizeanstrong #thewaitisover
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Belize Travel Health & Safety |
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Stay Informed-Be Prepared |
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Directory of Consular Offices in the U.S.
We look forward to serving you call or email us with any questions:
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What's New...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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The Philip Goldson International Airport Successfully Reopens |
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PRESS RELEASE
The Philip Goldson International Airport Successfully Reopens
Belmopan. October 2, 2020. 12:10 p.m.
October 1st, 2020 ushered in a positive start to the phased re-opening of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) by welcoming 82 arrivals. Today, 140 travellers are expected to arrive aboard United Airlines and American Eagle flights.
The Belize borders have been opened for the repatriation of nationals since June 5th, 2020 and yesterday opened to international travellers. This successful opening was made possible by efforts across the public and private sector to prioritize the safety of those arriving and those on the ground welcoming passengers to Belize.
While Belize is open for tourism and other international visitors, there are some entry requirements including a negative COVID-19 test result. The Ministry of Health confirmed that there were no positive COVID-19 test results from the tests done at the airport. Nonetheless, Belizeans, permanent residents and all others heading into the community are expected to self-quarantine at home for 10 days and are strongly encouraged to wear masks, maintain social distancing of six feet where possible, regularly wash hands, refrain from touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and carefully disinfect and regularly wipe down all shared surfaces for their safety and the safety of those around them.
Persons planning to enter Belize by air via the PGIA must:
Certain categories of travellers will require clearance. Requirements pertaining to types of travellers are also available at the link above.
o Download and complete the Belize Travel Health App and save the QR Code and TRIP number issued to show your airline at check-in and upon entry to Belize.
*Belizean nationals and permanent residents need not register to enter via PGIA but must complete the Belize Travel Health App.
It should be noted that in this third reopening phase that other than cargo, land and sea ports of entry remain closed to travellers at this time. Therefore, persons needing to enter or depart Belize via Benque Viejo del Carmen or Corozal must continue to obtain clearance via repatriation@mfa.gov.bz to coordinate their safe transit.
The Government of Belize expresses appreciation for the support of the airline industry for their commitment to keeping Belize as a partner. This marks an important moment in Belize’s efforts to encourage economic re-growth while safeguarding the health of all Belizeans and visitors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Ends
By Belize Press office
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Office of the Prime Minister Announces Election Date
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End of Tenure of Special Envoy for Women and Children |
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The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, hosted a virtual event which was streamed live by various media houses including Wave FM, Love FM, 7 News Belize and the Government of Belize Press Office.
During the live event, Mrs. Simplis Barrow announced the closure of her Office marking the end of 12 years of public service as Belize’s Special Envoy for Women and Children.
"It has been a great honor and privilege to have been afforded such a unique platform from which to advocate on behalf of Belizeans whose voices were not being heard. The journey has been challenging, but the experience has been rewarding and enriching in expected and unexpected ways," Mrs. Simplis Barrow stated.
Among her many notable accomplishments, Mrs. Simplis Barrow is particularly proud to have been the driving force behind the construction of Belize's only center for children with disabilities, The Inspiration Center, and the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU/NICU) at the Karl Heusner Memorial hospital (KHMH).
In addition to these two major projects, through her Office, Mrs. Simplis Barrow has also carried out numerous projects and initiatives including the 20,000 STRONG Women's Empowerment Campaign, the My Body is Precious: Good Touch, Bad Touch Child Empowerment Campaign, the Launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign and the Launch of Little Free Libraries, just to name a few.
See retrospective video below which further highlights the work of the Special Envoy for Women and Children.
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50th Anniversary of the National Assembly Building
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PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF BELIZE
Today, 9th October 2020, commemorates the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the official opening of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan. Fifty years ago, on 9th October 1970, the building was inaugurated when, for the first time, the then parliamentarians gathered in the Chambers of the building. To mark the occasion, a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, that is the House of Representatives and the Senate, was held. Since its opening in 1970, the ancient building has served as the venue of meetings of Parliament.
Before 1970, the work of the legislative branch of government was carried out by parliamentarians in Belize City. However, the 1961 Hattie Hurricane left Belize in devastation, and so the then Premier Hon. George Cadle Price realized that a new city inland had to be built as well as a new building for Parliament. As Premier Price indicated in one of his poems, “Nation building is a task for giants”, he did direct one of the most symbolically important, honourable and architecturally impressive buildings in our nation, the National Assembly Building. The 50-year-old building is a modern representation of an ancient Mayan temple, which is situated at the Hill of Independence Plaza in Belmopan.
During the month of October, the National Assembly will be featuring a mini-documentary highlighting the importance of the building and its significance to our country and its people.
On behalf of the staff of the National Assembly, “HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING”.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
BELMOPAN
9th October 2020
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The Belize Academic Forum |
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The Belize Academic Forum is a space for academics of Belizean origin to communicate and to network. The aim is for the forum to serve as a think tank for Belizean issues and to be involved in the development of Belize. All members of the forum are practicing academics or retired academics from recognized tertiary institutions in the United States of America. There are 17 members in the Belize Academic Forum.
On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. EST., the Embassy of Belize and the members of the Belize Academic Forum held the second virtual session of the Belize Academic Forum Introductory Series. The goal of the series is to introduce the Belize Academic Forum and explore how they may be helpful and lend support to the faculty and student body of Belizean tertiary level institutions. The second session included conversations with the President of the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB), Mr. Hugo Gonzalez, and the President of St. John's College Junior College (SJCJC), Ms. Mirtha Peralta.
The members of the Belize Academic Forum in attendance were Dr. Emilia Hodge, Dr. Debbie Mencias-McMillan, Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Dr. Kareem Usher, Dr. Consuelo Waight. Ambassador Daniel Gutierez and Counsellor Michael Mena represented the Embassy of Belize.
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The Mental Health Association of Belize Extends Its Sinceriest Thanks! |
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The Mental Health Association telethon held on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2020 met its twin goals of raising funds for the Welcome Resource Centre which provides social support for the homeless and mentally ill and also raising awareness of mental health issues. We met our goal of $25,000BZ in pledges with a few more still coming in. It’s not too late If you would like to contribute something through our Wells Fargo bank account using Zelle to pcom@btl.net. Your support means that we can continue to provide three meals a day, hygiene facilities, counselling, income generation and somewhere safe to hang out for our participants.
Throughout the day we had a series of speakers who shared information on the work of the Welcome Resource Centre, the Ministry of Health Community Mental Health Team, and school counsellors and other outreach and advocacy to young people as well as stress management in these difficult times.
The Mental Health Association extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the telethon’s success through their in-kind and financial donations and reminds everyone that there is no health without mental health.
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Ministry of Education Distributes Tablets to 11 High Schools in the Cayo District |
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October 29, 2020 - Education is on the move! Today our first set of Logic Tablets were distributed to Principals from Cayo District representing 11 schools. This first phase totaling 5000 phablets will cater to deserving students from the 1st and 4th forms throughout the Cayo District! See more.
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The peak of the season is here.
Check these useful Hurricane Preparedness Tips!
Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. Read More.
Follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:
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Prepare for a hurricane: Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
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Get emergency supplies: Stock your home and your car with supplies. Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water, and medicine supplies. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect your and others’ health when running essential errands.
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Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
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Prepare to evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order. Pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters, including shelters for your pets.
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Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
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Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after a hurricane.
- When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet from others) and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.
You may click any of the logos below to be directed to the respective websites and stay informed!
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Belizean Frontline Responders around the USA
We thank you for all that you do!
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Darlene Gordon, RN
Covid-19 Call Center
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Dr. Jamie Mckoy
Phlebotomist
Spring Valley Hospital
Nevada
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Shaun M. Codd
Emergency Room Nurse
Methodist Healthcare System
San Antonio, TX
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Tidbits...
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Photo Credit: CN Traveler |
The Best Islands in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
Belize is home to over 450 individual islands, known as cayes. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in the country, known for a quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with humming golf carts—the main method of transportation—and great snorkeling and diving.
Getting there: Ambergris Caye is about a 15-minute flight from mainland Belize. Catch an hourly flight from Philip Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
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Made in Belize
The Made in Belize Catalogue provides an avenue to feature near export ready, export ready and exporting companies, high lighting their product lines and other key information about the company. The Made in Belize Catalogue introduces Belizean products to the world! This publication is in line with EXPORTBelize’s export promotion function and it is a valuable tool that we can use to market and promote products of Belize in regional and international markets. We want to create a name for Belize in the global marketplace, focusing on quality, uniqueness and creativity.
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Forest Home Village, Belize: A historic Community
Dubbed the “Yellow Ginger Capital”, Forest Home Village is located just a few minutes away from Punta Gorda Town in the Toledo District. The small community is home to a little over 500 persons but its history dates back to the mid-1800s.
The Civil War in the United States took place between 1861 to 1868. The war manifested between the Northern states and the Southern confederate states. Those in the South fought to keep their long-held traditions and institutions such as slavery. Following the defeat of the confederate army in the US Civil War, American southerners sought new lands outside of the USA where they could relocate, start a new life and keep their customs.
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...of the Month!
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Visitors who want to walk the streets of Belize's business and commercial center, are encourage to walk on Queen Street (the continuation of Albert Street but north of the Swing Bridge) in Belize City. This old picture from Queen Street reminds us of the architectural shingles prevalent in the early decades from the past century which was the old way of making houses. |
Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks & protected sites! |
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Hog ask he mumma "whe mek yu mout so long?". He mumma say "nu worry child, you soon fine out" |
Meaning:
Experience teaches wisdom.
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Belizean Star of the Month!
Kyla Heusner Banks, MD MBA
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Born in Belize City, Belize, Dr. Kyla Heusner-Banks learned early to focus on the things within her control such as preparation, discipline, hard work and pursuing excellence. She attended St. Ignatius Primary School, and attended St. Catherine’s Academy where she graduated as Salutatorian and then as Valedictorian of St. John’s Junior College class of 2003.
Throughout her education in Belize, Dr. Heusner-Banks showed a commitment to serving the community of Belize. She moved to the US to pursue a Bachelors degree in Biology at the Jesuit University of Detroit Mercy where she graduated Summa cum laude and completed medical school at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Dr. Heusner-Banks went on to complete specialty training in family medicine with a focus on hospital medicine in 2015 at St. Vincent’s Indianapolis Hospital and has since embarked on a journey with intent to both lead positive change in the field of medicine and to support other young people in Belize and the Caribbean who face socioeconomic challenges on the path to pursue their dreams.
Inspired by the mentorship and support of family and friends that she has received throughout her life, at the start of 2020, she has founded the Promise Foundation International a means for herself and others to pay it forward. The Promise Foundation has a mission to inspire, educate and empower teenagers and to provide high school scholarships to promising young people. Donations for the scholarship fund and to learn more about the foundation can be found at the thepromiseinspired.org.
Dr. Heusner-Banks has served as medical director of hospital medicine in Corpus Christi, TX, founded the Healthy Promise Family Medicine over recent years and most recently completed an MBA with a focus on medical management at the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. Heusner-Banks currently serves as Lead physician and primary care provider in Florida. She is a member of the Bay Area Medical Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness and provides a collective voice for many of the over 150 African-American physicians within the Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Heusner Banks is married with 2 children. She is ready to mentor, educate, and give service to her country whenever needed.
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Dr. Heusner-Bank participating on the panel “Rethinking the Ambulatory Care Network” with hospital executives in San Antonio,TX
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Dr. Heusner-Bank with her family (husband Oscar and children Kaleb and Eva)
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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.
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Register as a Belizean in Florida
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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WHAT'S TRENDING
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean
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Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and the Belize Cancer Society Unveiled its 2020 Cancer Awareness Campaign Photo |
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Ministry of Public Service Inaugurates Walk of Recognition and Inspiration |
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Belizean Street Food Series:
Conch Fritters
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Ingredients:
1 pound conch, trimmed
1/4 cup onion
1/3 cup tomato, deseeded
1/2 celery stalk
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup green bell peppers, deseeded
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1/3 cup water, as needed
vegetable oil, for frying
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Directions:
Blend conch, vegetable and seasoning in food processor. Combine flour and baking powder, add eggs and water then fold conch mixture into flour batter. Add additional water if mixture is too dry. Drop mixture, one tablespoon at a time, into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
Makes 10 to 12 fritters
May be served with honey mustard sauce.
Honey Mustard Sauce
1 cup mustard
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Horseradish, to taste
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Recipe of The Month:
Grilled Conch
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds conch, , trimmed, cleaned (3 steaks)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
4 tablespoons butter, salted (1/2 stick)
Directions:
1.Tenderize the conch steaks by pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to a 1/4-inch thickness. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. When ready to cook, add butter and garlic to frying pan until garlic is golden brown.
3. Add conch and cook for 5 minutes then flip to the next side for another 5 minutes.
4. Add lime juice.
5. Remove from heat, cover well, and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Serve with rice and beans or coconut white rice and steam veggies. Enjoy!
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Missed an Issue of our monthly newsletter? |
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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. |
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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
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Photo Credit: International Court of Justice |
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Upcoming Events
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #thewaitisover
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Did you know that you can now purchase phone credit on
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