The Consulate of Belize in Florida
Monthly Newsletter
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Honorary Consul's Monthly Message
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We welcome you to the October edition of the newsletter, bringing more good news about our Jewel as well as how the Belizean Diaspora is making a positive impact on the lives of others.
We are saddened by the passing of a couple outstanding Belizeans this month, Mr. Jerome Conrad Kos and Mrs. Olive Esmay Reneau. You may read more about each of these Belizean Patriots’ lives in our new section titled
“Honoring the Life of…”.
We are happy to share with you several interesting stories in this edition, such as how the Ministry of Education adopted the ProFuturo program to equip rural schools with technology and about the U-13 Team Belize’s progress in the CODICADER Games in Costa Rica. Also read about what made Belizean-born Ramon Palma become the
“Star of the Month”.
Similarly, we are happy to share with you Ambassador Daniel Gutierez’s message under “Ambassador’s Desk.” In this section you will see an up close and personal interview with the Ambassador on relevant topics that include
climate change, immigration, the importance of regional cooperation, the future of democracy in Latin America and more.
Enjoy and share with your friends!
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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
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Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America
& Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States
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RT America Interviews Ambassador Gutierez
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Daniel Gutierez, Belizean Ambassador to the US, joins Scottie Nell Hughes to discuss climate change, immigration, the importance of regional cooperation, the future of democracy in Latin America and more.
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PACT Commits $1.15 Million Investment in Belize's Marine Reserve Network
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Photo Credit: Protected Areas Conservation Trust
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October 1, 2019
— (Belmopan, BZE) The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) continues to be the premier donor to Belize’s National Protected Areas System. Today, PACT continued the roll out of its Conservation Investment Strategy with another investment, this time in multiple Marine Protected Areas under the management of the Belize Fisheries Department. A brief signing ceremony was held to award the $1.15 Million Dollar conservation investment.
This investment is expected to support the Fisheries Department in improving management effectiveness of five Marine Reserves across the Belize Barrier Reef System.
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Video Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
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Belize wins First Place in
the 2019 U-13 CODICADER Games in Costa Rica!
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Photo by Belize Volleyball
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October 21, 2019
. From Wednesday, October 16 to Sunday, October 20, Costa Rica hosted the CODICADER Games (Elementary School Level). A delegation of 59 people traveled from Belize to compete in the disciplines of mini-volleyball, kids athletics, and football 7.
Out of all the disciplines,th
e Male-Mini Volleyball Team won first place!
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Ministry of Education Adopts ProFuturo Program
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October 15, 2019.
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the ProFuturo Foundation signed an agreement on October 16th, 2018 to promote digital education in a hundred schools in five member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM): The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica.
Thanks to this initiative and agreement, the Ministry of Education of Belize launched a digital education programme today to equip
eleven rural schools with projectors, tablets and laptops with digital content in English, Math and Life Skills. The adoption of the ProFuturo program seeks to
teach the participating students to effectively use the information technology to develop ICT solutions.
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2019-2020 Queen Conch Season officially opens
Tuesday, October 1st, officially marked the beginning of the 2019-2020 fishing season of the Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas). The season closed on April 30th, and after six months, fishermen across the country are once again allowed to harvest.
Read more
www.sanpedrosun.com
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Oceana Recognizes Two Outstanding Belizeans as the 2019 Ocean Heroes
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Photo Credit: Oceana Belize
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October 7, 2019
. On Saturday, October 5th, Oceana formally recognized two extraordinary Belizeans as the 2019 Ocean Heroes. This year’s winners are fisherman and sea advocate, Dale Fairweather and fisherwoman and avid diver, Guadalupe Lampella.
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Belize Signs Economic Cooperation Agreement with the United Arab Emirates
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Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
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Dubai. October 9, 2019.
The Governments of Belize and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed an agreement on economic cooperation today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, aimed at strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between both countries.
The agreement establishes a framework for expanding the economic relationship between the two countries in a number of key areas.
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Minister Elrington Addressed General Debate, 74th Session
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Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 24 – 30 September 2019).
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Honorary Consul, Mrs. Janine Sylvestre, attends the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) 2019
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Hon. Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City (left), Mrs. Janine Sylvestre, Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida (middle), Hon. Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio (right)
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October 22, 2019.
Broward County held the 5th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE 2019) from
October 9-10, 2019 engaging high level government leaders, international trade experts and delegations from around the world who participated in dialogues relating to international trade, foreign direct investment and culture.
The Belize delegation was hosted by the Belize American Chamber of Commerce (BACC)
led by Mr. Michael D. Young. The Honorable Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City and The Honorable Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio were among the delegates who represented Belize in this well-attended expo, accompanied by Mrs. Janine Sylvestre, Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida.
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World Mental Health Day Message
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Theme: "Mental Health promotion and Suicide Prevention."
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Video Credit: Ministry of Health
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Photo Credit: Belize Tourism Board
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BTB National Tourism Awards 2019
Each year, BTB hosts the National Tourism Awards to recognize the hotel, tour operator, frontline personnel, restaurant, small accommodation, hospitality award, major festivals and events, tour guide association award and site of the year award of the year.
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B
elize Attends the 5th Korea-LAC Business Summit in Seoul Korea
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Korea invited Belize to participate in showcasing Belize’s investment opportunities and discuss investment in infrastructure and public private partnerships at the
5
th
Korea-LAC Business Summit, one of the world’s largest international exchange events between the 26 IDB member countries and Korea, which took place in Seoul Korea from October 7
th
-8
th
, 2019.
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14 Cultural Development Fund Grants Given to Close the Second Cycle
The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts was host to the Award Ceremony for the second Cycle of the Cultural Development Fund's (CDF) Award Ceremony. Fourteen (14) groups presented projects with requests for technical or financial assistance which fulfilled the criteria under which CDF was able to provide support.
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Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
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Photo Credit: Ambergris Today
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The small and quaint Belize International Airport served the country up until the 1990’s, before becoming the much larger and well-known Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport of today.
While development is a natural part of growth, keeping the integrity of our architectural history is important. And let us always show civic pride!
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Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks!
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Meaning:
We don't appreciate it when the bad we show to others is returned in kind to us.
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Belizean Star of the Month!
Roman Palma
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Photo Credit: Romon Palma
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Born to Miguel and Eluminda Palma, Romancito Alberto Palma, affectionately known as ‘Roman’, was their only boy along with his three sisters: Rosita Palma Dominguez, Jessica Palma Vasquez and Carmita Elenita Palma.
Roman was born and raised in the peaceful town of San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize where he attended primary school and then moved on to
Mopan Technical High School
where he also played football for the school. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1988, he joined the Police Force for 3 years. After celebrating his 21
st
birthday, he moved to Los Angeles, California for 8 years before moving to his now permanent home of over 20 years, Chicago, Illinois.
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“ I know what it is to have and then the next day to have nothing.”
“I put God first and pray in the mornings and nights.”
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After moving to his present home of Chicago, Roman wanted to make more of his life and one day after walking away from his job, where he was giving his all yet feeling unappreciated, he walked into a Home Depot and this was the beginning of his now well-known business,
Ramon & Sons Sewer and Water Inc.
He visited his local Home Depot and purchased a few tools he would need in order to start working on his own. While at the store, he gave his contact information to some costumers and, as it is told that word of mouth is the best advertisement, this is exactly how
Roman & Sons Sewer and Water Inc.
began to grow. Eighteen (18) years later,
Roman & Sons Sewer and Water Inc.
is a licensed company in Zion, IL with over 6 employees.
Roughly about 4 years ago, Roman started traveling back to his motherland Belize and, every time he visits, he is sure to take back to the most needed. From finding needed assistance requests via Facebook posts or hearing stories from friends of someone who is in need, Roman is sure to reach out to them to render aid.
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His latest project is working closely with the feeding Program at
The Cornerstone Foundation
, a non-profit organization located in San Ignacio that is dedicated to supporting the surrounding community to encourage healthy living.
Mr. Roman Alberto Palma is a true meaning of a ‘Belizean Star’ and therefore the Consulate of Belize in Florida takes pride in honoring him as our ‘Belizean Star of the Month’. We wish him all the best in his future projects in giving back to our beautiful country of Belize.
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July 8, 1939- October 3, 2019
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We are profoundly saddened by the passing of our patriarch, JEROME CONRAD KOS “Jerry”, 80, on October 3, 2019 surrounded by family and friends after a most courageous battle.
Born on July 8, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois he lived most of his life in Miami, Florida. He obtained his BBA from the
University of Miami
. He furthered his studies in animal husbandry at Curtiss Breeding Service, Cary, Illinois and then attended an agricultural university in Puerto Rico. He served in the
US Army Reserve, 324
th
General Hospital
. Little did he know that his life would be forever changed by reading a book about British Honduras,
“The land of opportunity”
which left such an impression that he decided to move to Belize to become a rancher, purchasing his ticket for only $100.00 round trip. There he would meet and marry the love of his life, his Ruby.
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June 28, 1922- October 11, 2019
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Olive Esmay, the second child of Roland Nathaniel Westby and Elizabeth Mariah Westby, nee Fuller, was born June 28, 1922 in Belize City, British Honduras (now Belize). Olive attended
St John's Primary School
and completed her secondary education at
St Hilda's College
. Major challenges affected her young life and molded her into the steadfast and resolute rock of a woman that we've all come to know. She miraculously survived the devastating September 10, 1931 Hurricane in which her newborn baby sister Norman Marjory, perished. By the age of 14, both her parents had died, leaving Olive and her six siblings to the care of their aunts, Mrs. Edith Westby Arthurs and Mrs. Ethel Fuller Wade.
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Register as a Belizean in Florida
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World Mental Health Day Events
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Photo Credit: Ministry of Health
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Belize Birding Festival 2019
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Photo by:
Belize Birding Festival
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Video Courtesy by Belize Birding Festival
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Belize Day Celebrated at Miami Lakes Educational Center!
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Photo Credit: Marlon Vernon
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Photo Credit: Marlon Vernon
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Photo Credit: Marlon Vernon
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Belize Teams at the 2019 CODICADER Games
in Costa Rica
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History:
October 1st signaled the opening of the Caribbean Queen Conch season in Belize and what better way to commemorate this shellfish than a hearty Conch Soup. It is by far one of the most sought after dishes in this region especially in restaurants and resorts countrywide.
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Ingredients:
- 4 lg. conchs
- 3 med. Cocoa (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (chopped and smashed)
- 1 lg. carrot (diced)
- 1 slice bacon (diced)
- 1 green plantain (sliced)
- 1 green plantain (grated)
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 4 potatoes
- 1 med. Onion
- 2 tbsp. green pepper
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 tsp. shortening
- 1 cup coconut milk
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Preparation:
- Clean conch. Set on cutting board and pound with a meat mallet. In a saucepan, boil conch for just a minute. Discard water.
- Heat oil, add flour and stir until flour is brown, making a roux.
- Add 3 cups of water a little a time, stirring constantly.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, diced cocoa, carrots and sliced plantain.
- As soon as soup comes to a boil, turn heat down to medium. Cover pot and let simmer.
- Meanwhile, prepare dumplings of plantains – Grate plantain and add a teaspoon of shortening and a pinch of salt. Form in little balls and drop in soup. Stir pot occasionally.
- As soon as vegetables are just about tender, add coconut milk and conch. Cook and simmer for about 15 minutes longer.
- Be sure to serve soup while hot with a side of coconut white rice and lime wedges– ENJOY!
- OPTIONAL: Skimmed milk may be substituted for coconut milk. In Belize we like to use a ½ teaspoon of anato or prepared recado for a little color. A ½ teaspoon of paprika and 2 peeled tomatoes may also be added at the same time as the potatoes.
- For some heat, you can add any of Hot Mama’s Belize pepper products or whole habaneros.
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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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The Road to the ICJ: What Next?
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(Photo Credit: Government of Belize)
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Now that Belize has gone to referendum and Belizeans have voted “yes” to going to the International Court of Justice, many want to know “what’s next?”. In a sitdown with Ambassador H.E. Alexis Rosado, our Belize Now Team found out what are the next steps for “The Jewel”.
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Click image to see full video
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Minister Elrington at the OAS Permanent Council Session
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The Work of the OAS in the Adjacency Zone
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