We welcome you to the month of March, the mark of Spring and new beginnings! Unfortunately, life sometimes throws us a curveball from left field as in the COVID-19, the invisible enemy that caught us all by surprise. Today, the world is at a standstill. Indeed, we are facing very challenging times. Albeit, historically, Belizeans have not undergone struggles from war, famine and catastrophes other parts of the world have had, yet, inherently, Belizeans are strong and unafraid, showing their grit in times like this. While the COVID-19 is a reality among us, Belizeans will continue to do what they always do best: unite, rally, support and protect their families and each other, knowing that they will overcome this hardship and be the better for it.

The Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow offered the Belizean public words of comfort and hope last Wednesday and reiterated in his address to the nation on Monday, March 30 th (we are sharing said video with you in this newsletter),“...you are not alone”, the GOB and its partners are with you providing support at all levels. In an abundance of caution, however, the Prime Minister has declared Belize a State of Emergency, and urged Belizeans to stay home. Similarly, Belizeans residing in the US are also being assured by the President that all measures are being taken to keep everyone safe. We urge you to heed all the orders being given by your state and local authorities to stay healthy and safe. Be particularly cautious with our elderly and most vulnerable.

While the news today is filled with foreboding, there is still so much to be thankful for. Belize thus far, remains almost entirely free of the serious outcomes that this virus is creating in other countries. We are comforted to know that the best men and women in the medical field are on the frontline of this battle to keep us safe and we pray for them as well. Truly we are a blessed, peaceful and caring country.

The Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC and its other Consulates look forward to being able to resume its consular services to Belizeans as soon as this crisis passes. We are providing you in this newsletter with the contact information for the Embassy and each of the Consulates which provide consular services in your area. Please feel free to contact us for any reason. On behalf of the staff at the Consulate of Belize in Florida, our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families. Stay safe!

With that said, the Consulate of Belize in Florida will continue to search all corners to bring you positive news about Belizeans as highlighted below:

  • Find out who provided the financial support for the Relocation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters
  • Watch the video of “the 23rd La Ruta Maya River Challenge 2020”
  • Join Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women & Children, wishing all Belizean women a Happy International Women’s Day!
  • Congratulate H.E. Nestor Mendez for making Belize proud again with his re-election as Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS)
  • Discover who was at the Belize Street Art Festival
  • Learn about Belize’s Additional Measures for the Safety of All Belizeans in Response to COVID-19
  • Familiarize yourself about the recommendations from the World Health Organization on how to cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak and much more
  • Find out the decision of the Football Federation of Belize regarding their ongoing tournaments
  • Discover what are the Five Foods that Can Strengthen your Immune System
  • Read the inspiring stories about two Belizean businesses who rose to the challenges brought on by the Covid-19: Traveller’s Ltd. and Lopez Pharmacy
  • See COVID-19 on the Maps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Discover more about the life of our “Star of the Month”, Dr. Therese Pennell, and all her contributions to Belize
  • Check out, “What’s Trending”, regarding Child Stimulation Month, the Belize Street Art Festival and Reef Week 2020

As mentioned, please watch the video address to the nation given by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow last broadcasted on Monday, March 30 th .

Finally, as we pass the time at home, many of us are finding therapeutic ways to deal with this crisis and cooking and baking may be one of them so we will be teaching you how to make one of Belize’s favorite breakfast (or anytime) staples! Check it out in what has become one of our most popular sections of the newsletter, “Recipe of the Month” where you will find one of the most delectable inventions called “Fried Jack”. Known as “Johnny Cake”, in other parts of the Caribbean, the name Fried Jack is unique to Belize and is our ultimate comfort food (a heavenly pillowy fried dough) typically eaten with refried beans, cheese and eggs or for the sweet tooth, drizzled with honey or powdered sugar.

Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), unfortunately several events have been postponed or modified; however, we still invite you to check out the section “Upcoming Events” to see the updates on each event.

Finally, we sadly regret the death of Ms. Dorla Dyer-Reyes in the section, “Honoring the life of”. Our thoughts and prayers are with her 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 April could even be you!

Enjoy and share with your friends!

And remember, it is good to be Belizean!
#Rememberit'sgoodtobeBelizean #Staysafe #Stayhome