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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 September edition of the newsletter, showcasing more of the wonderful things happening in our Jewel as well as how the Belizean Diaspora continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others. We thank you for being a part of the newsletter’s continued and growing readership. September was a particularly special and patriotic month for Belizeans celebrating its 38
th
Independence of Belize. We wish the country and people of Belize a very happy Independence Day! God bless Belize!
We are proud to share with you several stories in this edition, such as how Belize has become the
World’s Most Ethical and Sustainable Shrimp Producer
, and about the opening of a position at
PathLight International for an Executive Director.
Also
,
read about the 22 distinguished Belizeans who are our
“Belizean Stars of the Month”
. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the new Miss Belize, Destinee Arnold and wish her all the success in the upcoming Miss Universe.
Belize is experiencing a severe drought affecting its crops, so we ask for your prayers that we get some badly needed rain.
As always, we are pleased to share with you H.E Daniel Gutierez, Ambassador of Belize in Washington, D.C.’s message under “Ambassador’s Desk”. Watch also the video of the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow giving his annual Independence Day speech.
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 Office of The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
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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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Meet the Person of the Year 2019:
Dr. Jaime Awe
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Destinee Arnold Wins Miss Universe Belize!
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Photo Credit: Miss Universe Belize
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September 16, 2019.
Roaring Creeks' 26-year-old Destinee Dominique Arnold became
the 30th Belizean woman who will represent the Jewel at the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant this December in Seoul, South Korea. Arnold's journey started in 2012 when she represented Belize as Miss International Belize in Okinawa, Japan and continued in 2013 when she won the title of
Reina de la Costa Maya
.
The ceremony to select Belize's international beauty ambassador took place on Friday, September 6th, 2019 at the Civic Centre where each of the contestants introduced themselves to the audience, walked on stage for the swimsuit competition, and, lastly, graced the stage with their elegant evening gowns. Destiny Wagner and Markeisha Young finished first and second runners-up, respectively while Aarti Sooknandan was named Miss Congeniality.
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CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) provides US$3.3M in concessional support to the Government of Belize to implement its Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy
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Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
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September 4, 2019. Belize City, Belize.
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) this week executed a Loan Agreement to seal the approval of a US$3.0 million (BZE$6.0 million) Credit Line and two Grant Agreements totalling US$0.3million (BZE$0.6 million) under the CDF’s Second Cycle Country Assistance Program (CAP) for Belize.
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Ministry of Health Commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day
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September 17, 2019.
More than ever before, there has been an outburst of depression, anxiety, and suicide rates worldwide. This is why
the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health in Belize partnered with Wesley High School and hosted a ceremony to raise the Suicide Prevention flag. The idea is to rotate the flag among all high schools in Belize City to appeal to the adolescent population which has proven to be the most vulnerable population.
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Educational Brochure by MOH
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Highway Upgrades in Southern Belize
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Video by Government of Belize Press Office
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Annual Children Rally Celebrates Patriotism
Sep 20, 2019. On the eve of Independence, primary school students all over the country were encouraged to have appreciation for patriotism and love for country. In Belize City, the Civic was packed with students from the entire district.
Read more
edition.channel5belize.com
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The World's Most Ethical and Sustainable Shrimp Comes from Belize!
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September 15, 2019.
A recent article from the Inter-American Development Bank reveals how the global shrimp industry is plagued with problems and how shrimp production can also cause large environmental damage. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN estimates that
"87% of wild fish and shellfish populations are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted."
In order to regulate the shrimp production industry, a set of social and environmental standards were created in 2013 to which Belize decided to take the lead on becoming the world's most ethical and sustainable shrimp producer certified by the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Certification).
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What You Need to Know About Belize's September Celebrations
With so many fun festivals and national holidays packed into just one short month, September is one of the best times to visit Belize. Below is the complete guide to all of the best September celebrations in Belize.
Read more
chabilmarvillas.com
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PathLight International-Belize
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September 6, 2019.
PathLight International was founded in 2007 with the mission to inspire hope and give young people in Belize, from under resourced and overlooked communities, access to education.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a ceremony was held in PathLight's Office in Belize City, where sixty-two scholarships were awarded! If you or someone you know is interested in working with PathLight International, this might be your opportunity as the organization is currently seeking to hire a senior level Executive Director to direct and expand PathLight’s mission and operations in Belize.
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Kimberly Santos wins 74th Queen of the Bay
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September 2, 2019.
Kimberly Santos brought the crown to the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena replacing outgoing Queen Jenny Lee Cruz.
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Meet Tony Rocha, New Member of the Jaguars!
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If you love sports and, particularly, football, you might already know that Team Belize has a new acquisition! If you did not know, take a look at the full interview with Tony Rocha.
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Photo by Football Federation of Belize
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Photo Credit: Belize Tourism Board
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Interested in the art that is Mixology?
Say hello to Belize’s first ever Tiki Festival, a competition organized by Emir Sosa, a.k.a the Belizean Artisan Mixologist. The event will be held from October 24-26 at The Ramada Belize City Princess. This event is uniquely Belizean of which BTB is a proud sponsor.
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Source: BELTRAIDE Facebook Page
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Did you know?
Belize’s natural resources and strategic location provide diverse opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on investments focused on quality and sustainability.
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The History and Evolution of the Belize Flag
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This month, NICH coordinated the 6th annual National September Lecture, this time, entitled
"The History and Evolution of the Belize flag".
The endeavor currently underway is to establish a Belizean Flag that is as close to the design of the original flag flown on the 21st of September 1981!
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Placencia Sidewalk:
World's Narrowest Street!
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Photo Credit: Naia Resort and Spa
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It is said that this sidewalk started as a personal walkway for a bishop whose feet could not resist the hotness of the sand. Whether this is truth or not, for many years, this sidewalk was the village's only road and has been declared the narrowest street on the world by the Guinness World Records!!
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Let us preserve and protect our historical landmarks!
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"Show mi yu company and ah wha tell yu who yu are."
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English translation:
Show me your company (friends) and I'll tell you who you are.
Meaning:
You're judge by the company you keep.
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Belizean Stars of the Month in Belize!
22 Belizean Patriots
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Photo Credit: Government of Belize Press Office
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September 18, 2019.
Every year, the Government of Belize recognizes individuals who have provided an outstanding and meritorious service to the country and its fellow Belizeans. Those honored at the Patriotic Award Ceremony on September 12th at the Baron Bliss Centre in Belize City and given awards by Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young, were a total of twenty-two.
The recipients of the
Order of Distinction
, the third highest national award after the National Hero and Order of Belize, were:
- The late Dr. Calvin Harrington of Murray State University.
- Harry Lawrence, the publisher of the Reporter and Ambassador to the Vatican.
- Speaker of the House of Representatives Laura Tucker-Longsworth.
The recipients of the
Meritorious Service Awards
were:
- Harald Wallen, III (Placencia); businessman and community servant.
- Brian Young (Placencia); fisherman, diver, tour operator and conservationist.
- Jean Reyes (Burrell Boom); Senior Girl Guide leader.
- Gertrude Velasquez (Burrell Boom); community nurse’s aide and health worker.
- Ludwig Lightburn (Belize City/New Jersey, U.S.A.); champion boxer and mentor.
- Vilma Ramclam (Forest Home/Punta Gorda, Toledo); teacher and community work.
- Elma Arzu (Belmopan); educator and community worker.
- Alginold Bennett (Orange Walk); art teacher.
- Brenda Johnson-Gabourel (Belize City); medal-winning softball player and coach.
- Albert Jones (Belize City); accomplished trombonist.
- Phyllis Cayetano (Dangriga); teacher and Garifuna activist.
- Mavis Grant (Belize City); senior nurse and midwife.
- Leonel Cordova (Orange Walk); artist and painter.
- Brent Hamilton (Belize City); senior police officer and community worker.
- Dawn Flowers (Burrell Boom); teacher and community worker.
- Raymond Garbutt (Roaring Creek); businessman and sportsman.
- Alvan Gentle, Jr., (Roaring Creek); pastor.
- Keith Gardiner, Sr. (Belize City/Louisiana, U.S.A.); sportsman and teacher.
- Gweneth Gillett (Belize City); teacher and radio performer.
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Register as a Belizean in Florida
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September Celebrations Throughout the U.S. and in Belize
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The Embassy of Belize in DC Celebrates!
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Belize Association of Florida Celebrates!
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Consulate of Belize in Chicago and UBNI Celebrates!
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Northern Boarder September Celebrations!
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Belize Association of Central Florida Celebrates!
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Belize Association of Louisiana Celebrates!
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Jamie Thompson makes Belizeans Proud
as He joins The Broadway Company of The Lion King This Fall!
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"There is a saying: If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans. I am sure He had many belly-full of laughs at my plans. Earlier this year I was contemplating giving up my dancing shoes, for good. I stumbled upon an audition ad for THE LION KING, an old dream of mine. To be honest, life took me on a roller coaster and I forgot about it. Yes! It is possible to forget about your dreams. I decided to do it and pretended not to care about the outcome."
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Rice and Beans, Stewed Chicken and Potato Salad
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The quintessential Sunday meal in Belize, Rice and Beans traditionally cooked in coconut milk, is typically served with stewed chicken along with a side of potato salad and fried plantains.
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How to Prepare the Stewed Chicken:
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Ingredients:
- 1 4-lb. Chicken cut into small pieces
- 1 Clove garlic
- 1 tsp. Thyme, salt, pepper
- Cilantro
- 1 tiny sliver of ginger
- 2 tbsps. Chopped onions
- 1 tbsp. Chopped green or red sweet pepper
- 1/4 tsp. Cumin
- 1 tsp. Brown sugar
- 1 small ripe tomato
- Dime size red recado
- Vinegar or lime juice
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Preparation:
- Wash chicken pieces
- Season with, vinegar or lime juice, red recado, salt, pepper, thyme, cumin, cilantro.
- Heat 2 tbsps. Cooking oil, add brown sugar and watch carefully to avoid burning. Let sugar cook until completely melted and turns dark brown.
- Add clove of garlic that has been smashed and chopped as fine as possible.
- Add ginger and fry, stirring, remove ginger when it gets brown.
- Add chicken and brown properly on all sides.
- Add remaining seasoning from chicken, chopped onions, sweet pepper and tomato and add about a half cup of water.
- Reduce heat to medium and cover pot. Let simmer, adding water so that pot is never completely dry.
- Cook for about 1 hour until chicken is very tender.
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How to Prepare the Rice & Beans:
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb. red kidney beans
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 lbs. rice
- Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 2 plugs garlic ( crushed)
- 1 dried coconut (grated)( to give 1 cup milk) or one cup of canned coconut milk.
- 6-8 cups water
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Preparation:
- Collect all ingredients.
- Soak beans for 4-6 hours.
- Boil beans with garlic, onion, until tender.
- Season soften beans with black pepper, thyme & salt
- Add coconut milk. Stir & taste. Let boil.
- Clean /Wash rice.
- Add rice to seasoned beans. Stir, then cover. Cook until water is absorbed or rice is tender. If necessary add more water gradually and continue cooking until rice is tender.
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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's 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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