March 2024 Vol 110

The Consulate of Belize in Florida

Monthly Newsletter

Honorary Consul's Monthly Message

Welcome to the March Newsletter!

Dear Fellow Belizeans and Friends,

Easter is near and its significance should bring us a great deal of joy, hope and comfort because our Redeemer gave us everlasting life by conquering death.

What are your Easter plans this weekend? If you are away from the Jewel, I hope that our last newsletter inspired you to hop on a plane and come home! No matter what corner of the world a Belizean is at this moment, he or she is longing to be in Belize to celebrate this special time when we throw caution to the wind and flock to the cayes to swim in our marvelous barrier reef or head to the Mountain Pine Ridge and bask in the warm sun while cooling off under the crisp and refreshing 1000 Foot Falls! #belizeisbeautiful

And the food! There is nothing in the world like Belizean food! What’s on the menu for Easter? We shared with you a Hot Cross Bun recipe last month way ahead of schedule because it is a must! Will it be cow foot soup or turkey dinnah? It’s also conch ceviche time. We are so blessed to have a plethora of scrumptious dishes to choose from! But I get ahead of myself because we reveal the recipes of the month later in this message.

Wherever you are, we wish you and your family a very Blessed and Happy Easter! Please be safe.

Please take the time to read Ambassador Young’s message where he highlights the remarkable efforts that members of the diaspora have undertaken to improve the lives of fellow Belizeans back home.

On to the work of the nation. We applaud Prime Minister, the Honorable John Briceño on the excellent work helping the people of this great nation. This month, the Prime Minister signed an agreement to make Belize a beneficiary of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, bringing more investment to Belize. He also visited members of Belize Water Services, Ltd. to congratulate them on Belize’s selection as host of the 2025 Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Annual Conference.

On March 6th, the Belizean people went to the polls at the municipal elections, bringing in huge wins for the PUP. The PM said that he was happy to see that they have kept the trust of the people.

We continue to highlight the excellent work by Hon. Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Children and Families. Hon. Rossana Briceño was present in the handing over of the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) Board, held in Miami, Florida, of which she is an active part. Hon. Rossana Briceño was also honored to deliver remarks at the 2024 Women’s Empowerment Forum, emphasizing the essential role that women play in the Belizean financial structure.

Hon. Rossana Briceño was present at meetings with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to discuss issues affecting Belizean families, and she visited the Agricultural and Natural Resources Institute (ANRI) High School to discuss women’s issues with the female student body.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been engaged with multilateral and bilateral affairs. The Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology attended the CELAC 2024 Summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where Minister Fonseca restated Belize’s commitment to facing regional challenges with the rest of the Caribbean.

Minister Fonseca also welcomed members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and discussed issues facing Belize regarding the territorial dispute before the ICJ during their visit to Belize this month.

Additionally, the Hon. Oscar Requeña, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government and H.E. Amalia Mai, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade visited with the European Union Delegation in Jamaica to share updates on cooperation mechanisms as well as trade and investment and the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative.

The “GOB Movers and Shakers” of this edition include information on the excellent work done by the Ministry of Education, which has launched a national preschool curriculum framework designed to give Belize’s youngest the skills they need to succeed throughout their educational careers.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness commemorated Women’s History Month by holding cervical cancer screenings for healthcare workers, and the Ministry of Agriculture continued to promote the Sheep and Goat Project by introducing Katahdin Sheep as a friendly, low-maintenance breed ideal for small farms. Finally, the Government of Belize has committed to investing BZ $6 million in low-income housing and repairs across the country.

March’s, Belizean Star of the Month is Mr. Richard Codd, a businessman who relocated to Belize at a young age before returning to the US to serve in the Air Force. After four years of service, Mr. Codd moved to West Palm Beach where he soon climbed the ladder to become Chief of Health Administration Service in the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is proud to stand as a beacon for his organizational goals and community outreach and loves meeting and helping fellow Belizeans in the community and promoting Belizean culture. We are proud to call Mr. Richard Codd, our Star of the Month!

As promised, the recipes here are always mouthwatering ones which we hope inspires you to try your hand. Being away from the Jewel was a motivation for me to learn to cook my Belizean favorites. In this edition, we have Escabeche (or as a good friend used to say, “escab”) as our star recipe. As the name implies, the dish comprises of heaping piles of thinly sliced onions added at the very last to a hot light vinegary chicken broth served alongside succulent pieces of chicken which are baked and seasoned with red recado. Make sure to have some fresh corn tortillas on the side to soak up all this deliciousness!

For the Street Food Series, there is the famous Conch Ceviche on the menu. It’s a treat especially nice after a lovely swim in the sea!

Remember our usual invitation to look over the other sections of our newsletter, including Belizeanism of the Month, Landmark Beauty of the Month, Belize and the World, Nature and Sustainability, Belize and the Market, and Travel. #belizeisbeautiful

We invite you to join us in this amazing opportunity to register as a Belizean with the Consulate of Belize in Florida so we can keep you up to date on all the exciting goings-on here. We are also devoted to showcasing and promoting Belizean businesses in both Belize and the United States; therefore, we encourage you to join the Consulate's Belize Business Directory. You only need to submit your information, as described in the section "Belizeans Doing Business with Belizeans", which can be found near the bottom of the newsletter.

Don't forget to forward this newsletter to family and friends. Your participation is vital in developing stronger ties within the Belizean community. Join us in building a thriving, integrated Belizean diaspora! And remember it is good to be a Belizean! Be sure to always share the good news that Belize is Beautiful!

#Belizeisbeautiful #Belizeansarebeautiful

Warm Belizean wishes,

Janine Sylvestre

Hon. Consul of Belize in Florida

Trade Representative of Belize in Florida

Dear Members of the Belizean Diaspora,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving wherever you may be. The first quarter of the year is coming to a close and we all welcome the freshness of Spring, symbolizing renewal with appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Belize is widely recognized as a country most blessed with natural beauty, and the record number of tourist arrivals in the first quarter is a resounding validation of that reality. I am sure that many of you will join the foreign visitors as you head home to enjoy Easter in the Jewel. We wish you a most blessed and enjoyable Easter whether you spend it here in the USA or home in Belize.

Here in Washington DC, we commemorated the Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas under the theme “Global Freedom: Emancipate Yourself from Mental Slavery,”. The Permanent Mission of Belize to the Organization of American States (OAS) participated and contributed to the events, which featured a Garifuna performance by the talented Clayton Williams and Vincent Petillo.

Additionally, the office of the Assistant Secretary General of OAS, H.E. Nestor Mendez held a day of remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. It was an opportunity to reflect on the impact that the institution of slavery has had on our own Belizean way of life. From the forced labor of the logwood cutters to the influential culture of our Garifuna brothers and sisters who were banished from St. Vincent for fighting to preserve their freedom, the scars from that dark chapter of human history are still visible – reminding us of the need for vigilance in the fight against all forms of discrimination and injustice.

On the brighter side, I continue to admire the work being done by our diaspora and friends here in the United States to help build our homeland and provide a better life for our people. I’d like to highlight the work of two such organizations that have been doing great work for Belize.

Led by Ambassador Murphy and Ray Gongora, Build Belize Inc. has dedicated itself to uplifting the nation of Belize through various impactful initiatives. Its latest projects include the donation of hospital beds and equipment valuing more than one million dollars. This was a project that required significant manpower to pack equipment in containers for shipping, and our diaspora in California answered the call admirably. We thank each and every one of you for freely giving of your time and efforts to assist.

Build Belize Inc. has several important projects planned for this year, including a project to equip the libraries with computers for students to access the digital highway. We urge everyone to support these worthwhile initiatives. For those interested in helping, you can visit the website at - https://buildbelizeinc.org/

Believe in Belize, led by Rotarian Nabil Bedewi, is another nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact in the lives of our fellow Belizeans. Believe in Belize has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and community development within Belize. Their commitment to leveraging the power of volunteerism and philanthropy has brought about meaningful changes and has provided invaluable opportunities for many in need. You can participate in their efforts through volunteering - https://believeinbelize.org/page/volunteer or simply supporting the cause at - https://believeinbelize.org/page/all-causes. Emails can be sent toinfo@believeinbelize.org

As members of the Belizean Diaspora, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our homeland. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word, every effort counts in making a difference. The work of Build Belize Inc. and Believe in Belize’s is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact it can have on a nation’s future.

Their work and the work of several other organizations dedicated to help Belize is crucial for the sustainable development of Belize. They offer a channel for members of the Belizean diaspora and international donors to contribute to the betterment of Belize. We encourage you to learn more about these organizations and consider how you can support their mission. Together, we can continue to uplift and transform Belize, ensuring a brighter future for all Belizeans.

Belize Becomes Beneficiary of EXIM Bank of Korea

Hon. John Briceño welcomed Ms. Sohui Cho, Country Director at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in El Salvador to sign a bilateral agreement that would thank Korea for investing in the Statistical Institute of Belize and allow an increased access of funding via the Export-Import Bank of Korea, of which Belize is now a beneficiary. Prime Minister Briceño restated an invitation for the KOICA to open an office in Belize. Read More

Belize is Selected to Host the 2025 Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference

Prime Minister John Briceño took time to meet with and congratulate members of the Belize Water Services, Ltd. team, as Belize has been selected as host of the 2025 CWWA Annual Conference. Read More

Hon. John Briceño Celebrates Electoral Victories

Hon. John Briceño celebrates the People's United Party's landslide victories in the most recent municipal election. Prime Minister Briceño is honored to know that Belizeans see the positive effects of #StayPanTrack and #PlanBelize, and he is looking forward to continuing the hard work that has been benefiting the lives of all Belizeans. Read More

Hon. John Briceño Signed Agreement with Stevedores and Their CWU Representatives.

Prime Minister John Briceño shared a significant update regarding the Port of Belize, announcing that the agreement with the stevedores and their CWU representatives has been signed and sealed. Prime Minister Briceño stated that the work will continue as they ensure that the Port of Belize remains a viable critical infrastructure supporting national development. Read More

Hon. Francis Fonseca advocates for CELAC to maintain Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace.

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science and Technology attended the #CELAC2024 Summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Joined by regional leaders like Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and President Irfaan Ali, Minister Fonseca emphasized Belize's commitment to unity in facing regional challenges. Read More

Belize Delegation Meets with EU Delegation in Jamaica

Hon. Oscar Requeña, Minister of Min. Rural Transformation, Community Dev, Labour and Local Gov and H.E. Amalia Mai, CEO in the MFAFT, engaged with Mr. Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation in Jamaica, which is also accredited to Belize. Both government officials shared updates on cooperation mechanisms and ongoing projects. Read More

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Visits Belize

Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are on a visit to Belize. Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, met with Rt. Hon Vicky Ford and her team. FM Fonseca provided updates on the territorial disputes before the ICJ, trade, education, and other matters important to the Commonwealth. Read More

Scholarship Opportunity

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology invite applications for the 2024 MOFA and ICDF Scholarships in the Republic of China (Taiwan). Read More

Mr. Richard Codd Jr. is an American-born Belizean who spent his formative years in south Florida until the age of 10. He then moved to Corozal Town, Belize, drawn by his deep affection for the country where he had cherished summer moments with his family. He attended Corozal Community and Junior Colleges and fondly recalls his modest upbringing in Belize.

At 18, Richard returned to the United States seeking new opportunities. He promptly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and found himself in basic training within weeks. He was stationed in Great Falls, Montana, where he served in Information Management. Like many of his contemporaries, Richard was deployed twice to Kuwait in support of peacekeeping efforts in Southwest Asia. After four years of service, he received an honorable discharge in 1999. Finding himself without a place to stay, he moved to West Palm Beach, where family graciously opened their home to him.

As a young combat veteran, Richard navigated the challenges of corporate America, juggling various entry-level positions to make ends meet. His career took a significant turn in 2005 when he joined the federal system as a revenue clerk in Health Administration Service at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Over the years, with unwavering dedication and determination, Mr. Codd climbed the professional ladder.

He began with exemplary leadership as the Facility Revenue Manager and was swiftly promoted to Regional Revenue Manager for Florida. Most recently, he was appointed Chief of Health Administration Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Codd is renowned for his strong commitment to organizational goals and community outreach. He is a distinguished leader with a proven track record in ensuring veterans receive prompt and exceptional care. Among his proudest achievements are the accolades he has received from various veteran service organizations, congressional liaisons, and the Mayor of West Palm Beach for his invaluable assistance to veterans.

Mr. Richard Codd takes great pride in assisting fellow Belizeans he encounters in the community, helping them navigate the system to access veteran benefits. He also enjoys promoting Belizean culture and education. The Codd family generously donates school supplies and clothing to the Corozal community, and they plan to sponsor high school tuition and books for those seeking higher education next year.

Richard is happily married to a fellow Corozaleña, and they have two children. His hobbies include maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and supporting his son in competitive soccer. The Codds envision retiring and relocating to Belize, where they can continue to be actively involved in the community.

His advice to the younger generation is simple yet powerful: work hard for what you desire and achieve your goals with commitment and dedication. Anything is possible when you put in the effort.

We are proud to call you our

Star of the Month!

#Belizeansdogreatthingswherevertheygo

Tourism Tidbits

Belize Tourism Board Joins Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Belize Tourism Board has made history by becoming the first country to join the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) movement, marking a monumental step towards sustainable tourism and climate goals worldwide.

Trade and Investment Tidbits

BELTRAIDE Connects With Investors At Latin America Impact Investing Forum 2024

BELTRAIDE, the Belize investment and trade development service, participated in the annual Latin America Impact Investing Forum (FLII) held in Merida, Mexico, from February 27 to 29. The forum's theme, “CONNECT – UNITE TO IGNITE IMPACT,” resonated with BELTRAIDE's mission to attract investment for sustainable development in Belize. Read More

Cultural Tidbits

Maya Day Event Rescheduled to Sunday, April 7th, 2024.

The Planning Committee for the annual Maya Day celebrations announced a change on the date of the event due to Palm Sunday falling on the initial date of Sunday, March 24th. Now the event will take place on Sunday, April 7th, 2024. Read More

The Holy Redeemer Cathedral

Holy Redeemer Cathedral was constructed in 1858. Over the years, its mahogany columns, brick walls, and majestic high altar featuring classic Greco-Roman design have resisted the destructive force of time. It is the mother church of the Belize City-Belmopan Roman Catholic Diocese. The role is shared by Holy Redeemer and Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan, but the Bishop's offices are still located there. In 1983, Pope John Paul II paid a visit to the cathedral, marking the first papal visit to Belize. #Belizeisbeautiful

"When fish come fram ribba-batam an’ tell you haligetta gat pain-a-belly, believe am."

LITERALLY: When the fish comes from the river-bottom and tells you the alligator has belly-ache, believe it.

MEANING: Information obtained from someone in a position to know is likely to be true.

Ministry of Education Launches National Preschool Curriculum Framework. Read More

Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) holds cervical cancer screening workshop for healthcare workers. Read More

Ministry of Agriculture promotes Katahdin Sheep as a low-maintenance, friendly breed ideal for small farms. Read More

Government of Belize to invest $6 million for low-income homes and housing repairs. Read More

Delaware State University widens global presence with University of Belize alliance. Read More

Belizean Karate Students Shine at International Competition in Mexico. Read More

Belize Attends IDB Boards of Governors Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Read More

The Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) presented the 43rd Annual Westrac Belmopan Cycling Classic. Read More

Belize District Football Association celebrates Women’s Month with Women’s Football Festival. Read More

The iconic musician, composer, and bandleader Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn, turned 88. Read More

Women’s National Volleyball Championship took place in Benque Viejo del Carmen on March 15-17. Read More

95th Annual Baron Bliss Harbor Regatta held in Belize City. Read More

Elise Vernon makes top 40 at Miss World in India. Read More

UNDP and Ministry of Sustainable Development’s 1 Pleasure Team prepares for La Ruta Maya 2024. Read More

Ministry of Sustainable Development and TaiwanICDF Conclude Community Disaster Resilience Training Workshop. Read More

Can Carbon Offsets Save a Fragile Band of Belize’s Tropical Rainforest? Read More

Belize Tourism Board and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust sign MoU to boost sustainable Tourism in Belize. Read More

Belize Receives Green Climate Fund Grant to Support Sustainable Climate Resilience. Read More

Northern sugarcane farmers to benefit from $50M grant. Read More

Belize overnight tourism surges; projected to generate $1.4 billion. Read More

10 Best Things to Do in Belize 2024. Read More

Black Orchid Resort garners third place in the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Read More

How to spend two weeks in Belize: an itinerary for first-time visitors. Read More

Paddling Against the Current: A Diplomat’s Journey in La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge

In the heart of Belize, on what was once a major transit and commercial route where the ancient Maya flourished, you can find the adrenaline-fuelled adventure of La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge - an annual four-day canoe race starting in San Ignacio and ending in Belize City. It's a race that tests not only physical prowess but also the resilience of the human spirit. And one diplomat took on the challenge for the second year running as the sole female member of the 'British High and Dry' team. Kate Reynolds is no stranger to Belize, serving as the British Deputy High Commissioner in Belmopan, Belize for the last two and a half years. As a seasoned diplomat, she has navigated complex policy and negotiations. Still, when she set her sights on La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, she knew she was embarking on a different kind of journey—one that would test her physical and mental skills to the limit. Read More.

Belize Tourism Board Colombia Roadshow 2024 concluded successfully on March 15.

More than 250 media representatives and travel advisers from Bogota, Barranquilla, Cali, and Pereira attended the four-day event, which surpassed attendance estimates thanks to its fascinating presentations on Belize's natural resources and culture. Read More.

Xaibe legend Don Agapito turned 100

Хаіbе Vіllаgе celebrated on March 24th the birthday of оnе оf thеіr mоѕt rеѕресtеd еldеrѕ: Dоn Аgаріtо Сааmаl, who reached 100 уеаrѕ оld. Dоn Аgаріtо, knоwn fоr hіѕ ѕtrоng wоrk еthіс аnd lоvе fоr hіѕ vіllаgе, іѕ а truе ісоn іn thе соmmunіtу. Read More.

Beliazean Escabeche

Source: https://belizenewspost.com

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken

6-8 whole allspice seeds

6 Belizean oregano leaves or 2 tsp crushed oregano

6 whole cloves

1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

2 teaspoons whole peppercorn

1 stick of cinnamon

1 tablespoon Consume de Pollo Maggi or Knorr (preferred brands)

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cloves garlic

2-4 lbs. white onions thinly sliced.

1 cup of Distilled white vinegar, a little depending on your taste

1 small can of pickled jalapeños or 2-4 whole fresh jalapeños

Seasoning for chicken:

seasoned salt (we like Lawry Seasoned Salt), Lee and Perrins, olive oil, or butter.

Method:

Preparation of the Chicken

Wash your chicken in water and lime juice, and trim off any fat and chicken slime. With a meat cleaver, split the chicken in half the chicken and place it in a 6-quart heavy soup pot.

Add water to the pot covering the chicken, OR until it’s half full, OR you can calculate 1 1/2 cups liquid per person. Bring the water and chicken to a simmer, adding the spices: allspice, oregano, cloves, cumin, pepper, cinnamon stick, Consume de Pollo Maggi, and garlic. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.

We have found that the chicken will cook in 30 minutes but has a better texture if simmered for 45 minutes.

Preparation of the Onions

While the chicken is cooking blanch the onions. Put a kettle of water on to boil. Peel and slice onions and separate the onion slice layers in a large bowl.

When slicing the onions keep in mind your desired level of al dente. We prefer thin slices over thick. We like them about 1 to 2 millimeters wide. Pour boiling water over onions, and allow onions to sit in water until the chicken is cooked, then drain.

Broil the Boiled Chicken

Preheat the broiler to medium or high. 550 degrees works well. Using kitchen tongs, pull the chicken out of the simmering broth and place it on a cookie sheet to be broiled or grilled. Allow any excess liquid to remain in the pot. If you want to break down the chicken into portions this is a good time to do it.

Place the chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet. Next, baste the chicken with an emulsion of Worcestershire sauce like Lee and Perrins sauce, and olive oil or butter. We prefer olive oil.

Sprinkle the chicken with seasoned salt. We like Lawry’s seasoned salt. Place under broiler for 10-15 minutes or until the skin is golden brown.

Finishing the Onions in the Soup

Drain the blanched onions and place them in chicken broth (this step happens after the chicken is removed). Add vinegar and jalapeños. Allow onions to cook for 15-30 minutes, 15 minutes if you like your onions crunchier.

If desired, add more vinegar to taste. Serve soup with a piece of roasted chicken and a few warm corn tortillas.

As the onions are cooking, we typically are broiling the chicken. Keep in mind the cooking times. You may want to delay broiling while your onions are cooking for a few minutes. The goal is to make crispy delicious chicken skins not burned chicken. This is a step that sets this recipe apart and is a huge enhancement in flavor and texture. Count on the colonial British influence and Mayan culture mashing up to make for intense flavors.

We serve this soup piping hot with a piece of chicken and fresh corn tortillas. We like to dress with a big sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. In Belize, this will always be served with an ice-cold Coke. Enjoy!

Conch Ceviche

Source: https://hotmamasbelize.wordpress.com

INGREDIENTS:

1lb of Fresh diced Conch meat.

1/2 cup of Fresh squeezed lime Juice.

1/2 cup of Fresh squeezed lemon Juice.

1 medium habanero pepper seeded and finely diced.

1 cup of Onion finely chopped.

1/4 cup of Cilantro finely chopped.

1 cup of Tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped.

1 teaspoon salt.

1/4 teaspoon of fine ground black pepper

Method:

On a clean board pound the conch out flat. Dice the tenderized meat into 1/4 – 1/2-inch cubes or small, bite-sized slices. Put the cut-up conch in a shallow, glass pan and cover with the lime and lemon juice. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Mix in the finely diced Habanero and marinate for another 2 hours. Drain the conch and place it in a mixing bowl.

Add the onion, cilantro, tomato, salt, and black pepper and mix. Squeeze about 1/2 a lime’s worth of juice over the mixture.

Note:

Take caution when handling fresh Habanero peppers. Plastic gloves are a great idea. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face, eyes or any other “tender” body parts. This stuff is mucho caliente!

Place in a bowl and serve with crisp tortilla chips and lime wedges. ENJOY!

You can substitute the Conch for Shrimp or any seafood.

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February 2023, VOL. 109 Read More

January 2024, VOL. 108 Read More

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November 2023, VOL. 106 Read More

October 2023, VOL. 105 Read More

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Prime Minister Briceño's Latest Statement on the ICJ

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Belize Submits Its Counter-Memorial to the ICJ Regarding the Guatemalan Claim

On June 3rd during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Belize delivered its counter-memorial to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Belize’s counter-memorial makes a robust defense of Belize’s sovereignty over its entire territory including islands and the pertaining maritime areas under international law.

Following the timetable announced by the Court, which was amended as a result of the pandemic, Guatemala submitted its memorial on December 8, 2020, and is due to submit its reply to Belize’s counter-memorial in December 2022. Belize will then have until June 2023 to submit its rejoinder, after which the Court will set a date for the oral hearings. Briceño says that the hearing is expected to possibly be held by 2024.

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Belize's International Team for the ICJ

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Here at the Consulate, we continue to work diligently in updating our database by calling members of the Belizean Diaspora and asking for their most recent contact information. This is to ensure we are able to share upcoming events, new services, and business opportunities in a timely manner. We appreciate your cooperation and support in sharing your contact information. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.

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