Meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers 2023
Belize Delivers Statement at the Commonwealth
Hon Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize, delivered a statement at the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Marlborough House in London on 15 March 2023.
In his statement, Foreign Minister Courtenay acknowledged the Commonwealth’s longstanding recognition of the importance of building peaceful, just and stable societies through the protection of human rights. The Commonwealth Charter commits Member States to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights covenants and international instruments, including the Refugee Convention and its Protocol, and to protecting peoples who are most vulnerable and at risk.
“Belize, as a country that is both a destination and a transit country for migrants and asylum seekers, is deeply concerned by some of the policy positions that have been adopted by members of the Commonwealth family. Do we build just societies and protect the most vulnerable when we say that if you arrive on my shores illegally, I will deny you the right accorded to you by the Refugee Convention? Do we build just societies and protect the most vulnerable if we say that if you arrive to my country and you seek asylum, I will transfer you forcible to a third country? We in Belize, who are confronted with tens of thousands of migrants from Central America, from Haiti, from Venezuela, from Cuba passing through our country and some staying, have to ask ourselves: should we adopt a similar policy? And I ask myself whether the Commonwealth members should all adopt that policy. Will we be discharging our faithful commitment to our Charter?”
Minister Courtenay said that Belize calls for the Commonwealth’s renewal of its commitment to the Refugee Convention and Protocol; for the humane treatment of asylum seekers and migrants; and for faithful compliance with individual and collective legal obligations. Belize further calls on the Commonwealth family to take up the issue of inhumane and unlawful treatment of migrants and refugees as an emerging and evolving issue for the Commonwealth family.
Furthermore, an update was given to Commonwealth Foreign Ministers on the territorial, insular and maritime claims of Guatemala against Belize. The Commonwealth has long affirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize.
]]>
The month of March is commemorated as Women’s Month. At this time, we celebrate women and girls and bring awareness to the value in a society that seeks to achieve gender equity and parity. #EmbraceEquity
I have consistently advocated in my Administration that we ensure our policies and programmes seek to be inclusive and even more to establish special and differential access to ensure women and girls can achieve in education, health and economic opportunities, to mention a few key areas.
This month, I call on our men and indeed all Belize to ensure we act with conviction to end all forms of violence, unfair stereotypes and discrimination against women and girls. Let’s unite to end violence against women and girls and achieve a future free from domestic and all forms of violence.
Add your voice and your action… #CallitOut#NoMore #EmbraceEquity
]]>
The Belize High Commission is again processing passport applications after a break for several months while Belize’s new E-passport system was being implemented throughout Belize’s Immigration and Nationality offices.
The new passport contains more than two dozen modern security features including an electronic chip that holds personal user data, a portrait and a verification feature compatible with biometric systems.
Please check here for updated information including:
- Forms with details on the required supporting documents
- Consular Fees
- Procedure for in-person biometric appointments,
and more…
]]>Following the effects of Hurricane Lisa, the Belize Tourism Board is delighted to share that Belize is open and ready to welcome visitors. Visitors looking to indulge in our many natural and cultural experiences can expect all these offerings and more during their Belize vacation. On 2nd November, Hurricane Lisa made landfall 10 miles south of Belize City as a Category 1 Hurricane. The effects were largely contained to the municipal hub of Belize City and surrounding areas in the Belize District. With an immediate and collaborative recovery strategy from the Government of Belize, these areas are almost entirely back to normal. Major tourist destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Placencia, and San Ignacio, were largely unaffected. Visitors can come and dive our Barrier Reef, sunbathe at The Split, or awaken their taste buds with our kaleidoscopic cuisine. Belize still has it all.
As of November 4th, the Philip Goldson International Airport and border points are open. All in-country transportation services are also operational. To date, several of our popular archaeological sites have also re-opened including Nohoch Che’en, Lamanai, Caracol, and Cahal Pech.
In Cruise Tourism, the Belize Tourism Board is currently supporting a clean-up and repair campaign at the Fort Street Tourism Village and surrounding cruise zone which will be re-opened for ships by Wednesday of this week, 9th November, 2022. In addition, at this time the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, along with the Belize Tourism Board are carrying out a Rapid Assessment Survey to quantify the overall impact of Hurricane Lisa on Belize’s tourism sector. The Rapid Assessment includes on-site inspections of natural attractions, hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses in the most affected areas, as well as an online survey countrywide.
As we prepare for a month of celebration surrounding our vibrant Garifuna culture and heritage, we welcome all in traditional Belizean fashion — a warm smile, open arms, and ready to share the best of our jewel!
Yours in Tourism,
Belize Tourism Board
Dear Fellow Belizeans and Friends of Belize,
On 2 November 2022, Hurricane Lisa made landfall on Belize as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. It brought 4-6 inches of rain across Belize and was accompanied by a storm surge that raised water levels by as much as 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels. This powerful hurricane pounded the Belize District, the most populous district, for more than two hours, affecting 39% of the population. Though there has been no loss of life, or major injuries resulting from the hurricane, substantial damage to property has been recorded. Approximately five hundred houses have been destroyed, and 5,000 houses have been partially destroyed.
There were over 5,000 people in shelters during the storm and intense efforts are underway to get those remaining in shelters into repaired housing, rented facilities and with family and friends so that children can return to school as quickly as possible. School buildings were used as hurricane shelters and classrooms are being readied for the return of students.
Belizeans are working together for the massive clean-up; restoration of utilities and, most importantly, getting people back into their homes and children prepared for school as quickly as possible. Belize is still grappling with the devasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and economy of our people, and the inflationary pressures exacerbated by the War in Ukraine. We urgently need your help in getting basic shelter and food to this vulnerable community which was the hardest hit by Hurricane Lisa. A sample of the items that are being purchased can be found here:
We are kindly asking for your urgent financial assistance. Your assistance will go to urgent home repairs, replacement of personal and household items as well as school supplies. A sample list of the supplies list can be found here. Please give what you can as every form of assistance is greatly needed and appreciated.
Please send donations to either of the following bank accounts and be sure to send us a copy of the bank transaction with your name so that we can track and account for all funding received.
Furthermore, we ask for your assistance, as constituents, in raising the impact of Hurricane Lisa on Belize with your Members of Parliament (MPs). Writing to your MP requesting that this natural disaster be raised in the House of Commons will go a long way in supporting us in bolstering solidarity and support for our beloved country as we work towards recovery.
We thank you for your kindness and generosity in these challenging times.
1: For Donations Made From UK Bank Account
| Beneficiary Bank | National Bank of Egypt |
|---|---|
| Sort Code | 40-51-11 |
| Account Number | 26539800 |
| Account Name | Belize High Commission |
| Reference | Hurricane Lisa |
2: For Donations made Directly to Belize:
Payment is to be directed to:
| Beneficiary Bank | Federal Reserve Bank of New York Federal Reserve P.O. Station New York N.Y.10045 |
|---|---|
| SWIFT | FRNYUS33 |
| Beneficiary Account: | 021083271 |
| BIC: | CEBBBZBZ |
| Beneficiary Name: | Central Bank of Belize 1 Gabourel Lane Belize City, Belize |
| Further Credit: | Government of Belize 311318 |
| Reference Field 72: | Ministry of Foreign Affairs Payment purpose: Hurricane Lisa |
HE Mrs Therese Rath
High Commissioner of Belize to the United Kingdom
We remain committed to developing a more secure, just, and prosperous country for all Belizeans!
Poster from Belize Independence Celebrations, 1981
Photo credit: Government of Belize Press Office, 2021
]]>
]]>
]]>
]]>
28 July 2022
This morning members of Team Belize had an opportunity to meet with Her Excellency High Commissioner Therese Rath of the Belize High Commission to the United Kingdom.
13 Belizeans are joining the 6500 athletes from 72 countries and territories at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham! Our delegation has 5 in athletics (2 males, 3 females)(100m, 400m, long jump), and 7 in cycling (5 males, 2 females)(time trial and road race).
“Sport has the power to change the world,” Nelson Mandela said. “It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”