BELIZE 2022 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion, freedom to change one’s religion or belief, and freedom to express one’s religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance. The constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion. In January, the government expanded the title and scope of the Ministry of Public Service and Constitutional and …
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Orange Walk – U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan joined Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology Hon. Francis Fonseca for the opening ceremony of the Lamanai Conservation and Preservation Project held today at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. The project will enable the conservation and preservation of the High Temple, Mask Temple, ball court plaza, and other …
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The Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government agency, signed a Compact Development Funding Grant Agreement today. Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño signed on behalf of the Government of Belize and Jonathan Brooks, Deputy Vice President of Europe, Asia, Pacific, and Latin America, signed for MCC. U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan …
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Ladyville – The Government of the United States donated a Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft to the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security at a handover ceremony today at the Williamson Hanger Complex in Ladyville. The aircraft was donated by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) through the United States Foreign Military Financing program. The handover ceremony …
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Belmopan – Continuing U.S. government efforts to support improvements in Belize’s citizen security, U.S. Embassy Acting International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Coordinator Mary Walz and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Belize Deputy Resident Representative Ian King today donated eight laptops to Chief Justice Louise Blenman and Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. The laptops donated …
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Belmopan – The Government of the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF, supports Mobile Amnesty Hubs, which provide asylum seekers, refugees, …
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Belize City – The National Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Unit and the University of Belize, is hosting Belize’s first annual Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Conference (AML/CFT). The two-day event began today in Belize City with an opening ceremony that …
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Belize City – The National Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Unit and the University of Belize, is hosting Belize’s first annual Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Conference (AML/CFT). The two-day event began today in Belize City with an opening ceremony that …
Read More» Punta Gorda – U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan handed over an ambulance donated by the U.S. Embassy to Ministry of Health and Wellness CEO Dr. Julio Sabido in a ceremony at the Punta Gorda Community Hospital today. Also, in attendance were Minister of Rural Transformation and Community Development Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of State, Ministry of …
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Belmopan – The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program is helping Belizean children in Orange Walk with school supplies. Today, U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan alongside Honourable Francis Fonseca handed over 380 backpacks and associated school supplies to students at the San Jose Government School in the Orange Walk District. Ambassador Kwan emphasized, “This latest …
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Belmopan – U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan awarded grant recipients of the 2022 Central America Regional Security Initiative – Economic Support Fund (CARSI-ESF) and Fiscal Transparency and Innovation Fund at a ceremony held today at the Ambassador’s Residence. The recipients will partner with government agencies on projects to build the capacity of public officers and civil …
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Belmopan – In two separate ceremonies today in Belmopan, U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan donated equipment and supplies to Ministry of Health and Wellness and to Belize Fire Department to help both with providing lifesaving care to the Belizean public. The two donations were both made through the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program, coordinated …
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Belmopan – As U.S. support to bolster regional security continues, U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan commemorated the donation of five buildings, a fleet of vehicles, and office equipment to the Belize Police Department. At a ceremony held at the Police Headquarters, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Kareem Musa and Police Commissioner Chester Williams received the donation …
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Ladyville – The U.S. Embassy is working closely with the Government of Belize to provide critical humanitarian aid to Belizean communities devastated by Hurricane Lisa. Today, on behalf of the American people, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones met with Chair of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Foreign Assistance Committee Ambassador Amalia Mai and NEMO …
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Belize City – As part of ongoing U.S. support for Belize’s judicial reform efforts, the U.S. Embassy today donated office and computer equipment to the judiciary to aid in creating enhanced efficiencies in processing court cases. This donation, valued at over US $280,000, is part of a broader U.S. government-sponsored Backlog Reduction Program, which also …
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Belize City – U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones, on behalf of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Minister of Belize’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology Hon. Francis Fonseca yesterday signed an agreement to implement a Belize-based program that supports educational activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics …
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Belmopan – The U.S. Embassy today hosted Belizean anti-trafficking activists from government and civil society for a forum aimed at celebrating significant achievements in the anti-trafficking field as well as building upon the existing action roadmap. U.S. Embassy Belmopan Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Leyla Moses-Ones and visiting representatives from the U.S. Office to Monitor and Combat …
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Belmopan – A U.S. military surgical team with United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Joint Task Force (JTF)-Bravo based out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, will conduct a humanitarian surgical mission in Dangriga and Belmopan from August 15-27. This joint effort by U.S. Armed Forces medical professionals and the Belizean government is part of SOUTHCOM’s …
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The U.S. Embassy in Belize is pleased to announce that representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit Belmopan to offer services for beneficiaries or individuals with questions about U.S. social security benefits. Where: Consular Section, U.S. Embassy Belmopan When: June 27-29, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments: You may schedule an appointment by …
Read More» Fact Sheet Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Overview Protecting and supporting human rights defenders is a key priority of U.S. foreign policy. Because human rights defenders seek to hold their governments accountable to protect universally recognized human rights, defenders are often harassed, detained, interrogated, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for doing their work. The Department’s objective is to enable human …
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U.S. Embassy Belmopan has partnered with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), through its Small Business Development Center (SBDCBelize), to host an entrepreneurship workshop in Belize on December 14-16, 2021. The Belize Entrepreneurship Fest is a conference that seeks to connect, empower, inspire, and train entrepreneurs in Belize. It provides a platform to …
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Belmopan – Today, the U.S. Embassy donated personal protective equipment (PPEs), which will help to ensure Belizean police personnel remain protected in their high-risk roles as frontline workers. In addition, the United States also donated three off-road capable vehicles to the Belize Police Department. The donations are part of the U.S. Government’s Central America Regional …
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Location: Belize Event: Opening of Belize land and sea borders to foreign tourists on May 31, 2021 The Government of Belize announced the re-opening of Belize’s land and sea borders to receive foreign tourists. The land borders at Santa Elena (Mexico) and Benque Viejo del Carmen (Guatemala), as well as sea borders at Corozal, San Pedro, and Punta Gorda will reopen on …
Read More» Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize (25-MAY-2021) Location: Belize Event: Hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30 in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. During a hurricane, the U.S. Embassy makes every effort to assist you …
Read More» Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize (26-MAY-2020) Location: Belize Event: U.S. citizens may directly return to the United States with certain expired U.S. passports. If you are overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until …
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Belmopan – Starting Friday, April 16, U.S. Embassy Belmopan will be closed to the public while the self-contained water tanks at the embassy are cleaned in response to recent water quality concerns on the embassy compound. The current estimate for the cleaning period is around two weeks. We will continue to keep the public informed …
Read More» Location: Belize Belize Travel Advisory: Update from February 12, 2021 The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Belize on February 12, 2021. The Department continues to advise travelers to exercise normal precautions in Belize. Reconsider travel to Belize due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the Department …
Read More» US Embassy Vehicle Auction 2021 The U.S. Embassy Belmopan is selling surplus movable property (SMP) via a Web Based Electronic Auction to include five vehicles. The auction will be live from Monday, February 15th to Sunday, February 21st. During this period you can actively take part and submit your bid for the surplus property. The …
Read More» January 20, 2021 Press Release Belmopan – U.S. Embassy Belmopan is pleased to announce today’s inauguration of Joseph R. Biden as President of the United States and Kamala Harris as Vice President, on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and laws. President Biden …
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Belmopan – U.S. Embassy Belmopan facilitated the delivery of two fire trucks from South Carolina to Belize in collaboration with U.S. Southern Command and the Denton Program. Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jones, the Senior Defense Official for U.S Embassy Belize, along with Fire Chief Colin Gillet and Mr. David Fafka received the U.S. Air Force C5 …
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December 15, 2020 U.S. Embassy, Love Foundation, and Kolbe Foundation Launch Community Resource Hub in St. Martins Belmopan – On December 15, U.S. Embassy Belmopan, alongside project partners the Love Foundation and the Kolbe Foundation, formally launched its second community resource hub in St. Martins under the “Empowering Communities to Empower Themselves” (ECTET) initiative. These …
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Belmopan – The United States Embassy delivered a Fire Truck to Belize’s Ladyville Village Council and Fire Station at a November 23 handover ceremony in Ladyville. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges presented the fire truck to Fire Chief Colin Gillett, of Belize’s National Fire Service. “By providing transport to ensure that today’s donation is …
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Location: Belize Event: Hurricane Iota to make landfall in Central America Monday November 16 at 10:00 am Note: The National Meteorological Services of Belize and NEMO hereby inform the general public that Tropical Storm IOTA is now Hurricane IOTA. The Hurricane was centered near latitude 13.3N longitude 78.5W or about 335 miles east-southeast of Cabo Gracias …
Read More» Belmopan – The United States congratulates John Briceño and his team on their success in yesterday’s elections. The U.S. Embassy stands ready to work with the Prime Minister and his new government on shared priorities. We commend the Belizean people on their open and transparent national elections, which serve as a model for the region. …
Read More» Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize (19-JUN-2020) Location: Belize Event: UPDATE Flooding and road closure due to excessive rain River Conditions REGION 7 – Flood levels on the RIO HONDO at Blue Creek, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas is rising. The NEW RIVER at Tower Hill and Caledonia is above normal and …
Read More» For Immediate Release June 19, 2020 Press Release Belmopan – On June 19, the United States Government delivered two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program, a U.S. non-governmental organization, to the Belize Fire Department in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The shipment was transported by the U.S. Department of Defense under the U.S. …
Read More» Location: Belize Event: This is notification of multiple United Airlines repatriation flights from Belize in June. United Airlines and the Government of Belize are providing repatriation flights from Belize City to Houston, TX during the month of June 2020. Flights are confirmed for Friday June 12, Friday June 19, and Friday June 26. United …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy invites suitably qualified persons to compete for participation in the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. This distinguished program brings accomplished mid-level professionals to the United States for a year of combined academic (but non-degree) and professional work. Fellows are selected based on potential for leadership and commitment to public service. Fellowships are …
Read More» Location: Belize Event: United Airlines flight UA3044, which departs Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Thursday May 14, 2020 at 12:00 noon and arrives in Houston at 15:28 pm, is fully booked. If you are a passenger on this flight, please read the following important information concerning your safe departure from Belize. If you are …
Read More» Location: Belize Event: There are currently two United Airlines repatriation flights from Belize to the United States. The airport and all borders in Belize remain closed. We are grateful to United Airlines and the Government of Belize for providing these flights. Flight 1 – Thursday May 7, 2020: United Airlines Flight UA3023 departs Belize City …
Read More» Belmopan – On April 23, the United States Government donated over $400,000 USD worth of communications equipment and Boston Whaler sustainment parts to the Belize Ministry of National Security. The donation is part of the U.S. Southern Command’s continued partnership with Belize and was funded by the U.S. counternarcotics program. The communications equipment is part …
Read More» Location: Belize Event: The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United …
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Welcome and Good Afternoon. My special thanks to our private sector sponsors: American Airlines; Best Western Belize Biltmore Hotel; Bowen & Bowen; eData Ltd.; Madisco Food & Beverage; Karl H. Menzies, Ltd.; Madisco Food & Beverage; Ramada Princess Hotel & Casino; Sabido & Company; Southwest Airlines; the Twin Palms Inn; United Airlines; and Valley of …
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Embassy grantee, the University of Florida, and local-partner, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) , brought together five community groups, two academia and 73 NGOs and 56 public officers from 11 government agencies for training centered on engaging public participation and organizational capacity. The workshops were held in Belize City, Belmopan, and Punta Gorda
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BELIZE’S WONDER WOMAN! The Women Who Help Make Belize Great! We are proud to announce that, for the month of June, Dina Halsall is our Belize Wonder Woman! Dina, along with the Ascenthium Band, is leading awareness through music to a fundamental issue such as Mental Health. At the age of 25, she is the …
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Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges and the Embassy representatives recently traveled to the Chiquibul. They visited the Caracol Archaeological Park, the Chiquibul National Park and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Dr. Allan Moore and Nich Belize colleagues, as well as Dr. Chase of University of Nevada – Las Vegas, warmly welcomed us at the Caracol Archaeological …
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On July 5, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of #Belize launched a project to support Belize’s Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign on the Question of Referring Guatemala’s Claim to the International Court of Justice. This grant, worth $250,000 USD, is funded through the U.S. Government’s Central America Regional Security Initiative ( #CARSI ) …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement By Secretary Pompeo June 1, 2018 LGBTI Pride Month The United States joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Pride Month, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all, including …
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Celebrating Exceptional Belizeans! Take a moment be inspired, be empowered, and follow great examples! For the month of April, we are excited to feature Mr. Kentin Flowers as our Exceptional Belizean!! In 2010, Kentin Flowers experienced a major spinal injury that changed his life forever. After the accident, he spent two months in the hospital …
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On Tuesday, April 3, the U.S. Embassy welcomed Girls Going Global (GGG) to learn about the work that is done at the Mission in Belize. Girs Going Global was founded in 2012 with a mission to empower underserved girls ages 13-17 through travel and cultural exchange to become global citizens and change agents. Girls Going Global strives to develop …
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To commemorate Women’s Month, on March 15, the Embassy held a motivational outreach with inmates at the Belize Central Prison. We engaged perpetrators of crime and violence to help self-identify the root causes of violent behavior and to share the resources available for rehabilitation, stressing the importance of support networks. Chargé d ’Affaires Adrienne Galanek …
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The Embassy continues to support and encourage young Belizeans to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Public Affairs Section organized a motivational session with students in Belize City. Belizean Biochemistry Researcher and PhD student at UCLA in California Aimee Flores shared her experience and motivated students at the Anglican Cathedral College about STEAM fields. She …
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BE MORE! On Tuesday, March 20 Ms. Rhea Rogers inspired over 100 students of Belmopan Comprehensive School to BE MORE: to follow their passion and share their passion, to make a positive contribution to their community, to do a little extra every day, and to make progress one inch at a time. “Women, Peace and Security is about …
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The Public Affairs Section conducted a pre-departure briefing for nine students and one mentor before they participate on the 2018 Youth Ambassadors Program. The Youth Ambassadors Program is a U.S. Department of State youth exchange designed to strengthen the leadership skills of young people from Central America and the United States. This multi-national exchange also builds …
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U.S. Mission Belize hosted Hector Verdugo, Associate Executive Director of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles from October 22-27, 2017. Mr. Verdugo conducted a week-long outreach program to empower Belizean youths on gang prevention, intervention and the importance of education . Through a series of meetings, small round tables, public forums, school presentations, and local television appearances, he engaged the …
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U.S. Mission Belize hosted Dr. Kelly Dittmar, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Rutgers- Camden Scholar, Center for American Women and Politics, Rutegers-New Brunswicka from August 27- September 2, 2017. She conducted a week-long outreach program to inspire and empower women to take on political leadership roles in Belize. Through a series of small round tables, public …
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U.S. Embassy Belmopan partnered with the Belmopan City Council to commemorate and launch the fourth annual Belize Screen on the Green monthly movie series with the screening of the movie “MOANA.” The screening focused on Environment and Culture. The Belize Screen on the Green Movie Series program was created four years ago to promote citizen …
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U.S. Mission Belize hosted Kendis Gibson, a Belizean-American journalist and an anchor with the ABC network in the United States from October 4-8, 2017. He conducted a series of forums, training media professionals and inspired youths to stay in school and pursue careers in journalism, writing, reporting, or media in general. The program was a …
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