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2019 Disney Conservation Hero from Belize

The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), continued its more than 20-year commitment to conservation by awarding more than $5 million in grants to support 76 organizations working to protect the magic of nature around the world. The fund also recognized people across the globe with the Disney Conservation Hero award, for their tireless efforts to save wildlife, protect habitats and inspire communities to take part in conservation efforts.

Since 1995, the DCF has:

  • Directed more than $75 million to conservation organizations working in 120 countries
  • Supported more than 2,000 conservation projects, helping more than 600 nonprofit organizations working hand-in-hand with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet
  • Recognized 169 Disney Conservation Heroes for their efforts to protect wildlife living alongside their communities in 48 countries
  • Worked to connect the expertise of more than 180 professionals from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment—from educators to veterinarians—to make a greater conservation impact on the ground

The majority of funding for DCF is provided by The Walt Disney Company and supplemented by the generous contributions of guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and other select Walt Disney World Resort locations, sailing with Disney Cruise Line or staying at select Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Each year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) supports organizations working around the world to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. The DCF is also proud to recognize the dedication of individuals or teams who have devoted their lives to furthering conservation efforts in their communities. To date, the Fund has recognized more than 180 Heroes across nearly 50 countries.

Our very own, Julio Chub, was awarded a Disney Conservation Fund Hero Award for 2019. He was nominated by the Ya’axché Conservation Trust. As the Community Liaison Officer of Ya’axché Conservation Trust, Chub empowers the eight communities of Belize’s Maya Golden Landscape to protect their natural resources and cultural heritage. An innovator and problem solver, Chub has united community members to transition to sustainable farming practices, was instrumental in organizing Belize’s first agroforestry concession in a protected area, has visited hundreds of schools and facilitated immersive nature field trips for more than 600 students to instill pride in and understanding of local ecosystems. He also empowered two indigenous Maya women’s groups to manage their own cultural ecotourism program and sell traditional Maya crafts. Chub’s humble commitment to the preservation of culture and nature, and his ability to connect with people of all ages to effect notable change within the Maya Golden Landscape have made him a role model for his community and inspired thousands to help protect the communities and forests of the landscape.

For a complete list of the most recent DCF grant recipients, visit https://mickeyblog.com/2020/01/27/the-2019-disney-conservation-fund-heroes/.

TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO TO BELIZE

For an unforgettable je ne sais quoi charm, head over to breathtaking Belize. Few places in the world can rival its natural beauty. From stunning, unspoiled shorelines to verdant rainforests and picturesque beaches, Belize is one of the best-kept secrets of Central America- however, not for long.

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Central American jungles, Belize is a feast for the eyes. The pea-sized country is a cocktail of rich culture and must-see attractions. Its sheer tropical beauty, crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountains, and panoramic views earn it a spot in every traveler’s bucket list.

But what sets Belize on the radar of every travel junkie is its majestic barrier reef, which is the second-longest in the world toppled by Australia. Belize is home to a vibrant expansive coastline (386 km) with over 200 pristine islands tucked in by sparkling turquoise sea waters teeming with an abundance of fish species, sponges and corals. The waters of Belize are an unmistakable attraction for fishermen, snorkelers and divers across the world.

Ready to pack your bags off the Caribbean? You’ll need a few smart tips to make your visit worthwhile and who better to guide you than our team of travel connoisseurs.

  1. Know thy language:

Strange as it may sound, English is the official language in Belize, considering it’s a former British colony. Most people would imagine otherwise considering its siblings are Mexico and Guatemala. A majority of Belizeans English as their second language with Belizean Creole (Kriol) and Spanish being most prevalent. So not to worry. You can still converse with the locals even if you’re a foreigner with the best Spanish English dictionary.

  1. Your choice of Tour group is a deal-breaker:

Belize has tons of tour groups with varied vacation packages to suit everyone. From Belize tours to the luxurious Happy Go Lucky Tours for private marine charters, you get to indulge in a ton of heart-pumping activities depending on your budget.

From zip-lining to snorkeling with sea turtles, cave tubing, and exploring the alluring Maya ruins, Belize brims with majestic landscapes at every turn.

Before settling for a tour group and shelling out your money, even if all options offer similar packages, a little bit of research won’t hurt. Check out TripAdvisor and speak to other travelers and locals to make the best choice. Trust me, the staff, boats and overall experience varies greatly.

  1. Decide how to move around in Belize:

Typical forms of transportation in Belize include taxis, buses, car rentals, water taxis, shuttles, local flights, and private transfers. Also, a popular choice is vacation packages or booking tours by shuttle services provided by specific hotels.

The country has at least 10 car rental agencies that are easily accessible. Car rentals are a comfortable way to get around but they don’t come cheap. Taxi cabs are the most common and affordable way to tour around the city.

Taking a bus is the ideal solution for budget-minded travelers who also want to experience the rich culture. Water taxis are quite inexpensive and convenient when touring attractions such as Ambergris Caye and St. George’s Caye

  1. Schedule your visit:

Belize is unlike any other tropical destination with countless outdoor activities for everyone, from adventure junkies to day-trippers. Summer bunnies will love this dreamy tropical beauty. To make the most of your trip, head over during the peak season between the end of November to mid-April. Not to worry, it never gets crowded. The temperatures average 27 degrees Celsius with clear blue skies.

Between the end of April and May, it gets quite hot with temperatures averaging 31 degrees Celsius and the humidity intensifies. Spend your days soaking in the alluring beaches sipping chilled Mojitos.

The low season hits from September all through October. It’s also the rainy season, and most business premises are shut down during this period.

However, there isn’t a specific “best time” to tour Belize. Scuba divers prefer the summer months as the waters are much calmer but if you want to swim with whale sharks, March to June is the best time to travel.

  1. Establish a vacation budget:

Are you a low budget, mid-range, or luxury vacationer? Keep in mind, a trip to Belize is quite expensive though travelers say it’s worth every dollar. It is possible to go on vacation in Belize on a shoestring budget.

With backpacking, you can spend up to $25 for accommodation in inland and island hostels. A meal will cost you $6 in a decent hotel, and as for drinks, rum is way cheaper than beer coming to a dollar short at $1.50.

With proper planning, you can scout the country’s gorgeous attractions and innocent charm on a budget.

If you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, you’ll spend around $150 for accommodation in a private room coupled with meals and a variety of exciting activities like kayaking. For the luxury traveler who doesn’t mind splurging to get the best treatment the country can offer, with $350, you’ll be lounging in one of the top Belize hotels or a swanky resort with fancy dining, premium service and exotic activities like private charters.

What to do in Belize:

Touted as a top honeymoon destination, Belize is an alluring country with a ton of stunning attractions worth exploring. This idyllic Caribbean paradise boasts of undisputed charm and opulence. A trip to Belize is incomplete without visiting these eye-popping gems:

  • Fly over the blue hole:

The grand dame of Belize and with good reason- the iconic Blue Hole is a sight to behold. This exotic monument over 400 ft. deep into the blue ocean is a bit of heaven on earth. And even though it’s partly covered by natural debris and silt, the depth paints a startling azure that’s painstakingly grandiose when viewed from above.

The walls of the blue hole are dotted with ancient stalagmites and stalactites with reef sharks and hammerheads diving into the depths of the ocean. Divine!

  • Explore La Isla Bonita:

La Isla Bonita, also known as Ambergris Caye, is the ultimate getaway destination. You’ll be hypnotized by its beauty from the majestic waves to alluring waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Spend your days kayaking the lagoon, snorkeling the reef, or windsurfing the straits. Pamper and relax at the spa or take a ride along the beach. Enjoy the sunsets and nightlife in San Pedro savoring Belize’s most delectable dishes.

  • Tour the green iguana conservation project:

Perched on the lush Macal valley grounds hosting the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, the green iguana conservation is an intelligent program that focuses on the collection of iguana eggs, which are reared as reptiles.

Once past the vulnerable age, the iguanas are set free into the wild. A guided visit to the conservation project will give you numerous opportunities to handle the stunning iguanas and learn about their life cycle and habits.

Bottom line:

If you’re itching for a captivating Caribbean allure, Belize is the spice of the Caribbean. The tropical beauty is drop-dead gorgeous, and the ultimate escape from your everyday life. 2020 is all about adventure and nothing screams pure bliss than a visit to alluring Belize.

Belize takes over Pro Tempore Presidency of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project

This is the second time that Belize has held the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project (PM) since the mechanism was established in 2008. During this first half of 2020, the country will hold two Executive Commissions to continue complying with the Mandates of the XVII Tuxtla Summit of 2019.

From January and under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belize takes over the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project (PM) Pro Tempore Presidency corresponding to the first semester of 2020, to hold two regional high-level meetings of the Executive Committee of the PM, to promote the definition of the 2020 Mesoamerican Business Agenda and the fulfillment of the following relevant ministerial meetings for Health, Environment, Energy, Transport as well as of the Commission for Promotion and Financing (CPF) work plan.

In addition, the efforts and actions of the Pro Tempore Presidency of Belize are aimed at achieving the definition of the coordination plan of the Mesoamerica Project and the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA), to enhance collaboration and diplomacy between both mechanisms in benefit of the process of integration and inclusive development of the Mesoamerican Region and its inhabitants.

Belize’s national commitment to the PM also contemplates a regional approach of the Sustainable Development Goals on programs, projects, initiatives and actions of the Mesoamerican Cooperation Agenda in its two work axes: Social and Economic Pillars.

Since Belize is a member of the Tuxtla Dialogue and Coordination Mechanism, the country has directly benefited from a cooperation for development that exceeds USD 57.5 million through the Mesoamerica Project in sectors such as Health and Transport. The country also participates in regional cooperation initiatives that exceed USD 35.4 million.

About the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project
The Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project is a cooperation and integration program established in 2008 as one of the technical instruments of the cooperation pillar within the Tuxtla Dialogue and Coordination Mechanism. It brings together 10 countries: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama, and to date the cooperation framed in the Mesoamerica Project exceeds USD 6,340 million to improve the quality of life for more than 230 million inhabitants of the region.

Source: Proyecto MesoAmerica

Welcome to Blu Zen

Blu Zen is located on the north of Caye Caulker between glistening turquoise waters and a private sandy beach that hugs the pristine coastline of the island. They are the newest addition to Caye Caulker’s dream destinations. Blu Zen is a 25-unit boutique resort with breathtaking views of the World’s Second largest Barrier Reef and refreshing tropical breezes. The well-appointed condos offer quality and high end 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining condos with a spacious private floor and panoramic views.

There are 6 expansive condo options to choose from, each offering ample space in peace and serenity on the Caribbean. The sea view condos offer the ultimate indulgence with unsurpassed views of the Caribbean Sea while our seafront condos offer luxury island living, each boasting breath-taking sea views, and unobstructed beach access.

Blu Zen creates instant immersion for guests into island life allowing them to sit back as the day unfolds under the vast blue skies. Island activities will invigorate every sense with the endless possibilities of exciting reef water activities and beautiful scenery to feast the eyes and satisfy that sense of adventure that fills your soul.

For the hopeless romantic looking for a stress-free wedding day, we specialize in romance! You deserve a magical wedding day with all the pomp and circumstance. We will arrange the perfect setting and backdrop for your ceremony ensuring that every detail is as you envisioned. Choose from fully customizable packages that include everything from professional wedding planners, wedding/rehearsal coordination, officiant arrangements, Caribbean inspired decor, custom wedding cake, professional photography, professional DJ, custom catering, set-up and clean-up, wedding night accommodations, group room rates, and much more!

For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why Blu Zen is quickly becoming one of the most desired luxury resorts in Belize. Book your stay today!

Ultimate Guide for Writing Essays for Belize ESL Students

Essays are confusing, and even more so if you’re an ESL student. The requirements are quite strict, and here you have to main tasks: writing a good essay and making sure your English is correct.

To structure our guide, we’ll divide this path into the same two parts. We’ll talk about how to write a good essay and improve your writing skills first. Then, we’ll see what a Belize ESL student can do to improve their English. Let’s go!

Essay Writing for Belize ESL Students

The first way to go is to put your essay writing skills into practice. If you need improvement, you can do it through excellent examples and writing attempts. While searching for a perfect example and being very busy with studies, consider using a fast essay writing service with highly qualified academic writers. They work with both native speakers and ESL students. You’ll have an opportunity to break down a professionally written essay and see everything you should work on.

Here’s how to prepare and write a good essay:

 

  • Mind the format.
    Different subjects require different formatting (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). No matter what your major is, it’s useful to know all the standards. This will ensure you’re ready for any kind of academic writing task.
  • Know the type.
    The major types of essays are: narrative (you tell a story, usually about yourself); descriptive (you show a story through vivid description); expository (you show the facts, compare and analyze them, etc.); persuasive (you persuade the readers that your point of view is correct through strong arguments and their evidence).

 

The type of essay dictates its structure and the devices you have to use to make it excellent.

 

  • Write a powerful thesis statement.
    A strong thesis statement makes it much easier for you to prove your point or achieve any other goal your essay has. It must be clear and concise, but you should also know how to elaborate on it if you have to.
  • Build a strong outline.
    A good outline is half the work done. To make an essay easy to read and follow, its structure has to be logical, supported by transitions that will create the flow of the paper. We all know the basic outline (intro, main body, conclusion), but the details you put in those can make it either logical or chaotic.
  • Mind the paragraph system.
    It’s time to fill that outline in, so treat every paragraph as a small essay. They also have a structure that includes an intro, main body (argument and evidence or refutation), and conclusion. It should also have a transition to the next part, and a good example will show you all their glory.
  • Proofread the paper.
    Never forget to proofread your paper. Do it several times, focusing on one thing at a time: grammar, structure, logic. If you read the paper and it seems organic and wholesome, it’s a success.

 

Improving English Proficiency for Belize ESL Students

This is a more long-term thing, and you’ll see improvement with every essay. No matter how proficient you are, the English language never ceases to amaze. So, make sure you do the following regularly:

 

  • Improve general and field-specific vocabulary.
    Never stop learning new words, both general and field-specific. You never know when your college gives you a new descriptive essay in English. And those need a lot of different words, because repetition causes tautology and deducts points.
  • Take grammar, spelling, and punctuation tests.
    Even if your school provides those, check yourself more often. There are plenty of tests online that can evaluate your word stock, grammar knowledge, etc. Such tests are great motivators as well.
  • Make use of auto-correct services.
    It will analyze the style of your writing and suggest changes if they are needed. However, check those suggestions before applying them, search for more info online if you have to.
  • Read a lot.
    Reading automatically enriches your grammar and vocabulary base. Besides, it’s a great kind of leisure, and you learn a lot of new information as well.

 

Combine the two parts altogether, and you will get an excellent essay. The more you research and write, the better your papers will become!

 

Belize Road Trip: Sun, Beaches, Ruins, and Rainforests

Belize is one of the most amazing countries to visit in Central America boasting of pristine beaches, magnificent marine life, nature parks, ruins, and friendly folks. It’s no wonder that the country attracts over a million visitors each year according to the Belize Tourism Board. In addition to its natural attractions, guests also love the ease of traveling in the country.   If you’re planning a road trip in Belize to discover its best-kept secrets, check out what you need to do before leaving.

Map Out Your Travel

A road trip is fun and exciting, but it requires preparation to avoid surprises, stay safe, and enjoy the journey. In addition to planning your itinerary, ensure that you have a reliable vehicle that can withstand the road conditions in Belize. The country is not very big so the distances are not great and horrible traffic applies only in big cities. That said, people drive on the right and the road signs are in English so it is not difficult to move around.

If you’re renting a car, there are companies that even allow you to bring the vehicle in Guatemala should you decide to visit the famous Tikal ruins. The usual precautions apply when you are in a foreign country. Do not pick up hitchhikers and be aware of your surroundings.

Where to Go

A trip that is worth doing is to drive to San Ignacio, a town in the Cayo District of Belize. It will take you roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes to get to San Ignacio. Visit Cahal Pech for its ruins, bird watching, and archaeological history. Not to be missed is Xunantunich, a remarkable Mayan ruin set on a ridge. Other things to do include a visit to the Iguana Sanctuary and the San Ignacio Market.

Don’t forget to swing by at neighboring Guatemala which is just under two hours by car. Take your time to walk through the massive rainforests of northern Guatemala and revel at the magnificence of Tikal, an ancient Mayan citadel with its temples and palaces.  After ruins, parks, and wildlife, it is time to explore the beautiful beaches of Belize. Drive back to Belize City and catch a boat from the Princess Ramada Marina to Itza Lodge where you can snorkel, dive, or laze on the sand. From there, you can also arrange a boat trip to the Lighthouse Reef to swim in the world-renowned Blue Hole Natural Monument, a majestic natural sinkhole which is part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With good planning and lots of enthusiasm, a road trip in Belize is completely feasible. It will take you to many wonderful sights from historic ruins and unspoiled natural parks to great wildlife and superb beaches.

 

Paradise Awaits at Consejo Landings

Consejo Landings is a new residential community located in the tropical paradise of Corozal Town, Belize. The development is one of the largest expat communities in northern Belize on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and is only minutes away from Mexico. This new development consists of 79 lots consisting of 64 acres. There are 8 large ocean front lots located behind a 66’-foot ocean frontage reserve, 28 lake front lots surrounding an 8-acre man-made lake, and 36 estate sized lots for residents wanting a larger homestead.

The residential community of Consejo Landings was designed and developed by Canadian partners living in Belize with the goal of creating a low-density community where residents will share spectacular waterfront views on the banks of an artesian fed manmade lake, or even enjoy incredible sunrises over the Caribbean Sea.

The lots at Consejo Landings are competitively priced and available for immediate purchase. Financing is offered for the purchase of lots with 5-year terms and low interest rates for qualified buyers, which include no pre-payment penalty on financing terms!

Consejo Landings lots are ready for immediate construction. Upon signing a purchase agreement, the purchaser can start building their tropical home right away, though the purchase may be financed.  Property taxes for this location are extremely low allowing purchasers to acquire a property and build at a date of their choosing.

It’s never been a better time to own your own piece of the jewel. Let Consejo Landings welcome you home. Choose your lot today – Paradise Beckons!

Conch Season Officially Opens

October 1st marks the opening of the conch season 2019-2020. As such, the Fisheries Department reminds the public of the following regulations:

  1. Shell length should exceed 7 inches;
  2. Market clean and fillet weight should exceed 3 and 2.75 ounces respectively;
  3. No person or establishment shall buy, sell or have in possession diced conch meat other than market clean conch.

The department urges Belizeans to report any illegal activities at 501- 224-4552, Crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-TIPS(8477) or via email [email protected].

Garifuna Collective keeps Belizean music alive

Courtesy photo The Garifuna Collective hails from the island nation of Belize.

The Garifuna Collective is based in Belize and made up of more than 50 musicians of varied generations who strive to express and keep alive the unique music and culture of the Garifuna people.

The Garifuna Collective was featured on Andy Palacios’ album “Wátina” which was awarded the Womex and BBC World Music Award and voted by Amazon as the number one World Music Album of All Time. The Collective just released their newest album, “ABAN,” Sunday (Sept. 15).

Roots and Wires Presents brings the touring arm of the Garifuna Collective to Taos for a show today (Sept. 19) at the Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership, 20 ABC Mesa Road, off U.S. 64 west. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 8 p.m.

Rooted in resilience and a bit of mystery, the Garifuna people are a mixture of Africans and the original Arawak people of the Caribbean who intermarried four centuries ago. A number of theories exist about their origins and early history.

The music group formed in 2006 and has since traveled to more than 30 countries and five continents sharing their music.

Courtesy photo
The Garifuna Collective hails from the island nation of Belize.

I caught up with Al Ovando via email to learn more about the Garifuna Collective and what they will be bringing to Taos. Ovando has been a part of the collective since its founding. This is an edited version of our interview.

What are the roles you have with the Garifuna Collective?

My roles include being a musician (guitars and bass), a recording engineer, a mixing engineer and a co-producer in the studio and on the road a tour manager, sound engineer, and rhythm guitarist.

Can you tell me a little bit about the Garifuna people and culture?

The Garifuna people have a long history of resilience and survival. The Garifuna ancestors were brought from the West Coast of Africa to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and intermarried with the native Arawak Indians. They settled on the island of St. Vincent and were eventually exiled and banished from the island by the French and English colonizers. They had a courageous leader called Joseph Chatuye who led them out of harm’s way and they eventually settled on the coast of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. With this movement of people, they brought their own unique language, music, art, food, beliefs, tradition and culture. The Garifuna people live in small, closely bonded villages and towns. They celebrate together in festive times, sad times and in religious ceremonies. This unique way of life is fully accompanied by music. The voices and melodies of men and women can be heard chanting with the deep sounding drums called the Segunda and primero at every opportune time.

What makes Garifuna music unique?

The music is passed down through generations. Each person (composer, singer, instrument player, engineer) is free to play their own original style which comes from the heart of each musician paying homage to their past and keeping it relevant for the future.

What was the vision for the Garifuna Collective – and how has it evolved?

The vision is to create an avenue to keep the tradition and culture alive through documentation and sharing our legacy with the world stage. It has evolved into a group of musicians who understand clearly their role in making the vision a success and in creating a path for future generations to continue the Garifuna story.

How many are in the band?

The Garifuna Collective consists of over 50 musicians and music contributors who have been a part of the project. The touring party is usually eight to nine musicians and this is based on the financial budget before the tour starts.

Can you tell me about your new album, “ABAN?”

The album “ABAN” is the Garifuna Collective venturing into the unknown and experimenting with music and rhythms but keeping true to the soulfulness and unique Garifuna vocal melodies.

What does ABAN mean?

Aban means “one” in English.

Are all of the songs original songs?

All music arrangements are original. All vocals are original except for two songs which are traditional concepts.

Who writes the lyrics for the songs?

Horace Flores, Marcela Aranda, Rolando Sosa, Sheldon Petillo, and Emilio Thomas wrote lyrics on the album “ABAN.”

Who does the musical arrangements?

Ivan Duran, Al Ovando, and Eli Levinson wrote the musical arrangements for “ABAN.”

How did you choose the songs for “ABAN”? Is there an overall theme for the album?

We were experimenting with guitar rhythms and grooves I played. Eli heard them and immediately started to make some drum loops to match. We eventually ended up with melodies that were highly percussive-based and presented it to Ivan in Stonetree Studio. He decided to make use of the work and started working with the vocalist to create melodies over the loops. “Hamala” was created by Emilio Thomas who eventually brought the recorded idea to me and then I took it to the Stonetree Studio where we had fun adding and taking out parts and making the arrangement.

What can people expect from your show here in Taos?

We will take the audience through a historical musical journey as we pay tribute to our friends and ancestors through music. We will play a couple of tracks from the new album “ABAN.”

Anything else you would like us to know?

We are excited to be given a space to share our culture and Belize through music.

By Ariana Kramer
[email protected]

Source: Taos News

Air Canada increasing the number of flights to Belize

Starting December 13, Air Canada will be increasing the number of direct seasonal flights to Belize.

Air Canada announced this week that there will be flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the season, which lasts from December to April.

Air Canada began offering direct flights from Toronto in 2017, as a part of an expansion in its number of routes. The Belize Tourism Board celebrated the launch of the flights because Belize has been actively trying to increase the number of tourists coming from Canada to Belize. Canada currently is the third-largest visitor destination, accounting for around 7 percent of tourists to Belize.

Over the past few years, the BTB and its partners have been scaling up marketing campaigns in Canada with the hopes of attracting more Canadian tourists. During the push to increase Canadian market share, WestJet also began offering flights from Canada to Belize.

Source: Breaking Belize News