Shopping in Belize – Deidra Deandra

Simone Biles would look fab in our Belize Tee!

Take up the Belize Tourism Board’s offer!

You betta come to Belize Simone Biles!

After claiming the top two Olympic all-around spots, Aly Raisman joked she would crash Simone Biles’ vacation to Belize. Well it seems like Simone Biles is coming and she gets to bring her friends too! The Belize Tourism Board invited Simone and the Final Five for a visit after Rio: “Congrats @simone_biles! Belize is so proud of you. We’d love to host you and the entire #FinalFive on a vacation once you’re ready to relax.” What an offer?! An all-expense-paid vacation to Belize? I think yes!

Simone has been named the “greatest gymnast ever” and in Belize we are celebrating her victory! Achieving so much at 19 is quite an inspiration, especially to our youth. We’ll sure be referencing her a lot in our youth camps and conferences.

Simone, congrats again! We’ll find a way to get one of our 2016 Belize Tees to you; just let us know your size! It would be great for one of your fishing trips and we’ve got one for mom and dad too!

Simone Biles in Belize

MORE: Read USA Today’s Coverage on Simone’s Belize invite.
Featured image by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

10 New Belizean Businesses from Belize’s National University

New Belizean Businesses from the University of Belize

November 16, 2015–Today was such a fun and exciting day as I got to be a judge for the University of Belize’s Marketing Expo. Ten groups had worked to develop products to introduce to the Belizean market. They created the products, developed branding and packaging, and financed and marketed them.

Among the products were glow in the dark, eco-friendly lava lamps; yellow tomato ketchup, fruit juices, jams (including a delicious tomato jam, who would have thought?), wooden bottle holders, coconut oil, face scrubs and barbecue sauce. The response from the public was great and one of the businesses even sold out! Professor Audrey Pascasio said she was very proud of the effort her students put into their businesses and the feedback from the public.

It was so great seeing the next people the enter the workforce creating new Belizean businesses. I encouraged them to not let it be just another project but to actually follow through with their businesses. If they do, you should be seeing a whole new variety of “Made in Belize” products on grocery store shelves. Be sure to buy them!

University of Belize’s Mission Statement
The University of Belize is a national, autonomous and multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability.

See Photos of these New Belizean Businesses on Facebook.

Capital of Belize – Belmopan City!

Welcome to Belmopan City – The Capital of Belize

Capital of Belize - Belmopan City

The Capital of Belize – Belmopan City, is a beautiful destination to visit on your next Belize trip. Belmopan is located in the Cayo District, Belize and is a short 1 hour dive from Belize City. The City is designed with a Ring Road being encompassing the central area and leading off into every other destination in Belmopan.

Belmopan became the Capital of Belize in 1962 after the former Capitial (Belize City) suffered a great destruction by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The famous National Assembly Building (photographed above) is a beautiful structure in the main center of the City and was designed to resemble a Pre-Colombian Maya Temple.

The city is known to be a laid back and relaxing place to visit. It is also the safer of the two cities in Belize. Belmopan City is rapidly growing from a quiet destination to a thriving city in Belize as the population, businesses and activities in the city increase. Here are 3 fun activities to do while in the Capital of Belize:

Capital of Belize - Belmopan City Go Shopping at the Belmopan City Market Day (Every Tuesday & Friday)! Here you’ll find many Belizean made products, locally produced fruits and vegetables, clothing, and local dishes from a variety of cultures. You’ll see farmers, fishermen, artisans, mobile pet stores, tradesmen, furniture makers, and people of all cultures going about their daily activities.

Visit the Guanacaste National Park! Guanacaste is a 50 acre Protected Areas named after the big and beautiful Guanacaste Tree. Among the activities to do at the park are: bird watching, swimming, picnicking and nature trails. This national park is home to tree species such as the Mamey Sapote, Brazilian Firetree, and the Mahogany, Belize’s national tree. Many animals call Guanacaste National Park home, including the Nine-Banded Armadillo, Kinkajou, White-Tailed Deer, and Jaguarundi. It has also a great place for bird watching as over a hundred species of birds have been sighted at the park including the Black-Headed Trogon, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Belted Kingfisher, Black-Faced Antthrush and Red-Lored Amazon. The National Park operates from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and has an Entrance Fee of BZ $5.00 (BZ $1.00 for Nationals).

Capital City of Belize - Belmopan City Go Horseback Riding at Banana Bank Lodge! They cater to different levels of experience. They also have a nice swimming pool for adults and children. It is a lovely place to stay as well if you’re wanting to stay in a destination surrounded by the jungle!

PS – If you’re looking for a great place to eat, a favorite of mine is Formosa (Nim Li Punit Street, Belmopan City). It has a nice atmosphere and they are consistent in serving great food!