On Toastmasters International websites you can see there are clubs around the world and an increasing number of online meetings are attracting visitors from around the world. We had a visitor from Belize, Edward Young, at the last meeting of Singapore Online International.
Edward Young, of Belize, at a Zoom meeting telling members of a Toastmasters club about Belize.
Edward enthused about his homeland. He said, 'First, it's the only central American Country which speaks English. Americans love it. Secondly, it's a beautiful country and it has everything; you can be on the beach in the morning and in the afternoon on the top of a mountain.
'We have a small population.
'Where are we? Next to Guatamala - yes, (he grins) but don't discuss Guatemala right now because our country is in disupute with them about borders. We get on very well with the people. Lots of us are married to Guatemalans. But the governments are in dispute and it's been referred to arbitration at the. international court."
Here's what Wiki says:
Belize (/bəˈliːz/ (
listen)), formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered on the northwest by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala. It has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) and a population of 408,487 (2019).[5] Its mainland is about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America.The country's population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate) is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
The Maya Civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 B.C. and A.D. 300 and flourished until about 1200. European contact began in 1492 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. European exploration was begun by English settlers in 1638. This period was also marked by Spain and Britain both laying claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the Battle of St. George's Caye (1798). It became a British colony in 1840, known as British Honduras, and a Crown colony in 1862. Independence was achieved from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981.
Belize has a diverse society that is composed of many cultures and languages that reflect its rich history.
Language
English is the official language of Belize, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken national language, being the native language of over a third of the population. Over half the population is multilingual, with Spanish being the second most common spoken language. It is known for its September Celebrations, its extensive barrier reef coral reefs, and punta music.
Music and Shyne
A famous personality from the island is hugely successful musician Shyne, who converted to Orthodox Judaism whilst in prison in the USA, was deported back to Belize and is now a member of the Belize Parliament.
After the people, you will be interested in the animal life, such as the ant-eaters, the birds, such as the toucan, and the fish.
National Bird
Major Tourist Sites
Start at the country's capital, Belize City. See the Belize swing bridge.
1 Museum of Belize, in a former gaol.
2 Belize Zoo
3 Great Blue Hole (at sea)
You can immrse youserself in it and see stalactites.
The Great Blue Hole was made popular by Cousteau.
5 Blue Hole Park (inland)
6 Chocolate factory.
7 Half Moon Caye with red footed boobie birds.
Useful Websites
Language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belizean_Creole#Plural_formation
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/belize-biz.htm
https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety
https://www.belizetourismboard.org/
Not attractions but awards.
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Belize#/
https://wikitravel.org/en/Belize
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shyne
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com
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(Singapore Online Dynamic club meets only online, as opposed to clubs which are meeting online temporarily, or during Covid-19 holding hybrid meetings with the maximum permitted at a physical venue and others joining online.)
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