On March 9, 2022, the Governor General H.E. Froyla Tzalam conferred, on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, appointments to The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on the occasion of New Year Honours 2020 and 2021 to 12 Belizeans.

The appointments for Ordinary Officers of the British Empire (Civil Division) (O.B.E) include Dr. Marvin Manzanero, for contribution to public health and public service; Ms. Judith Marie Alpuche, for contribution to social work and public service; and Ms. Penelope Kay Casasola, for services to community and health education volunteerism.

Appointments for Ordinary Members of the British Empire (Civil Division) (M.B.E) include H.E. Lou-Anne Burns Martinez, for contribution to foreign service and public service; Mr. Chester Clyde Williams, for contribution to public security and public service; Ms. Elisa Nayeli Montalvo, for contribution to public service and the field of law; Brigadier General (Ret’d) Steven Ortega, for contribution to public security and public service; Ms. Yolanda Mapye Smith, for contribution to entrepreneurship and community service; Mr. Alex Chang, for contribution to entrepreneurial leadership and community; Mr. Elden Hyde, for contribution to Music; and Mr. Pedro A Salazar, for contribution to community activism.

The insignia for the late Ambassador Elozequi “Elito” Urbina, Sr., who was conferred M.B.E. for his contribution to education and political leadership, was received by his family.

Not present at the ceremony were Ms. Faith Babb and Mr. Aurelio Garcia, who will be conferred their honour at a later date. Ms. Babb will be conferred O.B.E. for contributions to community, politics and women’s development, and Mr. Garcia will be conferred M.B.E. for community activism.

The ceremony was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development.

Marvelous.