Belize Honors Ambassador Hsu with Order of Distinction

Belize paused on Thursday to honor someone who has become more than just a visiting diplomat, she’s become family. Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li Wen Hsu, known for rolling up her sleeves and working shoulder to shoulder with Belizeans, is now the newest recipient of the Order of Distinction. Her work touched communities, strengthened long-standing ties, and, as you’re about to hear, left a mark strong enough to earn one of Belize’s highest national distinctions. It’s a heartfelt thank you for three years of quiet, consistent work that’s made a real difference on the ground.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Belize is celebrating someone who has long felt like part of the family. This week, the country tipped its hat to Her Excellency Lily Li Wen Hsu, an ally whose work behind the scenes has quietly shaped real improvements in the lives of Belizeans.

 

Stuart Leslie, Secretary, National Honors & Awards Advisory Committee

“Whereas Her Excellency Lily Li-Wen Hsu has labored diligently on behalf of the improvement of and the benefit of the country of Belize and its people, and whereas she has contributed her time and energy and intelligence, often at great sacrifice to herself, to making Belize a better place for all our people, now therefore, by the power invested in Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister Honorable John Briceno, and on behalf of a grateful nation, we proclaim that the Order of Distinction be vested upon Her Excellency Lily Li-Wen Hsu God bless Belize.”

 

During the ceremony, Secretary of the National Honors and Awards Advisory Committee Stuart Leslie didn’t just read a citation; he painted a picture of a diplomat who never treated her posting as just another assignment. Long hours, personal sacrifices, and a hands‑on commitment to Belize’s development became hallmarks of her tenure. Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li Wen Hsu says she’s “deeply grateful and humbled” after receiving the Order of Distinction, almost three years to the day since she first touched down in Belize. She reflected on her posting with warmth, calling it a privilege to work alongside Belizeans to strengthen the bond between both nations.

 

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize

“I’m deeply grateful and humbled to receive this significant honor. On Wednesday, next week, I will have served in this position for three years. How time flies. It has been a great privilege to serve my country and work with our Belizean friends to deepen the bonds between our two nations. The past three years have been an inspiring and rewarding experience for me. I arrived in this beautiful Jewel at the end of the pandemic. It is inspiring to see how the country has bounced back through the great efforts of the government and the people. It is inspiring to learn how the country works hard to protect its green and blue spaces and endeavors to strike the balance between environmental stewardship and economic development.”

 

And it clearly didn’t go unnoticed. On the recommendation of Leslie’s committee, Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam, acting on behalf of Prime Minister John Briceño, conferred on Hsu the prestigious Order of Distinction, one of the nation’s highest honors.

 

Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General of Belize

“What does it mean to be a citizen or, in this case, global citizen? We live in a time where physical boundaries are no longer limitations to nation building. Citizens of other countries have shown their love and respect for the Belizean people by going above and beyond their normal duties to develop the bonds of international fraternity. Today, we publicly acknowledge the contribution of one such individual who has listened and supported our people in national development. Each activity she worked on has built on the works of our predecessors, bringing visions to reality. As such, this award is a small gesture of acknowledgment from the people of Belize to someone who has rendered outstanding and meritorious service of our country.”

 

It was Belize’s way of saying: We saw your work, we felt its impact, and we’re grateful. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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