Froyla Tzalam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Froyla Tzalam
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Tzalam in 2022
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| 3rd Governor-General of Belize | |
| Assumed office 27 May 2021 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Johnny Briceño |
| Preceded by | Sir Colville Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born | San Antonio, Toledo, British Honduras (now Belize) |
| Spouse | Daniel Mendez |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Trinity University (BA) University of Sussex (MA) |
Dame Froyla Tzalam is a special leader from Belize. She is a Mopan Maya anthropologist, which means she studies human societies and cultures. She is also a strong community leader. Since May 27, 2021, she has been the third governor-general of Belize.
What makes her role extra special is that she is the first person of Maya background to become a governor-general in any country that is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be part of the British Empire.
Early Life and Education
Froyla Tzalam grew up in a village called San Antonio, Toledo, in Belize. She worked hard in school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Anthropology from Trinity University in Texas, USA. After that, she continued her studies. She received a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Rural Development from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.
Career Highlights
Before becoming Governor-General, Froyla Tzalam was the executive director of an important group. This group was called the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). SATIIM works to protect the land and rights of indigenous people in Belize.
In 2017, she was considered for a position in the Senate, which is part of Belize's government. However, she decided not to take the role. She wanted to focus on her work with SATIIM and help her community.
Serving as Governor-General of Belize
| Viceregal styles of Dame Froyla Tzalam (2021–present) |
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| Reference style | Her Excellency |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
On April 22, 2021, the Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno, announced that Froyla Tzalam would be the next Governor-General. She took over from Sir Colville Young. She is the third person to hold this important job in Belize. She is also the second woman to be appointed to the role.
As Governor-General, she represents the King or Queen of Belize. On March 21, 2022, she received a special honor. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, gave her the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. This happened during a royal visit to Belize to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. In June 2022, she traveled to the United Kingdom. There, she attended more celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
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When Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, Dame Froyla Tzalam made history. She became the first Governor-General of Belize to serve under two monarchs. She spoke about the Queen, saying she was "much loved and respected." Dame Froyla also represented Belize at the Queen's funeral in the United Kingdom. In 2023, she attended the Coronation of King Charles III alongside Minister Francis Fonseca.
See also
In Spanish: Froyla Tzalam para niños
