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 very important leader in Belize. She is a Mopan Maya anthropologist, which means she studies human societies and cultures. She is also a community leader. Since May 27, 2021, she has been the third governor-general of Belize.
She is the first person from an indigenous (native) background, specifically of Maya descent, 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.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Froyla Tzalam grew up in a village called San Antonio, Toledo in Belize. She went to Trinity University in Texas, USA. There, she earned a degree in Anthropology.
After that, she continued her studies at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. She earned a master's degree in Rural Development. This field of study focuses on improving life in country areas.
Her Work Before Becoming Governor-General
Before becoming Governor-General, Froyla Tzalam was the executive director of an organization called the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). This group works to protect the rights and lands of indigenous people in Belize.
She was considered for a role in the Senate in 2017. The Senate is part of the government that helps make laws. However, she decided not to take the position. She wanted to keep focusing on her important work with SATIIM.
Becoming Governor-General
| 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 and the second woman.
Important Moments as Governor-General
Meeting Royal Family Members
In March 2022, Dame Froyla Tzalam received a special honor. She was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. He gave her this award on behalf of Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Belize at the time. This happened during a special visit by Prince William to Belize.
In June 2022, she traveled to the United Kingdom. She attended the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London. This event celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne.
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Serving Under Two Monarchs
When Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, Dame Froyla Tzalam became the first Governor-General of Belize to serve under two different monarchs. She served under Queen Elizabeth II and then under Charles III.
She spoke about the Queen, saying she was "much loved and respected." Dame Froyla also represented Belize at the Queen's state 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
