SAN IGNACIO, Cayo District, Mon. Mar. 21, 2022– Today, March 21, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, bestowed upon the Governor-General of Belize, Froyla Tzalam, the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, and with it the title of Dame. The award, an order of chivalry named after two military saints, is often given to leaders of Commonwealth nations who have provided extraordinary or loyal service.
Dame Froyla Tzalam, who is of Mopan Maya descent, is an anthropologist and the second woman to ever be appointed to serve as Belize’s Governor-General. She was appointed less than a year ago, on May 27, 2021, and succeeded Sir Colville Young, the country’s previous Governor General.
At the investiture ceremony, held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Prince William also bestowed the Order of Knighthood and the title of Sir upon businessman Ralph Feinstein, the founder and chairman of Benny’s Enterprises Limited, for his contributions to the country in the form of entrepreneurial leadership. Despite being semi-retired, Feinstein currently acts as a consultant to the family firm, whose most recent enterprises include property development and agriculture.
The Duke also awarded commemorative Platinum Jubilee medals to several frontline workers and public officers. Among the awardees were Lance Corporal Arsenio Coy, for exemplary service shown during the response to Hurricane Eta in November 2020; BDF Captain Dr. Jamaal Elijio (who was infected with Covid-19 on several occasions while working on the frontlines) for his service during the pandemic; and Sergeant Thomas Itch for his past work in anti-narcotics operations.
The commemorative medal features an image of the Queen and the phrase “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith” inscribed in Latin.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam gave a toast to the Queen, after which Prince William spoke briefly with the awardees. The Duke of Cambridge was also gifted with a painting by local artist Alex Sanker which depicts the kiss shared between Prince William and his wife Duchess Kate Middleton on their wedding day.