Posted: Monday, April 14, 2025. 3:07 pm CST.
Sylvia Mendez – Photo Credit: BAHA
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Sylvia Mendez has become a beacon of excellence in Belize’s agricultural health sector. As the head of the Aquatic Unit and PCR Lab at the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), Mendez, originally from Honduras, has dedicated nine years to BAHA and 24 years to Belize, making her a leading figure in the field of aquatic animal health.
Armed with a degree from the prestigious Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School in Honduras and a specialization in shrimp health, Mendez has built a 31-year career spanning both public service and the private shrimp industry. Her extensive field experience—gained from managing major operations at shrimp farms such as Belize Aquaculture Ltd (BAL), NOVA Ladyville, and NOVA Toledo—has endowed her with a unique skill set in diagnosing and preventing diseases in aquatic animals such as shrimp and tilapia. By enabling faster diagnostic services in Belize, her team has revolutionized the industry. Mendez explained, “Imagine if you have a problem and then you have to wait a month or two to receive a diagnosis—it’s kind of late when you want to act on that.” Since 2016, her team has conducted tests locally, expediting service times and ensuring healthier aquatic exports.
Sylvia Mendez along with Orlin Cruz on the way to an inspection – Photo Credit: BAHA
Mendez is quick to credit her coworker, Orlin Cruz, for his hard work and dedication. “To me, it’s not only me. I am the head, yes, but there is somebody who makes me look good,” she said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their small but impactful unit.
Her passion for her work shines brightly. “Honestly, I am passionate about shrimp, but we can say in general for aquatic animals. Everybody who knows me knows how much I love the industry,” she shared, adding that her deep-seated passion for aquatic health extends to her personal enjoyment of seafood.
Her role extends beyond the lab. Mendez oversees inspections, certifications, and surveillance of aquatic animal health across Belize. She and her team are responsible for ensuring that imports and exports meet stringent health standards, a task that requires never-ending travel across the country. “Every week, we are out doing something at the airport, receiving animals, inspecting farms, and collecting samples,” she shared.
Sylvia Mendez in the field with shrimp – Photo Credit: BAHA
Industry leaders have lauded her expertise and contributions. Alvin Henderson, President of the Belize Shrimp Growers Association, remarked, “She’s very highly thought of, very respected.” He continued, emphasizing her critical role in the industry’s resurgence: “If the industry is going to recover—which I am very confident it will—without her level of expertise, I think it would be very, very difficult.” Henderson’s praise comes at a time when the shrimp industry, once devastated by disease, is on the upswing, and his comments underscore the indispensable role Mendez plays in that recovery.
Living in Benque Viejo del Carmen with her husband and daughter, Mendez continues to inspire those around her with her hard work, passion, and expertise. Her journey shows how dedication and teamwork can make a real difference, not just in her field but for an entire community.
Sylvia Mendez in the PCR Lab – Photo Credit: BAHA
Sylvia Mendez and Orlin Cruz inspecting lobster – Photo Credit: BAHA
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The post BAHA’s Sylvia Mendez: A Trailblazer in Aquatic Health and PCR Diagnostics appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, April 14, 2025. 3:07 pm CST. Sylvia Mendez – Photo Credit: BAHA By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Sylvia Mendez has become a beacon of excellence in
The post BAHA’s Sylvia Mendez: A Trailblazer in Aquatic Health and PCR Diagnostics appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
