Belize Diaspora and Government Officials Meet in

Atlanta and Tampa

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 - The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, through its Diaspora Relations Unit, held two Town Hall Meetings this past weekend to engage the Belizean diaspora. The first was held in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, February 25th, chaired by Ms. Erica-Antoinette Slaton and the second in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, February 26th, chaired by Ms. Aria Lightfoot (both members of the Belizean diaspora). The main objective of a town hall meeting is to connect and strengthen the relationship between Belizeans living at home and Belizeans living abroad. The events provide us the opportunity to meet with Belizeans who have an interest in collaborating to build our nation.

Government of Belize officials presented on the current developments and plans underway in Belize. Those in attendance shared their questions, concerns, opinions, and feedback on matters affecting the diaspora and the country. In addition, each attendee was automatically entered into a raffle to win baskets filled with local products, as well as a parcel of land in Belize. The land raffle will be drawn at the end of March 2023.

In Atlanta, Belize received several proclamations from the State of Georgia and surrounding counties at the meeting. During the Atlanta visit, the Belize delegation also visited two Belizean-owned businesses in the area.The first was Victory Insurance Group, an independent full-service insurance company created to provide financial services and life insurance options to meet the personal and business needs of individuals. The company is owned and managed by Ms. Stacy Emeri Watson. The delegation then visited with Mr. Al Smith, the owner of C-Town Bikes Shop, who shared with the delegation about the success of his store. The well-equipped store focuses on providing reasonably-priced cycling and running products as well as encouraging customers to practice a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Town Hall Meeting in Tampa saw the participation of the Belize Association of Central Florida and Belizean students studying at the University of South Florida.

The Government of Belize delegation was led by Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness, Hon. Oscar Requeña, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Local Government & Labour, His Excellency Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary and Chief of Staff, His Excellency Lynn R. Young, Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America & Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, Mrs. Nicole Solano, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Dr. Julio Sabido, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations, Mrs. Stephanne Hamilton, Councillor responsible for Tourism, Diaspora Relations, Zoning & Planning, Building Unit, Foreign Affairs, and Sister City Relations and members of the Diaspora Relations Unit.

The MTDR and DRU continue to encourage all Belizeans living in the diaspora to stay connected to their homeland and remain involved in the development and rejuvenation of the country.

at the Tuani Garifuna Cultural Center and were also joined by the Mayor of Dangriga Robert Mariano and Senator Erica Jang. The think tank became an engaging discussion about the state of Education in the Garifuna Community and the absolute need to work together to promote and preserve the Garifuna language and Culture. Minister Fonseca via his Facebook page said he used the opportunity to brief the elders on a number of ongoing national issues.

Minister Fonseca: “I truly value the wisdom and advice of this group of elders who have and continue to contribute to the growth and development of Belize.”

The group included Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swazo, Mr. Roy Cayetano, former Mayor Cassian Nunez,

Canon Jerris Valentine, Mr. Anthony Sabal, and Mr. Wellington Elijio. Minister Fonseca saw it key to visit with Baba Rodriguez…one of the last remaining traditional Garifuna Drum makers. The Minister noted that Mr. Rodriguez has taught his daughter the art of Drum Making and that she intends to carry on her father's legacy.