Current Events

• • OAS Sec Gen Visits Belize
  Belize, Sunday August 21, 2022
  
  • OAS Sec Gen Visits Belize
  We caught up with the Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belmopan where he was hosting the the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro. He was paying a courtesy call on Belize - his first visit since the election of the new Government.
• • OAS and U.S. Create Audit Panel to Support Transparency in Health Spending in the Region.
  OAS, Wednesday July 20, 2022
  
  • OAS and U.S. Create Audit Panel to Support Transparency in Health Spending in the Region.
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS) and the United States government today agreed to create a panel of expert auditors to support transparency and accountability in public procurement and health spending in Latin American and Caribbean countries, during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the hemispheric institution.
  
  
  
• • OAS and Foundation El Libro Total Make Available 80,000 Books in Spanish Free of Charge
  OAS, Monday June 27, 2022
  
  • OAS and Foundation El Libro Total Make Available 80,000 Books in Spanish Free of Charge
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS) and Foundation El Libro Total today signed an agreement to disseminate more than 80,000 books digitized by the institution's platform, free of charge, throughout the Americas and the world.
• • OAS Launches Center for Media Integrity of the Americas.
  OAS, Wednesday June 8, 2022
  
  • OAS Launches Center for Media Integrity of the Americas.
  
  The Washington Post has joined the newly launched Center for Media Integrity from the Organization of American States as a founding partner.
• • OAS to Celebrate V Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas
  OAS, Wednesday May 18, 2022
  
  • OAS to Celebrate V Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas
  
  The Organization of American States’ Secretary General, Luis Almagro, and Assistant Secretary General, Nestor Mendez, will launch the 2022 Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas on Monday, March 21. This annual event is an opportunity for OAS member states to reflect on issues affecting persons of African descent and commemorate their significant contributions to the development of societies in the Americas.
• • University of Belize team participates in Virtual Model Organization of American States (MOAS)
  OAS, Thursday April 21, 2022
  
  
  • University of Belize team participates in Virtual Model Organization of American States (MOAS)
  
  Тhе Unіvеrѕіtу оf Веlіzе (UВ) hаѕ rесоgnіzеd ѕіх dеlеgаtеѕ whо раrtісіраtеd іn thе rесеnt Vіrtuаl Моdеl Оrgаnіzаtіоn оf Аmеrісаn Ѕtаtеѕ (МОАЅ) Gеnеrаl Аѕѕеmblу fоr thе Еnglіѕh-Ѕреаkіng Саrіbbеаn аnd Ніѕtоrісаllу Вlасk Unіvеrѕіtіеѕ, со-hоѕtеd bу Ноwаrd Unіvеrѕіtу.
  
  Тhе Unіvеrѕіtу оf Веlіzе (UВ) hаѕ rесоgnіzеd ѕіх dеlеgаtеѕ whо раrtісіраtеd іn thе rесеnt Vіrtuаl Моdеl Оrgаnіzаtіоn оf Аmеrісаn Ѕtаtеѕ (МОАЅ) Gеnеrаl Аѕѕеmblу fоr thе Еnglіѕh-Ѕреаkіng Саrіbbеаn аnd Ніѕtоrісаllу Вlасk Unіvеrѕіtіеѕ, со-hоѕtеd bу Ноwаrd Unіvеrѕіtу
  
  Тhе Unіvеrѕіtу оf Веlіzе (UВ) hаѕ rесоgnіzеd ѕіх dеlеgаtеѕ whо раrtісіраtеd іn thе rесеnt Vіrtuаl Моdеl Оrgаnіzаtіоn оf Аmеrісаn Ѕtаtеѕ (МОАЅ) Gеnеrаl Аѕѕеmblу fоr thе Еnglіѕh-Ѕреаkіng Саrіbbеаn аnd Ніѕtоrісаllу Вlасk Unіvеrѕіtіеѕ, со-hоѕtеd bу Ноwаrd Unіvеrѕіtу
  
• • OAS and the University of Miami to Cooperate on Projects and Academic Activities
  OAS, Tuesday March 15, 2022
  
  • OAS and the University of Miami to Cooperate on Projects and Academic Activities
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS) and the University of Miami today signed an agreement to develop a technical cooperation framework to exchange information, publications, and implement programs, projects and academic activities, among others.
• “OAS announces the new OAS Scholarships cycle for undergraduate and graduate Academic Studies in 2022”
  Belize City, Friday February 11, 2022
  
  The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (GS/OAS) announces the new OAS Scholarships cycle for undergraduate and graduate Academic Studies starting between January1st and December 31st, 2022
  
  https://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/regularprogram/docs/2022-Academic-Scholarships-Guidelines-for-ONEs.pdf
  
• • Belize's Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the OAS Presents Credentials
  OAS, Thursday July 8, 2021
  
  • Belize's Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the OAS Presents Credentials
  
  Ніѕ Ехсеllеnсу Lуnn Yоung, thе nеw Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Веlіzе tо thе Unіtеd Ѕtаtеѕ оf Аmеrіса, рrеѕеntеd hіѕ lеttеrѕ оf сrеdеnсе tо U.Ѕ. Рrеѕіdеnt Јоѕерh Віdеn оn Јulу 7, 2021, ассоrdіng tо а Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе рrеѕѕ rеlеаѕе.
  
  
  Ніѕ Ехсеllеnсу Lуnn Yоung, thе nеw Аmbаѕѕаdоr оf Веlіzе tо thе Unіtеd Ѕtаtеѕ оf Аmеrіса, рrеѕеntеd hіѕ lеttеrѕ оf сrеdеnсе tо U.Ѕ. Рrеѕіdеnt Јоѕерh Віdеn оn Јulу 7, 2021, ассоrdіng tо а Gоvеrnmеnt оf Веlіzе рrеѕѕ rеlеаѕе
  
• OAS Representative in Belize attended a meeting with the Governor-General H.E Froyla Tzalam
  Belmopan, Thursday July 1, 2021
  
  On the July 1st, the July 1st, the OAS Representative in Belize, Luiz Octavio Coimbra, attended a meeting with the Governor-General H.E Froyla Tzalam:
  
  “Last Thursday, July 1st, I had the honor and the pleasure to visit the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Froyla Tzalam, the first Indigenous American in the commonwealth to hold the post. Governor General Tzalam is the first Mayan head of State in Central America in a thousand years. A Mayan Mopan woman, anthropologist, committed to the protection and promotion of human rights. This is an iconic feat and a great example for thousands of young women, from Belize to the world" says OAS Representative.
  
  The OAS National Office appreciates H.E Governor-General availability for the meeting.
• Unveiling of the new Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Headquarters
  Belize City, Friday June 18, 2021
  
  On June 18th, the OAS Representative in Belize attended the unveiling of the new headquarters building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belmopan, the Leigh Richardson Building.
  The OAS National Office congratulates the Government of Belize on the unveiling of this new fully sustainable building: the new headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• PRESS RELEASE — New OAS Scholarships Benefit 160 Belizeans Students
  Belize, Wednesday July 14, 2021
  
  We are pleased to announce that 160 (one hundred and sixty) Belizean students have already accepted scholarships offered by the Organization of American States (OAS) in the last 12 months.
  From this cohort, 90 Belizean students (56%) accepted scholarships for master’s courses and 65 Belizean students (41%) are matriculated on professional development and capacitation courses, benefited with scholarships provided through the OAS.
  The OAS Office in Belize congratulates all scholarship recipients and reassure its commitment to advance progress and the well-being of the people of our region.
  
  Please see in our social media the list of Belizean students that accepted scholarships offered by the OAS in the last 12 months.
  
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OASinBelize
  Twitter: https://twitter.com/OASinBelize
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasinbelize/
• OAS offer Scholarship to Belizean Students
  Belize, Monday February 22, 2021
  
  OAS offer Scholarship to Belizean Students
  The OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF), established grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean OAS Member States, and Suriname. The OAS Regular Academic Scholarship Program grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree.
  In addition to these programs the OAS, through its Partnerships Program for Education and Training (PAEC), offer other attractive scholarship opportunities for academic studies with the support of its partner institutions. The Professional Development Scholarships Program (PDSP) offers scholarship opportunities for short-term training courses in any of the OAS member states, and OAS Permanent Observers, with the exception of the applicant’s country of citizenship or permanent residency (sponsoring country).
  
• Belizean civil society and social actors invited to participate in the preparation of the IX Summit of the Americas
  Online Platform, Tuesday January 12, 2021
  
  To strengthen the role of civil society and social actors in the IX Summit of the Americas - the meeting of Heads of Government and Heads of States of all countries of the Western Hemisphere - the United States, host country of the Summit, and the Summits Secretariat will hold National Dialogues between the National Summit Coordinators, Belizean Civil Society, and Social Actors. This dialogue, in preparation of the Summit, will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and ensure that the perspective of civil society of Belize and social actors is taken into account when defining the priorities for the IX Summit.
  In preparation for these dialogues, the Summits Secretariat is carrying-out Prep Talks, Conversations among Civil Society and Social Actors to discuss three concept papers, which were provided by the IX Summit Chair, and other areas of interest for these actors. The registration deadline for participants is Monday, January 4, 2020.
  Through these sessions, civil society and social actors will be able to elaborate inputs for the National Dialogues. The Prep Talks will be scheduled to take place during the week of January 12-15, 2021, one week prior to the Dialogues, in all participating countries of the Summits Process. The duration of each session will be approximately three hours and will be held simultaneously in several countries through online teleconferences.
  Prep Talks methodology, registration, times and dates for each session can be found on the following URL:
  https://www.belize.org/events/preptalks-with-civil-society-and-social-actors-towards-the-ix-summit-of-the-americas/
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144 or 501-223-3181
  
• Building the Resilience of the Small Tourism Enterprises in the Caribbean to Disasters
  Online Platform, Monday February 1, 2021
  
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144 or 501-223-3181
  The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) is pleased to announce the project “Building the Resilience of the Small Tourism Enterprises in the Caribbean to Disasters” executed by the Department of Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development and its Tourism section within the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development. The Government of Belize was invited to participate in an online training during the first two weeks of February 2021.
  The Project is funded by the US Department of State and seeks to assist small tourism enterprises in the Caribbean to overcome the national and corporate level challenges that affect the business continuity, during and after catastrophic events in the region. It is designed to build the capacity of small tourism enterprises to prepare, execute, test and update business continuity/multi-hazard and contingency plans. In addition, a network of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trained Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will deliver trainings, and crisis communication tools will be developed.
  In view of COVID-19 related travel uncertainties, the regional Basic CERT training for emergency management personnel prepared in collaborating with FEMA has been now moved to an online platform and is scheduled for the first two weeks of February 2021.The Government of Belize was invited to nominate two (2) candidates and one (1) alternate from Belizean Emergency Management Personnel. Participants must have completed the no-cost web-based FEMA Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Program’s courses IS-315.a, -CERT and Incident Command System, and IS-317.a, Introduction to CERT, before they can attend the training.
  For more information, please contact Mrs. Charlene Solozano of the OAS Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) at [email protected]
  
• OAS/CICTE and Ministry of National Security Presented Cybersecurity Strategy
  Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belize City, Tuesday January 21, 2020
  
  February 3, 2020
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144 or 501-223-3181
  
  OAS/CICTE and Ministry of National Security Presented Cybersecurity Strategy
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), and the Ministry of National Security, initiated a series Executive Briefings with various government and nongovernmental entities as well as relevant stakeholders in Belize, to present Belize’s newly formulated National Cybersecurity Policy. The entities visited were the British High Commission, Caucus of CEO’S, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Cyber Security Task Force.
  At each engagement, the Team noted that Cybersecurity impacted many actors within the public domain, and therefore argued that it was necessary to use a multi-stakeholder approach in developing the Strategy. The Team also acknowledged that technology was changing exponentially and the threats surrounding the technology was becoming increasingly sophisticated, and consequently it was of paramount importance to have a National Cybersecurity Strategy that would help Belize meet the cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly connected environment, bombarded with a host of cyber threats.
  In the context of the evolving dynamics of the cybersecurity reality of Belize, the Team highlighted the 3 priority pillars of the strategy, namely (1) to develop a National Legal Framework to address Cybersecurity threats (2) to develop capacity for incident response and critical infrastructure protection, and (3) implement measures to support education, awareness and workforce policy development in Cybersecurity.
  Other priority areas mentioned were (a) that minimum security be established for information systems used in critical infrastructure; (b) the sensitization of the Judiciary and Prosecutors on technical concepts and methods used in committing cybercrime; and (c) strengthening the capacity of the Police Information Technology and cyber link (PITCU) system.
  In closing, the team spoke of the need to identify an entity to manage the inter-institutional relationships of Belize’s cybersecurity landscape, and pointed to the need to undertake a review of the Strategy’s achievements within eighteen (18) months of its approval.
  The OAS Representative, in Belize, accompanied the Team during the presentation given at the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Belize City. CICTE provided a Cybersecurity Specialist who had been intimately involved in the formulation of the Strategy, and was included in the three (3) member Team that conducted the Briefings, during January 21 to 22, 2020.
  
  
• Cybersecurity Strategy Revealed to the Belizean Public
  Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Tuesday November 26, 2019
  
  December 4, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Cybersecurity Strategy Revealed to the Belizean Public
  
  On November 26, 2019, the Government of Belize (GOB), in collaboration with the OAS’ Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (OAS/CICTE) and with support from Global Partners Digital, UK Government, made a public presentation of its Draft National Cybersecurity Strategy, under the theme “Protect to Connect”, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, in Belize City.
  The objective of the public session was to share the draft with the wider community and to start getting feedback and inputs from participants on what their priorities were and what they would wish to see added or changed in the Draft. The opportunity for persons to make inputs would be open for a period of three weeks, as the Draft Strategy would be online on the Ministry of National Security website.
  The Draft Cybersecurity Strategy emerged from the setting up of a multi-stakeholder task force which focused primarily on the drafting of the document.
  During the technical meetings, that attracted considerable inputs from representatives of multiple sectors in Belize, the GOB, through its Ministry of National Security, also played a crucial role in the Strategy’s formulation, with the OAS/CICTE and Global Partners Digital, UK Government, providing invaluable technical and advisory support.
  Among the goals of an approved Cybersecurity strategy will be to enhance the development of cyber policies and procedures in Belize. Moreover, such a Strategy will also have built in enforcement mechanisms, in order to detect and deter pornography, sexual exploitation and related activities in cyber space.
  According to Daniela Schnidrig of Global Partners, the Strategy, even in draft form, represented Belize’s commitment to battle cybercrime.
  OAS/CICTE’s involvement in the process is being led by Program Officer, Kerry-Ann Barrett.
  
• Network of Caribbean Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) meet in Belize
  Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Wednesday December 4, 2019
  
  December 4, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Network of Caribbean Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) meet in Belize
  
  The OAS Secretariat for Integral Development (SEIDI), through its Department of Economic Development, organized a two day meeting of the Network of Caribbean SBDCs in Belize. The sessions were held in Belize City, on December 4 to 5, 2019, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The first day was devoted to the convening of a closed technical meeting for a Steering Committee, with the formal Launch of the Network of Caribbean SBDCs occurring on the final day.
  The Network consists of Representatives of OAS Member Countries who are intimately involved in the implementation of the Small Business Development Center Project, supported by the Secretariat for Integral Development and managed by its Department of Economic Development. The Network meets twice per annum.
  The launch of the Network of Caribbean SBDCs will take place in collaboration with local media houses in Belize. High Authorities of member countries attending the meeting will have the opportunity to sign a Memoranda of Understanding that formally constitutes the Caribbean Network of SBDCs.
  The exercise is of particular significance to Belize’s SBDC that is part of BELTRAIDE, a division of the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. In this connection, it may be recalled that Belize was one of the first of the small countries of the OAS to have fully adopted the project in 2011. Since then, the country has made meaningful strides in supporting the growth and development of an innovative and enterprising young entrepreneurial business sector.
  Mrs. Kim Osborne, the OAS’ Executive Secretary for Integral Development will provide formal remarks during day 2 of the meeting. The Executive Secretary is expected to detail the OAS’ role in the development of the Small Business Development Centers in the Caribbean, and she is also likely to praise the Network of Caribbean SBDCs for advancing the OAS’ sponsored SBDC project, that has created the foundation for the development of small businesses in their respective countries.
  The keynote address was given by the Honorable Tracy Panton, Minister of State within the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. The Minister, among other things, emphasized the importance of small businesses in a modern economy, especially in terms of providing employment and the acquisition of skills, and supporting growth, development and innovation as well.
  
  
• ProFuturo Program Officially Launched in Belize
  ITVET, Belize City, Tuesday October 15, 2019
  
  October 16, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  ProFuturo Program Officially Launched in Belize
  
  An Alliance of partners, consisting of the Organization of American States, Belize’s Ministry of Education and the Telefonica and La Caixa Foundations in Spain, launched the Profuturo Programme in Belize on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the Institute for Technical Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) Center. ProFuturo will complement the existing efforts of the Ministry of Education, by expanding digital education through the provision of hardware, that includes tablets, laptops and projectors, as well as deliver digital content in math, English and Life skills, and will impact 11 schools, 162 teachers, with a combined enrolment of over 3,900 students, in the Belize and Cayo Districts.
  As a necessary prelude to the implementation of the programme, ProFuturo trainers from Span and Mexico, in collaboration with Ministry of Education Officials, School Principal, Coaches and Teachers, conducted a series of training sessions to assist the above stakeholders to become familiar with all aspects of the programme and to learn some of the soft skills required with integrating digital content into the classroom.
  The Keynote address, at the Opening Ceremony was given by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Sports, Youth and Culture, the Honorable Patrick Faber, who called on teachers and children to take full advantage of what the programme offered. He noted that the Government was committed to building on what ProFuturo had started, and admitted that he never hesitated in approving the participation of Belize in the programme.
  Also addressing the audience was the OAS Representative, Mr. Starret D Greene, who said that the OAS remained steadfast in supporting the continuing efforts of member countries like Belize to develop an education methodology, where teaching and learning took place in a conducive environment – an environment that was characterized by some degree of separation of teacher and learner during the education transaction, and mediated by technology for the delivery of learning.
  Ms. Valeria Cruz Gomes, a Training and Support Manager of ProFuturo also provided remarks. Ms Gomes said that ProFuturo was designed to improve education, ensure inclusiveness in the use of accessible ICTs and empower teachers and children with 21st Century skills. “We need to maximize the benefits of technology and digital tools to improve the quality of learning for all and bride the multiple divides that exist in our societies”, she concluded.
  A number of key persons will be involved in the programmes implementation in Belize, among whom are Mr. Luis Benitez, the operations coordinator, based at OAS Headquarters and Mr. Henry Wade, Local Manager for the OAS on the ground.
  
• Belize’s Youth Ambassador Led Country’s Delegation to Forum on Drug Use Prevention
  Barbados, Monday October 21, 2019
  
  October 23, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office, on 501-223-3144
  
  Belize’s Youth Ambassador Led Country’s Delegation to Forum on Drug Use Prevention
  
  Belize’s Youth Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Kris Kiefer Chester Miller, led Belize’s three (3) member Delegation to the first Caribbean Youth Forum on Drug Use Prevention that was held in Barbados from October 21-25, 2019.
  The forum was a collaborative initiative among the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (ES/CICAD) of the OAS and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program, with support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States Department of State. Its main focus was to promote youth leadership in drug demand reduction by developing youth-led initiatives.
  Among the key objectives of the forum were -
  (a) To bring together young people to train them to be leaders, and initiate youth-led drug prevention programs; and
  (b) To equip them with knowledge and skills to focus on a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their peers in their communities.
  The event was proceeded by a pre-forum training that was also held in Barbados, May 21-23, 2019. It was attended by thirteen (13) youth leaders, one from each of the CARICOM OAS member countries. During the training, participants worked together to design a youth-led drug use prevention project proposal and action plan.
  In the case of Belize, a drug education project was formulated that, among other things, would determine the extent of drug use among youth in high schools. This would be done through targeted surveys, with a view to develop workable recommendations that would lead to reducing drug use - not only in the school environment, but also by making a change in lifestyles, by raising of awareness of the dangers of drug use and through continuing education as well. The proposal developed with inputs from the Belize Active Youths (BAY), based in Belmopan, was submitted to CICAD in August 2019.
  Ambassador Kris Miller in his capacity as Head of Delegation was also accompanied by Alikah Jones and Edelmi Moro.
  The OAS Belize Country Office was most instrumental in providing Administrative and Logistical support to the Belize contingent to the Forum.
  
• Trust for the Americas received US$209, 500 under CARSI Grant Economic Support Funds
  US Embassy, Belmopan, Wednesday October 9, 2019
  
  October 11, 2019
  News Item
  Contact the OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Trust for the Americas received US$209, 500 under CARSI Grant Economic Support Funds
  
  The Trust of the Americas, an affiliate body of the Organization of American States (OAS), was one of three (3) organizations, operating in Belize, that received a grant award under the 2019 Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), Economic Support Funds (ESF). The award, which totaled US$209, 500, was formally announced by the US Embassy, in Belmopan, during a CARSI EST Grant Signing Ceremony, held on October 9, 2019, at the Residence of the Ambassador of the United States to Belize.
  As stated by the US Charge d’Affaires, the goal set forth by CARSI in the utilization of the Funds was “to strengthen the partnership between civil society and the government or to improve or to improve government services that respond to gender-based violence and trafficking in persons, especially for vulnerable and marginalized populations”.
  The Funds will be used by the Trust of the Americas to implement a number of activities under a technical cooperation project entitled “Transformation to an Open Government Administration in Belize”, now called phase 2 of an original project “Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize” that was considered as phase 1. In this connection, the objectives of the project (phase 2) are to (1) Broaden Knowledge and build capacities of government and non-governmental actors to co-create and initiate more transparent and efficient public service delivery; (2) Unleash critically needed collaboration between Civil Society and Governance to Improve Transparency and Open Government; and (3) Empower communities through innovation to promote solutions that generate livelihood opportunities and good governance.
  In operational terms, the project aims to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure an inclusive and participatory decision-making process, to build capacity and public ownership for open government principles, facilitate advocacy for improved government services, and develop a draft Open Government Action Plan as a step towards joining the Open Government global movement.
  The 2019 Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), Economic Support Funds (ESF) grant awards were valued at US$750,000 and distributed between three Organizations.
  The OAS Representative, Starret Dickson Greene was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the Trust of the Americas.
  -the end-
  
• Belize Police Force participates in the REDPPOL
  Quito, Ecuador, Monday September 30, 2019
  
  October 7, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Belize Police Force participates in the REDPPOL
  
  Two (2) Police Officers, Alejandro Emir Hernandez and Leyna Matute-Cano, of the Belize Police Force, were chosen to participate in the Second on-Site Police Training of the Inter-American Network for Police Development and Professionalization (REDPPOL). This training, already in progress, will be held at the Academy of the National Police of Ecuador, located in the capital city, Quito, having begun on September 30, 2019, with a completion date of October 30, 2019.
  REDPPOL is an initiative from the OAS Department of Public Security (DPS). It is designed to serve as a comprehensive regional mechanism that will strengthen and improve the capacities of police institutions in OAS member countries.
  Specially targeting police forces in the Hemisphere, REDPPOL is structured on four pillars:
  (i) the provision of on-site and online training courses, to address police knowledge needs and to contribute to the reduction of the existing asymmetries between the police forces in the Americas;
  (ii) the convening of sub-regional seminars, and the utilization of horizontal cooperation to promote the exchange of experiences, the transfer of knowledge, and the replication of the best practices in policing;
  (iii) the existence of a permanent virtual network to promote continuous information and knowledge among the members of REDPPOL; and
  (iv) the establishment of certification that is built on a recognized standard of excellence in police management.
  For this training, the DPS, with the support of the partner universities of REDPPOL (University of Sao Paulo, University of Buenos Aires and Georgetown University), carried out an extensive review of the educational materials and the educational guide, after considering the results and the evaluation of the First On-site Training that took place in Honduras, during 2017, when 58 police officers from 27 OAS Member States were certified. Therefore, it has emerged that a fundamental element of REDPPOL is the participation of universities and scholars to help in generating qualified knowledge on policing and to promote the exchange between scientific knowledge and existing police practices.
  The OAS Belize Office was highly instrumental in its collaboration with the Belize Police Force to ensure that Belize was represented at this important hemispheric event.
  -end-
  
• OAS CICTE Supports Development of Cyber Security Strategy in Belize
  Dream Valley Resort, Cayo District, Thursday July 4, 2019
  
  August 6, 2019
  News Item
  Contact (OAS Belize Office on 223-3144 or 223-3181 or via email: [email protected])
  
  OAS CICTE Supports Development of Cyber Security Strategy in Belize
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) is providing technical assistance to the Government of Belize (GOB) for the development of a National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS). This undertaking by CICTE had its root in a feasibility study it commissioned through the United Kingdom Commonwealth Office (UKFC0). The study, upon completion, supported the development of a NCS for Belize.
  As a consequence of the UKFCO’s study, the CICTE Cybersecurity Program became involved in working with the GOB and its National Cybersecurity Task Force for over 12 months, to gather information on the state of cybersecurity in Belize. Over time, this collaboration produced a draft NCS.
  During July 4 - 5, 2019, a cyber Security Workshop was organized by the Ministry of National Security in cooperation with the Public Utilities Commission, the United Kingdom-based Global Partners Digital, and the Organization of American States, through CICTE. This event was designed to enhance the draft Cyber Security Strategy document and streamline the processes that that inform the organizers’ efforts going forward. At the end of the event, participants worked to define clear roles and responsibilities and made substantial progress in terms of a concrete action plan.
  In looking ahead, the presentation of a draft NCS is anticipated, to be followed by a consultation in August and the finalization of the NCS for presentation to the Cabinet, possibly towards the end of 2019.
  Participants at this stakeholder–driven process were drawn from the public and private sectors, to include the Central Information Technology Office (CITO), the Central Bank of Belize, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), the Belize Port Authority and relevant civil society organization.
  
• Course on Water Quality Monitoring and Urban Flood Management Implemented in Belize
  University of the West Indies Open Campus, Belize City, Monday July 15, 2019
  
  July 24, 2019
  News Item
  Contact (OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  Course on Water Quality Monitoring and Urban Flood Management Implemented in Belize
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS), the Government of Chile and the University of the West Indies utilized their respective comparative advantages to offer a course on Water Quality Monitoring and Urban Flood Management, for 30 Belizean participants, who qualified under the OAS Scholarship and Training Program. The course was part of a broader OAS –Chile Project that involved other participating entities, and was specifically designed for citizens of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It targeted Urban Water and Disaster Managers, Urban Planners, Emergency Responders, Transportation and Utility providers, planners, agriculturalists, Farmers, Climatologists and persons involved in planning and management of water systems. In Belize, participants were drawn from Belize City Council, HYDROMET, National Emergency Management Organization, Belize Water Services, City Emergency Management Organization, Belize Association of Planners, Coastal Zone Management, Ministry of Natural Resources, Galen University, Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize Natural Energy, Belize Agriculture Health Authority and Belize Peace Movement.
  Conducted at the UWI Open Campus, in Belize City, during the period July 15-18, 2019, the course aimed to introduce participants to important components of hydrology affecting human interaction and use of water. Designed as a two part programme, the course presented concepts and principles of flood risk management, as it related to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and also covered development and triggers as well as flood plain management and landscape water control. Included too were integrated water resources management and urban water management.
  Among the key objectives were (1) to provide training for participants with an understanding of strategic development and adaptation planning for Flood Risk (2) to position participants to identify and describe drivers and impacts of flooding events (3) strengthen their capability to design and plan a risk assessment, as it pertained to floods (4) enhance their knowledge of components of flood risk management (5) learn how to utilize GIS and other applicable software to model and predict flood events, and (6) enable participants to describe suitable water and waste water treatment options based on assessment.
  At a closing ceremony during the afternoon of July 18, 2019, OAS Representative Starret D Greene, who provided brief remarks at the start of the course, was on hand with the Ag. Head of the UWI Open Campus, Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, to distribute certificates to the 30 participants.
  The course was facilitated by Professors, Dr. Gaius Eudoxi and Dr. Ronald Roopnarine, both of whom work with the University of the West Indies.
  
• OAS Representative Spoke at Ceremony to Mark End of Phase 1 of the Open Government Project
  Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Monday June 17, 2019
  
  July 2, 2019
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office on 223-3144/3181
  
  OAS Representative Spoke at Ceremony to Mark End of Phase 1 of the Open Government Project
  On June 17, 2019, a ceremony was held at the Biltmore Plaza, Belize City that marked the closing of Phase 1 of the project entitled “Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize”.
  For 18 months, the Trust of the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) collaborated with officials in the Government of Belize, civil society, social actors, the private sector, and academia, to execute the activities of the project. With funding from the Government of the United States, through its Embassy in Belmopan, the focus of the project was to challenge Belizeans to become dedicated advocates in promoting the value of Open Government.
  A primary objective of the project was to reinforce existing e-government initiatives, in order to guarantee public access to information and to improve government services. In this regard, a needs assessment was conducted – an exercise that allowed for an examination of current policies and initiatives related to e-government and to enhance transparency and access to information. With the support of international experts, well targeted training sessions were provided that focused on virtual training workshops, emphasizing best practices, international standards for e-government, the development of user-friendly websites and the opening up of public data to citizens. Another key objective of the project was to promote effective collaboration between government and civil society, through coalition-building processes and social-innovation mini-grants. In respect of the grants, eight (8) innovative projects, in different regions of Belize, were implemented, with each organization receiving approximately 10,000 Belize Dollars, with the goal of supporting the creation of a community of social entrepreneurs.
  An important outcome of the project was that the targeted audiences became more aware of the meaning of Open Government, and their role in promoting it. Many Belizeans also gained a greater appreciation for the connection between Open Government and Good Governance, and they now have a better understanding of how Open Government was directly linked to the strengthening of Democracy and to making improvements in the political, economic and social wellbeing of the citizenry as well.
  In his remarks, OAS Representative in Belize, Starret Greene called for nurturing of a productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Government and all relevant stakeholders. “It is incumbent on the OAS and the Trust of the Americas to assist in promoting a relationship where there is an unwavering commitment by all stakeholders to achieve common goals that serve the national good”, the OAS Diplomat said.
  Mrs. Linda Eddleman, CEO, Trust for the Americas, Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, Economic Development Council of Belize and Mr. Paco Smith, Adjunct Lecturer, University of Belize, also addressed the audience
  
• OAS and UNHCR Collaborated to Commemorate World Refugee Day
  KiKi Witz, Western Highway, Belmopan, Thursday June 20, 2019
  
  
  July 2, 2019
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office, on 501-223-3144/3181
  
  OAS and UNHCR Collaborated to Commemorate World Refugee Day
  The Office of the OAS General Secretariat in Belize and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee worked together to commemorate World Refugee Day.
  Although the event was primarily sponsored by the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government of Belize, through the Ministry with responsibility for Immigration, was also involved as well as other key stakeholders who had many years of experience working with Refugees and Asylum seekers. Held on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the Kiki Witz Restaurant off the Western Highway, near Belmopan, the occasion was a fitting culmination of a series of other activities that had begun since the beginning of June 2019 that included the production of a Solidarity Video. This video that involved some 20 people sending messages of support for and identifying with Refugees and Asylum Seekers, was aired on several television outlets in Belize, prior to and during the week leading up to World Refugee Day.
  The actual activity that marked World Refugee Day was a Storytelling Exposition that featured the stories of 20 children, classified as asylum seekers in Belize, and was created through a photography project that UNHCR conducted with them.
  The Program that commemorated World Refugee Day also featured several speakers to include UNHCR’s Country Representative in Belize Mr. Andreas Wissner, CEO in the Ministry with responsibility for Immigration Mr. Edmund Zuniga and Starret Greene, OAS Representative in Belize.
  In his remarks, Mr. Greene, said that human mobility was deeply entrenched in the nature of man. The OAS Diplomat told dignitaries and high level officials that Human Mobility was the indestructible part of man, and it embodied the Spirit of man. Therefore, Mr. Greene argued, as long as man occupied the earth, he would, by his Spirit of Mobility, endeavor to exercise that drive to move elsewhere. “Man will always seek to fulfill that God-given desire to explore; man will always have the urge to travel, to get over the other side of the river, to get to the other side of the plain where the grass appears to be greener”, the OAS Representative declared. “No force I know, no law that can be made and no strategy employed will be able to extinguish the burning flame of that enduring spirit”, he concluded.
  Attendees spent a considerable part of the evening viewing the Storytelling Exposition as well as socializing.
  
• Summit of the Americas Secretariat held “Summit 101: Lima Commitment” Seminar in Belize
  Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina, Belize City, Thursday May 23, 2019
  
  June 3, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144/3181
  
  Summit of the Americas Secretariat held “Summit 101: Lima Commitment” Seminar in Belize
  
  The OAS Summit of the Americas Secretariat, in cooperation with the OAS Belize Office, held a “Summit 101: Lima Commitment Seminar” in Belize, on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. Billed as an information session, the exercise provided participants with information regarding the follow-up and implementation phase of the Eight Summit of the Americas, and generated a wide ranging discussion about the work of Civil Society and Social Actors, in Belize, in the area of prevention and the fight against corruption.
  The event attracted 22 participants, primarily from Civil Society Organizations and Social Actors. Present as well were representatives of academia, afro descendants, labor and the private sector. The Agenda, that featured an Opening Ceremony, facilitated four high level speakers that comprised, the Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikita Usher, President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Marvin Mora, President of the National Trade Union Congress and Mr. Edilberto Moreno, Executive Director, Programme for Belize. In their respective remarks, each official spoke passionately about the negative impact of corruption on a country’s development and called for collective action by all stakeholders to address the phenomenon.
  The event was facilitated by Jennifer Molina–Vrolijk, an officer within the Summit of the America’s Secretariat, at OAS Headquarters. During the first session, participants learned about the results of the VIII Summit, with special reference to the “Lima Commitments”, and the follow-up and implementation phases. Thereafter, participants, from each of the above entities, were afforded the opportunity to speak to current initiatives and to share good practices methods directed at preventing and fighting corruption in all its manifestations.
  The discussions were robust, frank and wide ranging. For example, Union representatives spoke about the need for ‘whistle blower protection’ to be included in current legislation as it would allow for individuals to report behaviors that were considered suspicious or in contravention of established rules, regulations and procedures. The issue of education, in the context of raising greater awareness among the public about the meaning of corruption was also debated. In addition, the negative impact of corruption on people’s livelihoods and the lack of enforcement measures, to punish persons who were directly implicated in corrupt acts, generated intense and spirited exchanges among participants.
  While the goal of the seminar was largely achieved, participants felt that there was an urgent need to find consensus among all stakeholders on how best to address the issue of corruption that would produce more concrete and positive
  
• OAS, Trust of the Americas and Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Host Roundtable: “Harnessing the Value of Open Data by the Private Sector”.
  BCCI's McField Conference Center, Friday April 26, 2019
  
  News Item
  May 6, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office, on 501-233-3144
  OAS, Trust of the Americas and Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Host Roundtable: “Harnessing the Value of Open Data by the Private Sector”.
  The Organization of American States, through its OAS Belize Office, the Trust of the Americas and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, teamed up to sponsor a Roundtable entitled “Harnessing the Value of Open Data by the Private Sector.
  The event, held at the BCCI’s McField Conference Center on Friday, April 26, 2019, in Belize City, was a highly interactive dialogue that focused on finding answers as to how the Belizean private sector could harness the value of Open Data, to ensure a collaborative approach to unlock the economic potential of open data.
  The Roundtable attracted not only members of the business community, but also Representatives of Civil Society Organizations, Social Actors, Academia and private citizens as well. It was amply supported by the presence of two key experts, namely, International Expert, Mary Beth Goodman, former OGP Country Lead for the US Government and Maurice McNaughton, Director of the Caribbean Open Institute (COI), Centre of Excellence for IT Enable Innovation, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
  “Matching Belizean open data with business opportunities” became the cornerstone of the Roundtable dialogue, where participants shared ideas regarding a number of pertinent questions to include the following: What data was needed? What data was available? And how to go about accessing it? Discussions were also centered on the role and responsibility of Government in producing, storing and disseminating data, and how the private sector could begin to position itself to build the requisite and viable infrastructure to produce and share data for non-commercial and commercial gain.
  OAS Representative, Starret D Greene, who provided opening remarks, reminded the audience that the largest source of open data was the Government, and that the effective procurement of that data required a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship between the public and private sectors. The OAS Diplomat also said that building a symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors, for the purpose of effectively harnessing open data would be the beginning of a paradigm shift that would usher in a new era for an emerging viable industry, that would transform how business leaders think and act.
  Mrs. Kim Aikman, CEO of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mike More, Specialist in the OAS Department of Effective Public Management, Rodrigo Iriani, with the Trust of the Americas and Manager of the Open Government Project for Belize, Henry Wade, Coordinator of the said project and members of staff at the OAS Belize Office, were all instrumental in the successful execution of the Roundtable.
  
• Maritime Security Program Implemented in Belize
  Port Authority, Wednesday March 27, 2019
  
  April 15, 2019
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office, on 501-223-3144/ 3181
  
  Maritime Security Program Implemented in Belize
  
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) continues to support the strengthening and modernization of Ports in Belize, with increased emphasis on the Maritime Security aspects of their operations.
  In collaboration with Belize’s Port Authority, CICTE conducted a Port Risk, Intelligence and Cybersecurity Workshop, at the Port Authority, during the period March 27 to 29, 2019. The primary objective of this event was the strengthening of national capabilities in port risk analysis and mitigation, intelligence and counter-intelligence, and maritime and port cybersecurity, by identifying gaps and redundancies in order to streamline processes and procedures in the maritime domain.
  The three day hands-on inter-active workshop targeted 24 participants from the Belize Port Authority, Belize Police Department, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defense Forces and Customs. Participants learned about concepts, framework, and applications of risk assessment and management, as it pertained to commercial seaports, including techniques in assessing the components of risk. Similarly, they examined concepts, framework and applications of intelligence and its relations to national security and law enforcement. They also looked at the legal, ethical, and privacy considerations, relevant to intelligence collection. In terms of Maritime Cybersecurity, participants learned about the concepts, framework and applications of emerging risks of maritime and port cybersecurity, which included the review of specific maritime transportation cyber risk, latest regulation postures, relevant industry trends, cyber risk updates and relevant case studies.
  The three day session provided for a robust exchange of perspectives, experiences and good practices methods and it also generated interest and buy-in for the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy in Belize.
  Lisbeth Laurie and Michael Edgerton were the officials who conducted the workshop on behalf of CICTE.
  
• OAS/CICTE Conducted Cybersecurity Workshop in Belize
  Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Tuesday March 19, 2019
  
  OAS/CICTE Conducted Cybersecurity Workshop in Belize
  
  On March 19 and 20, 2019, the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, through its National Security Council Secretariat, convened a Cybersecurity Workshop in Belize, at the Biltmore Plaza, Belize City.
  The workshop was designed to bring the best practices available for the development of a National Cybersecurity framework for Belize, in which the National Security Council Secretariat played a leading role in formulating.
  Through this project, OAS/CICTE provided technical support to the core Drafting Team for the formulation of a National Cybersecurity Strategy. In this regard, initial work was done on an action plan that was formulated in consultation with the Government of Belize for the development of the first draft National Cybersecurity Strategy. The said Strategy was, for the most part, completed in February 2019.
  By the end of the second year, it is anticipated that, in addition to a draft National Cybersecurity Strategy, Belize will also have a cybersecurity governance structure for the implementation of the strategy, going forward.
  
• CICTE and GPD Conduct Civil Society Workshop on Cybersecurity
  Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Monday March 18, 2019
  
  News Item
  March 18, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 202-223-3144
  
  CICTE and GPD Conduct Civil Society Workshop on Cybersecurity
  
  On March 18, 2019 through the morning of March 19, 2019, the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), in partnership with the Government of Belize and Global Partners Digital (GPD), coordinated the delivery of a joint capacity building workshop for local Civil Society Organizations and the Belize Cyber Security Task Force. The event was held at the Biltmore Plaza, Belize City.
  GPD is a social purpose company, based in the UK. It focuses on understanding how cybersecurity policies can be developed in a way that ensures that they take in into account a ‘rights’ perspective, that the policies are expertise driven and that they have stakeholders buy-in.
  Against the above background, the workshop in Belize sought to increase civil society capacity to engage in Belize’s national cybersecurity strategy development process, increase buy-in and promote civil society engagement in the strategy implementation. This was most relevant in light of an upcoming public consultation on the draft National Cybersecurity Strategy, on a date to be determined.
  
• PRO FUTURO PROGRAMME FOR BELIZE
  Belize City, Belize, Wednesday February 27, 2019
  
  March 1, 2019
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144/3181
  
  PRO FUTURO PROGRAMME FOR BELIZE
  
  Representative Greene participated in a virtual meeting, on February 27, 2019, that brought together PRO FUTURO Representatives stationed at OAS Headquarters and Officials of Belize’s Ministry of Education to discuss the next steps towards the implementation of the DIGITAL CLASSROOM PROJECT FOR CARICOM, in which Belize is one of several participating States. Dr. Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer, was the lead Official representing the Ministry.
  Among the many issues ventilated were the following: (1) the Project Agreement: In this connection, the Ministry of Education was eager to ensure that it was positioned to understand the terms offered and to determine whether it could commit to and accept all stipulations before signing. In this regard, there was a sense that the process of consultation would soon be completed, and thereby set the stage for returning the signed document to PRO FUTURO Officials. Mrs. Deborah Domingo, CEO in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, would sign the Agreement (2) Customs and Tax Exemption. Ministry Officials requested PROFUTRO to provide details of the equipment that would be donated as part of the implementation of the project, to include model, serial numbers and costs. (3) Coaches: The project as written called for 2 coaches. However, Belize felt it could assign, particularly in regards to the Primary Schools where IT Teachers were not designated, teachers as coaches in a few schools, who could act as substitutes in the absence of coaches. The Ministry assumed the responsibility for designating the coaches and the substitute teachers. (4) Training: This would occur in two phases. The first group to be trained, over a period of one and a half week, would consist of the National Coordinator, the coaches and working groups. April was set as the target month. The second training would focus on all participating teachers to begin in August 2019. Thereafter, the coaches would work with individual schools. About 20 schools, with equal numbers from the Belize and Cayo Districts have been designated to participate in the project.
  
• OAS Representative Hosts Commonwealth Secretariat Team
  OAS Belize Office, Belize City, Tuesday February 19, 2019
  
  News Item
  February 27, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office ([email protected] or 501-223-3144)
  
  On February 19, 2019, the OAS Representative and Chief Diplomat in Belize, Starret Greene, hosted, at the OAS Belize Office, a Team from the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Team of two, headed by Dr. Tres-Ann Kremer, who is Head of Good Offices for Peace and Political Adviser for the Caribbean, and Mr. Andrew Baines, Programme Officer in the Electoral Support Section, was visiting Belize to conduct a pre-assessment mission, during the period February 17 to 22, 2019. Given that (1) the Commonwealth Secretariat has been invited to Observe the forthcoming ICJ Referendum in Belize, scheduled for April 10, 2019, and (2) having regard to the special role that the Organization of American States (OAS) has played in the Belize/Guatemala Dispute, and in particular its role in the 2008 Special Agreement, where both countries agreed to hold Referenda as the final method for resolving the Guatemalan claim, the Team sought an audience with the OAS Representative to get his perspective particularly with regards to OAS’ support for the Referendum process. In a session that lasted more than ninety (90) minutes, Mr. Greene briefed the officials on the state of play in regards to the Referendum, touching on a number of issues including (a) registration of voters (b) Voters mobilization (c) the Referendum Education Campaign (d) the role of political parties, organizations and activists groups in the campaign leading up to the Referendum and (e) and OAS’ efforts in supporting the process leading up to the Referendum.
• OAS Representative Guest Speaker at UN Staff Retreat
  Black Orchid Resort, Burrel Boom Village, Wednesday February 13, 2019
  
  News Item
  February 27, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office ([email protected] or 501-223-3144)
  OAS Representative Starret D Greene was invited to provide reflections and perspectives on the political and institutional landscape in Belize, with special reference to the ICJ Referendum. The OAS Diplomat was also requested to provide insights into the role and capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to engage and support Belize’s development priorities, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation. The event was held at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom Village for a two day period, February 13-14, 2019. Mr. Greene’s appearance occurred on February 13, 2019.
  The OAS Representative is known to have a healthy and collaborative relationship with the United Nations Team in Belize that stems from OAS/UN partnership in pursuit of promoting and implementing a number of development project in Belize, in such areas as the environment, security, migration, citizenship and Identity, child welfare, domestic violence and education.
  
  
  
• OAS Representative Meets Foreign Minister Elrington
  Office of the Foreign Ministry, Belize City, Monday February 11, 2019
  
  News Item
  February 27, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office ([email protected] or 501-223-3144
  
  On February 11, 2019, OAS Representative Starret Greene held a scheduled meeting with Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honorable Wilfred Elrington, at the Office of the Foreign Ministry, located in Belize City. The two men discussed a number of current and emerging issues in the Hemisphere, and the response of the Organization of American States (OAS) in addressing them. The deep political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, the continuing unrest in Haiti, the situation in Nicaragua and the forthcoming ICJ Referendum, to be held in Belize, on April 10, 2019, topped the agenda. The OAS Representative also briefed the Foreign Minister on the ongoing Criminal Justice Project for Belize that is executed by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with financial support from the United States Government.
• OAS Representative Prepares College Students for MOAS
  Galen University, Cayo District, Monday February 4, 2019
  
  News Items
  February 27, 2019
  Contact: OAS Belize Office ([email protected] or 501-223-3144)
  
  OAS Representative Prepares College Students for MOAS: OAS Representative Starret D Greene was on the campus of Galen University in the Cayo District on February 4, 2019. The OAS Diplomat was visiting with students and faculty who were preparing to participate in the forthcoming 34th MOAS, for College Students, to be held in Costa Rica, during the period March 11-13, 2019.
  As has been his pattern, Mr. Greene briefed the students on the structure of the OAS, its decision making processes and elaborate how the organization responds to the current and emerging issues affecting the lives of the peoples of the Americas, within its four (4) main pillars, namely the promotion of democracy, human rights, multidimensional security and integral development.
  On March 4, 2019, the OAS Representative will return to the campus to speak specifically to the issues that the students will be discussing in the MOAS Plenary. Mr. Greene will also give advice and guidance on how the students should defend and promote the various issues within the relevant committees to which they have been assigned. Given that Galen University Students will be representing Mexico at the event, the Representative provided insights to the students on the position that the said Country has traditionally taken on critical issues, to include Human Right, Democracy, Integral Development, Migration, Security and Trade.
  
• OAS Belize Office assisted in Organizing Belize Open Week (Oct 30 to November 2, 2018)
  Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Tuesday October 30, 2018
  
  December 17, 2018
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  OAS Belize Office assisted in Organizing Belize Open Week (Oct 30 to November 2, 2018)
  The OAS Belize Office, the Trust of the Americas and the Department for Effective Public Management of the Organization of American States partnered with Government, Civil Society Organizations and Social Actors in Belize to organize “Belize Open Week” (BOW) in the framework of a technical cooperation project entitled, “Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize”. The said project is financed by the US Government through its Embassy, in Belize.
  Belize Open Week, held during the period October 30 to November 2, 2018, at several venues in Belize City, was a multi-stakeholder event, featuring a number of activities that was designed for participants to learn about Open Government, and to advance information transparency, accountability and citizen engagements. In this regard, four key events were featured as follows: (1) A Training Workshop that brought together public officials, civil society groups, and members of academia to learn about the latest trends and tools for effective open government. The workshop also provided a platform for interested actors to initiate open government programs and projects; (2) Dialogue Roundtables: This multi-stakeholder dialogue focused, although not exclusively, on promoting the usage of open data for development. It examined ways of analyzing data in order to find solutions to critical economic development issues especially those that would lead to a partnership between the private sector, government and ordinary citizens: (3) A Hackathon: This was a technical and hands-on activity where participants, working in Teams, were provided with a set of open data. With their computers, the challenge was to analyze the data and to propose the development of new services and suggest concrete applications as well. Moreover, the Teams were to identify common trends, share best practices and suggest solution to local challenges, with an emphasis on promoting collaboration among stakeholders; and (4) High-level Open Government Best Practice Exchange Forum:. This event attracted top government authorities from Belize and experts from the region, including Colombia, Jamaica and Mexico. The Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, also participated. It allowed for an exchange of views, presentation of applications, and sharing of best practices. Participants also elaborated the benefits and virtues of further developing Belize’s open government ecosystems. It also featured the latest and most successful developments in open government, and examined how the use of open data could help promote and advance the quest towards open government in Belize.
  The organizers of Belize Open Week, as an incentive to promote creative and innovative thinking, particularly among young people, awarded the three top performers with prizes, for their participation in the Hackathon. On Friday, December 7, 2018, the OAS Representative, Starret Dickson Greene, during a small and informal ceremony, and in the presence of the Coordinator of the project, “Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize”, Mr. Henry Wade, presented cash awards to three (3) winning teams namely, 1st Place, Central Information Technology; 2nd Place, Statistical Institute of Belize; and 3rd Place, Jagguarondi-Ya ache.
  Implementation for the above mentioned project, for which the Trust of the Americas is the executing agency, is scheduled to continue into the first quarter of 2019.
  
• OAS Country Office in Belize Supports Social Protection Policy Conference
  Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Monday December 3, 2018
  
  December 4, 2018
  News Item: Contact OAS Belize Office (501) 223-3144
  
  OAS Country Office in Belize Supports Social Protection Policy Conference
  OAS Country Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, joined with his counterparts from UNICEF, ILO and the World Bank to help chart the way forward towards building a sustainable Social Protection System in Belize.
  This collaborative efforts was manifested through a Social Protection Policy Conference that was held in Belize City, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, on December 3 and 4, 2018.
  Sponsored by UNICEF, the event was organized with the full backing of the Ministry of Human Development, Social transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA), which is the leading Government entity, in Belize, that is responsible for formulating, promoting and implementing Government’s policies on Social Protection.
  The key objective of the conference was to begin a stakeholder’s discussion aimed at exploring ways of building a Social Protection Floor in Belize, using as references those countries where this social protection structure already existed.
  According to Social Protection experts, and having examined cases specific to countries where a Social Protection Floor existed, the conference emphasized that a Social Protection Floor would require a set of basic guarantees that all persons in need should be able to benefit from or have access to goods and services. In this regard, two (2) representatives, one each from Colombia, in South America, and Jamaica, in the Caribbean, were invited to make presentations on their respective social protection systems.
  Discussions emanating from the conference revealed that for some countries, particularly those which were less developed, making functional a Social Protection Floor may present a number of difficult challenges, in the operationalizing of a complete and coherent social protection system.
  The conference drew stakeholders from other Government Ministries, which have a stake in social protection programs, as well as private sector organizations, civil society groups, social Actors, to include Labor Unions, international organizations and private citizens.
  The Organization of American States, during 2016 and 2017 sponsored a Social Inclusion/Social Protection Project for Belize that was, among other things, designed to provide wraparound support for existing social protection programs and related initiatives.
  
• OAS Belize Office helps prepare Students of the Belize High School for 37th MOAS
  Belize City, Belize, Wednesday October 24, 2018
  
  October 24, 2018
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office in Belize City, Belize
  Tel:501-223-3144/3181
  
  OAS Belize Office helps prepare Students of the Belize High School for 37th MOAS
  The Office of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States in Belize, through its Representative, Starret Dickson Greene, is actively supporting students from the Belize High School (BHS) in their preparatory efforts to participate in the forthcoming 37th Model OAS General Assembly for High Schools (MOAS), to be held during the period November 28 to 30, 2018, at the OAS Headquarters, in Washington, D.C.
  This year, the BHS students have been assigned the task, by the MOAS organizers, to represent both Canada and Colombia. In this regard, the OAS Representative is providing valuable information and insights to the participating students, on the positions taken by both OAS member countries, on issues ranging from democracy and human rights to security and integral development. Having served as Antigua and Barbuda’s Alternate Representative to the Organization of American States for a period of over 12 years, during two separate tours of duty, Representative Greene brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the positions that both countries have taken, and are likely to take, on current and emerging issues, that will be central to the discussions at the MOAS.
  The students have been engaged in doing their own research, and have taken advantage of the OAS Representative’s time to clarify a number of important topics as well as to ask questions about matters of protocol, practices and procedures, governing the conduct of the MOAS, with special emphasis on plenary sessions and debates in the various working committees, that will be set up.
  The OAS Diplomat will remain available to the students as they work to formulate their positions, prepare proposal for resolutions and fine tune their strategies. Although students will be engaged in an exercise that will mimic a real OAS General Assembly session, the goal, according to Representative Greene, would be to bolster students’ understanding of and participation in the MOAS, direct the process towards reaching meaningful outcomes, and above all, find workable solutions for the pressing problems facing the citizens of the Americas.
  This is the fourth year that the Belize High School will be participating in the Model OAS General Assembly for High Schools.
  End
  
• OAS Belize Office and the OAS Adjacency Zone Office collaborate to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Organization of American States
  Radisson Fort George Hotel - Belize City, Wednesday August 15, 2018
  
  Program commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Organization of American States (OAS) held on August 15, 2018.
  
  
  
  The event was a joint effort between the OAS Belize Office in Belize City and the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, in the Adjacency Zone on the western border of Belize.
  
  
  
  The event brought together a number of stakeholders who have worked closely with the OAS, in promoting and executing a range of programs, projects, initiatives and activities throughout Belize, during the past 23 years.
  
  
  
  We invite our readers to refer to the News Section of this site to view the posted links detailing elements of the program of commemoration.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• OAS Belize Office Partnered with Belize Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate OAS’ 70th Anniversary
  BCCI’s Headquarters, Belize City, Thursday July 19, 2018
  
  July 25, 2018
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  OAS Belize Office Partnered with Belize Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate OAS’ 70th Anniversary
  In observance of the Organization of American States’ 70th Anniversary, the OAS Belize Country Office partnered with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to host a Special Presentation on the topic “Leadership in the 21st Century”. The event was sponsored by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a government owned institution that provides productive sector financing, home financing, student loans and renewable energy financing.
  According to the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, who made the presentation, the special commemorative event was held on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the BCCI’s Headquarters, in Belize City, Belize. He said it was designed to bolster the human resource capacity of people in the business world by focusing on developing their leadership qualities. The OAS Diplomat explained that there was a number of factors that drove the call for improved leadership in every aspect of human endeavor. In this regard, he said that the presentation, at the very outset, elaborated such factors as:
  (a) Increasing demands on leaders,
  (b) Rising expectations,
  (c) The phenomena of enduring change,
  (d) The emergence of technology,
  (e) Globalization and diversity,
  (f) Limited available resources, and the
  (g) Human factor.
  The OAS Representative also disclosed that the presentation covered such topics as, the definition of leadership, traditional leadership qualities, what makes a leader, leadership and management, successful leaders and managers, multiple leadership styles and value based leadership.
  In collaboration with the OAS Belize Office, the Chamber assumed the responsibility for putting together a list of invitees who were registered BCCI members. They were chosen from a variety of businesses, firms, organizations and institutions that comprised the business landscape of Belize.
  Mr. Greene expressed, with satisfaction, the strengthening of relations between the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the OAS Belize Office. He remarked that both his Office and the Chamber found it easy to collaborate in organizing the event, having regard to previous experiences, including partnering in the preparatory process for the V111 Summit of the Americas and the subsequent follow-up consultations and activities that led to the convening of the Summit on April 13 and 14, 2018, in Lima Peru.
  This special presentation to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the OAS, founded on April 30, 1948, is one of a number of similar activities, held in Belize and undertaken by the OAS Belize Office.
  
  
• Ambassador Mendez was Keynote Speaker at Galen University Commencement Ceremony
  Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Sunday July 15, 2018
  
  July 17, 2018
  News Item - Contact: OAS Belize Office, Belize City, Belize on 501-223-3144
  Ambassador Mendez was Keynote Speaker at Galen University Commencement Ceremony
  Ambassador Nestor Mendez, the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), and a native of Belize, was the Keynote Speaker, at the 15th Commencement Ceremony of the Galen University, on Sunday, July 15, 2018, held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, in Belize City.
  Before addressing the audience, and more specifically the Graduating Class of 2018, the OAS Official was introduced by his former Professor, Dr. Sylvia Cattouse, Dean of Galen’s Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship. Dr. Cattouse taught Ambassador Mendez when he was a student at the University of Belize (UB).
  The Ambassador gave a wide ranging speech in which he told the graduates that they were part of an exclusive group of Belizeans who had obtained a tertiary education. In this context, the OAS Diplomat explained to the Class of 2018 that having an education opened doors of opportunities, and therefore their academic achievements and personal development placed on them certain important responsibilities. Even as he warned the graduates to refrain from becoming apathetic and indifferent to the problems facing Belize, the Assistant Secretary General challenged them to carve out their respective roles in the national development of the country, and to also seek ways of contributing to the decision making process at all levels of endeavors. In this connection, he required of the Class of 2018 that they should present themselves as responsible and forwarding looking citizens of Belize, stating that it was a prerequisite to becoming global citizens.
  Mr. Mendez called on the graduating class to think of Belize as one Nation. He encouraged them to also think responsibly at all times and to remain competitive in the global arena. The Ambassador further spoke to the graduates about the value of being well informed on issues of national, regional and international importance and challenged them to have a true sense of liberty in their quest to be innovative and creative. He also invited the Class of 2018 to go forward together in unity and with an unwavering sense of purpose.
  The Assistant Secretary General encouraged the graduates to learn another language, preferably Spanish, and highlighted the value that such an accomplishment would bring to their professional development. Mr. Mendez suggested to the Class of 2018 that they should take initiatives that would help them to play their rightful role in bolstering the Private Sector in Belize, having regard to the indispensable role the sector plays in development. The OAS Official also suggested to the Class of 2018 that Networking was an indispensable element in their efforts to contribute to the building of their country. In this regard, he emphasized that, given the evolving geopolitical situation of Belize, in terms of its inherent links to the Caribbean and its location in Central America, the graduates had an unquestioned opportunity to make their impact nationally and beyond their borders.
  Galen University motto is “Promoting academic excellence, sustainable development and lifelong learning”.
  
• OAS Follow-up Mechanism for the MIRPS Gained Support at Panama Meeting
  Panama City, Tuesday June 12, 2018
  
  
  
  June 21, 2018
  
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144 0r 3181)
  
  OAS Follow-up Mechanism for the MIRPS Gained Support at Panama Meeting
  A Regional Workshop of the Focal Points of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solution Framework (MIRPS) Technical Teams, was organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), in Panama City, Panama, on June 12 and 13, 2018. The event brought together delegates from the so-called MIRPS countries, namely Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Mexico, members of staff of UNHCR, based in in Belize, Mexico, Panama and Geneva, and OAS Representatives, serving in Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador.
  During the first day, the six countries, through their various representatives, provided an account of the implementation of the MIRPS commitments they had adopted within the San Pedro Sula Declaration. While some countries addressed issues relating to persons classified as refugees and those who sought asylum, other countries focused on their work with internally displaced persons and citizens who had returned to their countries of origin, within the context of providing the requisite protection and support.
  The primary objective of the workshop was to establish an exchange in relation to the implementation of the MIRPS national chapters, as well as discuss the follow-up mechanism mentioned in the San Pedro Sula Declaration. In this context, and given that the countries mentioned above had designated the OAS as the entity that would create the said mechanism, the second day of the event, namely June 13, 2018, was devoted to the presentation of ideas on the development of such a mechanism and the creation of a structure that would allow for monitoring, supporting and evaluating the progress made by the MIRPS countries.
  In terms of donor support from organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), delegates discussed the need to conduct a quantification exercise for each country that would match planned activities with costs and outline the range of inputs required in the formulation and implementation of specific programmes and projects. This may involve, in some instances, expert inputs from donors and technical bodies.
  A proposal for a meeting to be held at OAS’ Headquarters in the last quarter of 2018 that would combine both political and technical inputs was discussed. However, a preparatory session of technical teams may be held prior to the larger gathering. These proposals are to be further amplified.
  
• OAS Representative Promotes Inter-American Teacher Education Network Workshop in Belize
  Belize City, Belize, Thursday June 7, 2018
  
  June 8, 2018
  News Item (please contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  
  OAS Representative Promotes Inter-American Teacher Education Network Workshop in Belize
  
  The convening of a workshop that provided training for 40 secondary school teachers from various districts in Belize “was another important step towards improving the quality of education in Belize and paving the path for ensuring greater equity in the delivery of critical educational services to remote regions in the country”. These were the sentiments of Starret Greene, the OAS Representative in Belize, who gave remarks at the Opening Ceremony. The OAS Diplomat added that amongst Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize, some 400 teachers would be trained in a number of disciplines that included promoting critical thinking skills and the design and implementation of local and community projects in areas such as science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics.
  Specifically, the workshop covered topics such as ‘Enhancing 21st Century Skills for Community Based Problem Solving”. In this regard, participants focused on developing competencies for life-long learning, and were introduced to STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). “Incorporating technology in the Classroom to engage students, teachers, parents and the community as a whole” was also introduced, and in this connection, ICT and Student learning, Digital Storytelling and Brain writing Strategies were taught. In addition, a Pedagogical Framework for “Improving Students Engagement through Community Based Projects suing STREAM”, where teachers, among other things, learned how to create a STREAM lesson Plan, became a critical part of a highly interactive workshop. Adequate time was also devoted to the introduction of hands-on Challenges that taught teachers how to tackle problems in the community through learning by doing, active learning, experiential learning and design thinking.
  The workshop, sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Teacher Education Network (ITEN), was billed as the on-site component, given that segments of it were offered online on May 10, 2018, during which a number of teachers took advantage of participating virtually. Moreover, the event was made possible through the collaboration between the OAS Department of Education and Belize’s Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
  Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Associate Dean at the George Mason University, USA, facilitated the event.
  
• Proposed Plan of Action for the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversay of the OAS
  Belize , Friday May 25, 2018
  
  
  
  
  Proposed Plan of Action for the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the OAS
  April 30, 2018 to March 31, 2019
  OAS Belize Office, Belize City, Belize
  
  
  Events:
  
  Featuring OAS Belize Scholars via Radio and Television Programs.
  
  Purpose: To introduce citizens of Belize to other Belizeans who were recipients of OAS academic scholarships.
  
  Narrative: A profile will be developed of each scholar and it will include the educational institutions attended, course of study pursued and more importantly, it will provide information on current career or profession status. Information on existing workplace, duties/responsibilities and a description of the contribution the scholar is making to the development of Belize.
  
  These features or presentations will not only highlight the value of the OAS Scholarship Program but also, they will point to the role the organization has played and continued to play in developing the human capital of Belize.
  
  Two Scholars will be featured per TV/Radio broadcast or program, during the commemorative year.
  
  Meet and Greet OAS Scholars, OAS Applicants for OAS Scholarships and Academia.
  
  Purpose: To organize an event where OAS Scholars will meet and inspire young Belizeans who are pursuing or preparing to pursue opportunities in higher education.
  
  Narrative: This event will take the form of a reception that will bring together OAS Scholars, persons who are giving thought to making application for an OAS scholarship, and members of academia. While this event will seek to showcase the achievements of OAS Scholars, it will also allow for potential applicants and other invitees to meet said scholars and to engage in conversations on a wide range of issues including, training, professional development, career opportunities, etc.
  
  OAS Representative Making Presentations on Television and Radio
  
  Purpose: To highlight the work of the OAS in the Hemisphere, while giving emphasis to the organization’s programs, projects and activities in Belize.
  
  Narrative: OAS Representative, in consultation with CEO’s, Executive Producers, journalist and other relevant staff persons of Media House will make presentations on Television and Radio to elaborate the work of the OAS in Belize. Emphasis will be placed on speaking to OAS’ range of programs, projects and activities, implemented in Belize, for institutional strengthening and building human capital.
  
  Open Testimonials from Persons who have benefited from the OAS’ Programs and Projects
  
  Purpose: To highlight specific aspects of the work of the OAS and the corresponding benefits received by Belizean Nationals.
  
  Narrative: This forum will allow for designated persons who were part of an OAS program, project, activity or initiative, in Belize, to speak in connection with a particular OAS sponsored event. This celebration will mirror a variety concert, and it will include cultural presentations by students who were trained and supported under the Culture of Peace Program, implemented by the OAS Adjacency Zone Office. Initiatives in which the OAS partnered with other international organizations and institutions will be highlighted by individuals who were intimately involved in managing or implementing them.
  
• OAS Representative holds Consultation with CEO in Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belmopan, Tuesday April 24, 2018
  
  April 27, 2018
  News Item
  Contact (OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  OAS Representative holds Consultation with CEO in Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  In conformity with his role as OAS’ Chief Diplomat in Belize, and taking into account the emergence of issues of special interest to OAS/Belize relations, Starret Greene recently made an official visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Belmopan, and met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ambassador Patrick Andrews. The meeting, requested by Representative Greene, was held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The following topics were elaborated:
  OAS Scholarship and Training Programme: Both officials highlighted the fact that the program continued to be invaluable to nationals of Belize, in pursuit of their educational goals, and that it remained supportive of the country’s thrust to strengthen its human resources, with a focus on youths. They also discussed the selection process for candidates who were vying for scholarships for the 2019/2020 academic period. In this regard, it was agreed that, as a part of its operating procedures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would make available to the OAS Belize Office, a list of the candidates who were chosen as the finalists for ultimate selection by OAS Officials, at Headquarters, in Washington, D.C. Both gentlemen agreed to continue their collaboration regarding the program and emphasized the fact that the sharing of information was an essential element that would make the application and selection process more efficient and transparent.
  70th Anniversary of the OAS: CEO Andrews and Representative Greene pledged the full cooperation of their respective offices in connection with events organized in Belize to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of American States (OAS), in i948. However, the organization is in the process of planning a yearlong series of events and activities that will take place at Headquarters and throughout the Hemisphere, to mark this important milestone. Mr. Greene shared with Ambassador Andrews that as part of the 70th Birthday of the OAS, his office had begun to collate the names and contact details of OAS Belize Scholars, with a view to develop a profile of each. The OAS Representative explained that upon completion, the accomplishments of the scholars would be highlighted through planned appearances on the media and at special events. In this way, Mr. Greene explained that the general public would be informed about how academic scholarships, given by the OAS, had helped to transform the lives of the Scholars, and the degree to which higher education had also placed them in a position to contribute to the development of Belize - which he said, had always been at the very heart of the scholarship program.
  OAS Support for Education Campaign in regards to the Pending Referendum in Belize: The discussion also focused on the financial support that the OAS would provide to the Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its Education Campaign, leading up to the Referendum, on whether to take the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the ICJ. CEO Andrews noted that the campaign had begun and welcomed the goodwill and tangible support of the OAS in assisting the GOB to ensure that the people of Belize, but in particular, the electorate, were fully informed on the issues. He emphasized the importance of Belizeans voting from an informed position, once they have been provided with the pros and the cons of all the issues surrounding the dispute. Mr. Greene informed the CEO that disbursement of funds for the exercise should begin shortly, and that his office was in close contact with the Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions that is coordinating all relevant aspects of this particular activity.
  Both the OAS Belize Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have maintained a very good working relationship.
  
• OAS Teams up with Belize Audubon Society on REEFFIX Project
  BAS Office, Belize City, Monday March 19, 2018
  
  May 20, 2018
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office on 223-3144/3181
  
  OAS Teams up with Belize Audubon Society on REEFFIX Project
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Department of Sustainable Development, joined forces with the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment and Sustainable Development, and other Stakeholders, in the implementation of an integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Ecosystem Services Valuation and Capacity Building project for the Caribbean, known as REEFFIX.
  On Monday, March 19, 2018, a workshop, that attracted a group of Belizean stakeholders intimately involved in the protection of the marine environment, was held at the BAS Office in Belize City. It assisted the BAS in integrating its existing biophysical monitoring data on coral reef ecosystem health, into targeted communications for fishers, rangers, and participants of the Reef Protector Program. The workshop also defined science communication and indicator monitoring needs for BAS’ outreach and education programs, identified gaps in existing data, and checked feasibility of monitoring of marine protected areas.
  In opening remarks, the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, explained that the workshop would address the issue of capacity building and elaborate the requisite technical and other inputs that were critical to making the REEFFIX project a success.
  Representative Greene told the audience that the state of the marine environment, the prevention of pollution and the degradation of marine ecosystems were among key issues that were being debated in many regions of the world. Because of the importance of those issues, he highlighted the fact that the OAS had taken a conscious decision to focus on capacity building efforts within its member countries, in order to assist them in achieving the sustainable management of their marine resources. The OAS Diplomat said the organization supported more training for those who were committed and energetic, and who brought innovative ideas to the table. He also called for increased engagement of local experts and the strengthening of the relevant institutions so that they could carry out their rightful mandates in protecting the marine environment.
  Richard Huber of the OAS Department of Sustainable Development provided participants with a Caribbean Ocean Governance overview, and also made special reference to the Coral Reef Ecosystem in Belize and the country’s keys, islands and atolls.
  Belize has 7 marine areas designated as World Heritage Sites that provided critical habitats for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees, and the American crocodile.
  
• Staff Association, OAS Belize Office, Mission of Belize to the OAS and the Belize Red Cross Collaborate
  Sandhill, Northern Highway, Saturday March 17, 2018
  
  April 9, 2018
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144/3181
  
  Staff Association, OAS Belize Office, Mission of Belize to the OAS and the Belize Red Cross Collaborate
  
  The OAS Staff Association, the OAS Belize Office, the Permanent Mission of Belize to the OAS and the Belize Red Cross jointly gave support to an activity that was developed to empower communities in the Belize River Valley. The thinking behind the initiative was to provide needed training to residents, and to equip them to respond effectively in circumstances involving manmade and natural disasters.
  The collaboration between the entities was sparked by the passage of Hurricane Earl that caused substantial damage to parts of Belize, in August 2016.
  Upon learning of the effects of the storm on communities throughout Belize, the OAS Staff Association launched a fundraising drive that netted approximately US$700.00. When in 2017, Steven Griner was elected President of the Association, he made contact with the OAS Representative, Starret Greene, in order to agree on how best the said funds could be utilized, with an eye on benefiting persons or communities negatively impacted by the hurricane. Both agreed that the money should be donated to the Belize Red Cross, and the Executive of the Staff Association concurred.
  Through the good offices of Belize’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, Ambassador Daniel Gutierrez, the check was sent to the Office of the Belize Red Cross, and was gladly received by the Director General, Mrs. Lilly Bowman. This prompted a meeting between the OAS Representative and the Director General, in which they agreed that a workshop, that would teach Life Saving Skills to persons living in the Belize River communities, should be planned and executed.
  On March 17, 2018, a workshop that brought together the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the OAS Belize Office and the Belize Red Cross, was convened in Sandhill, on the Northern Highway. OAS Representative Starret Greene, in his remarks, used the opportunity to thank the OAS Staff Association for their thoughtful and supportive actions, and Director General of the Red Cross, Mrs. Lilly Bowman, also expressed her organization’s appreciation to both the Staff Association and the OAS Belize Office, for supporting the humanitarian objectives of her organization, and for empowering residents of the targeted communities to respond effectively during times of disasters, whether natural or manmade.
  Life Saving Techniques, skills and knowledge critical for First Responders, and Information Sharing were among a number of topics covered in an event that was highly interactive and brought together 30 participants.
  
• Leadership and Diplomacy were critical in the conduct of International Relations
  Belize High School, Belize City, Thursday March 1, 2018
  
  News Item
  March 2, 2018
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144/3181
  
  Leadership and Diplomacy were critical in the conduct of International Relations
  OAS Representative in Belize, Starret Dickson Greene, told students, attending the ‘First Annual Student Leaders Model MOAS Simulation Leadership Conference’, at the Belize High School, in Belize City, to exercise Leadership and Diplomacy in the conduct of International Relations. The OAS Diplomat made his remarks on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the opening session of the event, to an audience which consisted of representatives of government, civil society organizations, teachers, parents, students and specially invited guests.
  Mr. Greene told his audience that taking initiative, giving action to one’s vision and bringing people together to focus their attention on solving problems that affect society, were fundamental leadership qualities. He also said that diplomacy came alive when representatives in a diplomatic forum used their skills and expertise to negotiate and reach agreement on a set of recommendations, resolutions or declarations that were aimed at addressing the specific issues under consideration. He remarked to the student delegates that exchanging ideas, learning to accept that other people’s opinions mattered, effectively defending their positions, and reaching consensus on a course of action, were the basis for the dialogue that characterized diplomacy.
  The conference was designed to recreate as much as possible the format, practices and procedures that were consistent with the Model OAS annual exercise for high school students, held at the organization’s headquarters, in Washington, D.C. In this connection, it is worth noting that the Belize High School has become a regular participant in the OAS’ event, having been represented at the last three MOAS.
  In bringing their own creativity to the conference, the school’s faculty and students indirectly involved a number of nongovernmental organizations, each of which was represented by student delegates. This was designed to highlight the importance of involving NGOs in multilateral diplomacy and promoting a number of key issues affecting their various constituents and the interests they defend. Oceana, S.P.E.A.R., PACT, Belize Audubon Society, Belmopan Active Youths, National Garifuna Council and SATIM were some of the NGOs represented. Accordingly, debates at the plenary and committee levels focused on topical issues such as conflict and poverty, climate change, rural poverty cultural and economic sustainability and political injustice to youth.
  The ‘ground-breaking’ high school conference was held over a two day period, namely, March 1-2, 2018. Among other things, it allowed students to debate issues they considered relevant, and it also exposed them to the nature of the environment that existed in a diplomatic setting and the process by which countries collaborated on matters of mutual interests, in order to produce beneficial outcomes.
  
• OAS Representative makes On-Site Visit to Projects in Stann Creek and Toledo Communities
  Stann Creek District, Tuesday February 20, 2018
  
  
  
  February 20, 2018
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144 or [email protected]
  OAS Representative makes On-Site Visit to Projects in Stann Creek and Toledo Communities
  (Part 2 of News Item)
  Prior to lunch, the OAS Representative was taken to the Bella Vista Second-Hand clothing store. This project was designed to sell low priced clothing to members of the community and to also generate income to meet needs in the community as well. Clothing items were displayed during a four weeks period, before the entire stock would be replenished. Left over clothing was donated to the Community Women’s Group as material for those women who were learning to sew, or given to families in surrounding communities who were in need.
  The final visit was at a community called Red Bank. In this community, several groups of women were part of a project that was designed to support the creation of agricultural plots in their backyards. These plots produced vegetables and other items, and the operation was consistent with the same concept at the CDB demonstration plots in Bella Vista. In addition, the project also supported the involvement of other women’s groups in the preparation of a variety of foods, as part of a wider strategy to improve the dietary intake of the community, in terms of making meals healthier and more nutritious. Vegetables grown in the backyard plots were utilized in the food preparation initiative.
  According to the OAS Representative, the projects visited all had a number of recurring themes as follows:
  - they were community based, and as such benefited the entire community;
  - they were income generating, so that families felt inspired to be involved;
  - they were designed to be sustainable through cooperation between families and support from the HPP and its partners;
  - important skills and knowledge were learned and acquired respectively; the community gained increased confidence and independence;
  - a community spirit prevailed as evidenced by the sense of unity and genuine care for each other’s welfare; and
  - the community exhibited a sense of pride of being able to exercise skills and demonstrated a high degree of creativity
  - preservation of culture, the promoting of their history and the protection of the environment were a priority for members of the community
  “This On-Site Visit to poor communities in the Stann Creek District was an eye opener”, the OAS Representative noted. “To see people responding to offers of assistance as a means to improve their livelihoods, strengthen their families, unite their communities and maintain with pride their history, culture and dignity, was awe-inspiring”, he concluded.
  
  
• OAS Representative makes On-Site Visit to Projects in Stann Creek and Toledo Communities
  Stann Creek District, Monday February 19, 2018
  
  February 19, 2018
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office 501-223-3144 or [email protected]
  
  OAS Representative makes On-Site Visit to Projects in Stann Creek and Toledo Communities
  (Part 1 of News Item)
  Consistent with its Outreach Program and its Initiatives to build and strengthen partnership with Regional and International organizations, based in Belize, the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, at the invitation of Humana People to People (HPP) Belize, travelled to the southern Belize Stann Creek District, on February 15, 2018.
  The primary purpose of the visit was for the OAS Diplomat to see firsthand, the projects that Humana was sponsoring and executing in small communities that were populated, for the most part, by indigenous people and immigrants from the neighboring countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. In addition, both the Director of Humana People to People, Belize, and the OAS Representative have held discussions aimed at exploring possible collaboration between their two entities, with a view to determine the level of cooperation that was possible, and the degree to which synergies could be built between the programs, projects and activities that both organizations undertake in Belize.
  The first stop was at Humana’s project office in the Bella Vista community, where the HPP staff provided a brief overview of their work in the surrounding communities through verbal and power point presentations.
  The planned program officially began with a visit to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) demonstration plots in Bella Vista, where women were engaged in producing a variety of vegetables, through various agricultural techniques, as part of a wider strategy for achieving food security in the community, as well as to earn needed incomes from selling the excess produce.
  The touring party stopped at the premises of a budding entrepreneur who was successful at building, what has emerged as, a reputable business that recycled coca cola bottles and covers. The raw material was transformed into artificial flowers and wreaths. These end products were then sold to generate income. The colorful paintings and unique shapes were not only attractive, but also they highlighted the amazing creativity of the artist. Seed money to start the business that showed great promise in terms of its sustainability, was provided by HPP.
  (Part 2 of this News Item will be posted hereafter)
  
• Workshop on Protection of Witnesses and other Persons affected by Organized Crime
  Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina, Thursday January 18, 2018
  
  January 24, 2018
  News Item
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-314
  
  Workshop on Protection of Witnesses and other Persons affected by Organized Crime
  The Organization of American States (OAS), though the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, and in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs in Belie, sponsored a National Training Workshop, in Belize City, on January 18 and 19, 2018. The purpose of the exercise was dedicated towards the strengthening of Human and Institutional capacities in the application of sub-regional instruments on Assistance and Protection of Victims, Witnesses, Experts, and other persons affected by Organized Crime, in the Countries of Central America, with special reference to Belize.
  At the Opening ceremony, both the Attorney General of Belize, the Honorable Michael Peyrefitte and Starret D Greene, the OAS Representative in Belize gave opening remarks.
  The Attorney General welcomed the initiative, executed by the OAS Department of Public Security, and remarked that it provided the opportunity for stakeholders attending the workshop to make suggestions and provide inputs into the current draft legislation on Witness Protection that his office was already formulating. The Government’s Chief Lawyer challenged the participants to make their voices be heard on issues relating to the subject of Witness Protection, and he informed them that he and members of his staff remained ready to engage in substantive debates on the matter.
  For his part, the OAS Representative addressed the grave concerns associated with the increase in national and transnational organized crime in the region. He said that the OAS was mindful of the threat they posed, and through the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, initiatives were being taken to strengthen and modernize the existing criminal justice systems, in countries throughout the region. The OAS Diplomat said that special attention was being given to the protection of persons who are witnesses and victims of the atrocities that have become rampant in some countries.
  Facilitated by OAS Consultant Diana Shaw, the workshop focused on two practical tools designed to strengthen the assistance and protection of victims, witnesses and other subjects affected by the violence generated by organized crime. First, participants examined the “Guide for the assistance of organized crime victims in the countries of the Central American Integration System”, and the “Operational Guide for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses, Experts, and other Actors Involved in Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, particularly against Organized Crime”. Both documents were reviewed and validated politically and technically by the authorities of the eight participating countries of the project in a sub-regional meeting, held in Costa Rica in July 2017.
  Mr. Antonio Delgado, Specialist in the OAS Public Security Department, and who played a singular role in organizing the workshop, provided a thorough overview of the project D.B.3 “Strengthening of the Program for the Protection of Victims, Witnesses and other Subjects Involved in Criminal Investigation in Central America”. The OAS specialist gave an overview of the regional context; provided vital background information that gave rise to the project; spoke of the impact of violence generated by organized crime on victims and witnesses in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador; and encouraged the adoption and implementation of the “Central American Convention for the protection of victims, witnesses, experts and other subjects involved in the investigation and in criminal proceedings, particularly in drug trafficking and organized crime.
  Financial support for the workshop was provided by the Spanish Agency for international Development Cooperation.
  
• OAS Sponsors Discussion on a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
  Inspiration Center, Belize City, Thursday November 30, 2017
  
  December 4, 2017
  News Item (OAS Belize Office: 510-223-3144)
  OAS Sponsors Discussion on a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)\
  As the “Social Inclusion/Social Protection Project for Belize” approached the end of implementation, the executing agency in Belize, namely the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) in cooperation with the OAS Belize Office and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), organized a high level discussion on developing a Multidimensional Poverty Index, that would help to improve the way poverty is measured in Belize. The event, consistent with an approved activity within the project’s Execution Plan, and which was funded through the OAS Development Cooperation Fund (OAS/DCF), was held on November 30, 2017, at the Inspirational Center, in Belize City.
  The gathering brought together social development stakeholders from across Belize, many of whom have an excellent track record of collaborating with MHDSTPA. Also participating were organizations such as the OAS, UNICEF and the Council on Aging, as well as a number of technocrats representing Government Ministries, which have a stake in supporting programs and projects that promote greater social justice and equity in Belize.
  On the subject of creating a Multidimensional Poverty Index, Mark Antrobus, Coordinator of the OAS sponsored project and organizer of the event, said that traditionally, when measuring poverty, there was a tendency for technicians to look primarily at the phenomenon in terms of income, i.e. how much money people earned and what they spent it on. But the Coordinator argued that this approach could not be considered sufficient, because there were many other dimensions to poverty that deserved due consideration.
  Participants were therefore engaged throughout the day in developing a work plan that would support moving away from a simple measure of expenditure, and devised ways of interpreting the experience of those in poverty instead. In this context, a questions such as “what do you spend your money on?’’ would provide greater insights into the lifestyles of individuals, and consequently allow for capturing pertinent information needed for measuring poverty.
  OAS Representative Starret Greene, who participated in the opening session of the discussion, lauded Stakeholders for their work across Belize, and expressed his organization’s appreciation for the collaborative partnership, over a number of years, that has helped to change, for the better, the lives of many people, through more educational opportunities, finding long term employment and being able to access healthcare and other critical services that helped to improve their standards of living . He expressed the view that a transformation of the thinking of those who live in poverty, coupled with a transformation of their environment would go a long way in changing their situation.
  Execution for the OAS sponsored “Social Inclusion/Social Protection Project for Belize will end on December 31, 2017.
  
• OAS Representative gave Keynote Address at First National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
  Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City, Thursday October 5, 2017
  
  October 5, 2017
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  OAS Representative gave Keynote Address at First National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
  In celebration of International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2017, the National Council on Ageing hosted the first National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons. The event was held on October 5, 2017, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City, Belize. Under the theme, “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”. The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated in organizing the Conference.
  In his keynote address, Representative Greene told his audience that the Organization of American States (OAS) was a friend and partner with older persons throughout the Hemisphere. He said that the adoption of multiple instruments, to include the Inter American Convention on Human Rights, the Protocol of San Salvador and the Inter American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons, which spoke to the fundamental rights of people, was clear evidence of the organization’s interest in the needs of the elderly.
  Commenting on the talents, skills, wisdom and experience that older persons offer to society, the OAS Diplomat said that without their experience, “our society and institutions would be constantly reinventing the wheel, and wasting precious time and resources in the interim”. He appealed to education institutions and related organizations to tap into the knowhow of older persons as part of a broader strategy to help enhance learning, improve disciplined and minimize the truancy and dropout rates in schools across Belize. Alternatively, the Representative called on older persons to seek out opportunities where they could serve as mentors for younger people, especially at the high school and college levels, who would benefit substantially from the experience and knowledge of the elderly.
  Mr. Greene also called on his audience to work assiduously to combat the phenomenon of ageism. He said is was wrong and mean spirited, and remarked that “those who practice this form of discrimination, do not value or appreciate our older adults”.
  The OAS Representative stated that there was a need to focus on finding solutions to address the real challenges facing older persons in society. He said the answer was in the collective, committed and unwavering involvement of family members in helping to meet the needs of their elder parents. He emphasized that the solution could also be derived from well thought out Government policies, specifically designed to tap the talents of seniors, protect their rights and secure their longevity. Moreover, Mr. Greene remarked that the answer was in the collaboration of international and regional organizations in providing technical and financial support for programs and projects aimed at improving the wellbeing of older persons and in raising greater awareness within communities across Belie, about the needs, preferences and rights of the elderly, as well.
  
• Final Report on Vulnerability and Training Needs Assessment on Belize's Port Security
  Belize Port Authority Conference Room, Tuesday October 3, 2017
  
  October 3, 2017
  Contact: OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Final Report on Vulnerability and Training Needs Assessment on Belize’s Port Security
  The OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (OAS/CICTE), with the support of the Canadian Government, and the cooperation of the Belize Port Authority and the OAS Belize Office, sponsored a Vulnerability and Training Needs Assessment workshop, in Belize, at the Port Authority conference room, on October 3 and 4, 2017.
  One of the primary reasons for this event was to allow CICTE’s Consultant, John Platts, to present his Final Report on Port Security –Vulnerability and Training Needs Assessment, with specific reference to Belize. This project falls within CICTE’s Maritime Security Program, funded by the Government of Canada, and it is a component of its Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program. The Report summarized the results of a preliminary assessment of vulnerabilities in Belize’s port security framework, and a subsequent workshop aimed at identifying actions that could be taken to mitigate these vulnerabilities and enhance overall maritime security.
  The key highlights of the Report were contained in 14 ‘Suggestions’ that fell into two general categories, namely the need for ‘Achieving Greater Stakeholder Collaboration and the importance of ‘Developing a Structured and Cost-Effective Training Program’. With respect to the first category, the report suggested that the National Security Secretariat (NCS) should coordinate a review of the hierarchy of national-level committees with the maritime and port security mandate, to identify gaps and/or overlaps with respect to their scope and membership, and to consult with stakeholders on possible adjustment. It also suggested the development of a national maritime security strategy, as an offshoot of the National Security Strategy, to enable those government organizations with critical maritime security responsibilities to understand each other’s mandated responsibilities, and to work closely together in achieving their respective maritime security objectives. Regarding the second category, the Report suggested that future training events should specify target audiences as precisely as possible, and there should be ongoing consultation between the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the training provider on agenda topics. It also suggested the establishment of a 3-phase Port Inspector training program: 1 – Orientation Training; 11 - Basic Inspector Training; and 111 – Specialized Inspector Training.
  Port Commissioner for Belize Port Authority Merlene Bailey-Martinez expressed appreciation for the Report’s suggestions. She referenced the invaluable work of OAS/CICTE, through cooperation with BPA, in strengthening security and enhancing collaboration with all stakeholders. OAS Representative Greene thanked the Canadian Government for its input and the professional work done by Consultant Platts. CICTE was represented at the event by Ms. Lisbeth Laurie, consultant with its Maritime Security Program.
  
• Civil Society Organizations and Social Actors attended Launch of Summit Theme
  University of the West Indies Open Campus, Belize City, Thursday July 20, 2017
  
  
  July 27, 2017
  News Item (contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  
  Civil Society Organizations and Social Actors attended Launch of Summit Theme
  The OAS Belize Office, in collaboration with the OAS Summit of the Americas Secretariat, organized a gathering of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Social Actors (SAs) in Belize, to participate in the Launching of the Theme for the V111 Summit of the Americas: “Democratic Governance against Corruption”. The event, which took place on Thursday, July 20, 2017, in Lima, Peru, was transmitted via the OAS Webcast to all OAS member Countries.
  In the case of Belize, representatives of Civil Society Organizations and Social Actors gathered at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, in Belize City. They were ably accommodated by the OAS Belize Staff members.
  The purpose behind the Launch was to provide pertinent information to civil society organizations and social actors in the Hemisphere, on the V111 Summit of the Americas, to be held in Lima, Peru, during April 13 and 14, 2018.
  The occasion was also used to provide insights into how the Peruvian authorities, working with the OAS Summit of the Americas Secretariat, would endeavor to involve civil society organizations and social actors in the Summit Process. This issue, for the most part, received considerable attention during the question and answer period, as officials elaborated their views on how best to make the process inclusive and productive. In this connection, it was pellucid that members of CSOs and SAs would be given the opportunity, through various mechanisms, such as the convening of face to face and virtual meetings, to become fully engaged. In this regard, it was mentioned that National Consultations among CSOs and SAs would be held in each country and a specially arranged Hemispheric Dialogue will be held in March 2018, in Washington, D.C. as well. Other events are being contemplated as part of the process leading up to the Summit, now eight months away.
  As part of the Launch, and at the local level, the OAS Representative in Belize, informally moderated a discussion on the abovementioned Theme for representatives of CSOs and SAs. In order to stimulate the exchange of views among the audience, notes on the Theme were distributed. The said dialogue was characterized by a very spirited and passionate exchange of opinions on the subject of corruption. Possible steps that could help to eradicate the phenomenon were also debated.
  Thirteen (13) representatives of CSOs and SAs out of 20 persons who had reportedly registered attended the Launch.
  
• OAS/CICTE Arranges National Workshop on Port Security Best Practices in Belize
  Belize Port Auhority Training Room, Tuesday July 18, 2017
  
  July 20, 2017
  New Item (Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  OAS/CICTE Arranges National Workshop on Port Security Best Practices in Belize
  The Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the Governments of Belize and Canada, and working with the US Coast Guard and Homeland Security, convened a National Workshop on Port Security Best Practices, in Belize, on July 18, 2017. The 3 day event was held at the Belize Port Authority Training Room.
  The theme of the workshop was built around the importance of collaboration in strengthening Belize’s port security framework. With this in mind, the event brought together officials in the Belize government agencies with port and maritime security responsibilities, PFSOs and other security managers, at ports and terminals falling under the ISPS Code, and Belize-based managers responsible for the security of international shipping that used these port and terminal facilities.
  The event organizers and officials from the Port of Belize reached a common understanding that the effective collaboration of all port stakeholders was critical to improving security at all ports. In this regard, the workshop objectives included the identification of (1) opportunities for increased collaboration between government agencies and port owner/operators; (2) best practices in keeping Port Facility Security Assessments and Plans (PFSAs &PFSPs) up to date; and (3) port security training priorities.
  Port Commissioner, at the Belize Port Authority, Mrs. Merlene Bailey-Martinez and the OAS Representative Starret D Greene provided remarks at the opening ceremony.
  The Commissioner called on attendees to absorb as much information as was possible, particularly details on best practices on cyber security. Mrs. Bailey-Martinez also exhorted the participants that they should put into practice all they learned, upon returning to their workplace. She expressed gratitude to the OAS, through CICTE, for supporting the efforts of her Agency to make the Ports in Belize, internationally compliant, secure and modern.
  For his part, the OAS Representative contended that an effective port security strategy should include (a) strict enforcement of the relevant and applicable laws that criminalize unlawful acts and all forms of illicit port activities (b) strong institutional and human resource capacity (c) sustained adherence to established procedures (d) adoption of best practices, particularly in the area of cyber security (d) maintenance of international standards, accompanied by actions to modernize and update port and maritime facilities; and (f) a cadre of trained professionals who are committed to building a port and maritime security apparatus that is operationally, technical and logistically secure.
  
• OAS Represented at National Forum in Observance of World Population Day 2017
  Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City, Tuesday July 11, 2017
  
  
  July 17, 2017
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office 223-3144)
  
  OAS Represented at National Forum in Observance of World Population Day 2017
  
  In observance of World Population Day 2017, and guided by the theme “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations”, a National Forum, organized by the Special Envoy for Women and Children and the United Nations Population Fund, was held in Belize City, on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.
  Starret Greene, the OAS Representative in Belize, participated in the Program that brought together key stakeholders to include UNICEF, UNFPA Youth Advisory Group Members, the US Embassy in Belize, members of the Clergy and the United Nations Office in Belize.
  The event allowed for open discussion, through various breakout groups, on issues such as preventing adolescent pregnancy in Belize, expanding access to voluntary family planning, how investing in the health and rights of women and girls can help to better plan the timing and size of their families and strengthening advocacy for the right to family planning.
  Adolescents and youth attending the Forum were afforded the opportunity to speak to issues they considered of concern to them. This allowed for meaningful exchanges and the sharing of testimonials by teenagers on early pregnancies and their experiences in dealing with such occurrences. The dialogue was heavily weighted on helping adolescents to understand how addressing issues such as voluntary family planning and reproductive health care decisions could bolster young people’s chances to contribute to their economic and social advancement and, by extension, to the sustainable development of Belize and the region.
  The OAS Representative, Starret Greene, said that the key to empowering adolescents and youth was to provide them with access to appropriate and accurate information as well as relevant sexual and reproductive health services. This approach, the Representative said, would not only help reduce the number of adolescent pregnancies in Belize, but also will make them be more productive citizens, in terms of helping them to make better use of opportunities geared towards their self-advancement and becoming worthy contributors to the sustainable development of their communities and country.
  The Organization of American States and the United Nations Population Fund have continued to collaborate on a range of programs, projects and activities, to advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the related 17 Sustainable Development Goals, through their respective Offices, based in Belize City.
  
• OAS Belize Office Collaborates with UNICEF in Launching MICS5
  Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina, Thursday June 22, 2017
  
  June 29, 2017
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  
  OAS Belize Office Collaborates with UNICEF in Launching MICS5
  
  The OAS Belize Office, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund, the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the National Committee on Families and Children and other stakeholders, was involved in the Launch of the Final Report of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS5). The event was held on Thursday, 22nd June, 2017, at the Radisson Hotel & Marina, in Belize City.
  MICS5 is a multiple indicator cluster survey that gathered data about children in categories such as poverty, gender equality, health, nutrition and education, with special reference to the applicable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  In Belize, this survey was jointly conducted by the UNICEF Office in Belize City and the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The gathering of data begun in 2011, and continued into 2016. Inputs were also provided by critical line ministries within the Government of Belize, to include the Ministries of Health, Education and Human Development. The survey was conducted in the six districts that comprised Belize, with hundreds of households being the primary participants. Support also came from the OAS Belize Office, the Office of PAHO/WHO in Belize City and a number of other related agencies and institutions.
  The overarching goal of the survey was to provide evidence-based data that would be critical for the formulation of policies that targeted children, with a view to improve their wellbeing, particularly in the major categories mentioned above.
  For example, in the area of nutrition, and having regard to SDG2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, the survey found that, in Belize, less than 1% of children was severely underweight; 15% were moderately stunted or too short for their age, 2% were moderately wasted or too thin for their height and 7% of children were overweight or too heavy for their height. The survey also revealed some disparities in nutrition for children as follows: 35% of children in Toledo District were likely to be stunted; Almost 7% of children in Belize Southside were more likely to be underweight; 3% of children in both Stann Creek District and Belize Southside were wasted; and Belize District and Belize Southside had the highest percentage of overweight children (11% and 9%, respectively).
  With the completion of MICS5, the Government of Belize, through its Ministries, Agencies, Departments and Units, is challenged to formulate and implement a national response that would result in improving the wellbeing and fortunes of children in Belize. The active support of organizations such as UNICEF, the OAS, PAHO/WHO, related entities and local groups will be crucial in augmenting and supplementing the Government’s programs, projects, initiatives and activities on behalf of children.
  
• OAS Assistant Secretary General makes Official Visit to Belize
  Belize City, Belize, Wednesday May 10, 2017
  
  May 12, 2017
  News Item (contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144)
  
  OAS Assistant Secretary General makes Official Visit to Belize
  
  The Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of the Organization of American States (OAS), His Excellency, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, arrived in Belize on the evening of Wednesday, May 10, 2017, to begin an Official visit.
  Accompanied by the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, Ambassador Mendez started his official visit by appearing on Channel 5 Television, in Belize City, as a guest on the popular morning show called “Open Your Eyes”. He used the opportunity to discuss the financial situation of the OAS, and referenced a range of issues, including security and corruption, that the OAS and its member countries are addressing. The Ambassador also used his appearance on the show to highlight the programs, projects and activities that the OAS is currently implementing in Belize, and made special reference to an OAS Flag Ship Program entitled the Caribbean Small Business Development Center (SBDC), that is being implemented in collaboration with BELTRAIDE.
  The agenda for the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) included a number of appointments with High Authorities in the Government of Belize. He met with Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber; Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. In each of the above encounters, the ASG highlighted the work of the OAS in Belize and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing its collaboration and cooperation with both public and private entities, to further assist in the development of Belize. The Assistant Secretary General concluded with a visit to opposition leader John Briceño.
  Additionally, the Ambassador held a meeting with the President of the University of Belize (UB), in Belmopan, and pledged the support of his good offices to further collaboration with the university and promised to address the student body during his next official visit to Belize.
  Ambassador Mendez left Belize on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
  
• OAS Representative Participated in Project Launch Workshop
  Pelican Beach Resort, Dangriga Town, Thursday April 27, 2017
  
  May 3, 2017
  News Item (Contact OAS Belize Office)
  OAS Representative Participated in Project Launch Workshop
  
  At the invitation of the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA), the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, participated in a workshop that launched the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) project. The event was held at the Pelican Beach Resort, in Dangriga Town, on Thursday, April 27, 2017, a distance covering over one hundred and twenty (120) miles, from Belize City.
  The Youth Rise Project targets young people who are considered to be at extreme risk of becoming involved in crime and violence, as well as adopting antisocial behaviors - and who have limited access to social services.
  In this connection, the project seeks to address these challenges by supporting the expansion of and access to existing social services, as well as catering for the development and implementation of new services, in order to reduce social exclusion among youth and families in the target communities. The project will provide services to enhance literacy and adaptive life skills, support community security and improve inter-linkages and the sharing of best practices among participating agencies, working in the designated communities.
  RISE is supported in part by the Government of Belize (GOB). However, GOB is obtaining assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in financing the up-scaling of an existing initiative called the Youth and Community Transformation (YCT) Project, that is currently being implemented in at risk communities in Dangriga and the twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Secretariat for Integral Development, is currently providing funding for a Social Inclusion/Social Transformation project for Belize. Both the OAS and Youth Rise Projects have crucial similarities, in that they target elements of the Belize population who are at extreme risk.
  In this regard, Representative Greene expressed delight at being part of the launch and he also voiced his satisfaction that the OAS was working hand in hand with development partners, such as MHDSTPA, the CDB and others in the region, to reach at risk groups in Belize, with a view to assist in rescuing them from the negative impacts of a range of societal ills, affecting their communities.
  The OAS Belize Office remains vigilant in supporting a number of initiatives that are specifically designed to improve the social wellbeing of the Belizean society.
  -the end-
  
• Representatives of OAS and UNICEF Pledged to Pursue Areas of Common Interest
  Belize City, Monday March 20, 2017
  
  March 20, 2017
  News Item Produced by the OAS Belize Office
  
  Representatives of OAS and UNICEF Pledged to Pursue Areas of Common Interest.
  
  Representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), resident in Belize, pledged, on Monday, March 20, 2017, to work together to explore areas of common interest.
  In talks held at the OAS Belize Office, in Belize City, Belize, Starret Greene of the OAS and Dr. Susan Kasedde of UNICEF agreed to capitalize on the known achievements, particularly in the area of human development, of their respective organizations, on behalf of the citizens in the Hemisphere. They concurred on the need to continue focusing on addressing the challenges of underdevelopment, and to also take full advantage of the opportunities for improving the wellbeing of all peoples, especially those who are most vulnerable and whose rights needed to be protected and promoted.
  Specifically, Representative Greene and Representative Kasedde said that they were committed to finishing the work that OAS and UNICEF started in 2015 with the Government of Belize, on birth registration. They also indicated their willingness to work in concert in order to raise public awareness, advocate and strengthen institutional capacity for child and youth-sensitive law enforcement and justice, and promote inclusive processes to support sustainable development and social transformation, having regard to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 169 targets.
  The Organization of American States and the United Nations Children’s Fund have had a long and established partnership that is built on collaboration and cooperation and the leveraging of their resources, to achieve optimum outcomes in the implementation of the programmes, projects, activities and initiatives carried out in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
  
  
• OAS Secretary General Visits Belize for Talks with High Government Authorities
  Belize City, Thursday March 16, 2017
  
  OAS Secretary General Visits Belize for Talks with High Government Authorities
  Secretary General of the OAS, His Excellency, Luis Almagro, visited Belize on March 16 and 17, 2017, and held talks with top Government Officials, as well as members of the Opposition.
  The SG’s visit to Belize came after official meetings in Guatemala on March 15, 2017, that focused on moving forward with the holding of referenda in both countries, in conformity with the 2008 Special Agreement. Since assuming the post of Secretary General in March 2015, Almagro has urged both the Governments of Guatemala and Belize to take the requisite internal steps for holding the referenda as a means to determine whether the dispute should be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
  In Belize, the OAS Diplomat first meeting was with Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow in Belize City, at which Foreign Minister Elrington was also present. He used the occasion to again press for movement towards the referendum. In this meeting, the Secretary General learned that Belize would work towards holding its referendum sometime in 2018. However, the Government was planning to conduct both Re-Registration and Redistricting exercises in 2018 as well. Also, municipal elections were due in the first quarter of the said year. The above narrative suggests that no referendum on going to the ICJ would take place until after Re-Registration, in the case of Belize. There have been talks in some quarters that Guatemala was aiming to hold its referendum in September of 2017.
  In a Press Statement read in the presence of the Belize Media, Secretary General Almagro gave an overview of his visit, noting that the OAS and the parties would continue to work diligently towards finding a peaceful, permanent solution to the territorial dispute. He said that his talks were also centered on implementing mechanisms of consultations to avoid or to better manage incidents. He called on both countries to work together on implementing the agreements that were signed in 2014, and designed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation, and to bring about better conditions for education, cultural affairs, environment and security. Almagro also mentioned the need to ensure justice in relation to existing investigations and to find those responsible for past incidents that have occurred in the Adjacency Zone and elsewhere. The SG said, we all have to believe, and we believe especially, that the solutions should be according to law and according to rights. “We cannot pretend to solve conflicts by ignoring the rights of others or rolling over the rights of others”. Almagro concluded.
  The Secretary General departed Belize on March 17, 2017.
  
• Representatives of the OAS and UNFPA Agreed to Proactive Collaboration
  OAS Belize Office, Belize City, Friday February 24, 2017
  
  Representatives of the OAS and UNFPA Agreed to Proactive Collaboration
  
  
  The Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Belize, Starret Greene, and the Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in Jamaica, Ms. Alison Drayton, agreed to redouble their efforts, through the work of their individual offices, to proactively advance development, with a view to help in improving the wellbeing of groups and individuals, in Latin America and the Caribbean, who remain outside the ‘mainstream’ of society.
  
  In a meeting held at the OAS Belize Office, in Belize City, Belize, on Friday, February 24, 2017, both Representatives recalled the 2016 Joint Statement of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and the Regional Office of the United Nations Population Fund for Latin America and the Caribbean, in which both the OAS and UNFPA, through the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO), agreed to combine their efforts, experience, and knowledge to support Member States in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which presents 17 new SDGs and 169 targets.
  
  In this connection, Mr. Greene and Ms. Drayton pledged to reach out to other organizations within their sphere of influence, including those in the business sector, civil society and social partners, with a view to identify areas of cooperation, and to also create opportunities for the leveraging of resources, in order to ensure that there is greater and more effective impact, in the implementation of current programs and projects, on the targeted groups.
  
  The Representatives of the OAS and UNFPA also discussed the need to identify and mobilize resources for development. They subscribed to the view that it was an area that deserved priority action, and shared the belief that member countries had an indispensable role to play in procuring financial resources, with their legislatures taking the lead.
  
  The Member States of the OAS have established an agenda within the Hemisphere that is based on four pillars: Democracy, Human Rights, multidimensional Security and Integral Development. In this regard, the GS/OAS can help to lead regional efforts to support OAS Member States in achieving the SDGs, including those which fall directly under the purview of UNFPA, such as improving the health and well-being of women, decreasing maternal mortality and morbidity, and offering universal access to quality health services.
  
  
• OAS Belize Office forges cooperation with Customs and Excise Department
  Belize City, Monday February 20, 2017
  
  
  February 20, 2017
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office: 501-223-3144
  
  
  OAS BELIZE OFFICE FORGES COOPERATION WITH CUSOMS & EXCISE DEPARTMENT
  
  The OAS Belize Office and the Belize’s Customs and Excise Department have informally agreed to further strengthen their levels of cooperation and collaboration, in specified areas, in order to help build institutional capacity and improve the department’s human resource capability.
  
  This agreement to bolster OAS/Customs & Exercise partnership was reached in a meeting held between Mr. Starret Greene, the OAS Representative in Belize and Mr. Colin Griffith Sr, the Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise, at the Customs Headquarters, located in the Port Loyola Area of Belize City, on February 20, 2017. Also present and participating in the wide ranging discussions were three (3) Deputy Comptrollers of Customs & Excise, with varying responsibilities, namely, Mrs. Estelle Leslie and Messrs Ian Haylock and Thomas Young.
  
  In terms of helping to improve the department’s human resource capability, the OAS Representative offered to conduct a course in Leadership for Customs and Excise Officers who were in leadership positions or those who aspired to become leaders. In this connection, arrangements for the course, to include administrative and logistics, would be implemented over a period of time in different regions of Belize to ensure wide geographical representation of participants. The first session was scheduled to commence in March 2017, for officers working in the Belize District.
  
  On the operational side of the Customs & Exercise Department, the Acting Comptroller offered the OAS Representative the opportunity to visit its workstations across the country, beginning with those in the northern districts of Belize, bordering Mexico. It was the view of all present that this proposed visit would give the OAS Representative a close up view of the work of Customs Officers and allow him to see, firsthand, the challenges they faced in trying to ensure the free movement of people, goods and services, in accordance with the laws of Belize, and consistent with established practices and procedures.
  
  In this connection, the parties to the informal agreement expressed the view that the information to be gathered by the OAS Representative could be used to inform authorities at the OAS Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and could be instrumental, as well, in helping to reach consensus on how the OAS could better support the operations of the Belize Customs & Exercise Department.
  
  The OAS has continued to work with its member countries to strengthen their institutional capacities and improve their human resource capabilities, through the convening of seminars, workshops, scholarships and short term courses.
  
  -the end-
  
• OAS and UNFPA Collaborate to Disseminate 2016 World Population Report
  Belize City, Monday November 21, 2016
  
  Belize City, November 21, 2016
  News Item (OAS Belize Office)
  
  OAS & UNFPA Collaborate to Disseminate 2016 World Population Report
  Consistent with the initiative of both the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Head of the Regional Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to join forces in preparing the America’s region for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, and the Liaison Officer for UNFPA’s Office in Belize City, Ms. Tisa Grant, appeared on a Television Program, on Channel 5 Television, in Belize, to extend the launch of the 2016 World Population Report. The Report highlighted the varying circumstances facing 10 year old girls in today’s world. Also appearing on the program was the Manager of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit in Belize’s Department of Youth Services, Mr. Eckert Middleton.
  During the airing of the program, the discussion focused on a number of the Report’s findings in relation to girls at 10 years, living in various parts of the world. The conversation was wide ranging and the following key points were elaborated:
  (a) The possibilities and opportunities that existed for many girls at 10 years that would positively influence their lives and education careers;
  (b) The existence of social and cultural norms, institutions, discriminatory laws and traditions that can hinder or block the development of 10 year old girls;
  (c) The need to give priority to improving and implementing various public policy options, in parts of the world, to address gender discrimination; and
  (d) The gains that can be achieved on behalf of 10 year old girls when existing risks are minimized and an environment is created to help these girls realize their full potential.
  Both the OAS and UNFPA have agreed to prioritize their collaboration by building awareness and disseminating activities on the SDG’s, particularly those related to mental health, universal access to quality health services and the improvement of the well being of women, children and adolescents in the Americas.
  
• OAS Belize Office assists in Coordinating Tourism Security Training Course
  Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Monday October 17, 2016
  
  October 22, 2016
  
  News Item
  
  OAS Belize Office assists in Coordinating Tourism Security Training Course
  
  Working closely with members of staff in the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Secretariat, the OAS Belize Office was instrumental in providing the requisite administrative and logistical support for the convening of a Tourism Security Training Course, in Belize.
  The event, jointly organized by the General Secretariat of the OAS, through its Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), the United Nations Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and tourism stakeholders in Belize, was held during a five day period, from October 17-21, 2016. It attracted a number of stakeholders from the public and private sector of Belize, including law enforcement, security personnel of National Parks and Heritage sites and high level authorities from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, the Belize City Council and the Belize Tourism Board.
  The course was one element of an OAS designed Tourism Security Program that, among other things, aimed to contribute to the strengthening of the capacities of strategic-level and operational-level public-private sector actors, in the tourism industry in member countries, including Belize. The program was also formulated to promote collaboration between the public and private sectors in the prevention and response to incidents that threatened the security of tourism.
  In opening remarks, the OAS Representative, Starret Greene, told the audience that the security of Belize’s tourism industry should not be viewed in isolation. Rather, Mr. Greene said that the security of the industry was inextricably linked to that of the country’s national security. The OAS Diplomat called for the strengthening of security at Belize’s heritage sites and designated parts of the country’s national parks, and protected areas. “These are the country’s national assets, and therefore, their protection becomes a national security issue”, he concluded.
  Prior to the convening of the course, the OAS, through a Team from CICTE carried out a Needs Assessment in Belize, last July. The outcomes were used to develop the 5 day training course with the goal of strengthening the capacity of various tourism stakeholders in Belize, to prevent and respond to incidents that could affect tourists. In this connection, participants learned practical skills such as risk assessment, general security planning, interviewing techniques, and threat assessments, among others key topics.
  The Organization of American States, through its Inter-American Committee against terrorism, continues to provide support to its member States to assist in building institutional and human resource capacity in their quest to improve security at every level of their national development.
  
• OAS Belize Office Supports Implementation of Social Inclusion/Social Transformation Project
  Belize City, Belize, Monday July 25, 2016
  
  July 25, 2016
  News Item
  
  OAS Belize Office Supports Implementation of Social Inclusion/Social Transformation Project
  
  The OAS Belize Office is working closely with the Ministry of Human Development Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) to speed up the implementation of the project entitled “Social Inclusion/Social Transformation Project for Belize”. The project is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2017, and both the Office and the Ministry are intensifying their efforts to meet the projected deadline, notwithstanding a relatively late start.
  During the period July 18-22, 2016, a Stakeholders consultation that is considered a critical project activity, was convened in Belize City. This event brought together a number of government officials and private sector partners to discuss the existing social programs that were designed and formulated by MHDSTPA, and catered to some of the most vulnerable and poor families in Belize City, and other parts of the country as well.
  OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D. Greene and CEO in MHDSTPA, Ms Judith Alpuche, addressed the audience during an opening ceremony. Both lauded the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Development Corporation Fund (DCF), for supporting Belize’s poverty alleviation programs and initiatives.
  On July 25, 2016, the OAS Representative spoke again at the start of a week of program review and training activities. This event was done in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development in Chile and MHDSTPA, and within Chile’s “Programa Familia” framework. In this connection, the Chilean Ministry also made available two (2) of its experts to travel to Belize, primarily to conduct an examination of Belize’s existing programs and to make recommendations, based on best practices methods, for improving their administrative and management operations.
  Consistent with speeding up the implementation of the project’s activities, work also started in earnest on the design of the Belize Active Labor Market Information System (BALMIS). Discussions were held with those agencies, to include Labor, Immigration and Foreign Affairs and local partners, who would likely use BALMIS to advertise, recruit and identify employment opportunities.
  According to Mark Antrobus, the Coordinator for the project mentioned herein, the above program initiatives and activities represented the start of a new philosophy of holistic, intensive interventions with families. He said that there was a strong emphasis on human rights and listening to the individual family’s concerns and priorities, with a view to providing the best counsel, advice and support.
  The OAS Funding for this project comes through the Development Corporation Fund (DCF), within the Secretariat for Integral Development.
  
  
• OAS Belize Office Supports Community Preparedness and Resilience Project
  Pelican Beach Resort, Dangriga, Thursday June 30, 2016
  
  July 4, 2016
  News Item
  OAS Belize Office Supports Community Preparedness and Resilience Project
  During the past twelve (12) months, the OAS Belize Office, through its Representative Starret D Greene and members of staff, actively supported the implementation of a technical cooperation project, sponsored by the Government of Taiwan and managed by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF). The project, entitled, “Community Preparedness and Resilience” was designed to build capacity in designated Belize communities in order to make them better prepared to deal with natural and manmade disasters, and to respond effectively to extreme weather and the effects of climate change as well.
  According to the project team for PADF, the initiative, launched in July 2015, assisted over 14,000 residents of Belize’s Stann Creek District in preparing for and responding to disasters. In this connection, two communities in Southern Belize, namely, the Town of Dangriga and the Village of Hopkins were the primary beneficiaries. “We have engaged both communities, through capacity building, contingency planning and ecological restoration efforts and increased awareness about disaster preparedness and climate change,” says Dr. Minerva Pinelo, PADF Belize Project Director. “It has been a great experience seeing residents take ownership of the project, become involved in building resilience within their communities and understand how climate change adaptation is the key to the preservation of their livelihoods,” Dr. Pinelo concluded.
  Throughout the implementation of the project, the OAS Representative, Starret Greene, provided expert advice to the Director of the project. The OAS Office was also used as the site for several planning and coordination meetings. According to Mr. Greene, the OAS was obliged to fully support the worthy efforts of its affiliated body, the Pan American Development Foundation, and to use his organization’s well established reputation, as a provider of technical support to various Government Ministries and Agencies in Belize, to generate support for the PADF initiative.
  The work done in communities in the Stann Creek District, through the project, included training and equipping local emergency response teams in Dangriga and Hopkins; Engaging students and teachers at seven schools, with programs on climate change and disaster risk reduction; the launching of eight public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems; and partnering with the University of Belize to expand its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center, and engaging students in field work as well.
  OAS Representative Starret Greene travelled to Dangriga on June 30, 2016, to participate in a ceremony to mark the formal completion of the yearlong program.
  
• OAS Belize Office Outreach Program advances to the Cayo District
  San Ignacio, Cayo District, Saturday June 11, 2016
  
  June 14, 2014
  
  OAS Belize Office Outreach Program advances to the Cayo District
  
  The OAS Belize Office Outreach Program has now reached into the Cayo District in western Belize. This outreach exercise is part of a broader effort to educate the Belizean population about the work of the Organization of American States in providing targeted assistance, working in partnership with the public and private sectors, consistent with achieving Belize’s developmental goals.
  On Saturday, June 11, 2016, the OAS Representative, Starret D. Greene, accompanied by Mr. Antonio Orellana, the Chauffeur/ Messenger/Clerk, was in the Town of San Ignacio, at the San Ignacio Hotel, and conducted a Presentation on “Leadership in the 21st Century”, as part of an intense and interactive Training Seminar, for 15 members of staff, that included 11 managers and 4 administrators.
  The OAS Belize Office Outreach Program was strictly designed to publicize the work of the OAS in Belize by informing Belizean citizens about the specific programs, projects, activities and initiatives that are undertaken by the organization. In this connection, the Outreach Program is not only derived from the OAS’ sponsored technical cooperation programs in Belize, but it also has the same fundamental objective of focusing on institutional strengthening and building human resource capacity – the corner stone of the cooperation support that the organization gives to its member States.
  In addition, the Outreach Program aims to counter a growing perception that the OAS is only involved in working with Belize and Guatemala to resolve their long running territorial dispute. In this regard, the program will highlight the other aspects of the invaluable work the OAS does in Belize through its office located in Belize City, as distinct from the activities carried out at the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, on the western border with Guatemala.
  The General Manager of the San Ignacio Hotel, Mrs. Paulita Figueroa, who also participated in the Training Seminar, heaped glowing praises on the OAS Representative for bringing the Training Seminar to her staff.
  The emphasis that the Outreach Program places on training makes it a true extension of the OAS’ Professional Development Program that provides training to nationals of OAS member States, to include senior civil servants, technocrats from various private sector entities and others in numerous professions, who continue to benefit from a series of refresher courses that not only broadens their knowledge but also breathes new life and inspiration into previously tiring careers.
  The OAS Belize Outreach Program has already benefited persons in Law Enforcement, Hospitality Industry, Banking and Finance, Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Politics.
  
  
• OAS Belize Office Involved in the Planning of OAS Secretary General’s Official Visit to Belize
  Belize, Thursday May 19, 2016
  
  April 21, 2016
  OAS Belize News Item
  OAS Belize Office Involved in the Planning of OAS Secretary General’s Official Visit to Belize
  The OAS Belize Office was engaged in both coordinating and organizing the recently concluded Official Visit to Belize, by the OAS Secretary General, Luis Leonardo Almagro Lemes, from April 19 to 21, 2016.
  Due to extenuating circumstances, his first meeting with the Chief Justice of Belize and other officials, scheduled for April 19, 2016, at the OAS Belize Office, had to be cancelled.
  Instead, the Secretary General was driven to Belmopan to hold his first meeting with Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Dean Barrow. At the Prime Minister’s Office, the conversation focused almost entirely on the Belize/Guatemala Dispute. The SG stressed the need for both countries to take expeditious steps to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice. PM Barrow expressed his personal commitment and that of his government to move with dispatch.
  The SG then met with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conversation focused on the Belize/Guatemalan Dispute. The SG used the occasion to reiterate his position that speedy action was required to get the dispute to the ICJ, and the Foreign Minister also availed himself to do all that was possible in that regard.
  Between 7-9 pm, the Government of Belize hosted a reception, at the San Ignacio Hotel, in honor of SG Almagro. The event marked the end of his first day in Belize.
  On April 20, 2016, a planned “Fly over”, via helicopter of the Adjacency Zone area, was cancelled, due to unfavorable weather. Instead, the SG visited the OAS Adjacency Zone Office and met with the Peace Fund Donor Countries Representatives. He also met with Belize’s Governor General, His Excellency Sir Colvin Young. A Presentation of OAS/AZ Culture of Peace Program followed. It featured young people from both Belize and Guatemala, performing a variety of songs and dances.
  After lunch, the SG was given a guided tour of the Xunantunich Ruins. He then returned to the OAS Adjacency Zone Office and listened to a presentation of the work of the Office. This brought his second day in Belize to a close.
  On his final day, the SG met with the Honorable John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition and of the Peoples United Party (PUP), in Belize City. SG Almagro emphasized the need for both Belize and Guatemala to take their Dispute to the ICJ. Mr. Briceno expressed support for the position of the SG and also indicated that he was willing to work with the Government to try and resolve Belize’s dispute with Guatemala.
  The Secretary General’s Official Visit to Belize ended when he departed the country during the afternoon of April 21, 2016.
  
• OAS Belize Office Features in PROCCER Certification Ceremony
  Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City, Wednesday April 27, 2016
  
  
  April 27, 2016
  OAS Belize Office News Item
  
  OAS Belize Office Features in PROCCER Certification Ceremony
  The OAS Belize Office and Belize’s National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) joined forces in organizing the Drug and Violence Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Certification Ceremony, that resulted from the OAS sponsored Training and Certification of Drug and Violence Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (PROCCER). The ceremony was held on April 27, 2016, at the Radisson Fort George Hotel, in Belize City, Belize.
  A total of forty-seven (47) Belizeans, twenty-one from the Treatment category and twenty-six (26) from the Prevention category were declared certified practitioners across a wide range of disciplines to include social work and counseling as well as drug and violence prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. About seventy-five (75) Belizeans participated in the program that was locally administered by NDACC, and supervised by officials from the University of the West Indies, at its Mona Campus in Jamaica.
  Speaking at the Ceremony, OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene congratulated the participants on behalf of the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), and praised the partnership that both CICAD and NDACC had developed in their collective quest to strengthen capacity in specific areas of need in Belize. Mr. Greene said that as a result of PROCCER, Belize’s human resource capacity had expanded. He remarked that a cadre of social workers, community police officers, counselors and community workers were among those who now formed part of a growing pool of qualified professionals, and that they were ready and prepared to help those who had fallen by the wayside, and needed to be returned to the main stream of society.
  Also addressing the Ceremony was the Honorable Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health, who expressed his Government’s appreciation for the financial support of the OAS in assisting NDACC to implement PROCCER. For his part, the Director of NDACC, Mr. Esner Vellos, also thanked OAS/CICAD for partnering with his agency and for creating opportunities for Belizeans to emerge as qualified technicians to deal with a range of social challenges, such as violence, HIV/AIDS, that in some cases were linked to the abuse of drugs, lack of education and poverty.
  PROCCER was launched in the Caribbean in May 2011 and it involves the participation of experts in drug prevention and treatment, OAS Caribbean Member State national drug councils, academia (university of the West Indies, Mona Campus and St. George’s University-SGU), regional technical bodies and regional political bodies as well.
  PROCCER has emerged as a key element in the implementation of Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) programs, having regard to its Treatment and Prevention components.
  
• OAS Representative Meets with Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP)
  OAS Belize Office, Wednesday March 2, 2016
  
  March 2, 2016
  News Item
  
  OAS Representative Meets with Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP)
  On February 29, 2016, the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D. Greene, was host of a meeting with the Honorable John Briceno, the newly elected leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) and Leader of the Opposition in Belize’s National Assembly. The meeting took place at the OAS Belize Office in Belize City with the overall objective of exchanging thoughts on important political issues in Belize and to prepare the grounds for establishing a working relationship that will allow for regular dialogue between both officials.
  The occasion was the first time that the two officials were meeting each other, and at the outset, it therefore allowed for formal introduction and exchange of pleasantries.
  However, both gentlemen used the meeting to discuss a number of issues ranging from the recent campaign for leadership of the PUP to the state of agriculture and the Belize/Guatemala Territorial Dispute.
  On the issue of Mr. Briceno’s emergence as the newly elected leader of his party, he expressed optimism about being able to unite party supporters, following the January 31st elections, and motivate them to focus on returning the PUP into Government. He also informed the OAS Representative that the Party would shortly make an announcement of the appointment of three (3) new candidates to the Senate, who would represent the positions of the PUP on a range of issues to be debated in that Legislative Chamber.
  Regarding the state of agriculture in Belize, the Leader of the Opposition lamented the challenges that farmers were facing, particularly in the North of the country, where drought conditions had resulted in the sector losing approximately BZ$30 million. In relation to his party’s position on Belize/Guatemala relations, with special reference to the Territorial Dispute, the PUP Leader informed the OAS Representative that he had established a Special Committee to advise him on the issues pertaining to the subject and to keep him apprised of the state of current negotiations at the various levels. The Leader also revealed that he had appointed a member of the said Committee to sit on the Belize/Guatemala Commission.
  The OAS Diplomat, consistent with the OAS Professional Development Program, offered to Mr. Briceno, an opportunity for some of the young leaders in the party to be exposed to a presentation on “Leadership in the 21st Century”. Mr. Greene explained that the exercise was an opportunity to build capacity among the youths in the party and to position them to play a more effective role in formulating and articulating the party’s position on current and emerging political, economic, social and cultural issues. The offer was readily accepted by the Leader.
  Both gentlemen agreed that the meeting opened the opportunity for them to hold further discussions and that it also set the stage for having regular dialogue on political and other issues of relevance to the OAS and the PUP alike.
  
• OAS,UNICEF and GOB Collaborate on Birth Registration Stakeholders Meeting
  Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Friday February 19, 2016
  
  February 19, 2016
  
  OAS, UNICEF and GOB Collaborate on Birth Registration Stakeholders Meeting
  The Offices of the Organization of American States in Belize and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Government of Belize (GOB), through its Vital Statistics unit of the General Registry Department, hosted a meeting of Birth Registration Stakeholders, on February 18, 2016, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. The event was held to discuss the findings and recommendations of a Report, commissioned by UNICEF, to investigate the state of the current birth registration coverage and system in Belize.
  The agenda for the event included Opening Remarks by Mr. Ivan Yerovi H., Representative of UNICEF in Belize; Remarks by Starret D Greene, OAS Representative in Belize, and the Key note Address by the Honorable Kenneth Benjamin, Chief Justice, Belize Supreme Court.
  However, the main agenda item was Dr. Holness’ Presentation on the Findings and Recommendations of her Report. In this regard, the Consultant outlined a set of bottlenecks that were preventing 100% birth registration in Belize. Among her many findings of the current Birth Registration System were (1) leadership failures (2) Inadequate staff (3) inadequate resources (4) birth registration inaccessibility (5) lack of oversight (6) shortage of materials (7)no access by registrars to travel to the unregistered and (8) a widely dispersed population.
  The methodology the consultant used allowed her to meet with the Registrar General and with the leadership and staff of the Civil Registry as well. She observed the activities of the Vital Statistics Unit as well as the Civil Registration Process across all Districts in Belize, except the town of Corozal. In addition, Dr. Holness met with key stakeholders to include the Hospitals, Funeral Directors, Ministers of Religion, Marriage officers and others.
  Crucial to the next steps following the presentation of the Consultant’s report was the dialogue that ensued between stakeholders who were assigned to three distinct working groups. Issues relating to social norms, access, legislative policy, budget, expenditure and management/coordination, were elaborated. The salient points will be provided to the Consultant for inclusion in her final report.
  In 2008, the OAS adopted the Inter-American Program for Universal Civil Registry and the “Right to Identity”. The Universal Civil Identity Project was subsequently established as the vehicle through which the organization works with its partners to strengthen the administrative and technological capacities of public registries in member countries.
  
• Country Representatives of OAS and the IDB agreed to Forge closer Cooperation
  OAS Belize Office, Tuesday February 2, 2016
  
  February 2, 2016
  
  Country Representatives of OAS and the IDB agreed to Forge closer Cooperation
  
  The Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Belize, Starret D. Greene, and the Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Belize, Dr. Cassandra Rogers, held formal discussions at the OAS Belize Office on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, that focused on a number of programs and projects that both organizations were currently implementing in Belize.
  Both Country Representatives identified several areas where the two organizations were positioned to pool resources, share best practices and exchange ideas that would further strengthen and, where possible, expand existing programs, projects, activities and initiatives.
  In this connection, the OAS sponsored Drug Treatment Court project for juveniles was mentioned as a possible activity that could lead to the creation of synergies in light of the fact that the IDB was also involved in an initiative that targeted disadvantaged young people in Belize. This IDB sponsored education and training activity is supporting the aspirations of youths to acquire the requisite skills so that they could emerge as more productive citizens as well as become better prepared to compete for jobs in the national, regional and international labor market.
  The two (2) officials stressed the need to avoid duplication of efforts, especially in light of diminishing resources that are available for developmental cooperation. They also emphasized how critical it was to achieve optimum efficiencies in the execution of all programs, but in particular, those that were designed to strengthen human development and build institutional capacity in Belize. Finally, the two seasoned diplomats also mentioned the importance of ensuring that the results of the programs, that their respective organizations funded, were impactful and sustainable.
  The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are sister organizations within the Inter-American System, with a long and successful history of working together on developmental issues.
  -end-
  
• OAS Partners with Stakeholders to convene Train the Trainers Business Lab Workshop
  Belize City, ITVET, Monday November 9, 2015
  
  November 16, 2015
  
  OAS Partners with Stakeholders to convene Train the Trainers Business Lab Workshop
  The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Office in Belize City, collaborated with a group of high powered Stakeholders, namely, the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV), Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), to convene a Train the Trainers Business Lab workshop, that focused on Intellectual Property and Product Branding for Creative Industries.
  The event, convened in Belize during the period November 9-13, 2015, brought together 25 participants from Belize with managerial and practical experience in the different aspects of small businesses. The workshop, among other things, was designed to provide potential trainers and mentors with tools to assist entrepreneurs with the business development support and guidance they need to have their businesses thrive. The business lab aspect of the workshop was geared towards helping to transform intellectual Entrepreneurial Assets (IEAs) into real business by offering technical skills and advice in business planning, marketing and branding.
  Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, His Excellency, Ambassador Nester Mendez, was present to give the key note address at the Opening Ceremony. Also addressing the workshop participants was H.E. Oren Bar El, Ambassador of Israel in El Salvador and non-resident Ambassador to Belize. Mr. Starret D Greene, the OAS Representative in Belize, gave both the welcoming and closing remarks.
  At the end of the course, participants, among other things, had acquired hands on experience that resulted in them having grasped the core principles for establishing and managing small-scale business enterprises and developed an understanding of the basic principles for incorporating intellectual property into their business models. They are also now positioned to analyze aspects of creating a corporate image and developing marketing strategies for reaching their target audience.
  The Workshop was facilitated by Messrs Moshe Harel and Guillermo Levinton, lecturers at the Golda Meir mount Carmel International Training Center (MCTC).
  The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) was the main sponsor of the event. BELTRADIE also provided substantial support as well.
  
• OAS Assistant Secretary General H. E. Nestor Mendez Visits OAS Country Office in Belize
  Belize City, OAS Belize Office, Monday November 9, 2015
  
  November 12, 2015
  
  OAS Assistant Secretary General H.E. Nestor Mendez Visits OAS Country Office in Belize
  The Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, His Excellency, Ambassador Nester Mendez visited the OAS Country Office in Belize, on November 9, 2015. Ambassador Mendez received warm words of welcome on behalf of the Staff from the OAS Representative in Belize, Mr. Starret D Greene. Representative Greene also used the opportunity of the ASG’s presence to brief him on the programs, projects and activities being undertaken by the Office and the strategies and work program put in place to ensure the effective implementation of the Office’s mandate, consistent with the four (4) pillars of the OAS, namely Democracy, Human Rights, Multidimensional Security and Integral Development. Staff members were both honored and excited to have had the ASG in their presence, and used the occasion to highlight some of the challenges associated with performing their daily tasks. They also pledged their continued commitment to keep flying the flag of the organization in Belize, with dignity and pride.
  For his part, Assistant Secretary General Mendez thanked staff members for representing the OAS in Belize, and expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the General Secretariat, for their unwavering commitment towards ensuring that the organization’s presence and work in Belize were helping to make a positive difference in the lives of the country’s citizens. Ambassador Mendez also briefed the staff on the restructuring initiative of the OAS. He said that this new thrust was aimed at ensuring increased efficiencies in the organization’s operations. The ASG also emphasized the need to further streamline critical administrative processes and procedures within the OAS, and to employ proven management practices, consistent with a modern 21st century multilateral body. The Ambassador spoke of the need to strengthen the OAS Offices in the field so that they can better assist in advancing the strategic interests of the organization in the Hemisphere through promoting democracy, increasing security, defending human rights and supporting Integral Development.
  The Assistant Secretary General’s visit to Belize was directly linked to the convening of a Regional Train the Trainers Business Lab Work Shop in Belize, sponsored by the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), and supported by the Organization of American States (OAS), Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the University of the West Indies (UWI).
  The event was held during the period November 9-13, 2015, in Belize City.
  
• OAS Belize Office Hosts Members of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (OAS/EOM)
  Belize City, Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Wednesday November 4, 2015
  
  November 11, 2015
  
  OAS Belize Office Hosts Members of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (OAS/EOM)
  Responding to an invitation from the Government of Belize to send an Electoral Observation Mission to observe the country’s General Elections, the OAS Secretary General, His Excellency, Luis Almagro, dispatched an OAS Electoral Mission to observe the said elections on November 4, 2015. Members of the Mission arrived in Belize during the period October 28 to 31, 2015, and were ably supported by the Staff of the OAS Belize Office. The Chief of the 13 member Mission was Ambassador Jacinth Henry Martin, who is also the Chief of Staff to the OAS Secretary General. Mr. Paul Spencer, Political Analyst in the OAS Political Affairs Secretariat, served as Deputy Chief of Mission.
  Prior to the arrival of members of the OAS/EOM, Staff members in the OAS Belize Office ensured that all the administrative and logistical arrangements were in place to facilitate the work of the Mission. These arrangements included securing the requisite providers of products and services. Special attention was given to the hiring of a local support staff, acquiring office equipment and supplies, and securing transportation and accommodation as well.
  Conducting meetings with key stakeholders in Belize, who had an important stake in the elections, were critical to the work of the Mission. In this regard, the Staff in the OAS Belize Office devoted considerable time and energy in planning and organizing meetings with a wide range of political, professional, social and civil society actors, religious groups, business entities and youth organizations.
  The OAS/EOM, upon arrival, signed, on October 29, 2015, an Agreement with Belize’s Electoral and Boundaries Commission, thereby paving the way for the Mission to conduct its work. Immediately after the signing, members of the OAS/EOM received a briefing from the Chief Elections Officer within the Elections and Boundaries Department. In addition, the OAS/EOM met with Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wilfred Elrington and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Allen Whylie. Separate meetings were also held with an Observation Team from the US Embassy in Belmopan, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Directors of Media Houses.
  The Mission observed the elections in all 6 administrative regions of Belize on November 4, 2015, and visited a total of 162 of the country’s 225 polling booths, in 30 of the 31 constituencies.
  Before leaving Belize on November 6, the OAS/EOM held a Press Conference on November 5, and gave its Preliminary Report on the General Elections. It is believed that the Final Report will be completed in early 2016.
  
• Belize High Schol to participate in 34th Model OAS General Assemby for High Schools
  OAS Headquarters, Washington D.C., Wednesday December 2, 2015
  
  October 21, 2015
  News Item
  Contact OAS Belize Office on 501-223-3144
  
  Belize High School to participate in 34th Model OAS General Assembly for High Schools
  At the invitation of the OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, twelve (12) senior students and three (3) faculty members of the Belize High School will be traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the forthcoming 34th Model OAS General Assembly for High Schools (34th MOAS/HS) that will convene at the OAS Headquarters from December 2 to 4, 2015.
  This is the first time that a high school from Belize will be playing an active role in this MOAS Program that was designed to promote democratic values among the youth of the Hemisphere through a simulation exercise of the OAS General Assembly. According to organizers of the program at OAS Headquarters, students will represent the OAS Member States and negotiate resolutions to promote democracy, human rights, hemispheric security, and development in the Americas. The exercise will also familiarize students, faculty and academic institutions of the Americas with the work of the OAS and its member States.
  The OAS Belize Office was instrumental in helping the staff at the Belize High School in making the decision to attend, notwithstanding that each student had to assume the responsibility to meet the costs associated with registration fees and expenditures relating to travel, lodging, meals, incidentals and insurance. According to the OAS Representative in Belize, Mr. Starret Greene, BHS was the first and ultimately the only school to have jumped at the opportunity after receiving the invitation. The OAS Representative went on to state that not only would the students of BHS make history, but also they would become part of a hemispheric experience that would strengthen their knowledge of subjects such as multilateralism, international law, the environment and poverty alleviation.
  Principal Jamie Lee Usher was in the forefront of motivating and challenging students, staff and parents to participate in the OAS program that focused on the development of young people in the Americas. Mrs. Usher has always demonstrated a readiness to expose students of BHS to opportunities that helped them to fulfill their roles as global citizens and widened their knowledge and understanding in the process.
  The MOAS/HS is conducted in English with the OAS Headquarters as its primary venue.
  -end-
  
• OAS-Development Cooperation Fund Supports Belize's Social Inclusion/Social Protection Programme
  OAS Belize Office, Belize City, Thursday July 16, 2015
  
  News Item
  August 3, 2015
  OAS-Development Cooperation Fund Supports Belize’s Social Inclusion/Social Protection Programme
  The OAS, through its Development Cooperation Fund (DCF), and the Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, signed a Project Execution Agreement on July 16, 2015, at its General Secretariat Office in Belize City, Belize.
  The OAS-DCF assistance in the amount of US$130,000 compliments inputs from the Government of Belize and its United Nations development partners, UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA. These resources will further strengthen the social inclusion/social protection project, executed by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation. According to the said Ministry, OAS-DCF injection will contribute to the achievement of the following key results:-
  - Design, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of a pilot project which provides for comprehensive wraparound services to 400 households living below the indigent line, i.e. Wraparound Service Model Pilot Project; and
  
  - Strengthening of Ministry of Human Development, Social transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) case management practices and expansion of its FAMCare information system with direct links to the productive employment pillar of the social protection system.
  In remarks given at the Signing Ceremony by the Senior Minister Anthony Martinez, in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, he applauded the OAS for its partnership with the Government of Belize, and pledged his Government’s commitment to the strengthening of Belize’s social protection program. The Minister also made specific reference to ongoing programs and projects undertaken by his government and implemented through various public agencies to systematically address the increasing pressing needs of the poor and vulnerable.
  Speaking on behalf of the OAS, Starret Greene, OAS Representative in Belize said that the OAS remained firmly committed to the fight against poverty and that the organization continued to work with its member countries throughout the hemisphere and other Inter-American Partners to improve the welfare of those citizens in the Americas who were living in poverty.
  Among those present at the Signing Ceremony were the Honorable Anthony Martinez, Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Miss Judith Alpuche, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA), Ms. Anna Williams, Human Development Coordinator in MHDSTPA, and Mrs Orla Kantun-Coleman, Director of International Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Members of the Media were also present and they used the opportunity to ask questions of the relevant officials.
  The project cycle will commence August 1, 2015 and ends on July 31, 2017.
  
• ECPA - Sustainable Energy Capacity Building Initiative (SECBI) Launch in Belize
  George Price Center, Belmopan, Tuesday June 30, 2015
  
  July 3, 2015
  
  ECPA - Sustainable Energy Capacity Building Initiative (SECBI) Launch in Belize
  
  As part of a regional effort to improve energy efficiency in CARICOM member states, the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), and in cooperation with its OAS Belize Office, has partnered with the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities, in Belize, to launch the ECPA - Sustainable Energy Capacity Building Initiative (SECBI), during the period June 30, to July 2, 2015.
  This three (3) day event, held in Belmopan, provided the opportunity for expert consultants (from McGeown Associates and Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standard Program –CLASP), along with Ms. Carolina Pena, Energy Officer in the Sustainable Energy Section within the OAS/DSD, to consult directly with stakeholders in Belize, qualify conceptual recommendations, elaborate common practices and provide advice on improving equipment standards, in order to enhance energy efficiency efforts by the Government, businesses and households in Belize.
  The launching also brought into focus the Energy for Sustainable Development in Caribbean Buildings (ESD) Project that has given rise to a project concept for Belize entitled “Towards the Intensification of Energy Efficiency efforts in Government, Businesses and Households in Belize”. When implemented, it is anticipated that the project will help contribute to Belize’s sustainable development by accelerating an enabling environment for investments in, and utilization of, efficient and renewable energy measures.
  Four (4) main outcomes of the project are expected as follows:
  
  (1) Development of legal and institutional frameworks for utilities, energy service companies (ESCOs) and end-users to support energy sector transformation;
  (2) Providing sustainable energy investment guidance through financial mechanisms;
  (3) Supporting end-users decision making regarding energy-efficient equipment and service provider competency; and
  (4) Supporting the adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for equipment and Buildings, especially those located in close proximity to the Parliament.
  
  Although some interventions relating to the development of the energy sector in Belize have begun, there are still important gaps that remained. In this connection, the financial and technical support of the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), will be pivotal in improving energy efficiency in Belize.
  
  -end-
  
• OAS Belize Office Supports Workshop on Women’s Entrepreneurship
  Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City, Tuesday June 23, 2015
  
  July 3, 2015
  
  OAS Belize Office Supports Workshop on Women’s Entrepreneurship
  
  The Office of the OAS General Secretariat in Belize, in recognition of the value and benefits that can accrue to society when meaningful investments are made towards the empowerment of Women, participated in a workshop that was jointly organized by the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank.
  The workshop, held in Belize City at the Radisson Fort George Hotel on June 23, 2015, was designed to facilitate discussions among participants who shared a common goal of helping women entrepreneurs develop their businesses against the backdrop of mounting opportunities and challenges presented by the onset of globalization and global business competitiveness.
  The event brought together a number of women’s businesses and organizations in Belize and provided a forum for open debate on how best to improve the current business climate as well as to explore what additional incentives were needed for women entrepreneurs that would help grow and develop their business ventures.
  During the exchanges, participants also shared multiple ideas on what was needed to create and sustain a thriving class of women entrepreneurs and also offered a set of best practices methods that emanated from existing ventures that were considered a model of success. Ultimately, the issue of financing became the focus of attention as many businesswomen lamented the lack of progress in growing their businesses, a fact that they attributed to the absence of easy access to financing and their inability to qualify under the onerous terms and conditions offered by existing financial institutions.
  The OAS Belize Office was represented at the event by its Administrative Technician, Mrs. Lupita Thompson. Mrs. Thompson, who is acquainted with some of the programs that the OAS has sponsored in member countries to empower women in politics and business, said that the workshop was an eye opener for her. She also remarked that it allowed for the sharing of information and created the potential for building business partnerships within the framework of a growing business environment that would help to empower women, and by extension, strengthened families and communities.
  -end-
  
• OAS/UNICEF/Belize Vital Statistic Unit Partner to achieve 100% Birth Registration
  Belize City, Tuesday June 16, 2015
  
  The Office of the OAS General Secretariat in Belize is partnering with UNICEF and the Vital Statistic Unit of Belize to achieve 100% Birth Registration in the Central American country. While Birth Registration in Belize is close to 94 percent, the statistics show that over 6 percent of births have remained unaccounted. Closing this gap has become a challenge for the Vital Statistic Unit and its officials have turned to UNICEF and the OAS to help bring reforms to the Birth Registration system, not only to achieve the goal of 100% Registration, but also to reach those vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, in order to bring them into the main stream of society.
  The tripartite effort, mentioned above, involved, among other things, a comprehensive assessment of Birth Registration in Belize. As designed, the assessment will (1) map the existing Registration system; (2) identify the current players and stakeholders; (3) point to the existing gaps in service delivery; (4) collate the various shortcomings and bottlenecks that contribute to inefficiencies; and (5) outlining a set of recommendations, to include the revision and amendment of legislation, for modernizing and making more efficient the Birth Registration system in Belize.
  In this regard, Belize Vital Statistic Unit has secured the consultancy services of Mrs. Patricia Holness, a Jamaican National to conduct the assessment. It is anticipated that she will complete her work by the end of summer 2015.
  For its part, the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Department for Effective Public Management, and under its Universal Civil Identity Program in the Americas, led a previous initiative that resulted in the digitalization of 80 percent of the Registration Records of Belize. This project was specifically constructed by the OAS to build on previous work the organization had done with UNICEF and the IDB, in 2006, to fully modernize Belize’s Civil Registry.
  OAS Representative, Starret Greene, who also helped in coordinating the organization’s Civil Registry and identity project, to modernize the Civil Registry in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, during the period 2013-2014, said that he was delighted to be working directly with officials representing both UNICEF and Belize’s Vital Statistic Unit, in their collective goal to achieve 100% registration of all births in Belize. Mr. Greene praised the efforts of his colleagues and applauded them for exhibiting a true spirit of cooperation, to bring about needed change in an area that was crucial to achieve development with equity and sustainability.
  -end-
  
• OAS Representative in Belize at Signing Ceremony between Belize and Guatemala
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guatemala City, Monday May 25, 2015
  
  May 25, 2015
  
  OAS Representative in Belize at Signing Ceremony between Belize and Guatemala
  On May 25, 2015, the Governments of Belize and Guatemala, through the High Offices of their respective Foreign Ministers, the Honorable Wilfred Elrington and the Honorable Carlos Raul Morales, and in the presence of OAS Secretary General, H.E. Jose Miguel Insulza, signed a Protocol to Amend their Special Agreement of 2008. It should be recalled that the Special Agreement required, among other things, both countries to submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and to hold as well simultaneous referendum on their decision. However, the Protocol to amend their Special Agreement, now allows for the referendum to be either held simultaneously in both countries or to be held separately.
  Consistent with current understanding, Guatemala is scheduled to hold its referendum vote in November 2015, and, according to Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, Belize would hold its referendum shortly thereafter.
  The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Guatemala City, attracted a number of dignitaries, from both Countries. A strong contingent of media houses, including one (Channel 5) from Belize gave ample coverage to the event. Given that the signing took place on Guatemalan soil, the gathering was dominated by Guatemalan citizens, with a smaller but impressive group of Diplomats from Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in attendance. In addition, Secretary General Insulza led a fairly sizeable OAS Team, comprising of his Advisor, Ms. Anna Matilde Perez Katz, Special Representative of the Secretary General in the Office of the OAS Adjacency Zone, Ambassador Raul Lago, OAS Representative in Guatemala, Ms. Milagro Martinez, OAS Representative in Belize, Mr. Starret Greene, Chief of the OAS Peace Fund, Ms. Magdalena Talamas, Director of the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, Mr. Sergio Benitez and Dacia Argon, Administrative Technician in the OAS Office in Guatemala City.
  The first order of the Ceremony was the actual signing of the Amendment by both the Foreign Ministers and the OAS Secretary General, who literally presided at his final act, as the OAS Secretary General, after having served two terms (2005-2015). The event also featured remarks by all three officials, to include the two Foreign Ministers and the Secretary General. A Press Conference marked the final act of the signing ceremony.
  -end-
  
• OAS Representative Meets with Mayor of Belize City
  Mayor's Office, Belize City, Tuesday May 5, 2015
  
  May 7, 2015
  
  OAS Representative Meets with Mayor of Belize City
  
  OAS Representative, Starret D Greene, and Mayor of Belize City, Darrell Bradley, met in the Mayor’s Office on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
  Both men used the occasion to get to know each other as well as to discuss possible areas of cooperation and collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and the Office of the OAS General Secretariat, located in Belize City.
  For his part, the Mayor used the occasion to highlight the good relations between the Office of the Mayor and the OAS Belize Office. He was fulsome in his praise for the work that the OAS continued to carryout in Belize, especially in the area of education and security and programs designed to support the efforts of the Government of Belize in addressing the ongoing drug problem, particularly among youths.
  The OAS Representative in the exchange applauded the Mayor for the extensive road work projects currently being undertaken in the City, with special reference to the reconstruction of the Boulevard where the OAS Office is located. The OAS Diplomat also acknowledged the various ongoing initiatives of the Mayor and his City Council to beautify the city and to create and sustain an environment that was conducive to the security and economic progress of the inhabitants.
  The Mayor and the OAS Representative promised to keep an open line of communication that they considered vital to good working rapport and mutual understanding.
  end
  
• Press Conference - Galen University Students who participated in the 33rd MOAS
  OAS Belize Conference Room, Monday April 13, 2015
  
  Press Conference
  April 13, 2015
  Held at the OAS Belize Office
  With Galen University Students who participated in the 33rd MOAS in St. Kitts and Nevis
  
  I wish to warmly welcome everyone present to this News Conference. A special welcome is extended to members of the various Media Houses who are present.
  During the period March 24-26, 2015, the Organization of American States held its 33rd Model OAS General Assembly in St. Kitts and Nevis, the smallest member country. For the first time since the inception of this event, six (6) students from Galen University in Belize, accompanied by one staff member, represented Belize. Their involvement was in response to an invitation extended to colleges and universities in Belize from the OAS General Secretariat, through the office of the Assistant Secretary General.
  Galen University was the first to respond positively to the invitation. Through the creative efforts at fund raising by some very enterprising and motivated students, together with support from the university and the OAS, sufficient funds were raised to cover the costs of airfare, room and board and other related expenses to travel to the Eastern Caribbean.
  I wish to express my profuse appreciation to the University for supporting the Model OAS General Assembly, which is now an annual event on the Inter-American Agenda. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Sherry Gibbs, lecturer, Monica Chun, responsible for student affairs, the students who participated, the staff in the OAS Belize Office, and members of staff in the Office of the Assistant Secretary General in Washington, D.C., for working together to make the Model OAS General Assembly meaningful, educational and memorable.
  The Model OAS General Assembly is a program tailored for university students. It is specially designed to promote democracy among the youth of the hemisphere by familiarizing them with the work of the OAS and its member States, as well as to provide these young people with a better knowledge of the organization’s role as the premier political forum in the Hemisphere. The program is designed to bring students together, and it allows them to become engaged in an active learning exercise, where through role-playing, they represent the diplomats and political officials of the 34 member states of the OAS in similar settings and using well established procedures and practices as executed in a real OAS General Assembly forum.
  Students from throughout the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and countries in Latin America participated in the event.
  
• OAS PROCCER Activities Launched in Belize
  NARCIE Conference Room, Belize City, Thursday March 19, 2015
  
  March 20, 2015
  
  OAS PROCCER Activities Launched in Belize
  
  Activities associated with the OAS’ sponsored Training and Certification Program for Drug and Violence Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation (PROCCER) were launched in Belize, on March 19, 2015.
  At a ceremony organized by the National Drug Abuse Control Council in Belize City, at the NARCIE Conference Room, on March 19, 2015, Dr. Peter Allen, CEO in the Ministry of Health said that about 70 Health Professionals would be trained to assist in rehabilitating those persons who were victims of drug abuse and drug dependency. The CEO explained that the training would focus on prevention techniques, treatment and rehabilitation. With respect to rehabilitation, he referenced the challenges of securing equipped rehabilitation centers. Nevertheless, he expressed the view that the training program was the first step in overcoming these challenges. Dr. Allen also used the occasion to express, on behalf of the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health, his sincere thanks to the Organization of American States (OAS) for building a partnership with officials within the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) to ensure the success of the PROCCER program.
  Also speaking at the launch was the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret Greene. The OAS Diplomat remarked that the PROCCER program was region wide, and that it was designed by the OAS’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), in 2006, to develop and strengthen countries’ institutions, policies, and strategies regarding treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with problems stemming from drugs and violence. The OAS Representative revealed that the contribution that his organization made to PROCCER in Belize was US$33, 000, equivalent to BZ$66, 000. Mr. Greene said that the amount would be a significant boost to the efforts of the Ministry of Health, through its network of partners, working collaboratively, with an eye focused on efficiency, inclusion and good management. He revealed that the OAS Belize Office was mandated to closely monitor the implementation of PROCCER and that he anticipated a close working rapport with all stakeholders, in the execution of the program.
  Also speaking at the ceremony was the Director of the National Drug Abuse Control Council, Mr. Esner Vellos, who detailed the various components of PROCCER and provided an overview of how the Council, working with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders would implement the program. He revealed that the training component had already begun, and he also used the ceremony as the platform for introducing those persons who would serve as trainers.
  The main objective of PROCCER is to contribute to optimizing the quality of care in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of drug abuse and dependence, and drug related violence in Belize.
  -end-
  
• Galen University in Belize Participated in Model OAS General Assembly
  St. Kitts and Nevis, Tuesday March 24, 2015
  
  
  April 5, 2015
  Galen University in Belize Participated in Model OAS General Assembly
  Accompanied by a member of faculty, Six (6) students from Galen University left Belize on March 21, 2015, to attend the 33rd Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS) in St. Kitts and Nevis, to be held March 24-26, 2015.
  The event was organized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of the OAS and the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
  Through its OAS Belize Office, the Organization of American States (OAS) sent invitations to several universities in Belize to attend this event. Galen University was the first educational institution that engaged in an intense fundraising campaign to secure finances that would help defray the costs associated with travel, accommodation, meals and other related expenses. For its part, the OAS, among other meaningful inputs, waived the registration fees, while the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis provided lunch and transportation to and from the airport.
  The MOAS is a program tailored for university students. It is specially designed to promote democracy among the youth of the Hemisphere by familiarizing them with the work of the OAS and its member States, as well as to provide these young people with a better knowledge of the organization’s role as the premier political forum in the Hemisphere.
  This event not only brings students together, but also it allows them to become engaged in an active learning exercise, where through role-playing, they represent the diplomats and political officials of the 34 member states of the OAS in similar settings and using well established procedures and practices as executed in a real OAS General Assembly forum, held annually in a designated member country of the organization. In this connection, students whose academic pursuits are in such areas as political science, international relations, diplomacy, international law, international economics, Latin American and Caribbean studies, government and history, are likely to benefit tremendously, as they actively become engaged in discussing a range of topical issues, some of which are currently being played out in the regional and international spheres.
  As a prelude to the commencement of the MOAS, students were provided information about the country they would represent. Participants were also requested to write “Position Papers” which would be used by delegates delivering their “General Statements” during the first session of established committees where debates occur. All delegations would be involved in the drafting and debating of resolutions in Working Groups in each of the Committees.
  According to OAS Representative in Belize, Starret Greene, the MOAS provided an excellent opportunity for students across the Hemisphere to dialogue on problematic issues that are likely to have and are already having a direct impact on their future. He said that it’s a forum for young people to express their views and to offer their solutions on how to resolve problems and address emerging challenges so that their world would be more harmonious and filled with opportunities for realizing their dreams.
  The OAS Belize Office was most instrumental in facilitating the participation of students from Galen University in the 33rd MOAS.
  
• OAS Secretary General Visits Belize
  Ocean Club, Placencia, Monday December 22, 2014
  
  December 22, 2014.
  
  OAS Belize Office Provided Strong Support for Secretary General’s Visit
  The OAS Belize Office was fully involved in the visit of His Excellency, Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), to Belize, during the period December 16-17, 2014. The SG’s official visit was at the invitation of the Government of Belize, and it was designed to accomplish the following purposes:
  (1) On the evening of December 16, 2014, the Secretary General was the special guest at a reception hosted by the Foreign Minister of Belize, the Honorable Wilfred P. Elrington. At this event, Mr. Insulza was awarded with the Distinction of Honor from the Government of Belize for his leadership of the OAS and his personal involvement in the diplomatic process to strengthen relations between Belize and Guatemala, with specific reference to his untiring efforts in helping both countries to create an environment that would allow for the peaceful and amicable settlement of their Territorial Differendum.
  (2) To attend the 44th Summit of the Central American Integration System (SICA), that was held on 17 December 2014, in Placencia, Belize.
  (3) To Witness the Signing of 13 Agreements between Belize and Guatemala, during a special ceremony held in Placencia. Remarks were delivered by the Secretary General, the President of Guatemala, His Excellency, the Honorable Otto Perez Molina and the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable Dean Barrow. The actual signing of the agreements was done by His Excellency, the Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize and His Excellency, the Hon. Carlos Raul Morales, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. Mr. Insulza singed the agreements as Witness.
  Upon arrival in Belize during the afternoon of December 16, 2014, the Secretary General and his Advisor were greeted at the Belize International Airport by Mrs. Lupita Thompson, the Administrative Technician in the OAS Belize Office. He was then met at the airport in Placencia by the OAS Representative Mr. Starret Greene and the Chauffeur/Messenger/Clerk, Mr. Andrew Moody.
  During the Secretary General’s visit to Placencia, Representative Greene worked closely with the OAS Delegation to the SICA Summit to ensure effective coordination of all the requisite administrative, logistical, diplomatic, bilateral engagements, as well as meetings with the media.
  Mrs. Lupita Thompson was again present at the Belize International Airport to say good-bye to the Secretary General and his Advisor on their departure to Washington, D.C., via El Salvador, on December 17, 2014.
  
• OAS Belize Office Partners with IICA Office
  Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Thursday January 22, 2015
  
  January 26, 2015
  OAS Belize Office Partners with IICA Office
  
  Consistent with its strategy of forging partnerships with Regional, Hemispheric and International Organizations operating in Belize, as a means to leverage resources and to make developmental projects more impactful on their targeted audiences, the Office of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States in Belize, the Office of its Sister Organization, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture (MNRA), collaborated in jointly sponsoring a Public –Private Consultative Dialogue, on Thursday, January 22, 2014, in Belize City, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.
  The consultation was designed to identify potential market linkages for agribusiness development and to further strengthen the linkages between the Tourism and Agriculture sectors in Belize, in an effort to boost inputs from local farmers and to increase the contribution of both sectors to the economy.
  OAS Representative in Belize, Mr. Starret Greene, his counterpart Mrs. Jean Lowry, Head of the IICA Office in Belmopan and High Level Officials in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture together agreed that there was a need to further develop the agro-productive sector in Belize and to give due focus to strengthening the linkages between tourism and agriculture, notwithstanding existing constraints.
  The consultation, not only attracted a wide cross section of persons in both the agricultural and tourism sectors, but it also included women farmers and young people, keenly desirous of pursuing careers in farming.
  The one day event featured two presentations that, among other things, identified critical success factors needed for successful implementation of value added agro-processing projects; suggested workable models for implementation; identified key commodities that could be the focus for interventions; and provided an overview of the factors affecting linkages between tourism and agriculture, while pointing to the existence of significant opportunities that could help strengthen the said linkages.
  The dialogue, which was highly interactive, occurred through focus groups sessions that allowed for the exchange of ideas and sharing of best practices. Recommendations on the way forward in terms of developing the agro-productive sector as well as strengthening linkages between tourism and agriculture were put forward in the context of establishing a focus group that would meet to examine the issues raised and develop a plan of action on the way forward.
  
• OAS Belize Office Assists in Promoting Travel Document Examination and Fraud Security Course
  George Price Center, Belmopan, Monday October 27, 2014
  
  OAS Belize Office Assists in Promoting Travel Document Examination and Fraud Security Course
  
  In October 2014, Staff members of the OAS Belize Office worked in close collaboration with their counterparts in the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) in planning and organizing a Travel Document Examination and Fraud Detection Course in Belmopan, the capital city of Belize.
  The event was held during the period October 27-30, 2014, at the George Price Center, and attracted over 30 participants, the majority of whom represented Belize’s Immigration and Customs departments.
  In this connection, both the Immigration and Customs partnered with the CICTE Secretariat to hold the course in Belize, in order to further strengthen the human capacity of their frontline personnel, especially those who are assigned to handle travel documents at various ports, airports and border crossings in Belize. Moreover, the CICTE Secretariat also worked closely with the United States Custom and Border Protection division in securing two facilitators for the Course.
  Speaking on behalf of the Organization of American States (OAS), the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, remarked that the use of fraudulent documents had not only become a global threat but also it threatened national security and public safety as well. Mr. Greene said that bogus documents created serious vulnerabilities that could aid terrorists in carrying out acts of terror wherever they chose.
  The OAS Diplomat expressed the view that combating counterfeit documents should not be the sole responsibility of governments, through their law enforcement agencies. He argued instead that the threat could be minimized by the collective and sustained action of global stakeholders, to include manufacturers, document issuers, financial institutions and retailers, who accept documents as vital to conducting businesses. The OAS Representative called on countries to work more closely with organizations such as the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and to adopt existing international standards that helped to counter the use of fraudulent documents. He also called for extensive training of officials who are responsible to examine and certify the authenticity of important documents. Mr. Greene emphasized that such officials should be unquestioned in their integrity and professionalism.
  The CICTE Secretariat, in collaboration with its Hemispheric Stakeholders, has planned and executed a number of training courses in the Caribbean region, on the issuance and control of travel and identity documents.
  
• Supporting Youth Employability in Belize - Job Fair #4
  Grounds - La Immaculado Credit Union , Thursday November 13, 2014
  
  
  
  Summary Notes from the Youth Engagement Services (YES)
  PADF Job Fair Event #4
  November 13, 2014
  
  The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) partnered with La Inmaculada Credit Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) in Belize, alongside local private sector partners in the Orange Walk, Cayo and Belize Districts in Belize, to host its fourth Job Fair event in Orange Walk Town with six (6) participating organizations Belize. This event provided practical knowledge and skills to individuals in preparation for job readiness and career planning, facilitated active recruitment among youth attending and provided information financing options for educational plans.
  
  During the job fair, participants (mostly students from the Orange Walk ITVET and other youth from the local communities) participated in mock interviews, discussed niches for self-employment within our local economy and met prospective employers. PADF activities continue to expose our participants to viable career options and possible employment networking opportunities.
  
  PADF’s new partners also agreed that our program objectives allow corporate entities to become directly involved in coaching and equipping our youth to better support youth career planning. Our six (6) participating organizations included: Virtual Executive Services, Ready Call Center (RCC), Cuello’s Distillery, Emil Pinelo & Associates; Global Marketing and La Inmaculada Credit Union.
  
  PADF was also supported collaboratively by our Administrative Tech at OAS Office in Belize who volunteered at our information/registration desk assisting with event logistics prior and during the event. Our partnership with the Organization of American States continues to strengthen our implementation activities in Belize.
  
  To date, PADF has engaged twelve (12) new private sector partners and one hundred and six (106) youth during four job fairs held in Belize City, Belmopan City and Orange Walk Town during July to November 2014. PADF also continues to gain support from other community stakeholders in Belize such as Channel 5 Belize and CTV3 in Orange Walk Town who advertised our event, disseminated information on their community billboard spotlights and covered our event respectively.
  
• OAS Belize Office Partners with PADF
  Belize City, Belize, Thursday November 6, 2014
  
  OAS Belize Office Partners with PADF
  
  The Office of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS), in Belize, is partnering with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in the implementation of the PADF Youth-Focused Entrepreneurship Program that targets youth who have limited opportunities. In this connection, the program aims to support youth-initiated micro and small businesses that increase access to jobs and encourage entrepreneurship, in Belize City.
  At the official launch of two micro-businesses under the second phase of the Youth Engagement Services Project (YES), on November 6, 2014, in Belize City, the OAS Representative to Belize, Mr. Starret Greene, visited one of the two business that were officially launched.
  In the presence of Ms. Caterina Valero, PADF’s Senior Program Director and Ms. Minerva Pinelo, Project Director in Belize, the OAS Diplomat reiterated his organization’s unwavering support for the work of the Foundation in Belize. He congratulated the young entrepreneurs for exhibiting great courage in starting their new enterprises and challenged them to remain steadfast in their quest to achieve financial independence. Mr. Greene also reminded the new owners of the micro businesses that taking risk was a necessary part of doing business and that they should remain focused on achieving their goals while adhering to sound business principles and practices.
  PADF is a non-profit foundation of the Organization of American States. It was established in 1962, to among other things, implement integral socio-economic development programs for disadvantaged people and to aid victims of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
  
• OAS Belize Office Hosts National Consultation
  OAS Belize Office, Tuesday October 21, 2014
  
  
  OAS Belize Office Hosts National Consultation
  
  On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, the OAS Belize Office was host to a National Consultation with civil society organizations and social actors in preparation for the forthcoming 7th Summit of the Americas to be held in Panama, April 10-11, 2015.
  The event was part of a pilot initiative by the Summits Secretariat to provide an opportunity for representatives of civil society and social actors from across the hemisphere to express their views on a number of current topics, and to present concise but specific recommendations to the hosts country on the Summit’s theme, namely “Prosperity with Equity: The Challenge of Cooperation in the Americas.”
  Fifteen civil society organizations and social actors responded to the invitation. During the time allocated and within the setting of a Policy Recommendations Workshop, participants were engaged in a spirited but substantive exchange of views on several sub-themes that were considered not only relevant to Belize, but also common to the region as a whole. Under the Summit’s theme, the sub-themes discussed included security, energy, health, education, migration flows, democratic governance, and citizenship participation. The issues raised and the recommendations made were captured and collated in a Report that was subsequently transmitted to the Summits Secretariat for the attention of the authorities in Panama intimately involved in the 7th Summit of the Americas.
  Prior to the actual debate, the Summits Secretariat featured a Live Policy Dialogue Webcast that was transmitted to participants in the consultation. It provided them with the opportunity to listen to a presentation and overview on the Summit theme and a dialogue among a panel of experts on three key topics, namely, Economic Prosperity with Equity; Social Prosperity with Equity; and Democratic Governance. Participants were also given the opportunity to submit questions to the panel, through a moderator.
  Members of the OAS Belize Staff were most instrumental the planning, organizational, administrative and logistical support for the consultation. They were ably supported by members of the Summit Secretariat at the OAS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as well.
  
• OAS Representative Promotes Scholarship and Training Program
  St. John's Junior College Sixth Form, Thursday October 2, 2014
  
  OAS Representative Promotes Scholarship and Training Program
  
  On October 2, 2014, the OAS Representative in Belize, Starret D Greene, spoke to over one hundred and fifty (150) students and members of the faculty at the St. John’s Junior College in Belize City, about the OAS Scholarship and Training Program.
  Working in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Student Services, Mrs. Marcia Bouloy, the organization’s Chief Diplomat in Belize focused his presentation on the Special Program for the Caribbean (SPECAF) that grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English speaking Caribbean OAS member States and Suriname. He also used the opportunity to inform the students of the LEO S Rowe Fund that is an educational loan program that helps citizens of OAS Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean, to finance their studies or conduct research in accredited universities in the United States, by awarding interest free loans of up to US$15,000.
  From all accounts, the presentation was well received and it generated a number of questions from students who clearly showed an eagerness to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for an OAS Scholarship. Moreover, some members of the faculty also engaged the OAS Representative at the end of the session, and inquired further into the process for pursuing Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research Studies.
  The OAS Representative is intent on extending his promotional campaign to other educational institutions in Belize in order to ensure that the OAS Scholarship and Training Program is known by prospective applicants who aspire to pursue their higher education.
  The OAS Scholarship Program was established in 1958 and the OAS Special Program for the Caribbean (SPECAF) was launched in 1983.
  -the end