Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations Secured Donation of Paint from Global Paint for Charity Inc.

Thursday, August 18, 2022 – The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, along with Ambassador for Diaspora Relations, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy, in collaboration with Ms. Erica-Antoinette Castillo Slaton of Ignite Belize, secured a donation of paint from Global Paint for Charity Inc.

Global Paint for Charity Inc. is a US-based organization that collects and recycles leftover paint from local residences, professional offices, buildings, retail shops, hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes, and churches. The paint is then donated to non-profit groups and missionary groups for renovations at orphanages, schools, colleges, sport centers, homeless shelters, veterans’ homes, and to property owners in need all around the world.

Ms. Erica Antoinette Castillo Slaton of Ignite Belize is a Belizean living in Atlanta and is an active member of the Belizean diaspora. Through her organization, which was established to invigorate the Belizean diaspora, she has created a project called “Painting A Brighter Future for Our Children”. This project enabled the donation of 4500 gallons of recycled paint to Belize with a pledge to paint schools, government buildings, and homes. The goal of the project is to uplift communities and stimulate innovation through color.

The paint was officially handed over today by Mr. Rony Delgarde, CEO of Global Paint for Charity Inc. to Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. Also in attendance were Mrs. Nicole Solano, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, His Worship Mayor Robert Mariano of Dangriga, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations, Mr. Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board, Erica Antoinette Castillo Slaton and other invited guests. The Diaspora Relations Unit will oversee the distribution of paint countrywide.

Download Press Release

MTDR Participates in the 6th Annual Belize Investment and Finance Forum

Monday, June 20th,2022 – The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations (MTDR) was in Washington, DC at Florida House on Capitol Hill to participate in the 6th Annual Belize Investment and Finance Forum organized by the Belize American Chamber of Commerce (BACC). 

The Forum focused on International Finance and access to capital markets.  It also encouraged investment in real estate and in the BACC credit union project, The Belize American Credit Union (BACU).  This credit union will bring about a much-needed solution to the financial challenges that the Belizean Diaspora face in the United States.    

Partners included H.E. Ambassador Lynn Young from the Embassy of Belize in Washington, Institute of Caribbean Studies, US International Development Finance Corporation, The Belize Chamber of Commerce, Holy Redeemer Credit Union, and the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations (MTDR).  Representing the MTDR were Ambassador Sandhya Murphy, and Senior Liaison Officer, Sandra Mahler.

Ambassador Murphy took the opportunity to discuss the importance of the Diaspora Relations Unit and Build Belize Inc. and their plans to communicate and build partnership with Belizeans living abroad. The Unit will provide growth in the economy by increasing exports and attracting inward investments.  It will also provide information and support to members of the Diaspora to ensure that Belizeans benefit from the platform.  Build Belize Inc continues to support and assist the Belizean diaspora and the local community in the betterment of Belize.

The Forum offered an opportunity to bridge the gap between Belize and members of the diaspora.

Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations Supports Belize Association of Houston Fun Day

Saturday, May 14, 2022 – The Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations (MTDR) participated in the Belize Association of Houston Fun Day event in Houston, Texas on May 14, 2022 which saw the participation of approximately 200 Belizeans.  The main purpose of the fun day was to re-organize their membership and inform those present of the association’s future plans for the organization.

Ambassador for Diaspora Relations, Mrs. Sandhya Murphy made a presentation on behalf of the Ministry and spoke about the Diaspora Relations Unit’s objectives and its Build Belize initiative.  A booth was set up by the MTDR to assist Belizeans at the event with their questions and concerns, which ranged from renewing their passport, purchasing land and the Diaspora Returnee Incentive Program. 

Ongoing collaboration with other Belizean organizations in other cities will ensure further reach within the Belizean diaspora. The event created an opportunity for the MTDR to strengthen its relations with the diaspora and identify opportunities for business and development in Belize.

Download Press Release

Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations Hands Over Medical Supplies to Ministry of Health and Wellness

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 – The Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, the Hon. Anthony Mahler, handed over medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) today, valued at over $50,000. The donation included hygiene kits, surgical masks, bedpans, beds, bed sheets, chart holders, trauma packs, nasal gastric tubes, cystoscopy irrigation sets, among others. 

The donation was made possible through the support of several international organizations and members of the Belizean diaspora: No Child Hungry, My Neighbor’s Children, Community Connections and Hygiene for the World (organized by Mr. William Lowry, President) and Nationwide Group (organized by Mr. Steve Mahler). No Child Hungry pledged their continued support for Belize, with the assistance of the MTDR.

Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa, Deputy Director of the Central Health Region, received the donation on behalf of the MOHW.  Other members from the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations (MTDR) were also present for the handing over.

The objective of the Diaspora Relations Unit within the MTDR is to raise Belize’s profile on the international stage, grow the economy by increasing exports and attracting inward investments; promote trade; provide information and support to Belizeans abroad; encourage expertise exchange; and identify opportunities for philanthropy.

This is one of several initiatives currently being coordinated by the MTDR.

Donate to Educate – Build Belize Inc.

Build Belize Inc., with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, is currently in the process of building an educational campaign for Belizean children. We have started the process of collecting laptops, one of the first components of a comprehensive campaign. Approximately 5000 laptops are needed for high school students throughout the country who cannot afford to purchase such devices.

With Build Belize Inc., your donation to a child is easy and convenient. There are NO shipping fees to Belize; NO duties; NO taxes; NO broker fees. Plus, your donation is tax-deductible (pending 501(c)(3) status approval).  Bulk shipments of devices will be sent to Belize.

For questions or clarifications please contact Ambassador Sandhya Murphy at ambassador.diaspora@tourism.gov.bz

Ambassador for Diaspora Relations

Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) extend congratulations to H.E. Sandhya Murphy on her recent appointment as Ambassador for Diaspora Relations. Ambassador Murphy will work closely with the Ministry’s Diaspora Unit. The Unit’s role is to raise Belize’s profile on the international stage; attract inward investment; promote trade; and provide support to Belizeans living abroad.

Ambassador Murphy has a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Florida and has worked in the private and public sectors for over 20 years. We wish her every success in her new role as Ambassador.