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.

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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.

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.

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