2005 Speeches

Ambassador's Funds for Cultural Preservation and HIV/AIDS Prevention - September 13, 2005

U.S. Ambassador Robert Dieter and Belize's Ambassador for HIV/AIDS Dolores Balderamos-Garcia sign memorandum of understanding

Welcome, and thank you for joining us.  We are here today to celebrate a long tradition of friendship and cooperation between our nations – links that range from trade to tourism, from migration to education.  

Between FY2001-FY2005 the US has averaged more than US$2.5 million annually in assistance to Belize.  This includes hundreds of thousands of dollars in worthwhile projects that help protect the environment, aim to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS, promote education, and improve our mutual security through military assistance and training.

I now have the honor of announcing that the U.S. Government will be funding three more projects in Belize.  First, an issue of critical importance for all of us; literally, a life and death issue:  HIV/AIDS.  The U.S. Government is increasing its commitment to partner with Belize in an effort to reduce HIV/AIDS.  Through the Ambassador’s Fund for HIV/AIDS the U.S. Government is contributing an additional US$20,000 to prevent its spread and to help those who are already afflicted.  Since 2003 this fund has contributed a total of US$55,000 to help reduce HIV/AIDS in Belize.

Belize is also home to many natural treasures and a rich cultural history.  The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation is making a nearly US$46,000 contribution to efforts by the Government of Belize to preserve a Mayan temple.  This Fund, which has contributed nearly US$70,000 over the past three years, not only protects the roots of the past, but also nurtures the seeds of the future by creating an opportunity for sustainable tourism. 

Finally, under the regional environmental program of the United States Agency for International Development, four local environmental non-governmental organizations have been awarded grants to continue to manage and conserve Belize’s natural and cultural resources in a sustainable manner for generations to come.

Indeed, these are examples of the U.S. Government’s commitment to continue to assist Belizean civil society and non-governmental organizations in their efforts to manage Belize’s natural and cultural heritage in a responsible and sustainable manner.
 
In closing, I again thank you all for coming and for sharing in this event.