Previous Embassy Activities

January - June 2007

USNS COMFORT Humanitarian Work in Belize - June 22, 2007

U.S. Naval Ship Comfort arrives in Belize on June 20

The Military Sealift Command hospital USNS Comfort arrived in Belize Wednesday, June 20 as its first scheduled stop as part of the Parntership of the Americas mission to conduct training and humanitarian assistance operations. (more)

Tradewinds 2007 Closing Ceremony - May 16, 2007

The flags of all participating coutries in Tradewinds 2007 are displayed at the Closing Ceremony in Belize

A closing ceremony for Tradewinds 2007 was held at Price Barracks in Ladyville, Belize on May 16, 2007.  U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter said, "This ceremony marks the conclusion of Tradewinds 2007, a cooperative effort between the Regional Security System Caribbean, U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and under the sponsorship of the United States Southern Command.  

This year marked the 22nd year for Tradewinds.  The training included both maritime and land-based operations and focused on disaster management, humanitarian assistance, crowd and riot control, martial arts, civil affairs, and internal security.

This exercise has strengthened regional partnerships; it enhanced interoperability and cooperation between military, police, and civil organizations.  It fosters cooperation and builds trust among the participating nations, and by doing so, contributes to hemispheric stability." (more)

Health and Family Life Education Unit National Primary School HIV/AIDS Poster Competition Awards Ceremony (May 2, 2007)

U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter (far left) stands with students, oranizers and supports of the National Primary School HIV/AIDS Poster Competition.

On May 2, 2007, U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter presented gift awards at the Health and Family Life Education Unit (HFLE) National Primary School HIV/AIDS Poster Competition Awards Ceremony.  Funds for this competition were provided by the Department of State Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program.

The top 20 posters were chosen countryside by Primary School students, teachers, Belizean artists and HIV/AIDS activists.  The winner Ms. Phaedra Mohammed Ali from Burrell Boom Methodist School won a fully loaded computer and printer.

Ambassador Dieter said, "This poster competition is a creative way to inform young people about HIV and AIDS, and recognizes that we all must work together to prevent the spread of the disease and to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS".  (more)       (see other photos)

Winners of Earth Day Poster Contest Announced (April 24, 2007)

Belize Elementary School participants in the Earth Day Poster Competition stand along with Principal Deanna Nisbet and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter

On April 24, 2007, U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter visited Belize Elementary School to present two students - Josie Lee and Perla Perdomo with certificates and gifts for their selected Earth Day poster entries.  Other participants also received certificates for their efforts and creative work.

To commemorate the 37th Anniversary of Earth Day, the U.S. State Department sponsored an international art competition for youths based on the theme "What is important to you about our environment?".  U.S. Embassy Belmopan encouraged Belizean students to participate.  

U.S. Ambassador Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Rockville Youth Hostel (April 24, 2007)

(L-R) Minister of Human Development Sylvia Flores and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter shake hands following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

On April 24, Minister of Human Development Sylvia Flores and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter dedicated the newly refurbished dorms of the Rockville Youth Hostel.  

The refurbishment was funded by U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program and coordinated through the U.S. Military Liaison Office.

Famous Belizean-American Author Zee Edgell visits Belmopan (March 29-30, 2007)

Belizean-American Author Zee Edgell

On March 29, 2007, U.S. Embassy Belmopan partnered with the University of Belize to present "A Celebration of Women and Literature: Zee Edgell, A Belizean Inspiration".  Belize-American Writer and Fulbright Alumna Dr. Corrinth Morter-Lewis answered questions, offered advice and shared their literary experiences with Belizean students.  The event was part of the Embassy's Women's History Month programming.

Ms. Edgell was in Belize to launch her latest novel, Time and the River, and took time out to read passages and sign autographs at two U.S. Embassy-sponsored events. 

Women's History Month: Mrs. Gwynneth Dieter Organizes HIV/AIDS Prevention and Empowerment (March 15, 2007)

(L-R) U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter, Mrs. Gwynneth Dieter and Commercial Assistant Darlene Gentle with Forum Panalists: University of Belize Lecturer Gabriel Carillo, Ministry of Human Development Officer Michele Irving, National HIV/AIDS Programme Director Dr. Marvin Manzanero and HIV/AIDS Researcher Alexis Dieter.

On March 15, the U.S. Embassy and the University of Belize (Belmopan campus) hosted a panel discussion on HIV/AIDS prevention for the community.  Mrs. Dieter wanted to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, and to encourage young people to get tested and become personally empowered to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Belize, which has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in Central America, has experienced a 'feminization' of the virus in the last few years.  In the 20 years since the first AIDS case was diagnosed in Belize, the male to female ratio of the infection has changed from 5:1 to almost 1:1. 

The panel was comprised of four people with considerable experience in AIDS research, diagnosis, and counseling: Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of the National AIDS Programme; Michele Irving, Women's Development Officer in the Ministry of Human Development; Gabriel Carrillo, a lecturer in the University of Belize Department of Social Work; and Alexis Dieter, daughter of Ambassador and Mrs. Dieter and a fourth-year medical student who spent six months in South Africa working with AIDS researchers.  (more)

U.S. Embassy hosts Speaker on Ethics (January 24-25, 2007)

(L-R) U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter, Ethics Speaker Mr. Ken Kellner and Rotary of Belize Club Service Director Mr. Ariel Mitchell

Ken Kellner, Senior Counsel for the U.S. House of Representative Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (commonly known as the Ethics Committee), visited Belize January 24-25, 2007 at the invitation of the University of Belize and sponsored by U.S. Embassy Belmopan.

During his visit, Mr. Kellner met with members of civil society, government officials and student leaders to share his experiences on the Ethics Committee and discuss citizens' role in ensuring the ethical conduct of elected officials.

Mr. Kellner also appeared on local radio and television stations to talk about the issue and to encourage citizen participation.  The highlight of the two-day event was the January 25 student forum at the University of Belize.  There, Mr. Kellner addressed an audience of over 220 students, faculty, members of the diplomatic community and citizens.