Four Belizean Organizations Receive HIV/AIDS Funding from the U.S. Embassy (December 18, 2008)
U.S. Ambassador to Belize Robert J. Dieter presented checks totaling US$ 26,000 to four local organizations to support programs addressing HIV/AIDS in Belize.
This funding is provided by the Caribbean Ambassador's HIV Prevention Program - a project of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The objective of the program is to increase awareness of the HIVAIDS epidemic in the Caribbean general population and to strengthen support for the Caribbean Regional Strategy to combat HIV and AIDS. Since the program started, the Embassy in Belize has funded 39 initiatives totaling US$ 134,500.
The organizations that received funding this year are: the Belize Red Cross, Equity House Belize, the Ministry of Education's Health and Family Life Education Unit, and the Young Women's Christian Association in Belize.
The United States of America Provides Relief Supplies and Aid to Victims of Tropical Depression 16 (November 24, 2008)
On Tuesday, November 25, U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter delivered a US$50,000 check to the Belize Red Cross in response to the effects of Tropical Depression 16.
The people of the United States of America through the U.S. Embassy and the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) are providing these funds to the Belize Red Cross for the local purchase and transport of relief supplies. An additional US$10,000 will also be donated to offset NEMO’s fuel expenses for distribution of assistance to the flood victims. The U.S. Military Liaison Office has already distributed US$12,000 worth of locally purchased bottled water, toiletries, boots and school supplies. The U.S. military will also provide 500 cots for victims of the flooding.
The government and people of the United States have been following with concern the effects of Tropical Depression 16 in Belize. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Belize affected by this deadly flooding” said Ambassador Dieter, "We are happy to assist with humanitarian response.”
Special Olympics International representatives visit Belize and name Belizean Global Ambassador (September 25)
Representatives of Special Olympics International (SOI) and Special Olympics North America visted Belize to witness and countersign an agreement of cooperation between the Government of Belize and Special Olympics Belize. They also announced that Belizean Kim Simplis was chosen as Global Ambassador for Special Olympics.
Charge d'Affaires J.A. Diffily and Political, Economic, Commercial and Public Affairs Section Chief Susanne Kuester met with Special Olympics International at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina to discuss the work of the organization in Belize.
Global Ambassadors, such as activist Nelson Mandela and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, work to promote Special Olympics and their athletes throughout the world and assist the organization toward achieving its vision of changing attitudes toward people with disabilties.
Deputy Assistant of State Kirsten Madison visits Belize (September 17-19, 2008)
Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of State in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Kirsten Madison visited Belize from September 17 to 19 to meet with Belize government officials to discuss U.S. policy toward Central America and the Caribbean.
Financial Crimes Speaker visits Belize (September 15-18, 2008)
Alexander M. Vasilescu, Esq., Supervisory Trial Counsel for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's New York Regional Office visited Belize from September 15 to 18 at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.
During his visit, Mr. Vasilescu made presentations that addressed prevention, investigation and enforcement issues facing regulatory, law enforcement, and risk management officials in the area of financial crimes. U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter introduced Mr. Vasilescu at the official opening at the Central Bank in Belize City.
Mr. Vasilescu also appeared on local radio and television to discuss with the Belizean public the issue and to encourage continued dialogue on the topic.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Hopkins Conducts Training Seminars in Belize (October 6-10, 2008)
U.S. Embassy Belize was pleased to sponsor the visit of Judge James M. Hopkins, U.S. Magistrate Judge from West Palm Beach, Florida, from October 6 to 10.
During his visit, Judge Hopkins met with Belizean judges, prosecutors, and attorneys to present a program entitled "The Importance of an Independent Judiciary and Improved Efficiency in the Judicial System". He also spoke to St. John's Junior College students and spoke to the general public as a guest on the Love FM Morning Show, a nationwide radio program.
U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter was on hand to welcome the participants of each training seminar on October 7 and 8 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. Ambassador Dieter's Speech
U.S. Embassy hosts 7th Annual Made in USA Exhibition (August 15-16, 2008)
The United States Embassy in Belize held its seventh annual Made in the USA Exhibition at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16.
The two-day event featured a variety of American products, services, and investments in Belize. U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter said in his opening remarks, "This is an opportunity to bring together American businesses and Belizean and American entrepreneurs to promote private enterprise and commercial exchange. The Made in the USA Exhibition stands as a testament to our goal to strengthen trade relations between our nations." (more)
Independence Day (July 4, 2008)
On Friday, July 4, the U.S. Embassy hosted its first ever July Fourth celebration at the new embassy compound in Belize's capital Belmopan.
"Our newly constructed Embassy represents the United States’ strong commitment to Belize as well as the longstanding, close relationship between our two nations," said U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter. (more)