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Belize has taken a historic step toward safeguarding its musical heritage with the establishment of the country’s first Belize Music Archive and the National Recording Treasures of Belize. The initiative was officially launched on August 24 by Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca through the Belize Music Project. As part of the launch, a specialised archive laboratory was opened at the Belize Archives and Records Service in Belmopan. The facility will restore, document, digitise and preserve more than a century of Belizean music for research, education and future generations. During the ceremony, Fonseca signed the official declaration establishing the archive and recited its preamble, which recognises recorded Belizean music as an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage, history and collective memory.
The archive will accept recordings and other historical audio materials from artists, producers, families and private collectors. Its laboratory will digitise fragile materials, including magnetic tapes, cassettes and other formats, that could otherwise deteriorate and be permanently lost. Fonseca encouraged music custodians from across the country to deposit their collections for long-term safeguarding. The initiative also introduces the National Recording Treasures of Belize designation, which will recognise recordings of exceptional cultural, historical, artistic or social importance. The first one hundred recordings are expected to receive the designation in 2026. Music producer and Belize Music Project founder Ivan Duran spoke about the importance of creating a permanent national home for the voices, rhythms and stories that have shaped Belize’s musical identity.
It is the hope of officials that the archive will serve as an important resource for schools, researchers, musicians and cultural workers while helping younger generations connect with their cultural roots.
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