Belize Moves to Ratify Culture and Education Agreements With Brazil

Belize is moving to complete the formal ratification process for two agreements with Brazil covering culture and education. During today’s Senate meeting, Leader of Government Business, Senator Eamon Courtenay, introduced motions seeking authorization to ratify both agreements, which were signed in Brasilia on April twenty-sixth, 2010. Courtenay explained that the cultural agreement has been operating since then and that the government is now completing the Senate formalities. The cultural agreement promotes mutual understanding and cooperation through exchanges in music, theatre, film and the visual arts. It also provides for cooperation involving cultural heritage and research in museums, libraries and archives, with a joint commission to oversee its implementation. Courtenay explained the purpose of bringing the agreement before the Senate.  The second agreement focuses on education and scientific development. It provides a framework for exchanges involving students, teachers and researchers, as well as joint programmes between the two countries’ education ministries. Scholarship programmes may also be offered under the agreement, subject to each country’s laws. Courtenay introduced that motion as another step toward completing the required ratification process.  Both motions seek the Senate’s authorization for the government to ratify the agreements, as required under Belize’s Constitution.