George Price Honored with Bust at OAS Hall of Heroes in Washington

In a profound tribute to Belize’s enduring legacy, a bust of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, was unveiled today at the Hall of Heroines and Heroes of the Americas in Washington, D.C., USA.  The ceremony, a highlight of Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca’s official visit to the U.S. capital, was a powerful reminder of Price’s unwavering commitment to peace, regional unity, and democratic ideals.  Foreign Minister Fonseca, speaking at the poignant unveiling alongside OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, emphasized that the unveiling is more than just honoring the Father of Belize, but it’s also a renewal of a collective commitment to the ideals he lived by. The unveiling was part of a robust schedule of high-level meetings for Foreign Minister Fonseca, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Belize’s interests on the international stage.  A significant engagement saw Minister Fonseca meet with his Guatemalan counterpart, Carlos Ramiro Martinez Alvarado. The discussions centered on key areas of mutual interest, including trade, regional cooperation, and ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. Crucially, both Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of the territorial, insular, and maritime dispute currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Also, earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Fonseca held a productive meeting with OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin. Their discussions covered key hemispheric priorities, Belize’s continued support for the work of the OAS, and the vital role of multilateralism in addressing regional challenges. Minister Fonseca reiterated Belize’s commitment to democratic values, dialogue, and cooperation within the Inter-American system and expressed appreciation for the OAS’s ongoing support in the Belize-Guatemala process.  Minister Fonseca also participated in a meeting of the Group of Friends of Belize at the OAS, joined by the Foreign Minister of Guatemala. Belize expressed its profound appreciation for the continued solidarity and support of its partners in upholding peace, security, and development within the region. The Foreign Minister specifically commended the invaluable work of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone, which plays a critical role in fostering peace and understanding.  Further demonstrating Belize’s commitment to deepening its ties with the United States, Foreign Minister Fonseca met with Mr. Lee Lipton, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS. This constructive exchange focused on enhancing trade ties and attracting investment in strategic areas within Belize, identified as key drivers for inclusive economic growth.  Foreign Minister Fonseca is leading the Belize delegation to Washington, D.C., including his CEO Amalia Mai.