2 weeks ago
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Belize is preparing to welcome newly appointed United States Ambassador André Bauer, who is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow through the Philip Goldson International Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the official reception for Bauer, who was recently sworn in as Washington’s new diplomatic representative to Belize. Chief Executive Officer Oscar Arnold says the ministry is putting the necessary arrangements in place to receive the incoming ambassador and formally welcome him to the country.
Oscar Arnold, CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “We’re excited to receive Ambassador Designate André Bauer and his family because he’ll be traveling with his family as well. It’s obviously the engagement between Belize and the U.S. will take place at a higher level in country. It’s always good to have a head of mission, an ambassador in country because the rank is higher of that per se to a chargé d’affaires or deputy chargé d’affaires. And so we are very grateful that the time has come now where the ambassador will be in country. He lands tomorrow, Friday, and then he presents credentials I believe next week Monday which would be the seventh. So we’re excited and we’re happy. We can’t wait to have the first few discussions with the ambassador designates and hit the ground running. From all indications, from his staffers on the ground, he’s looking forward. This is a job that he had applied for before and so it is exciting times here at the Foreign Ministry, looking forward to receiving him.”
Bauer is a former South Carolina legislator and served two terms as that state’s lieutenant governor. The United States Embassy says he brings experience in public service and entrepreneurship to the diplomatic post and intends to travel throughout Belize and engage with its people. His arrival restores ambassador-level representation following the departure of former Ambassador Michelle Kwan on January 16, 2025. Belize has since dealt with the United States Embassy through a chargé d’affaires. Before Kwan’s appointment in 2022, Belize had gone nearly five years without a Senate-confirmed United States ambassador following the departure of Carlos Moreno in January 2017. During that period, the embassy was headed by a succession of chargés d’affaires. Bauer is expected to formally assume his diplomatic duties next week after presenting his credentials to Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam.
English (US) ·