3 weeks ago
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Prime Minister John Briceño was in Japan over the weekend, leading an official delegation to the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The delegation’s activities centered on showcasing Belize’s economic and cultural diversity to a global audience. Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister Anthony Mahler and Minister of State Devin Daly, three CEOs, and representatives of organizations such as BELTRAIDE, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). A group of Belizean musicians was also a part of the delegation. The highlight of Belize’s participation was Belize National Day, held on August 3, at the National Day Hall. During his address at the expo, the Prime Minister spoke on the theme of the National Day and its significance to the activities in Japan.
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Belize’s own national theme “One Belize, One Purpose, Ecosystems for Life.” It’s a message that is more than aspirational, it’s foundational. It reflects the heart of who we are as a people unified in our diversity, rich in cultural heritage, and fiercely committed to protecting the ecosystems that sustain life. As a small country with a large footprint in our global conservation, Belize stands at the frontier of blue and green economies. We are guardians of the second largest barrier reef in the world, vast tropical rainforest and a rich assortment of biodiversity. But we are also stewards of something just as vital, our human and cultural ecosystems. I bring you greetings not just from our government but from the people of Belize. Greetings from our Mestizo farmers who still harvest the land with ancient wisdom. Greetings from our Maya communities whose heritage stretches thousands of years into the past yet still guides our steps forward. Greetings from our Kriol people whose voices echo in every note of our music and every page of our history. And greetings from the proud Garifuna Nation whose resilience and spirituality reminds us that culture, like nature, must be nurtured and preserved.”
The Belize National Day featured a series of cultural performances, including music and dance by a diverse group of Belizean artists: Ernestine Carballo, Alexander Evans, Cocono Bwai, Emilio Thomas, and Ian Yacab. In addition to the cultural showcases, the Belize team hosted a “Fireside Chat” on August 2, titled “Seas, Stories, and Investing in Belize.” The discussion focused on the country’s economic opportunities, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship, aiming to inform potential investors and partners. Prime Minister Briceño toured the Belize Pavilion over the weekend, noting the positive reception.
English (US) ·