Seventeen diplomatic postings announced for the Foreign Affairs Ministry

Prime Minister John Briceño today announced a series of new diplomatic appointments, including Ambassadors to the United States, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the United Nations. The announcement, which includes a mix of new and returning staff, aims to strengthen Belize’s international relations and trade partnerships. These appointments, effective August 1, coincide with the annual Heads of Mission Encounter (HOME) currently being held in Belmopan.  The newly appointed diplomats are Katherine Meighan as Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan); Nestor Mendez as Ambassador to the United States of America; Janine Coye Felson as Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the United Nations; Lou-Anne Burns Martinez as Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador; Perlita Aldana as Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba; Dr. Henry Canton as Ambassador for Trade to the Caribbean Community; Alfonso Gahona and Ayesha Borland as Ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Prime Minister also announced additional appointments, including Mr. Joshua Pott as Minister Counsellor to the United States, Dr. Kenrick Williams as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Mr. Luis Salazar as Chargé d’Affaires to the Republic of Cuba.  Several ambassadors will remain in their current posts, ensuring continuity in key diplomatic relationships. These include Cherie Nisbet as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Oscar Arnold as Ambassador to the United Mexican States; Jose Alpuche as Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala; Dr. Gianni Avila as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union; Gale Miller Garnett as High Commissioner to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and, Lawrence Sylvester as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Caribbean Community.  The newly appointed and returning ambassadors are currently participating in the annual Heads of Mission Encounter (HOME) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since Wednesday and will wrap up tomorrow.  They are expected to travel to their respective posts in the coming days where the newly appointed ambassadors will present their credentials in the respective countries.