Senator Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, received a courtesy visit from Ms. Alison Parker, UNICEF Representative for Belize, on February 3, 2021.
Ms. Parker shared an overview of UNICEF’s priorities and support activities in Belize, including the organization’s birth registration campaign and ongoing COVID-19 related assistance. The meeting further explored opportunities to advance child protection and safeguards in Belize, with a focus on the global need to recalibrate efforts in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also discussed was the urgency to review the criterion for graduating small, highly indebted middle-income countries from access to concessional resources. Minister Courtenay commended the United Nation’s advocacy for such countries, including Belize, which are experiencing disproportionate economic impacts. Both parties committed to strengthening collaboration toward mutual objectives.
Accompanying the Minister was Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry; Ms. Orla Coleman, Director of International Affairs (Cooperation); and Ms. Deshawn Ellis, Foreign Service Officer.