A special ceremony and dinner was held on Wednesday, May 10th to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sisterhood between San Pedro Town and the City of Wilmington, North Carolina USA. The event was hosted at Pineapple’s Restaurant at Ramon’s Village by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), and saw the participation of staff and Councilors of the SPTC including Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Gary Greif and special invited guests from the city of Wilmington.
Representing the city of Wilmington were Margaret Haynes, Mayor Pro-Term and the President of the Sister City Commission Marilyn Cantarella. Mayor Guerrero thanked Haynes and Cantarella for their city’s continued interest in partnering with San Pedro. In his brief remarks, Guerrero pledged to strengthen the relationship between both municipalities and invited the representatives from Wilmington to work together with San Pedro in projects and programs that can benefit their people. “We look forward for another 10 years to continue working in community, educational and exchange programs,” said Guerrero. “The idea is to work together, learn from one another and help each other in ways that will positively impact our communities.” Guerrero was very pleased with the visit by the Wilmington’s duo and stated that there will be more communication with the sister city in contrast to previous years.
Haynes shared the same thought to work together and believes that their visit to the island was overdue. “It’s wonderful that we’ve had this relation with San Pedro and our visit solidifies our interest to make it even stronger,” said Haynes. “While we have a lot of similarities, there are also lots of differences and I believe that’s when you can always learn each other.” One of the main similarities between San Pedro and Wilmington is their shared interest in economic and tourism development.
Cantarella expressed the importance of communication and dialogue face to face, rather than electronically, thus, the importance of the visit to San Pedro. “It’s a wonderful exchange of ideas, in which we can discuss how we handle issues together, have a much closer relation and even enhance it.” She said. In the past, a few exchange programs with students on the island had taken place, however with this new approach; both municipalities are expecting a stronger cooperation in different community programs.
Following the formalities, an anniversary toast was offered. Mayor Guerrero then presented Cantarella and Haynes with a plaque of recognition for a decade of partnership. In return, the Mayor was also offered a framed certificate as a token of appreciation for the anniversary of their communities’ sisterhood.
Afterwards everyone was invited to mingle, while enjoying a delicious dinner and refreshments. Haynes and Cantarella’s visit concluded on Thursday, May 11th with a visit to San Pedro’s archeological site, Marco Gonzalez located south of town. They left Belize on Friday, May 12th.
