National Institute of Culture and History

On January 15th Belizeans unite to honor George Cadle Price, known as the "Father of the Nation," during George Price Day. He was born on January 15, 1919, and his impact on the history of Belize is significant. Price served twice as the head of government from 1961 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 1993. He was the First Minister and Premier under British rule until Belize's independence in 1981, and he became the nation’s first prime minister following that independence. Price is recognized as one of the principal architects of Belizean autonomy, so many refer to him as the "Father of the Nation."

On Tuesday, May 21st, the San Pedro Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee reactivated following a meeting at the National Institute of Culture and History conference room. The gathering included discussions on committee duties and future events. These events include general meetings, training sessions, and awareness campaigns against domestic violence. Stakeholders on the island will carry out these activities with support from the National Women Commission (NWC).

U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan joined Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology Hon. Francis Fonseca for the opening ceremony of the Lamanai Conservation and Preservation Project held on March 18th at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. The project will enable the conservation and preservation of the High Temple, Mask Temple, ball court plaza, and other ancient structures at Lamanai, one of Belize’s most frequently visited Mayan archaeological sites. This project was made possible by an Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant worth USD $177,188 to the Institute of Archaeology at National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology.

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, in collaboration with the Belize Archives and Records Service, the Belize National Library Service and Information System, the George Price Centre for Peace and Development and the University of Belize, is pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Let Belize Live: Speeches from the Premier’ Exhibit.

While other Houses of Culture have re-opened across the country, the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHOC) remains closed. A National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) representative indicated that they expect the island’s venue for exhibits and traditional events to re-open. They anticipate this taking place early next year (January). In the meantime, the SPHOC’s building will be used by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to host activities such as meetings.

On Monday, October 24th, the Government of Belize (GOB), through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration, launched the Electronic Passport Issuance and Control System (EPICS) and E-Passports. This upgrade in the immigration department is to end required visits to the main offices in Belmopan, where applicants often stand in line for hours. The system will also address the issue of backlogs delaying the issuance of passports. The new passport application process is moving almost entirely online, requiring one visit to the data capture site and another to the issuance center to pick up the passport.

The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations (MTDR) through the Sustainable Tourism Program II handed over three additional vehicles as part of scheduled program activities under Component Institutional Strengthening geared towards the provision of tourism transportation security vehicles, bringing to date the total number of vehicles handed over to five. These vehicles will assist and improve on the destination management of the tourism sector.

On July 9, 2022, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture, officially reopened the doors of the Corozal House of Culture (CHOC), after more than a year of closure.