It was a festive occasion in Los Angeles over the weekend of Friday August 13th to Sunday the 15th for Belizeans living in the U.S. as the Prime Minister met with Belizeans living in that U.S. State.
On Saturday, he was hosted at a reception by members of the Belizean Community in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Consular Corps as well as elected officials, civic and religious leaders. The PM was also hosted at a banquet where special a posthumous tribute was paid to persons who had contributed to the Belizean communities in Los Angeles. Plaques were presented to the families of Mrs. Iris Abraham, Mrs. Shirley Jex, Mr. Paul Warren, Mr. Neville Nisbey, and Mrs. Francesca Blanco and Dr. Robert Bennett. Several other individuals also received Certificates of Recognition for the work they have done for communities at home and abroad. These people included Mr. Lemuel Vaughan, Mr. and Mrs. Gilberto Marin, Mrs. Micaela Cruz, Mrs. Martha Martinez, Mr. Clifford Palacio and John Young.
Certificates of Recognition were presented to Mr. Robert Farrell a retired Los Angeles City Councilman. Mr. Farrell’s involvement in the Belizean community goes back to the 1970’s. He ensured the Belizean community in Los Angeles had a voice with elected city officials. He participated in Belizean activities and always ensured that the needs of Belizeans were met.
Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to Little Belize Restaurant and Dulan’s Catering Company for contributions they made to the Belizean community.
On Sunday Prime Minister Barrow presented a State of the Nation address and answered questions from members of the community. It was an unprecedented event as many Belizeans were unable to make it inside because the venue was full to capacity. As a result, the Prime Minister agreed to make his remarks a second time for those who were unable to hear him the first time. It was a celebratory mood for Belizeans as they waited in long lines to meet and greet Belize’s Prime Minister as well as to take pictures with our country’s leader.
Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow returned to Belize on Tuesday August 17, 2010 on the completion of his official visit to Los Angeles, California. Prime Minister Barrow was supported during his visit to Los Angeles by personnel of the Belize Embassy in Washington, DC and the Belize Consulate-General in Los Angeles.
During the course of his visit, Prime Minister Barrow met with the Los Angeles City Council, the Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca.
