Inaugural ceremonies and an open day for the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s new Cohune Walk facility was held on 6th April at 9am. The ceremony began with a very innovative welcome and introduction by young children who introduced those at the head table and welcomed everyone to the event. Mr. Shane Henry did his rendition of the National Anthem and this provided a sense of pride and patriotism to all present! His Worship, Bishop Phillip Wright provided an inspirational opening prayer.
In her opening remarks, CEO Beverly Castillo noted that the day’s achievement is historic for the Ministry. She highlighted the many challenges that had to be overcome to make the event a reality. CEO Castillo expressed her confidence that the new facility will significantly improve service delivery to the people of Belize. Â
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hon. Gaspar Vega. He emphasized that the new facility will allow the Ministry to better serve the public in a more comfortable, spacious and customer- oriented atmosphere. More importantly, he expressed his confidence that the new facility will improve the performance, productively, efficiency as well as the public relations of the Ministry. The new facility houses the executive wing that includes the offices of the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Executive Officer, Commissioner of Lands, Deputy Commissioner of Lands, and Minister’s aide in addition the following units: land and surveys, registry, physical planning, mapping, evaluation, land information centre, debt management, revenue, policy planning and coordination unit, and the national protected areas secretariat.
A fantastic cultural presentation by the Ugundani Dance Group provided entertainment to the hundreds of special invited guests. The Commissioner of Lands, Mr. Wilbert Vallejos gave the vote of thanks that acknowledged the many organizations, institutions and individuals that made this historic event possible. This was followed by the blessing of the building by Bishop Wright and the cutting of the ribbon by Honourable Gaspar Vega and CEO Beverly Castillo. The media and invited guests were invited to a guided tour of the facility by Minister Gaspar Vega and CEO Beverly Castillo. After the tour, visitors and guests had the opportunity to learn more about the various departments that comprise the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment at the various booths that were on display.
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