Kindly allow me to introduce myself and give you an overview of the newly formed Diaspora Relations Unit within the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, established by the Government of Belize.

I was born in Belize City and attended St. Catherine Academy and St. John’s Junior College. I received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Boston College, my MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and I became a CPA. I am currently residing in Miami with my husband, Mark, and our three children, Dhillon, Avi and Angelina. I visit Belize frequently as Belize is my home regardless of where I live.

The Diaspora Relations Unit (the “Unit”) falls under the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the general purpose of the Unit is to facilitate, support, and include the diaspora as a part of national development, as well as raise Belize’s profile, grow the economy, encourage expertise exchange, and promote trade. The Unit was recently formed in June, and I received my official appointment on June 15th, 2021.

The team and I are working vigorously to develop the infrastructure of the Unit while commencing our outreach initiative with the Diaspora. We are setting up meetings with different Belize organizations, embassies, consulates, and individuals in cities throughout the United States.

In order for the Unit to develop an effective relationship with you, we need to communicate with you. To do so, we ask if you can kindly visit tourism.gov.bz/diasporarelations, fill out the Contact Form available online and join our Facebook group, Diaspora Relations (Ministry of Tourism Belize). We also encourage you to reach out to the Senior Liaison Officer, Ms. Sandra Mahler, at the Belize City office at +501-227-2801 or email diaspora.relations@tourism.gov.bz.

I, too, am a part of the diaspora and I recognize the need to reconnect with and support the diaspora and Belize. The Unit is 100% committed to serving the diaspora and creating a mutually beneficial relationship. We can do great things when we work together!!

If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please free to email me at ambassador.diaspora@tourism.gov.bz.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Sandhya Murphy
Ambassador for Diaspora Relations