Warm greetings and welcome to our newly redesigned Diaspora Relations Unit (DRU) webpage.

Established in April 2021, the DRU was created to strengthen Belize’s connection with its global diaspora community. Our goal is to facilitate inclusive participation in national development while promoting Belize’s visibility, expanding economic opportunities, encouraging the exchange of expertise, and fostering civic and cultural engagement.

Over the past four years, we have made significant progress in fulfilling this mission. We have built strong relationships with Belizean organizations across the globe and worked closely with our consulates and embassies to ensure more coordinated outreach. The Unit has assumed full management for the Diaspora Returnee Incentive Program (DRIP), making it more accessible and transparent. We have established ourselves as an essential information hub for the diaspora, responding to inquiries, offering guidance, and providing support to individuals and groups seeking to engage with Belize.

We have made important strides across government ministries by establishing points of contact within key ministries, helping to streamline diaspora-related concerns and resolve longstanding issues that many had struggled with for years. These partnerships have allowed us to improve service delivery in meaningful ways.

Most notably, we have worked hand in hand with members of the diaspora to successfully bring millions of dollars in donations—including medical equipment, school supplies, and other vital resources—to benefit communities across Belize. These efforts have made a direct and lasting impact on the lives of our people at home, and we are grateful to all who have contributed so generously.

Additionally, we have created a comprehensive and growing diaspora database to improve communication and program development. We have actively reached out through town hall meetings, community meet-and-greets, media interviews, partnerships with Belizean organizations and virtual sessions via Zoom to connect with as many Belizeans abroad as possible. These efforts have allowed us to listen, learn, and build stronger, more collaborative ties between Belize and its diaspora.

As we continue moving forward, I encourage you to stay engaged by completing our online contact form. You can also join our Facebook group Diaspora Relations (Ministry of Tourism Belize), or reach out to our office at +501-227-9581 or WhatsApp +501-666-9581 or by email at diaspora.relations@tourism.gov.bz.

As a fellow member of the diaspora, I understand how deep the connection to home can be, and how powerful our collective contributions are. The Diaspora Relations Unit remains committed to strengthening this connection and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement. Please feel free to contact me directly at ambassador.diaspora@tourism.gov.bz with any questions, ideas, or opportunities to collaborate.

Remain grateful for your roots, purposeful in your work and thoughtful towards each other. God bless!

With gratitude,

Sandhya Murphy

Ambassador for Diaspora Relations