Lionel Arzu, Ombudsman of Belize
Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel
Newton Barrack, Belize City
May 26, 2016
Mr. Eddie Webster, Clerk to the Natl. Assembly
Dr. Roberto Herrera Caceres, Human Rights Commisioner, Honduras and President of the CACHRO and Defenders
Mr. David Ernesto Morales, Human Rights Defender, El Salvador
Ms. Annabelle Morfin, Advisor to the Human Rights Defender of Guatemala
Other Human Rights Defenders and or delegates from Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala
Ms. Celia Medrano, Rep. of Cristosal Foundation
Amb. Said Guerra, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Members of the Diplomatic Corp and Consular Corp
Members of the Media houses
Invited guests
Ladies and gentlemen:
A pleasant good morning! It is indeed my honor and priviledge to welcome you all here this morning. In a few minutes you will witness a historic event, the installation of the Ombudsman of Belize as the new President of Central American Council for Human Rights Ombudsmen and Defenders (CACHRO).
The Council is made up of Central American countries. The purpose is to dialogue, exchange information and experiences and present declarations on thematic issues of priority to their members. The presidency of the Council rotates every year among the member countries. The technical secretariat which supports the Council also rotates, subject to the decision of the Council. Belize’s opportunity to take up the presidency of the Council happens every seven years. Hence the reason we need to celebrate, embrace and cherish the moment.
I would like to welcome again all the visiting Human Rights Ombudsmen and Defenders, as well as their delegates to our beautiful country, Belize. Belizeans are hospitable people and we welcome everyone and share our various cultures. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Belize and the unique Belizean hospitality that we offer. and do take back pleasant memories with you when you all return home. I pray God’s guidance upon each of us present here and in our deliberations during the Council’s meeting.
WELCOME TO ALL!!!!!! BIENVENIDO PARA TODO