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Roy Davis (freelance writer)
Belize City, Thursday, August 29, 2024
Today, the National Institute of Cultural History (NICH) launched the 501 Passage Project at the Museum of Belize Art, the cultural home located on Mrs. Gordon Avenue (formerly Regent Street) in Mineta, to a packed house.
The program opened with a musical performance by Cindy Blanco, followed by a prayer by Father Andres Val – Serra SJ, and then the National Anthem sung by the Belize Elementary School Choir, directed by Giselle O’Brian.
Afterwards, Carlos Quiroz, the Access 501 project coordinator, introduced the content of the project.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) chief executive Dian Maheia spoke of the conservation and educational value of the project.
“Today is a beginning. Amandala Graduates of 501, a school founded in 1969, say they don’t know much about publishing, but they are willing and ready to learn and start their own business. Access 501 is an unprecedented link between education and culture, science and technology. This tool is the answer our education system needs,” she commented.
This was followed by a video featuring profiles of Belizeans who have contributed to Belize’s history and culture.
This was followed by a speech by the keynote speaker, His Excellency Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, Foreign Trade, Culture, Science and Technology.
He spoke about the benefits that the Access 501 project will bring to the people of Belize.
“Great things are never accomplished by one person. It takes a team. The team at the Department of Science and Technology – Dean, Namitla, Carlos and Arthur – are creative and innovative in mind and spirit. The team at the Government Statutory and Educational Agencies – there are teams at the Archives, University of Belize, the Library, NICH, St. John’s College, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, etc. The team of supporters and collaborators: AmandalaChannel 7, Channel 5, Salient Group, reporter newspapers, the Imagination Factory, Mychal Balderamos, Joan Duran, the Meg Craig family, the Eric King family, Myrtle Palacio, and community team people like Norris Hall and Lita Krohn.”
Yasser Moussa delivered the closing remarks.
The audience then toured the museum and saw real jade statues on display.
Other guests in attendance included the Honourable Kareem Musa, Minister of National Security and Interior; and Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner.
Afterwards, the audience enjoyed music and refreshments.
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