Chen and Musa exchange awards

On last night’s newscast a late schedule, dead battery and slow moving motorcade combined to prevent us from showing footage of the Belmopan leg of President Chen Shui-bian’s state visit. Tonight we’ll bring you up to date on those events in the nation’s capital.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Shortly after arriving at the George Price Centre, President Chen was officially handed the keys to the City of Belmopan by deputy mayor Clifton Hall after watering a young mahogany plant and meeting with former Prime Minister George Price, Chen met with Taiwanese residents of the area who came out to the centre to see him. The president along with the prime minister then entered the building where President Chen met with members of the cabinet. After some twenty minutes, Chen and Musa emerged from the closed door meeting to sign a joint communiqué. The signing was then followed by the highlight of the day’s events. First President Chen was presented with the Order of Belize.

Prime Minister Said Musa

“President Chen’s visit to Belize is significant as it serves to reinforce our bonds forged since the establishment of diplomatic relations in October of 1989. I speak of bonds of corporation, friendship, neutral support internationally, and share democratic values.”

President Chen then honoured Prime Minister Musa with the order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon.

Before departing from the George Price Centre, the President also donated a pickup truck to the Ministry of Human Development.