74 Persons Receive Belizean Nationality
A group of nationals coming from diverse cultures and countries have made Belize their home and country. They are the third group this year to pledge allegiance as citizens of Belize after going through a vetting process. The oath was administered by officials of the Nationality and Passport Department in Belmopan. Going forward, they are entitled to opportunities as well as rights guaranteed to Belizeans. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo has the following report.
Hipolito Novelo, reporting
A total of seventy-four persons representing nineteen countries on Wednesday took the oath of allegiance to faithfully observe and upload the constitution and laws of Belize and fulfill their duties as a citizen of the country.
Arturo Vasquez
Arturo Vasquez, Deputy Chair, Nationality Scrutinizing Committee
“This oath must be taken very seriously as it signifies your commitment to Belize as a national as well as to your individual responsibility as a citizen.”
The new Belizean citizens were sworn at this year’s third swearing-in ceremony in Belmopan. The applications of these persons were reviewed and vetted by the Nationality Scrutinizing Committee which is co-chaired by Arturo Vasquez.
Arturo Vasquez
“As a born Belizean myself, I am very happy to see that we are able to welcome people from other nations who have clearly shown interest in the development of Belize and to become a Belizean citizen. You contribution to the ongoing development of the country is greatly appreciated. As with the integration of diversity comes great ideas and development. Belize is a young nation of opportunities, waiting to be discovered and explored. We would expect as newly sworn in Belizeans you would be mindful of the importance of the rule of law. While it is not expected that you will forget about your original homeland, it can be expected that with your obvious interest in taking this new step in your nationality status that you will make Belize your home and make every effort to participate in building this nation.”
Vasquez’s message was echoed by the Director of the Nationality and Passport Department, Mario Arzu who encouraged the news Belizeans to participate in building the nation.
Mario Arzu
Mario Arzu, Director, Nationality and Passport Department
“You need to contribute because this is a young nation and we need to continue building this nation. Of course, there are several reasons why we give you citizenship or earn citizenship. Firstly it allows you guys a path towards becoming fully integrated and as well as to become more comfortable giving you a sense of belonging and attachment to Belize.”
The new citizens were also advised to follow the laws an enjoy the fundamental rights and freedoms that come with citizenship.
Deborah Baptist Estrada
Deborah Baptist Estrada, Deputy Director, Nationality and Passport Department
“You have chosen Belize as your new home and among those privileged that will be able to ultimately hold a Belizean passport. So I urge you, therefore, to represent this country well, be productive citizen, uphold the law as this is the only way that you will continue to enjoy this fundamental right and freedom that is guaranteed by the constitution.”
Hipolito Novelo, News Five.
