Congratulatory Outpouring for GG Froyla T’zalam

Patricia Scotland

As the officially ceremony was being streamed live, social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages for the new Governor General. Froyla T’zalam is the first indigenous woman of Maya descent to be named governor general in the Commonwealth. In her message to the new G.G., Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland spoke of T’zalam role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General, Commonwealth of Nations

“In these circumstances, community and environmental resilience are key, as we work together towards rebuilding stronger and better. In this regard Belize’s new Governor General is uniquely placed to spearhead initiatives which can further foster the Belizean community’s resourcefulness in overcoming the present difficulties. Her Excellency’s background is impressive. Whilst she is a rural development and resource management specialist, her extensive work in enhancing education across the country has been truly remarkable and inspiring. This has been rooted in her strong academic background, which has endowed her with a deep understanding of the communities that make up the Belizean population. As an anthropologist and the first indigenous woman to be appointed to the post, the Governor General’s experience expertise will help to deepen understanding, unity and resilience within the Belizean nation and will build on the far-reaching work that her predecessor, Sir Colville Norbert Young, has undertaken throughout his remarkable twenty-eight-year tenure. On behalf of the Commonwealth, I wish to extend my very best wishes to the new Governor General as she embarks on this exciting journey and takes on this great responsibility.”

The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, better known as SATIIM, also issued a release today congratulating Tz’alam, its former Executive Director, as Belize’s First Mopan Governor General. The release says that “This is a significant moment in the history of our country and in the history of the indigenous peoples of Belize.” It goes on to say that more than twenty-five years ago, five indigenous communities in Toledo created SATIIM to advocate for the recognition of their land rights, their human rights, and their culture. T’zalam first collaborated with SATIIM as a researcher and then back in 2014 became the executive director of the organization. The release ends by saying that “T’zalam brings a unique sense of history and intercultural skill to her role as Governor General” and “SATIIM expresses sincere gratitude for her service to her people, all Belizeans, and our country.”