Engaging the Diaspora: New Energy in Strengthening the Link

Sandhya Murphy

Earlier today, News Five had a sit down with Sandhya Murphy, the Ambassador for Diaspora Relations in the Ministry of Tourism.  The Diaspora Relations Unit was created as a medium through which Belizeans living abroad can give back to Belize and help in its development – be it through expertise, or donation to various campaigns. Ambassador Murphy says that an opportunity has been formed to engage the diaspora and strengthen the link with Belize.

Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations

“We are there to support the diaspora throughout the world. We have really been focusing on the U.S., taking it one step at a time, but our main goal is to support the diaspora so that they have a place to go, they have somewhere to call, they have somewhere to get information. And really what we are doing is promoting Belize, putting it on the international stage. We are encouraging philanthropy, we are promoting trade and the economy. We are always looking for new investments. And really what we have learnt is that the diaspora is a wealth of information. One of the things I’ve seen talking to a lot of people in the diaspora is that they are so smart and educated and talented and the potential is there and nobody has ever really looked at that so now we are starting to tap into that. So many people out in the diaspora are wanting to come home, wanting to give back, but for the most part, most of them don’t know where to go, what to do, who to ask. And so now, they have somewhere to go. They know that the unit exits and they know that we are there to support them and encourage them and include them back home. And that’s what really they have been looking for.”