OAS sponsors tourism, urban employment and conservation projects

Projects being undertaken by three local organizations to enhance the productivity of the tourism sector; provide employment for at risk youths; and promote conservation through sustainable farming practices have received the green light for funding by the Organization of American States.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Three agreements were signed this afternoon by representatives from BTB, N.C.F.C. and Ya’axche Conservation Trust.  According to Laura Esquivel-Frampton the monies that have been earmarked for tourism training and certification will be used to complete the project which is in its third year.

Laura Esquivel-Frampton, Director of Product Development, BTB

laura esquivel frampton

“Primarily for the last couple years we’ve really been focusing on the certification of our local chefs program and that is heavily subsidized, mainly funded by this same OAS project.  Right now we have twelve participants in the program and they will finish a level two certification by the end of this year.  So by the end of this year we shall see for the first time local chefs being trained locally in Belize and certified so they will have that paper to back up all their qualifications that we know they already have.”

The total pledge of capital which is provided through OAS’ Special Multi-Lateral Fund (FEMCIDI) is five hundred, forty-nine thousand, two hundred and thirty-four dollars.  The money is being divided between the three entities and the National Committee for Families and Children will use its share to assist disadvantaged communities.

pearl stuart

Pearl Stuart, Executive Director, NCFC

“We’re looking at disadvantaged women and at risk youth.  Well I’m particularly interested of course in the at risk youth and of course women being mothers to children that’s also of great interest to us.  But the disadvantaged women we’re looking at Samuel Haynes, we’re looking at the Women’s Department in doing high-end garments and that’s where we’ll tie to or link with tourism.”

Equally funded is an initiative by Ya’axche Conservation Trust to assist in poverty alleviation among indigenous communities in the Toledo District.

Lisel Alamilla, Executive Director, Ya’axchѐ

lisel alamilla

“One of our goals is having sustainable communities. So we have done organic farming, promoted organic farming in Medina Bank.  We’re now starting in Golden Stream and we’re really going to be moving more toward integrated farming.  We’ve also done projects along with the OAS in agro-forestry and one main component of this two is the capacity building which is something that is important because sometimes it’s best when you take someone out to show them what other people are doing to motivate them, to show them that there are possibilities out there.”

The projects are being funded over a fourteen month cycle between 2010-2011.  In the case of long term projects the agencies are expected to submit proposals annually to receive the necessary subsidies.  Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.