On November 6th, the Ports Commissioner joined Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, as part of his delegation at the ACMF Anchor Awards/Gala 2025 held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Prime Minister served as the Keynote Speaker at this annual event hosted by the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF), an organization dedicated to providing scholarships, grants, and equipment to support maritime training and education across the Caribbean.
Belize has been engaging with the ACMF since last year to establish a partnership that would offer scholarship opportunities to Belizean students pursuing studies at the Foundation’s academic partner institutions, including the Caribbean Maritime University. The Prime Minister’s participation as Keynote Speaker further solidified this developing partnership and represents a significant step toward expanding maritime education opportunities for Belizean youth.
In his Keynote Address, the Prime Minister highlighted Belize’s deep historical and economic ties to the sea, emphasizing the need to secure training and educational opportunities for Belizeans. The Belize Port Authority, International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, High Seas Fisheries Unit, Belize Coast Guard, and other agencies were recognized as core maritime institutions driving progress. He also noted Belize’s commitment to building an inclusive maritime sector, highlighting the establishment of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) – Belize Chapter, and acknowledging the regional WiMAC association as a strategic partner of the ACMF.
The BPA extends special thanks to the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) for their valued support in providing hotel packages from key Belizean resorts for the event’s fundraising auction. These contributions not only supported the Foundation’s scholarship efforts but also helped promote Belize as a premier tourist destination to the distinguished guests in attendance.
Stay tuned for more information on this important partnership as discussions progress.