On Wednesday, September 25, 2013, the Embassy of Belize in El Salvador, represented by its Ambassador Celie Paz Marín, held a commemorative lunch for the 32nd Anniversary of the Independence of Belize in a private residence, an event attended by the Diplomatic Corps in El Salvador, as well as local authorities and special guests.
Furthermore, this event was attended by the Honorable Minister of Culture and Tourism of Belize Manuel Heredia, who took the opportunity to have a meeting with his Salvadoran counterpart the Honorable Minister of Tourism José Napoleon Duarte, to share issues of common interest to both nations.
Members of the Pantempters Steel Orchestra, Ambassador Celie Paz and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.
The Belizean rhythm was present at the celebration of Independence Day, with the participation from Belize of Pantempters Steel Orchestra, who encouraged the lunch with the special touch of Caribbean music making dance to all attendees who enjoyed one by one all their musical interpretations.
The food was also a huge surprise for everybody; they enjoyed the preparation of delicious dishes by the hands of Belizean Chef Jennie Staines, who shared some of her culinary skills with Salvadoran restaurant La Hola Betos.
Pantempters Steel Orchestra, Ambassodor Celi Paz and Chef Jennie Staines
In her speech, Ambassador Celie Paz Marín addressed the guests present, the great relationship between Belize and El Salvador, who recently held in the city of San Salvador the second round of the negotiations for the signing of Partial Scope Agreement, which represents the constantly seeking to further expand of existing relationships. She did a historical review, from the beginning of relations between Belize and El Salvador, making special mention of harmony that has always existed between the two countries.
The Embassy of Belize in El Salvador developed simultaneously a cultural event that lasted 3 days starting on September 25th, with a photographic exhibition of paintings representing the best of Belizean culture, tradition and tourism, this was displayed in a hall of the recognized place named “La Casona”, at the Mall Galerías Escalón, an exhibition that was open to the general public.
The celebrations for the 32nd Anniversary of Independence continued on September 26th in the morning, the Ambassador of Belize in El Salvador Celie Paz Marín and the Honorable Minister of Culture and Tourism of Belize Manuel Heredia, were accompanied by six members of Pantempters and the Chef Jennie Staines to tv show on channel 12 for a historical summary of the Independence of Belize, promotion of culture and Belizean tourism; as well to share with the viewers of a small sample of Caribbean rhythm through the Pantempters´s music. The event also was attended to promote the evening event, a great concert opened to the public with the full members of Pantempters Steel Orchestra.
It was in the afternoon of the same Thursday, September 26 when Pantempters Steel Orchestra performed their musical renditions before hundreds of spectators gathered on the Mall Galerías Escalón, who enjoyed their music and the entire Caribbean flavor that characterizes them along their various interpretations. To the Ambassador’s astonishment, Salvadorans knew for the very first time of Belize´s music style in El Salvador.
Finally, on September 27th, there was special presentation in honor to Belize with the performance of Pantempters Steel Orchestra for a select group of guests at a gala dinner on the Costa del Sol, one of the most beautiful beaches of El Salvador; also there was a special tv report done by Code 21, a national broadcast tv program through the channel 21 and through cable by Central America TV, where Pantempters were interviewed and filmed showing the best of the best in their performance.
