The U.S. Embassy officially moved its operations to Belmopan in mid-November. And the State Department today inaugurated that massive new complex. It's a $50 million project that took 20 months to build. It's nearly ten thousand square feet and sits on a ten acre plot of land. Sure enough, it's a monumental facility built to last in the post-911 world. Today we visited Belmopan if only to have a look at the building, if only from the outside as our cameras were not allowed inside the building. Alfonso Noble reports.
Charles Williams,
"I now declare this facility ready for occupancy."
With the raising of the American flag, the unveiling of this plaque and the cutting of the ribbon the U.S. Embassy was officially inaugurated. It is a US$50 million investment in a state of the art facility that Charles Williams, the U.S. government's property manager says came with one thing in mind, security.
Charles Williams,
"This new facility represents a major improvement from the existing facilities and will serve both the equities of American and Belizean people. I would like to stress both American and Belizean lives will be protected and that the general security will be enhanced. This particular facility meets to the absolute letter the security and the safety requirements that we set out to construct. My project director Dennis Franco is here also, whose had the hymnal, he has been beaten on both ends and so we just want to…where is Dennis, he is standing around so might want to just recognize Dennis at this time. In my capacity as Director of the Overseas Building Operations for our State Department, I am happy to report that we are building a facility like those around the world that we have open. All of this complex represents the best that our country can put forth for our people who work here, including the Belizean and host country personnel. This is a state of the art facility with a biochemical system and a building automation system that touches over two hundred sensors that are positioned in this building.
We have seven structures here and they are all performing certain functions as I mentioned we have utility buildings which have state of the art utilities system for water, for heating, for ventilation, for electrical etc, and then of course we have access control points which make it easier for our people to come in and leave here safely. We made certain that the building is secure and there's no problem with any issue about security for anyone who works here."
And while security is foremost in the minds of the U.S. State Department. For Prime Minister Musa who was present at the inauguration, the building is about the U.S.' confidence in Belize.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Today Ambassador Dieter, we welcome this major investment in our nation's capital Belmopan. The United States now joins the United Kingdom and Mexico embracing our seat of government with impressive structures that make up the Embassy. It is undoubtedly a clear manifestation of confidence in the political, social, and economic stability of Belize and its prospect for continued growth and development. This is need a historic commitment by the world super power in this little corner of Central America."
Charles Williams,
"The new embassy marks the recommitment and investment by the United States' government in its partnership with Belize."
And while there is mutual agreement that the structure comes as a sign of confidence in Belize U.S. Ambassador Robert Dieter says it will serve the Belizean public well.
Ambassador Robert Dieter,
"It represents a significant investment by the U.S. government and its relationship with Belize. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Belize and I hope it is received as a sign of good relations and friendly relations and partnership building. The facility is an up to date modern facility with all the latest gadgets and that sort of thing. So hopefully we will be able to continue giving good service to the people when they come for their visa applications. The facility is much more is inviting and comfortable while they are waiting and with all the improvements, we hope that we are able to do our business faster and more efficiently. Hopefully, once people are used to it, and see it and understand that we're here to assist and render services to people, I hope they get that message - I hope it is not the size of the building and the appearance of the building isn't intimidating. That is not the message we want to send and I think once the word gets out, they'll see that it is easy to use and customer friendly."
The Louisiana National Guard Army Band was present at today's ceremonies. In conjunction with the BDF, that band will also be holding a holiday concert at the Battlefield Park tomorrow night.
