16 days of activism are almost at an end but ahead of Human Rights Day Governor General Froyla Tzalam in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the newly minted ambassador Michelle Kwan held a candlelight vigil to stand in solidarity with women who have been victims of violence. It was the Ambassador's first public engagement and 7News was there. Here's a brief snippet:
Cherisse Halsall:
"Ambassador these are your first days in Belize, what's it been like?"
Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador To Belize
"It has been unbelievable, unbelizeable, tonight's events a sombre moment but really commemorating and kicking off 16 days of fighting against gender-based violence and this candlelight vigil with survivors and advocates as well as the diplomatic community and the press, really talking about the importance of fighting against gender-based violence but. The Belizeans have been so warm and so nice and it's just a beautiful country. It's only, not even 5 days yet and I feel right at home."
"Your going to strengthen the bond between the United States and Belize to strengthen our cooperation, our mutual interest and our friendship between our two countries, of course, we have shared common values, democratic values of economic prosperity, we have shared values all across, especially tonight with human rights, and fighting against gender-based violence so there is much to do and I am looking forward to working with Belizean."
"My meeting with the Foreign Minister Couretnay was incredible we were talking bout the importance of our bilateral relations and how I as now newly minted U.S. Ambassador. To Belize, there hasn't been a U.S. Ambassador for some time now but I am so proud to represent and to be the representative, President Biden's representative here in this country and I stress the importance of our relationship and strengthening our bilateral relations and cooperation across the board."
Cherisse Halsall:
"We do have to ask are you excited to spend your first Belizean Christmas or will you be running back to the U.S.?"
Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador To Belize
"Oh, I am going to be here for Christmas with my family I have. A beautiful Christmas tree at the residence and I am super excited to be here."
