The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture launched the Belize Archives Advisory Board at a meeting held in the Conference Room of the Belize Archives and Records Service (BARS) in Belmopan.
The current members of the Advisory Board are: Ms. Marian McNab, Chairperson, Dr. Wilma Wright, Mr. Lawrence Vernon, Mr. Nigel Encalada, Rev. Lancelot Lewis, Mr. Rudy Aguilar and Mr. Derryck Satchwell. The Director of BARS, Dr. Herman Byrd is Secretary of the Board. Mrs. Adele Catzim-Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture in the Ministry of Education, deputized on behalf of the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education. CEO Catzim told the Board, that “The Belize Archives and Records Service are at a critical juncture in its development.
The work of BARS remains at the core of nation building. The work is not only about the collection, preservation and dissemination of information; it is about showing and telling us who we are as a people. Key historical documents (photographs, letters, reports, and newspaper articles) represent moments in time that bring meaning to the experiences we share today.” In addition, she noted that the Belize Archives and Records Service also has the mandate for ensuring that current records remain protected and well-managed in government ministries and departments. The Chairperson, Ms. McNab thanked the board members, the Director, administrators, and staff for their commitment and dedication to the work of BARS.
The Director stated that a major undertaking will be the preparation of a strategic plan to better position the Department to effectively carry out its dual tasks of preserving historical records and promoting effective management of public sector records.
Contact: Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adele Catzim-Sanchez, Youth, Sports and Culture, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture- 631-5285. Ms. Marian McNab, Chair – 610-3977. Dr. Herman Byrd, Director- 822-2247.
