7 News Belize

Taiwan Rice Harvest Bounty Leads To Rice Donation
posted (August 22, 2018)
Taiwan has one less international ally this week after Salvador switched to China, but the island nation's generosity to Belize continues.

Today in Belmopan, the Taiwanese Ambassador donated 10,000 bags of rice to the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation.

That's five containers filled with 22-pound bags of rice . The ambassador said his country had a surplus:...

H.E. Charles Liu- Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize
"We want to share with you, when we have a surplus, when we are able to, we want to be here with you. So, that is the reason. This is the first time that we have 100 metric tons of rice; that is 10,000 bags of rice."

Judith Alpuche- CEO, Min. of Human Dev
"To me there is powerful symbolism in this donation. It is something that we share in common as a staple within both our countries and cultures. And so we really do want to pause and acknowledge the generosity of the Republic of China Taiwan."

Hon. Anthony Martinez - Min. of Human Dev, Social Trans and Poverty Alleviation
"Rice is a daily integral part of the Belizean diet. And as we all know, it plays a key role in our beloved national dish of rice and beans, chicken and salad. And so, while it is the Ministry of Human Development that is accepting this donation, it is the people of Belize that will benefit from Taiwan's generosity. After this ceremony, these containers will be making their way country wide. Two will remain in Belize district while one heap will be sent to the North, West and South. Staff of the Women's and Family Support department within the Ministry will distribute the rice to over 800 organizations, agencies and client's family. Many of our agencies and NGO's receiving the rice donation work with the country's vulnerable population through school feeding program mental health facilities, owner shelters, children's home and elderly care facilities to name a few. This donation of rice will therefore be a ripple effect providing sustenance to countless more residents who access the services provided by those organizations. Other noteworthy recipients include the hospital, prison and those agencies whose staff work to protect the country such as the Belize Defense Force, the Police Department and the Coast Guard."

AGAIN, the rice will be distributed to over 800 governmental and non-governmental agencies and families. The donation is valued at $125,000 US dollars and will be distributed after being cleared from customs later this week.

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