Belize City Youth Council Members Begin Exchange in Florida

Some sixteen months ago, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner publicly outlined a vision to expand opportunities for the city’s Youth Shadow Council, including participation in international exchange programs with Belize City’s sister city, Miramar, Florida.  That vision, first articulated in September 2024, is now a reality.  Tonight, two members of the current Youth Shadow Council cohort are in Miramar, Florida, where they will be honored guests at a welcome reception hosted by the City of Miramar, marking the official start of the Belize City–Miramar Youth Shadow Council Exchange Program.  The Belize City delegation, Youth Shadow Councillors Sanaa Rowland and Arthur Butler, accompanied by Councillor for Sister City Relations, Stephanne Hamilton, departed Belize on Sunday, and are being received by Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and officials of the Miramar City Government.  Back in September 2024, Mayor Wagner emphasized the importance of exposing young leaders to international governance, civic engagement, and leadership development, an idea that is now unfolding on the global stage.

The exchange will allow the youth councillors to gain firsthand exposure to local government operations, community leadership, and cultural exchange initiatives, while strengthening the sister city relationship between Belize City and Miramar.  The delegation is expected to participate in a full slate of civic, educational, and cultural engagements throughout the week, with updates to be shared as the exchange continues.