Belize is the Pro-temp President of SICA

 Prime Minister John Briceño received the Presidency Pro-Tempore (PPT) of the Central American Integration System (SICA). He succeeded the outgoing PPT, Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, President of the Dominican Republic. The transfer of leadership took place during the 56th Meeting of Heads of State and Government of SICA held in Santiago de Caballeros, Dominican Republic.  In his remarks, Prime Minister Briceño congratulated the Dominican Republic for its accomplishments during the term of its presidency and pledged Belize’s full support in advancing the efforts of the Dominican Republic on the implementation of SICA’s regional agenda. As the PPT, Belize will be steering the regional integration process based on the five priority pillars of SICA integration, which are economic and social integration, institutional strengthening, democratic security, climate change and sustainable development. Along with these pillars, Belize will also focus on issues high on its national development agenda such as climate change, food security, migration, and deeper engagement with CARICOM and SICA. Prime Minister Briceño was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration; Eamon Courtenay, Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Alfonso Gahona, Director of International Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Belize’s presidency will be for the first six months of 2023. The country last held the PPT of SICA in 2018.