US Embassy in Belmopan Welcomes New Deputy Chief of Mission Rhonda Slusher

Outgoing Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Belmopan, David Hodge, today met with Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca.  Minister Fonseca met with Hodge at the Foreign Ministry’s Headquarters in Belmopan, where he introduced Rhonda Slusher, the new Deputy Chief of Mission.  A Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) is the second-in-command at a U.S. embassy. They are a senior diplomat who serves as the key advisor to the ambassador and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the embassy’s operations.  The DCM’s role is crucial, as they step in as the Chargé d’Affaires (acting head of the mission) when the ambassador is absent or when the position is vacant. In this capacity, they would have the full authority and responsibilities of the ambassador.  Since the departure of Ambassador Michelle Kwan in early January this year, the US is yet to appoint a replacement.  Hodge has been holding over the operations at the embassy since then.