Official Launching Ceremony of Commemorative Stamps Celebrating 20th Anniversary of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Belize

On October 22, JICA Belize, together with Belize Postal Service, held the Official Launching Ceremony of Commemorative Stamps Celebrating 20th Anniversary of JOCV in Belize. The ceremony was attended by Mr. James Gabourel, Postmaster General of Belize Postal Service, Mr. Kazuhiro Iryu, Ambassador of Japan, and Mrs. Michiyo Hashiguchi, Resident Representative of JICA Belize Office.

Commemorative stamps symbolize the activities of JOCVs in Belize with the spirit of "Together with the Local Community". Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of JOCV, 2 kinds of stamps were issued. (1BZD and 0.25BZD) There are also Souvenir Sheets and First Day Covers. They can be purchased at post offices in Belize.

In December 2000, the first 3 JOCVs arrived in Belize to start their activities. Since then, over 190 volunteers assisted local communities in Belize in various fields such as basic education, environmental issues, community development, youth program, sports, special education and elderly care.

Very unfortunately, at this moment, JOCV program in Belize has been suspended because of Corona Pandemic. JICA continues to work hard towards resumption of the program in Belize.