Belmopan, November 2, 2026.
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs hosted a two-day technical mission of the Central American Secretariat for Social Integration (SISCA) on October 29 and 30, 2026. The visit took place under Belize’s Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Central American Social Integration Council (CIS), held by Honorable Thea Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs (MHDFSGA).
The SISCA delegation was led by Secretary General Ms. Ana Leticia Aguilar, accompanied by Ms. Gabriela Ramírez, Head of SISCA’s Multidimensional Poverty, Human Capital Development and Social Protection Unit.
On October 29th, Minister Ramirez and the Secretary General held a technical meeting in Belize City to plan SISCA’s work for the rest of Belize’s presidency, which ends in December. The Secretary General was also introduced to the Ministry’s mandate, departments, and core programs, and to Belize’s social protection system. The National Council for Ageing and the Family Support and Gender Affairs Department also presented the national policy and services for older persons. The delegation then joined the Minister on a guided visit to Sister Cecilia’s Home for the Elderly, where they observed the care provided and spoke with staff and residents. The day helped identify how SISCA’s regional priorities and the Ministry’s work align as a basis for future technical cooperation.
On October 30, Minister Ramirez and the SISCA delegation met with H.E. Amino C. Y. Chi, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, for a courtesy luncheon, where the Minister and Secretary General thanked Taiwan for close to three decades of support to SISCA.
The mission reaffirms Belize’s commitment to advancing a comprehensive regional social agenda during its pro-tempore presidency, and to partnerships that improve the well-being of people across Central America.
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About SISCA: The Central American Secretariat for Social Integration is the technical and administrative secretariat of the CIS within the Central American Integration System (SICA). Established in 1995, it coordinates the regional social agenda across SICA member countries.
About the MHDFSGA: The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs is the Ministry, under the Government of Belize, responsible for the effective and efficient functioning of Belize’s social sector, improving the standard of living of citizens and residents, particularly individuals and families who are poor, vulnerable, and most at risk. The ministry is responsible for social protection, family strengthening, child protection, juvenile justice and rehabilitation, gender and GBV response, disability inclusion, elderly care, and social policy coordination.
