Ambassador Amino Chi attended the Opening Ceremony of this year’s Mandarin course at the Belize Defence Force on June 24.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was seeing Second Lieutenant Reevie Ysaguirre, who studied in Taiwan, serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Before the ceremony began, she exchanged a few words in Mandarin with Ambassador Chi. It was a proud moment that reflected the close friendship between Taiwan and Belize.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chi reflected on his own family’s experience when his children first arrived in Belize without speaking English. Learning a new language, he said, is never easy. Yet every new word learned opens the door to new friendships, new experiences, and a deeper understanding of another culture.
CEO Francis Usher of the Ministry of Defence and Border Security also shared a personal experience from early in his career, recalling a time when language barriers made communication especially challenging. His story reminded everyone that language is more than a way to communicate. It strengthens cooperation, builds mutual trust, and brings people together.
Since 2022, the Mandarin program at the BDF has combined language learning with cultural exchange, further strengthening the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Belize.
We wish this year’s participants every success as they begin their Mandarin learning journey, and we look forward to seeing them build new friendships and discover new opportunities along the way!
