7 News Belize

Immigration Officer Gets Kerry’s Congratulations
posted (March 30, 2016)
Yesterday, Belizean Immigration Officer, Debra Baptist-Estrada received a high honour from US Secretary of State John Kerry. It was presented at the annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony, in Washington DC. 14 women from around the world were honoured for exceptional courage and leadership in advocating peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment. Baptist-Estrada was one of those 14. She has over 20 years in the Immigration and Nationality Department and has served recently as the Port Commander of Belize's international airport. Here are Kerry's remarks as Baptist-Estrada was honoured:

John Kerry - Secretary of State, USA

"Debra Baptist-Estrada knows what it like is to be the only woman in room. For 20 years she's worked in the male dominated Belize Department of Immigration. She's been offered bribes and encouraged by her superiors to look the other way. But instead of backing down she's has doubled down by working with US officials to uncover drug and human trafficking operations. Her colleagues tried to tell her that corruption is natural but she insists that it's criminal. Saying quote "I have no time for bribes and no tolerance for those who do." Debra Baptist-Estrada for your integrity and commitment to good governance in Belize, we honour you as a Woman of Courage."

Baptist-Estrada is now posted in Corozal at the northern border.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize