New Welcome Center Inaugurated in Seine Bight Village

Belize City, Belize, November 25, 2024: Seine Bight Village welcomed its newest landmark on November 24, with the inauguration of the Seine Bight Welcome Center— a space for cultural preservation and promotion. This collaborative effort, funded by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in partnership with the Hon. Rodwell Ferguson Sr. (Stann Creek West Area Representative), and the Seine Bight Village Council, began in January 2023 and was completed in October 2024. The center is part of a broader vision to enhance cultural heritage tourism. 

The Welcome Center, located beachside along Main Street, will serve as a tribute to the village’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing a communal space for locals and visitors alike. The center is expected to play a pivotal role in the village’s tourism and cultural initiatives and features spaces for three gift shops, a restaurant, and a Palapa for Garifuna drumming sessions. Other amenities include a pathway, landscaping, and the installation of planters to enhance visitors’ appreciation of the area’s coastal beauty. Designed to support small businesses, the center will offer authentic experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for Seine Bight’s vibrant cultural heritage.  

The opening featured the Creative South exhibit which highlights the talents of artists from southern Belize. This collection showcases a range of works from both emerging and established artists in the region and was organized by the National Institute of Culture and History and Imagination Factri. The center’s works will focus on developing a compact, yet impactful Garifuna Culture Exhibit, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories, experiences, and rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people alongside their traditional narratives.

Among the speakers was Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, who emphasized the role of community-focused projects like this one that drive sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Remarks were also shared by Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Stann Creek West Area Representative and Minister of Youth, Sports, and Transport; Mrs. Arreini Palacio Morgan, Board Member, National Institute of Culture and History; Mr. Jose Aleman, Chairman of Seine Bight Village, and Mr. Josue Carballo. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by community leaders, tourism industry stakeholders, performing artists, and special guests, who all underscored the Welcome Center’s importance in promoting economic growth and cultural pride.

The Seine Bight Welcome Center is a testament to BTB’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding Belize’s diverse cultural heritage while empowering local communities through tourism.