February 25, 2019 The Belize Scout Foundation held groundbreaking ceremonies for the “Sir Colville N. Young Building”, home of Scouting in Belize. The ceremony took place on February 25, 2019 at the Scout lot on Albert Street behind the Girl Guides Hut.
Guests started arriving between 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. and were greeted by a guard of honor mounted by Scouts from the Belize, Corozal and Toledo districts.
The ceremony started at 2:00 p.m. sharp with the arrival of His Excellency Sir Colville N. Young, Governor-General and Patron of the Belize Scout Foundation.
The Belize National Anthem was sung by everyone, followed by the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Immediately following was the Scout prayer by Venture Scout Felina Luk and the welcome address delivered by the President of The Scout Association, Mr. Armando Aban.
Chief Scout Major Eric Neal then gave an overview of Scouting in Belize. He narrated his experience growing up on the south side of Belize City and the challenges associated with gangs in his neighborhood and how Scouting helped in molding him into the person he is now.
Dr. Rene Villanueva, Chairman of The Belize Scout Foundation, delivered an address in which he spoke about the work of the Foundation and its financial support to The Scout Association. He also focused on the challenge accepted by the Foundation to build the “Sir Colville N. Young Building”, the home of Scouting in Belize, the need for the building and support needed from the business community to be able to construct the building.
An address was also delivered by His Excellency Mr. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) who at the same time made a most timely and generous presentation of a check for a total of $200,000.00 to His Excellency Sir Colville Young towards the construction of the building. In receiving the hefty donation, Sir Colville thanked Ambassador Li-Kuo Chen on behalf of the Foundation and the Scouts of Belize.
The Keynote address was delivered by His Excellency Sir Colville N. Young who thanked the Government of China (Taiwan) for their generous contribution to the building and then he related one of his famous stories.
The unveiling of the cornerstone and groundbreaking followed. His Excellency Sir Colville Young, His Excellency Mr. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Dr. Rene Villanueva, Chairman Emeritus Mr. Julian Castillo and Mr. Armando Aban took part in this symbolic act.
The blessing of the grounds was conducted by Reverend Amelio Chi from Our Lady of the Way Church in Ladyville.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Venture Scout Adrian Pott who thanked everyone present and those that assisted in some manner in bringing this project on its foot. Refreshments were then served.
The Master of ceremonies was Mr. Armin Arana.
A special thanks to LOVE FM for broadcasting live the entire ceremony. Also to Special Events Rentals for providing the canopies, chairs, tables and drinking glasses for the event.