These presentations are a part of the Confidence-Building Measures implemented to aid in diffusion of any tensions within the Adjacency Zone and to enhance collaboration and integration between the two countries.

Among those in attendance was the Director of the OAS, AZ, Office, Mr. Miguel Angel Trinidad; the Mayor of Benque Viejo Del Carmen, His Worship Said Badi Guerra; the Mayor of Melchor de Mencos, Mrs. Teresa Casanova and the Minister of National Development (Belize), Hon. Assad Shoman.

Also in attendance were the Ambassador of Argentina to Guatemala and Belize, H.E. Carlos Mario Foradori, the Ambassador of Guatemala to Belize, H.E. Manuel Tellez and the Ambassador of Brazil to Guatemala. Other officials from the Ministry of Education of Belize and Guatemala, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize and from Guatemala, representatives of Customs, Immigration, and Police of both countries, artists and school children from both border municipalities.

The event started around 3:30pm with the singing of the national anthems of Belize, Guatemala and Brazil followed by opening remarks by the Director of the OAS Adjacency Zone. The Mayors of Benque Viejo del Carmen and Melchor de Mencos also expressed their desire for greater and closer ties friendship and cooperation between the two municipalities.

Directly following the opening remarks, cultural presentations by school children of both municipalities commenced; first the kindergarten classes of Mount Carmel Primary followed by the equivalent grade from Hills of Promise Adventist School, Melchor. Presentations continued from progressive grades thereafter up to High School. Additionally, artists from both countries had small stalls displaying their works, and a music entertainment was provided by a group from Benque Viejo Del Carmen.

Certificates of recognition were presented by the OAS Office to two school children: Brenny Flores of Cebilvaj, Melchor de Mencos and Hamner Bush of Mount Carmel High School, Benque Viejo, for their outstanding
art work.