About | Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children

About Us

THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY

The OSE was established in Belize to promote and advocate for critical issues affecting families and children in our society. This esteemed office serves as a platform to address various concerns, including but not limited to gender equality, children’s rights, special education, and mental health.

The OSE operates within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and its office is situated within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MOFAFT), the Laing Building in Belize City. The office has three (3) staff inclusive of an Executive Assistant, an Assistant Program Coordinator, and a Program Coordinator.

Through its goal of empowering Belizean families and children, the role of the OSE is to aid GOB in achieving its manifesto: #planBelize. This is achieved by securing funding for Government projects and capacity-building efforts, as well as, lobbying for the development and reform of social policies and legislation and implementing programs and initiatives that benefit and promote the rights of children and families.

The OSE also assists the government’s agenda by strengthening relationships with development partners and private organisations locally, regionally, and internationally to submit funding-seeking ideas for initiatives and programs that strive to strengthen society and pave the way for a better future for all Belizeans.

Finally, the OSE also acts as a national focal point on thematic areas and, thereby, functions to raise public awareness and create educational activities and programs that are designed and implemented to increase public awareness about issues affecting families and children in Belize.

The OSE was established in Belize to promote and advocate for critical issues affecting families and children in our society. This esteemed office serves as a platform to address various concerns, including but not limited to gender equality, children’s rights, special education, and mental health.

The OSE operates within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and its office is situated within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MOFAFT), the Laing Building in Belize City. The office has three (3) staff inclusive of an Executive Assistant, an Assistant Program Coordinator, and a Program Coordinator.

Through its goal of empowering Belizean families and children, the role of the OSE is to aid GOB in achieving its manifesto: #planBelize. This is achieved by securing funding for Government projects and capacity-building efforts, as well as, lobbying for the development and reform of social policies and legislation and implementing programs and initiatives that benefit and promote the rights of children and families.

The OSE also assists the government’s agenda by strengthening relationships with development partners and private organisations locally, regionally, and internationally to submit funding-seeking ideas for initiatives and programs that strive to strengthen society and pave the way for a better future for all Belizeans.

Finally, the OSE also acts as a national focal point on thematic areas and, thereby, functions to raise public awareness and create educational activities and programs that are designed and implemented to increase public awareness about issues affecting families and children in Belize.

Biography

Her Excellency Rossana Briceño

Special Envoy for the Development of Families & Children

My name is Rossana Maria Briceño, and I proudly serve as the First Lady of Belize and the spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize. My journey began in the vibrant town of Orange Walk where I was born on July 26th, 1968.

I have been married to the current Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño since November 9, 1987. Together, we have been blessed with three remarkable children—Daniel, John, and Andre—and a precious granddaughter named Celeste.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, I have been committed to nurturing young minds, especially those with special needs.

In 2018, I completed a specialized program at Houston Baptist University, focusing on Diagnostics Assessment and Curriculum Development at the Master's level.

Early in my career, I worked at the Stella Maris Government School, the only school in Belize that is dedicated to teaching special needs students. This was where my passion for inclusive education grew as I nurtured the unique abilities of these remarkable students.

During a 33-year tenure as a teacher at the St. Peter’s Anglican School, I later transitioned from an educator to assuming the role of principal. Serving in this capacity for 13 years, I oversaw the implementation of a fully functional special needs center within the school. Ultimately fostering an environment of equal opportunity and growth for my students and their families.

On January 22nd, 2021, I stepped down as principal of St. Peter’s Anglican School, marking the dawning of a new chapter as I embraced the mantle of Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. With this distinguished role, I embarked on a mission to advocate for our most vulnerable families and children with the goal of empowering them to fully participate in Belize’s development.

My journey has been one of purpose, fueled by love, education, and an unyielding commitment to the people of Belize. I look forward to the path ahead, where each stride is a step toward a more inclusive and promising Belize for all.