( photo left to right): Dr. Gilbert Canton, CEO, Belize Natural Energy (BNE); Susan Morrice, Chairperson, BNE; Josh Stewart, Founder & CEO of XJet and BNE Board Member; Gilbert Canton Jr., Engineer in Business Development Unit, BNE; Ali Alnaqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA

On October 1st, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belize signed bilateral trade agreements that will serve as a catalyst for investments from the UAE and will strengthen Belize’s position as a Central American and the Caribbean regional energy leader. These trade agreements will serve as a foundation to catalyze private sector investments from the UAE, as well as government-to-government investments.

Belize Natural Energy Limited’s (BNE) Model was integral in making today’s historic milestone a reality. “The signing of the UAE-Belize agreement is a critical step in fulfilling the original vision of native Belizean Mike Usher, who always believed that his country was full of abundant natural resources,” said Susan Morrice, Chairman and Founder of BNE. “He also believed that through the BNE holistic business model, the economic benefits of those resources could be shared by all Belizeans and pave the way for a better Belize. Since BNE first discovered commercial oil in 2005, we have always stayed true to that original BNE model and vision. Through BNE director Josh Stewart, who resides in UAE, and the special relationship he has developed with his Emirati partner, Ali al Naqbi, BNE is now in an excellent position to continue to build out its vision.”

With its discovery of oil 10 years ago, Belize shares a similar vision with the vision of UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who believed that the discovery of oil was only the start of the ultimate economic success story for the country. BNE believes that its country can emulate the UAE’s vision and prominence in the Middle East, and achieve a similar success story, with the UAE providing the necessary financial and knowledge-based resources to achieve this vision. The BNE vision is an important part of a growing public-private relationship, and the signing of these agreements between the UAE and Belize is the foundation from which the BNE vision for a better Belize will be realized.

Back in Denver Susan talked about the astonishing global coverage that the signing received to date as the historic event was picked up by over 221 websites, with a potential total audience of 171,418,133 unique visitors per day! It was reported by Yahoo Finance, Reuters & The International Business Times to name a few, and also was headline news around the world. “So to say that this signing and the success of the Educo BNE Model has gone global would be an understatement!” exclaimed Susan, who added, “This milestone event was also displayed on the massive screens in Times Square, New York City, during rush hour signaling to the world the importance of these agreements and providing global recognition for The Educo BNE Model!” As the Belfast native reflected on the monumental achievement, she said, “ I just realized it all started with two people leaving Ireland, one Josh Stewart and going to Africa and the other myself and going to USA…. Josh then visited me after I had just come back from the Educo Seminar given by another Irishman Tony Quinn! Well this is an Irish celebration for the world!