Belize Celebrates World GIS Day 2015

World GIS Day EXPO 2015

Belize joined scores of countries across the world in celebrating World GIS Day, a highlight of the internationally recognized Geography Awareness Week. Total Business Solutions Limited (TBSL), the local distributor for Esri Inc. (the world’s leading GIS company) with support from Belize Telemedia Ltd, Belize Bank Ltd., Cititrust International, Belize Natural Energy, Ministry of Education, Esri and several other organizations, hosted the 4th Annual World GIS Day Expo at the Princess Hotel on Wednesday November 18, 2015 from 9am-2pm.

This Expo is held annually to showcase what Geographic Information Systems or GIS is all about and how it is being used as a platform for national development. The Expo kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring keynote speaker, Mrs. Adriani Coleman, teacher at Belize Elementary School and GeoMentor, who delivered an inspiring and motivating message to educators. Dr. Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education encouraged educators and students to make good use of the Belize GIS Education Portal, an online platform which features maps and apps that provide a new and innovative way to learn Geography, Social Studies, History, Science and other subject areas.

Immediately afterwards, the ribbon was cut to unveil the exhibition inside the King’s Room, which provided an opportunity for students, educators and GIS enthusiasts as well as those new to the technology, to discover and explore the benefits of GIS. Those who attended the event had a chance to view exhibits from local Esri users and users of GPS technology such as Belize Electricity Limited, Belize Telemedia Limited, Belize Sugar Industry, Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the Belize Police Department. Other users included the Belize Audubon Society, the Ministry of Education, Meteorologist Frank Tench, and Journalist Adele Ramos of Amandala. These organizations highlighted career possibilities and demonstrated how they use GIS applications and geospatial technologies.

Loretta Palacio, Managing Director, TBSL says “today’s event provided an opportunity for educators to understand the role of GIS in the classroom and how it can introduce a new way of learning. We would like students to leave the Expo with a clear understanding of how to develop their career paths with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and business education through GIS.”

For more information about TBSL or the World GIS Day Expo 2015, call (501)223-6807, email: info@tbsl.bz, or visit www.gis.com.bz/gisday.
“Empowering Educators and Inspiring Students; Transforming Education in Belize”

GIS DAY 2015 | GIS Day Story Telling