2.0 THE SPECIAL BRAND THAT IS BELIZE Of the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Belize is in an enviable position on several fronts. It is a position that, while it has its weaknesses, also exhibits distinctive strengths and provides competitive opportunities Belize does not appear yet to have maximised. In particular, Belize may claim to possess degrees of cultural, racial, ethnic, ecological and biological diversity that are rare and precious commodities even in a Caribbean region known for its ecological, ethnic and creative range. Belize has a varied history and cultural heritage, stretching back to the ancient Maya civilisation, including the Arawak and Carib people, the British and Spanish and their descendants, including the Garifuna. The country also boasts numerous Maya ruins and artefacts that draw tourists, and most unfortunately looters, year round. Its geographical location and abundance of natural resources also contribute to its uniqueness. In many ways, Belize remains unspoiled, brimming with opportunity for those with the imagination to see the tremendous possibilities and the determination to contribute to the country’s development in spite of some of the obvious challenges. Indeed, several of these challenges are manmade in nature, likely to be overcome through the right mix of policy and action on the part of Government with the intent to unleash the latent potential of the private sector and civil society to fuel Belizean development. 30