Debra Baptist-Estrada
Debra Baptist-Estrada | |
|---|---|
 in 2016 | |
| Born | |
| Occupation | Director of the Immigration Department |
| Known for | International Women of Courage Award |
Debra Baptist-Estrada (born December 30, 1970)[1], is the Director of the Immigration Department in Belize since 2019. In 2016, she received the International Women of Courage Award.
Work
Baptist-Estrada holds an associate degree[2] and became Port Commander of Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport[3], Belize City's international airport. She started working in the airport's immigration department in the mid-1990s. In 2015, she uncovered a drug and human smuggling ring operating to the United States[4] and Europe. She later served as an immigration officer at the Santa Elena Border in Corozal, along Belize's northern border.[5][6] She reportedly continuously refused bribes and enforced the immigration laws.[5]
In 2016, she was invited to Washington DC, where she received the International Women of Courage Award from the US Secretary of State John Kerry. Presented annually on 8 March (International Women's Day) since 2007,[7] the award recognises prominent women leaders.[8][5]
In 2019, the Cabinet of Belize approved her appointment as the new Director of the Immigration Department. The decision was made despite other candidates holding higher academic qualifications. It was noted that while some of her colleagues had previously been denied US visas, Baptist-Estrada has been recognised by the United States Embassy for her integrity. She transitioned from the nationality section to succeed Diana Locke.[2]
The following year, immigration became a central focus when Belizeans began returning home in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baptist-Estrada assured citizens abroad that they were welcome to return, subject to health screening and mandatory self-isolate.[9]
References
- ↑ "Debra Baptist Estrada – Walk of Recognition | Belize MPS". Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- 1 2 Staff, B. B. N. (2019-10-19). "Debra Baptist Estrada, new Director of Immigration Department". Breaking Belize News-The Leading Online News Source of Belize. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- ↑ "Biographies of 2016 Award Winners". 2009-2017.state.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- ↑ "2016 Women of Courage Award Winners". Voice of America. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- 1 2 3 "Belizean Debra Baptist-Estrada receives International Women of Courage Award". The San Pedro Sun. 2016-04-05. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- ↑ "Immigration Minister Applauds Officer Baptist-Estrada". Love FM. 1 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2020-06-03. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
- ↑ "U.S. State Department honors 14 leaders from around the world". Women in the World. 2016-03-29. Archived from the original on 2017-05-26. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- ↑ "2016 International Women of Courage Award". 2009-2017.state.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
- ↑ Staff, B. B. N. (2020-03-22). "Immigration officials: "Belizeans will be allowed to come home"". Breaking Belize News-The Leading Online News Source of Belize. Retrieved 2020-08-12.