Belmopan, Belize – February 9, 2026. Albert Vaughan has officially assumed the role of President at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), expressing strong confidence in his capacity to lead the institution’s cultural preservation mission. The newly appointed president returns to NICH after previously serving as both a senior director within the organization and subsequently as Belize City Administrator.
In his first official statements, Vaughan emphasized his readiness to meet the challenges ahead, stating: ‘I feel very good because I believe that I’m able, I believe that I’m up to it, and I believe that I can achieve what the minister wants NICH to achieve.’ He acknowledged the confidence placed in him by the Minister of Culture, viewing this appointment as both an honor and a responsibility.
The incoming president outlined an ambitious agenda focused on three primary objectives: enhancing inter-institutional collaboration across NICH’s four divisions, strengthening protection mechanisms for national heritage, and dramatically expanding public access to cultural resources. His strategic vision includes comprehensive improvements to archaeological site management, revitalization of the Festival of the Arts at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City, and the development of community-based cultural programming initiatives.
Vaughan identified public accessibility as a particular priority, noting: ‘We want to make sure that Belizean heritage is more accessible to Belizeans. A lot of people don’t fully understand what this institution has to offer them.’ His approach signals a shift toward more community-engaged cultural preservation that emphasizes both protection and public participation in Belize’s rich cultural history.