BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCE,

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000083 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR WHA/CEN - ROIS BEAL, INR/B E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINR PGOV BH SUBJECT: BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ERWIN RAFAEL CONTRERAS ¶1. Erwin Rafael Contreras was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Minister Contreras, Mr. Minister, Full Title: The Honorable Erwin Contreras DPOB: July 4, 1966; Cayo, Belize ¶2. Education: 1990-1993 BSc. Economics, University of the West Indies 1983-1985 Associate Degree in Business Science, St. John's Junior College 1979-1983 Certificate, St. John's College ¶3. Employment: 2003-2008 Cayo West Area Representative, House of Representatives 1998-2003 Member of Parliament, Cayo West Area Representative 1996-1998 Project Officer, Reconstruction and Development 1993-1996 Economist, Ministry of Economic Development 1990 Junior Accountant, Deloitte and Touche 1987-1989 Cashier/Computer Operator, Barclays/Belize Bank 1986 Assistant Secretary, Benque Viejo Town Board Contreras has written on economic policy reform. In 2000, he participated in the International Visitor Program offered by the State Department concerning the Role of Ethics in Business and Government. ¶4. Political Affiliation/Work: The UDP's Standard Bearer in the 2008 General Elections, the Honorable Erwin Contreras is the Second Deputy Party Leader of the UDP and Member of the House of Representatives for Cayo West. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2003. ¶5. Family: Contreras is married and has two daughters. ¶6. Other: Mr. Contreras is involved in community work, where he helps with the medical expenses for those who need to travel abroad for treatment in Mexico or Guatemala. The medical care includes dental and eye care and treatment of more serious illnesses. Contreras is also a former soccer player for the Belizean national team, having represented Belize abroad in regional and international matches. He is also involved with the development of young athletes. HILL