What is Manuel Heredia (politician)?
'''Jose Manuel Heredia Jr.''' (born 29 September 1954, [[San Pedro Town]]) is a [[Belizean]] [[politician]]. He is a Member of the [[Belize House of Representatives]] for [[Belize Rural South]] since 5 March 2003. He is also the [[Minister of Tourism]] since 8 February 2008, from 8 February 2008 to 8 March 2012 he was [[Minister of Civil Aviation]] in Belize. After the 2012 General Election and the reshuffle of cabinet, he was appointed to the Culture portfolio which made [[Minister of Tourism]] and [[Minister of Culture]]. He served as [[Minister of Culture]] 8 March 2012 to March 2018. Another cabinet reshuffle occured in 2018 and Heredia was appointed again as [[Minister of Civil Aviation]]. ==Early life and education== Jose Manuel Heredia Jr was born on a bright sunny September 29, 1951 in [[San Pedro Town]] to Manuel Heredia Sr and Rosita Heredia. He was born into a family of four girls and three boys and grew up enjoying the clear waters surrounding [[La Isla Bonita]]. When he was a child, Heredia went canoeing out to the sea, fishing and snorkeling in [[Caribbean Sea]]. Those were his favourite activities to do in his past time. For his [[Primary education]], Heredia attended [[San Pedro Roman Catholic School]], now known as the [[San Pedro police station]]. He studied there from 1961 to 1966, he was appointed as a [[Student Councillor]] in 1962 and served in that role until he graduated. The two story wooden building provided him with a sound education. On [[Reconition Day]] he was awarded the “Most Compassionate Student” and ”Most Contributive Student” Award. After successfully completing his studies there he attended [[Saint John’s College High School]] (SJCHS) for his [[Secondary education]] in [[Belize City]] and studied there from 1967 to 1970. Heredia’s entire family made the move to the City. At SJCHS, Heredia studied [[Industrial Arts]] in 1969 and 1970 and was specialised in [[Welding]]. Heredia was again appointed as a [[Student Councillor]] in 1968 and after an unprecedented service, was app