Belizeans marched and danced on the streets on Saturday 21 September celebrating the 43rd anniversary of independence from Great Britain. Uniformed and citizens parades were held in all cities, towns and villages, the Prime Minister and other leaders made speeches at the annual Independence Hill ceremony in the City of Belmopan where citizens, government workers and visiting dignitaries gathered in front of the National Assembly building. As a lead-up to Belize’s 43rd Independence celebrations, the Government of Belize hosted some two dozen ambassadors from around the world for Diplomatic Week. Many remained in Belize to attend the Independence Day ceremonies and celebrations.
In his Independence Day Address, Prime Minister John Briceño spoke about the values that make a Belizean, and referred to the country’s colonial past.
“We are 400, 000 living on some of the most pristine islands, in picturesque villages, in bustling cities and towns, small communities of diverse people whose aspirations are for the creation of one nation. Proud and free. From those who are indigenous to this land. To those who came by force or by choice. Or by those who arrived fell in love but never left. It is our love for this beautiful yet young nation that we celebrate. Our success will always be amplified by our openness because our strength comes from our diversity and the symbol of it all that which especially unites us. Whether we live here at home, or whether we live abroad, is the Belizean flag. Lord Rhaburn expressed it best when he said I Am A True Born Belizean.
“A true born Belizean looks not at another Belizean’s differences, but at what are those things we share in common. We learned this from our ancestors who toiled, often against the odds, to build a resilient nation. Despite the odds which subjected them to a cruel colonialism they left for us a moral compass, suasion, that is today inspired in us. The desire to construct societies that celebrate diversity, appreciate openness, and value social justice, liberty, and national happiness. They instill in us the importance of protecting and sharing our natural patrimony. To see it as something we must be bequeath to the next generation. And they instill in us a philosophy which motivates us to work towards our just objective which is a more fair, equitable, and meaningful economic independence. We keep working to perfect these principles by strengthening our education system. To ensure that all our children go to school and stay in school. And where more of our young people further their education in relevant areas of study.
As is the norm for many years now, singers and musicians from the Caribbean, and many local artists, hosted concerts, dances and other entertainment events. Whence in times past the independence parade was a staid, solemn event mostly with military and religious music, this year saw the event continuing to morph into a more merry and celebratory event with Caribbean and Latino music, colorful floats and bright costumes.
The United States, CARICOM and many other countries sent messages of congratulation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his message said “September 21 serves not only as an opportunity to recognize Belize’s independence, but also to celebrate the strong partnership between the United States and Belize. Our enduring bond is anchored by our shared commitments to democratic values, the rule of law, and respect for human rights for all. Our respective and joint efforts to combat transnational crime and address climate change help ensure future generations of our peoples have a safe, secure, and clean future.”
The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, sent its message via Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, herself a Belizean, who said “The Caribbean Community recognises the contributions that Belize has made to the regional integration movement as a CARICOM member state, including in justice and governance, for which the country’s prime minister holds responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet. The theme for this year’s celebration ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize@43’ speaks to Belize’s rich heritage and strong foundations, as well as the deep-seated resilience of the people of Belize and their determination to shape a prosperous and thriving nation.”