Belizeans celebrated national service by performing community service for the elderly and needy, planting trees, beautifying public spaces and erecting a bronze statue of Father Of The Nation George Price. National Service Day, 19 September is the anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. George Price, and while not a public and bank holiday, it is a day when the government encourages every citizen irrespective of their political affiliation, to engage in an act of community service.
Several activities were held throughout the country in commemoration of National Service Day. In Belmopan capital of Belize Minister of State Defence Hon. Oscar Mira was out early with his team and citizens, school children, teachers, community activists and Peace Corps volunteers to plant trees and beautify the city mural and surrounding area near the Isidoro Beaton stadium. A new sidewalk was put in and more rest areas and lighting facilities installed.
In Belize City a bronze statue of George Price was erected at the Central Park. September 2024 marks thirteen years since the Right Honorable George Price the country’s first prime minister and founder of the Peoples United Party passed away. He died at the age of ninety-two in Belize City after dedicating his entire life to community-service, nation-building and the revolution of Belize.
In the other towns and districts citizens and community activists visited homes for the elderly with food and gifts, monuments, parks and public spaces were cleaned and painted. Speaking at a public event Prime Minister John Briceno stated “Prime Minister George Price believed that we must always give back to Belize. How best can we celebrate the day that he left us, than by doing one small kind gesture of service to your neighbour or your neighourhood, to help to make Belize better.”