Independence Day Message by Prime Minister John Briceno
Theme: “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45”
My fellow Belizeans,
These celebrations started on the 1st of August in Belize City when, during our commemoration of Emancipation Day, our Minister of Culture, Honourable Francis Fonseca, reminded us, and I quote, “As Belizeans we stand on the shoulders of men and women who were held in chains, but whose spirits were never bound” (end of quote).
Today, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of our nation’s Independence under the theme, “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45,” we do more than commemorate a historic moment.
We proudly declare and show to the world who we are.
We are a people whose spirit, resolve, possibilities and potential abound.
Forty-five years ago, Belize stepped forward as a free and sovereign nation.
We raised our flag, embraced our independence, and began shaping our own destiny.
The peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution refocused on the fulfillment of those just objectives that would tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.
Since that moment, we have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, and continued building a country founded on democracy, peace, and hope.
Today, more than ever, it is time for Belizeans to show the world who we truly are.
We are a small nation, but we possess tremendous strength.
We are a diverse people, united by a shared love for this beautiful land we call home.
For us, home is every nook and cranny of this blessed land, including our cays and seas.
It is the sky above, the earth below, as well as our pristine waters, all indivisible and intact.
All across this nation, we can see Belize reflected in every culture, every language, and every community that contributes to our national identity.
To say, “Look at me, I am Belize,” is to stand proudly in our Belizean identity.
It is to recognize that Belize lives within each of us—in the farmer who works the land, the fisher who ventures out to sea, the teacher who shapes young minds, the entrepreneur who creates opportunities, the public officer who serves with integrity, the union leader who looks out for the rights of our nation’s labourers, and all those hardworking Belizeans who contribute to the growth of our nation.
The world must know us not only for our natural beauty, our barrier reef, and our rich cultural heritage, but also for the resilience, talent, and determination of our people.
The world must also know that Belizeans are compassionate, creative and innovative.
But showing the world who we are must begin with how we treat one another, how we respect our differences, how we support our communities and how we always choose unity over division.
It means communities coming together to keep our neighbourhoods cleaner and safer, where we look out for one another.
It means taking responsibility for the future of our country and ensuring that every Belizean can live with dignity, security and hope.
Showing the world who we are also means ending those legacy issues that stand in the way of our peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.
In this regard, we moved one step closer when, on the 17th of September, we were informed that, starting in February 2027, the International Court of Justice will hear oral presentations in the case between Guatemala and Belize and will then hear oral presentations in the Belize-Honduras case.
For too long, our borders have been disputed by our neighbour, Guatemala. We look forward to the end of this process, when we believe Belize will be vindicated and we can strengthen and enhance relations with the Government and the great Guatemalan people.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
As we celebrate 45 years of Independence, let us honour those who came before us by continuing the work of building a stronger Belize.
Our newest national hero, the late Gwendolyn Lizarraga, is a perfect example of one who used her skills and talent to build our nation.
Through her actions and those of her generation, we can and should inspire our young people to believe in themselves and in their country.
In turn, the next generation will do more than we are doing to preserve our environment, strengthen our economy, improve our social standing and uphold the values that define us as a nation.
This anniversary is our opportunity to stand tall, speak with confidence, and move forward together.
Wherever we go and whatever we accomplish, let us carry Belize proudly within us.
Today, we invite the world to look at us—to see our strength, our diversity, our beauty, and our promise.
And with the guidance of our Creator, we continue, firmly focused on the future and committed to living as one.
May God bless us all; may God continue to bless our beloved nation.
And to Belizeans at home and abroad, we say:
Long Live Belize!
Que Viva Belice!
Happy Independence Day!
The post 45th Anniversary of Belizean Independence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Independence Day Message by Prime Minister John Briceno Theme: “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45” My fellow Belizeans, These celebrations started on the 1st of August in Belize City when, during our commemoration of Emancipation Day, our Minister of Culture, Honourable Francis Fonseca, reminded us, and I quote, “As Belizeans we stand on
The post 45th Anniversary of Belizean Independence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.