BELMOPAN, Belize - Belize celebrated the 45th anniversary of its political independence from Britain on Monday with Prime Minister John Briceño indicating that “for us, home is every nook and canny of this blessed land, including our keys and seas”.
Prime Minister John Briceno addressing the nation on Monday (CMC Photo)In his independence address to the country, Prime Minister Briceño said that as Belizeans mark the occasion with the theme “I am Belize at 45” it is necessary to do more than commemorate a historic moment.
“We proudly declare and show to the world who we are. We are people whose spirit, resolve, possibilities, and potentials abound,” he said, noting that “45 years ago, Belize stepped forward as a free and sovereign nation.
“We raised our flags, embraced our independence, and began shaping our own destiny. The peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution focused on the fulfilment of these objectives that would tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge”
He acknowledged that Belize has since 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, but united by a shared love for this beautiful land we call home. For us, home is every nook and canny of this blessed land, including our keys and seas. It is the sky above, the earth below, as well as our pristine waters, all indivisible and intact.”
Belize and Guatemala have a long-standing territorial dispute with Guatemala claiming more than 11,000 square kilometers of Belizean land, islands and maritime areas. The dispute is now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
In March 2000, Belize and Guatemala resumed discussions on their territorial dispute with the assistance of the Organization of American States (OAS) and on November 8, 2000, they signed the first Agreement on Confidence Building Measures, establishing an “Adjacency Line” and a one-kilometer “Adjacency Zone” on either side.
A second Agreement was signed on February 7, 2003, and subsequently amended in September 2005 by the “Agreement on a Framework for Negotiation and Confidence Building Measures between Belize and Guatemala.
Prime Minister Briceño told the nation that Belize must show the world that they are committed to ending legacy issues “that stand in the way of our peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.
“In this regard, we move 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.”
Prime Minister Briceño said that as the country celebrates 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 de Zaraga, a woman that we should have recognised a long time ago, is a perfect example of one who used her skills and talent to build our nation.”
He said 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.”
Prime Minister Briceño said this anniversary is an “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.”
