Sunday, August 30th, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: After a one year weather-related hiatus, the skies were sunny and clear and Belizeans ventured to the birthplace of our nation, St. George’s Caye, for the official opening of the 2015 September Celebrations.
This year Belize marks 217 years since the conclusion of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and 34 years since independence was obtained from the United Kingdom.
In his opening remarks host and chairman of the village council on St. George’s Caye John Searle, Jr., told the audience that this month, while one of celebration, should also be one of remembrance – of the heroes of the Battle such as the Flowers Bank 14,
Thomas Paslow, officers Thomas Barrow and John Moss, unnamed black settlers slave and free who fought, of later heroes like Samuel Haynes and Philip Goldson and George Price.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Manuel Heredia also spoke briefly, encouraging all Belizeans to be part of the packed calendar of events for the month of September and also to remember that the nation Belize is today has evolved from the crude settlement formed by the Baymen centuries ago.
Police Inspector Ricardo Chi was given his prize for the winning theme of the Celebrations, “Belize Renewed – Confident, Competitive, Committed!”
Official ceremonies for St. George’s Caye Day and Independence Day will be held in Belize City and Belmopan as per usual.