Belize's Independence: A Historical Perspective

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, gained its independence from the United Kingdom on the 21st of September 1981. The road to independence was a long and challenging one, marked by centuries of colonial rule, slavery, and exploitation. The country had to navigate complex international dynamics, including a claim on its territory by neighbouring Guatemala and opposition from pro-colonial forces within Belize itself. The situation was further complicated by the United States' support for Guatemala and its abstention from voting on UN resolutions regarding Belize's independence.

Belize's path to independence was similar to that of other British colonies in the Caribbean until the early 1960s. However, the unique circumstances of Guatemalan territorial claims and internal political divisions within Belize made the journey towards sovereignty more complex. The Belizean government, led by Premier George Price of the People's United Party, played a crucial role in advocating for independence and campaigning for international support.

The struggle for independence was not just about achieving sovereignty but also about transforming a society marred by a history of brutality and colonial exploitation. It was a journey towards building unity and creating a better life for all Belizeans.

Guatemala's territorial claim

In the 1800s, Britain and Guatemala negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which recognised British sovereignty over the region and formed the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, Guatemala later renewed its claims on the area, citing a broken promise in the treaty regarding the construction of a road. This led to tensions and negotiations between the two nations throughout the 20th century.

In the 1960s, the United States attempted to mediate the dispute between Belize and Guatemala but ultimately failed. Belize took its case for self-determination to international forums, gaining support from the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations. Despite Guatemala's continued claims, Belize achieved independence in 1981, with a British defence guarantee.

Guatemala eventually recognised Belize's independence in the early 1990s, but the territorial dispute heated up again in the late 1990s. In 2008, both countries agreed to submit their case to the International Court of Justice, pending referendums in both nations. The referendums passed, and as of 2022, the dispute is being settled at the International Court of Justice.

International support

Belize's independence was supported by several international organisations and countries.

Belize's independence movement began in the 1950s and intensified in the 1970s, led by the country's first prime minister, George Price. The movement was motivated by Belizeans' desire for full sovereignty and territorial integrity, with borders from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon River.

Belize had attained internal self-government in 1964, and it was expected that the country would soon become constitutionally independent. However, due to Guatemala's claim on Belizean territory, Belize had to delay its independence and seek support from the international community. Guatemala, its neighbour, had repeatedly intimidated and threatened to invade Belize if it became independent.

Belize received immediate support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the British Commonwealth of Nations. In 1975, the first United Nations (UN) resolution on Belize was passed by the General Assembly, with 110 votes in favour, 9 against, and 16 abstentions. This was made possible due to the support of the Non-Aligned Movement, which committed its total support to Belize. Despite this, none of the mainland Spanish-speaking Latin American countries voted in favour of Belize, and the USA continued to support Guatemala by abstaining.

Belize's priority became winning the support of these countries, and special efforts were made to gain the solidarity of Latin American countries, particularly those in Central America, which had strong economic and historical ties with Guatemala.

The first crack in Latin American support for Guatemala came at the Summit Meeting of the Non-Aligned Countries in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in August 1976. Belize had been invited as a special guest and was given special status in the Movement. General Omar Torrijos of Panama, who was present to lobby support for Panama Canal sovereignty, was convinced of the justice of Belize's struggle for independence. At the next UN General Assembly session, Panama voted in favour of the Belizean resolution. Torrijos became a formidable campaigner for Belize in Latin America, helping to secure the support of many other countries.

In 1979, Belize gained the support of additional Latin American countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and Peru. That same year, the Popular Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua brought an important new vote for Belize at the UN, as well as a committed ally. By November 1980, international support for Belize was virtually unanimous. A UN resolution called for independence for Belize without concessions, with security, by the end of 1981. The USA, which had previously abstained on all Belize resolutions since 1975, finally voted in favour.

In November 1980, the Organization of American States (OAS), traditionally influenced by Washington and supportive of Guatemala, also endorsed the UN resolution, marking a significant victory for Belize.

Diplomatic activity

Belize's independence was the result of a long and complex diplomatic process that involved several parties and international organisations.

In the 1960s, the United States attempted to mediate a dispute between Belize and Guatemala over contested Belizean territory, dating back to an 1859 treaty between Imperial Spain and Great Britain. However, these efforts ultimately failed.

In 1961, Britain expressed willingness to grant Belize independence, but negotiations were complicated by Guatemala's claim to the territory. Guatemala broke off talks in 1963 and severed diplomatic ties with Britain.

Belize took its case for self-determination to the international community, appealing to various organisations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement. This diplomatic effort, known as "the internationalisation effort," was led by young Belize attorneys Said Musa and Assad Shoman, who would go on to become Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, respectively.

Belize received immediate support from the Caribbean Community and the British Commonwealth of Nations. In 1975, the first UN resolution on Belize was passed, with 110 votes in favour, 9 against, and 16 abstentions. However, none of the mainland Spanish-speaking Latin American countries voted in favour, and the United States abstained, highlighting the challenge of gaining Latin American support.

A breakthrough came at the Summit Meeting of the Non-Aligned Countries in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in August 1976. Belize's cause was championed by General Omar Torrijos of Panama, who was seeking sovereignty over the Panama Canal. Despite Panama's previous commitment to support Guatemala, Torrijos became a strong advocate for Belize, and his influence helped secure the support of other Latin American countries.

By November 1980, international support for Belize's independence was virtually unanimous. A UN resolution called for Belize to achieve independence by the end of 1981, with its territory intact and security guaranteed. The United States, which had previously abstained or even favoured Guatemalan control, finally voted in favour.

The last hurdle was the Organisation of American States (OAS), traditionally influenced by Washington. However, with the growing importance of Caribbean states within the organisation and increasing Latin American support, Belize gained acceptance. In November 1980, the OAS endorsed the UN resolution, calling for Belize's independence in 1981.

Despite this mounting international support, Belize continued negotiations with Guatemala, but these proved futile as Guatemala insisted on terms that amounted to land cession. Belize's negotiators resisted intense pressure from the British to concede territory and eventually proceeded towards independence without an agreement with Guatemala.

On 21 September 1981, Belize became an independent state, retaining its territory and sovereignty, with British troops stationed to deter any potential Guatemalan aggression. This marked the culmination of a prolonged diplomatic campaign that secured international recognition and support for Belize's independence.

Independence Day celebrations

Belize Independence Day is celebrated on September 21 and marks the country's independence from Great Britain in 1981. The national holiday is an occasion for two weeks of partying, parades, and street exhibitions. Every town and village across the country holds parades featuring marchers, bands, and floats, with people of all ages dressed in the national colours of red, white, and blue.

The month of September also features live music concerts throughout the country, ranging from small events in local villages to large-scale celebrations with top-name acts. There are also fireworks displays along the coast and a two-day marketplace expo, showcasing the best products made in Belize.

The Battle of St. George's Caye Day on September 10 usually marks the beginning of festivities, with radio stations playing patriotic music. The biggest parade takes place in Belize City, with marchers making their way down Albert Street. Barbecues are also a popular way to celebrate, with traditional Belizean food such as rice and beans, fry jacks, chin mole, and bile up.

Post-independence relations

Belize's independence was recognised by the United States on 29 October 1981, and the country achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. Guatemala, however, refused to recognise the new nation due to its long-standing territorial dispute with Belize.

Guatemala

In the years following Belize's independence, Guatemala continued to refuse to recognise the country, claiming that Belize belonged to Guatemala. Around 1,500 British troops remained in Belize to deter any potential Guatemalan incursions. In 1989, Guatemala recognised Belize's independence, and in 1992, Guatemala's president formally recognised Belize as an independent state. However, the territorial dispute between the two countries continued into the early 2000s.

In 2002, the Organisation of American States (OAS) assisted with a facilitation process that formally proposed a solution to the dispute, but Guatemala refused to accept it. In 2005, Belize and Guatemala agreed that if a negotiated settlement proved impossible, the dispute could be settled by an international legal entity. In 2008, the governments of both countries agreed to submit their case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), subject to referendums in both countries. In 2018, Guatemala held a referendum, in which 95% of voters supported taking the territorial claim to the ICJ. A similar referendum was scheduled to take place in Belize in 2019, but it was postponed due to a court ruling. The referendum was eventually held in May 2019, and 55.4% of voters opted to send the matter to the ICJ.

United Kingdom

In 1981, the United Kingdom announced that it would end its military involvement in Belize, and the RAF Harrier detachment was withdrawn. However, British soldiers were not fully withdrawn until 1994, and a small contingent of troops remained to train the Belize Defence Force. In 2006, the American Embassy at Belize City officially relocated to the present-day capital, Belmopan.

United States

The United States recognised Belize's independence in 1981, and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. In 2014, the United States named Belize as one of the world's "major money laundering countries" due to its banking system, which allows non-residents to establish accounts.

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