Belize's Independence: A Celebration Of Years Rich In History And Culture

Belize is celebrating 43 years of independence in 2024. The Central American nation, which is the only one in the region with English as an official language, became independent from Great Britain on 21 September 1981. The road to independence was a long one, marked by centuries of brutal slavery and colonial domination and exploitation.

Belize's independence celebrations

Belize is getting ready to celebrate 43 years of independence from Great Britain. The country gained its independence on 21 September 1981, after several centuries as a British colony.

The celebrations also include fireworks, street dancing, and a two-day marketplace expo showcasing locally-produced goods and Belizean cuisine. The Battle of St. George's Caye Day on 10 September, which commemorates a week-long naval battle between Spain and Britain in 1798, is also part of the festivities, with patriotic music and people dressed in their country's colours.

The Independence Day parade is a highlight of the celebrations, with students from cities and towns flooding the principal streets. The parade showcases the discipline and dedication of Belize's youth, with participants marching along to school bands or patriotic songs. Beautifully decorated floats from corporate entities, churches, and government departments also join the parade, promoting their work and sharing merchandise and candy with citizens.

Guatemala's claim to Belizean territory

Belize, a small English-speaking Central American nation, has been celebrating over 40 years of independence. However, its journey to independence was marked by a series of peculiar circumstances, including a claim by neighbouring Guatemala to its territory.

The roots of Guatemala's claim on Belize go back to the 17th century. During the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, although British settlers could use the land for specific purposes and in designated areas. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala asserted that it had inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory.

In 1859, Guatemala and Britain negotiated the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty regarding the disputed area. The treaty stated that Guatemala would recognise British sovereignty over the region and formed the modern-day boundary lines of Belize. However, tensions flared up intermittently throughout the 20th century. In 1931, a series of notes exchanged between Guatemala and the UK confirmed the implementation of concrete markers for part of the 1859 border lines, indicating that both parties were upholding the treaty at this point. Less than a decade later, Guatemala renewed its claims on the area, citing the broken promise of a road as justification for the treaty being void.

In the decades that followed, many negotiations took place in an attempt to resolve the dispute. In 1961, direct negotiations were initiated between Belizean representatives, a British delegation, and Guatemala. However, in 1963, Guatemala broke off diplomatic relations with Britain until 1985. Belize continued to seek international support for its independence and, by 1980, had gained the backing of 139 countries, with seven abstentions and none against. Guatemala refused to vote.

In 1981, Belize, Guatemala, and Britain signed an agreement known as the "Heads of Agreement", which set forth areas for discussion to form the basis of a final accord. However, this agreement was rejected by the Belizean people, leading to riots and a state of emergency. The opposition argued that the agreement made unacceptable concessions to Guatemala, including granting territorial seas access, use of offshore island resources, and free port facilities. Despite the widespread discontent, Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981, without reaching an agreement with Guatemala.

Guatemala recognised Belize's independence in the early 1990s but subsequently made clear that it did not accept its boundaries. In 1999, Guatemala shifted its stance, basing its claim on inheriting rights from the Spanish Empire and the Federal Republic of Central America. In 2008, both countries agreed to submit their case to the International Court of Justice, subject to referendums in their respective countries. The referendums passed in both Belize and Guatemala, and as of 2022, they are settling the dispute at the International Court of Justice.

Belize's struggle for independence

Belize's road to independence was a long and challenging one, marked by centuries of brutal slavery and colonial domination. The country's struggle for independence was coloured by peculiar circumstances, including a claim on Belize's territory by Guatemala and firm opposition by the United Democratic Party (UDP), which ironically later became the government of Belize.

For many years, the Belizean government left foreign affairs and defence matters to the British. In 1975, after 14 years of negotiations, the Guatemalan government demanded the cession of a large area of Belizean territory as the price for withdrawing its claim. This sparked the Belize government, under Premier George Price of the People's United Party (PUP), to wage an international campaign for independence with the support of young Belize attorneys Said Musa and Assad Shoman.

Belize received immediate support from the countries of the Caribbean Community and the British Commonwealth of Nations. In 1975, the first United Nations resolution on Belize was passed by the General Assembly, with 110 votes in favour, 9 against, and 16 abstentions. This was largely thanks to the undertaking of the Non-Aligned Movement to commit its total support to Belize. However, this also revealed a weakness—none of the mainland Spanish-speaking Latin American countries had voted for Belize, and the USA continued to support Guatemala by abstaining.

Gaining the support of these countries became the top priority for Belize. Fortunately, Belize found a formidable ally in General Omar Torrijos of Panama, who became a passionate campaigner for Belize's independence in Latin America. With his help, Belize gradually gained the support of many other Latin American countries, including Venezuela and Nicaragua. Another boost came from Mexico, whose President, Jose Lopez Portillo, took a firm stand in support of Belize.

By November 1980, international support for Belize was virtually unanimous. A UN resolution called for independence for Belize without concessions and with security by the end of 1981. Even the USA, which had previously favoured Guatemalan control, caved in to international pressure and voted in favour. The last obstacle, the Organization of American States, traditionally controlled by Washington, also endorsed the UN resolution.

Despite the solid international support, the Belizean government continued to seek a peaceful negotiated settlement with Guatemala. However, negotiations in 1981 showed that Guatemala was still demanding too high a price for dropping its claim, including concessions on territory and sovereignty. Nonetheless, the Belizean negotiators resisted all pressures and moved forward with independence without an agreement with Guatemala.

On 21 September 1981, Belize finally became an independent state with full sovereignty and British troops stationed to defend against any possible attack from Guatemala. The British troops remained for 13 years, only leaving after Guatemala recognised Belize as an independent state and signed a non-aggression pact.

Belize's independence timeline

Belize's road to independence was a long and complex process, marked by several key moments and challenges. Here is a timeline highlighting some significant events on Belize's path to independence:

1500 BC to 1200 BC: The Maya civilisation spreads into the area of Belize, flourishing until around 1000 AD.

16th Century: The first recorded European incursions in the region are made by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. British settlers are also attracted to the area due to the availability of logwood.

1862: Belize is formally termed the "Colony of British Honduras".

1871: Belize becomes a crown colony, and several constitutional changes are enacted to expand representative government.

1954: Universal adult suffrage is achieved in Belize.

1964: Belize is granted internal self-government, and George Price becomes premier.

1973: The official name of the territory is changed from British Honduras to Belize.

1975: After years of negotiations, the Belizean government, frustrated with dealing with military-dominated regimes in Guatemala, adopts a new strategy. They take their case for self-determination to international forums, including the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement.

1980: The UN passes a resolution demanding the independence of Belize, with a British defence guarantee. The resolution calls for independence by the end of 1981.

21st September 1981: Belize becomes an independent state, with full sovereignty and British troops stationed to defend against any possible attack from Guatemala. This marks the culmination of Belize's struggle for independence and the start of a new chapter as a sovereign nation.

Belize's independence was a significant milestone, and the country continues to celebrate it annually with festivities, parades, and cultural events throughout September, known as "The September Celebrations".

Belize's independence heroes

Belize is celebrating 42 years of independence in 2023. The country gained its independence from Britain on 21 September 1981, and the day is marked by a Flag Raising Ceremony and carnivals.

Belize's road to independence was a long one, and there are several key figures who helped the country achieve its freedom. Here is an overview of some of Belize's independence heroes:

George Cadle Price

Known as the "Father of the Nation", George Cadle Price was the first prime minister of Belize and is considered one of the principal architects of the country's independence. He was a statesman who served as the head of the Belizean government from 1961 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 1993. He was the first minister and premier under British rule and led the negotiations for independence with the United Kingdom. Price was a devout Roman Catholic and attended Mass daily. He was also a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. In 2000, he became the first person to receive Belize's highest honour, the Order of National Hero, for his role in leading the country to independence.

Phillip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson

Goldson was a Belizean newspaper editor, activist, and politician. He served in the House of Representatives of Belize and was a founding member of both primary political parties in Belize: the People's United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP). He was also a member of the National Independence Party (NIP) and the National Alliance for Belizean Rights (NABR). Goldson was a strong advocate for the workers of Belize and became the National Organizer of The General Workers Union in 1949. He was a pioneer of the Village Council system and played a key role in making primary education free. Goldson received Belize's highest honours, the Order of Belize and the Order of the National Hero.

Said Musa

Musa was a key figure in Belize's independence. He was one of the two young Belize attorneys who spearheaded the "internationalization effort", a six-year diplomatic campaign to gain international support for Belize's independence. Musa later became the prime minister of Belize.

Assad Shoman

Shoman was the other young Belize attorney who played a crucial role in the "internationalization effort". He later became the Foreign Minister of Belize.

General Omar Torrijos

General Omar Torrijos of Panama was an important ally in Belize's struggle for independence. He was convinced of the justice of Belize's cause and campaigned for the country's independence in Latin America, helping to secure the support of many other countries.

Other notable figures

Other notable figures in Belize's independence movement include Monrad Metzgen, who is considered one of the principal architects of the country's independence; John Smith, the first leader of the PUP; and Manuel Esquivel, who led the UDP to victory in the 1984 general elections.

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