Belize: The World's Ruby Capital?

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is not the ruby capital, but it does have a rubber plant named after it: Ficus elastica 'Belize' aka 'Red Ruby'. The capital of Belize is Belmopan, which is the third-largest city in the country. The name Belmopan is derived from the names of two rivers, Belize and Mopan.

The origin of the name 'Belize'

The country of Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, has a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage. The origin of its name, however, remains somewhat of a mystery, with several theories being proposed over the years. Here is a detailed exploration of the most prominent and credible accounts regarding the etymology of "Belize".

The Mayan Connection

The earliest known record of the name "Belize" appears in the journal of Dominican priest Fray José Delgado, dating back to 1677. In his writings, Delgado documented the names of three major rivers he crossed while travelling along the Caribbean coast: Rio Soyte, Rio Kibum, and Rio Balis. These waterways correspond to the modern-day Sittee River, Sibun River, and Belize River. It is believed that the name "Balis" derived from the Mayan word "belix" or "beliz", which means "muddy water". This theory holds weight as the country has an abundance of rivers and creeks with muddy waters.

Another possible Mayan origin of the name comes from the phrase "bel Itza", meaning "the way to Itza". This phrase could be referencing the ancient Maya civilisation that flourished in Belize and the surrounding region.

The Scottish Buccaneer

A separate theory suggests that the name "Belize" is linked to a Scottish buccaneer named Peter Wallace. According to some accounts, Wallace established a settlement at the mouth of the Belize River around 1638. Over time, his name evolved from "Wallace" to "Wallix", then "Valis", "Balis", and eventually "Belize". This transformation may have been influenced by the Spanish inability to pronounce "W", leading to the substitution of "V" and later "B".

Other Theories

Some historians have proposed alternative etymologies for the name "Belize". One suggestion is that it derives from the French word "balise", meaning beacon. This theory posits that French corsairs were in the area before 1600 and used beacons to mark channels through the mangroves.

Another hypothesis is that "Belize" has its roots in the Spanish word "Hondo", meaning "deep". This may be a reference to the Bay of Honduras, which both Belize and its southern neighbour share access to.

A Country of Many Names

Throughout its history, Belize has been known by various names. From the early 16th century, when Europeans first arrived, the region was considered part of the "New World". Later, it was referred to as the Bay of Honduras, and subsequently, British Honduras, reflecting its status as a British colony from 1862 until 1973. On June 1, 1973, the autonomous colony officially changed its name to Belize, and on September 21, 1981, it gained full independence from Great Britain.

The country's history as a British colony

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, has a long history as a British colony. The country's ties to Britain date back to the 17th century when British buccaneers and logwood cutters settled on its inhospitable coast. At the time, Spain considered the British interlopers in their territory and tried to remove them. However, the British settlers established themselves and, over time, the two powers reached agreements that allowed the British to remain.

In the 18th century, the British settlement in Belize continued to grow, and the settlers began importing African slaves to help with logwood cutting and later mahogany extraction. This marked the beginning of a cruel and oppressive system of slavery in the colony. Despite four slave revolts and many escapes, slavery persisted in Belize until it was abolished in the British Empire in 1833.

In the 19th century, Belize became more formally tied to the British Empire. In 1862, it became a colony ruled by a governor who was subordinate to the governor of Jamaica, and in 1871, it was declared a crown colony. During this period, the Legislative Assembly in Belize City was abolished, and the colony came under the direct rule of the British crown.

The British continued to develop the colony, and in the late 19th century, Belize attracted British investors. Companies like the Belize Estate and Produce Company dominated the economy, particularly the mahogany trade. However, the Great Depression in the 1930s caused a near-collapse of the colony's economy, and a devastating hurricane in 1931 exacerbated the situation.

Despite these challenges, the push for independence began to gain momentum in Belize. The People's United Party (PUP), formed in 1950, led the independence movement and advocated for constitutional reforms and expanded voting rights. In 1964, Britain granted British Honduras self-government, and in 1973, the colony was officially renamed Belize.

Finally, on September 21, 1981, Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom. However, the path to independence was complicated by a longstanding territorial dispute with neighbouring Guatemala, which claimed sovereignty over Belizean territory. This dispute remained unresolved even after Belize became an independent nation.

Belize's diverse society and languages

Belize is a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages. Despite its small population, Belize is home to a multitude of ethnic groups, each contributing to the country's rich cultural tapestry. While the country's history is steeped in British colonialism, its society reflects a blend of influences from Europe, Africa, and indigenous cultures.

The Creole Community

Belizean Creoles are descendants of West and Central Africans, as well as British and Scottish log cutters known as Baymen. Over time, they have intermarried with other ethnic groups, including Miskito, Jamaicans, and Mestizos. The Creole community has played a significant role in Belize's history and politics, advocating for higher education, self-governance, and independence. They were actively involved in pivotal events such as the Battle of St. George's Caye and participated in both World Wars.

The Maya

The Maya civilisation has a long history in Belize, dating back to around 1500 BC. Today, three distinct Maya groups inhabit the country: the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi'. They primarily reside in the Toledo District and are fluent in their native languages, Spanish, English, and Belizean Creole.

The Garifuna

The Garifuna people have a unique heritage, descended from a mix of West and Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry. Historically mislabelled as Black Caribs, they have their own distinct language, music, and cuisine. They settled in Belize in the early 19th century and are recognised for their vibrant culture, including the popular punta music genre.

The Mestizo

The Mestizo population in Belize is predominantly composed of people of mixed Spanish and Yucatec Maya descent. They were instrumental in bringing Catholicism and the Spanish language to the country. Their culture is reflected in their food, music, and social traditions, with a strong influence from both their Mexican and Mayan heritage.

Other Ethnic Groups

Belize is also home to smaller communities, including whites or Caucasians, Indo-Belizeans or East Indians, and East Asians and Arabs. Each of these groups has integrated into Belizean society, contributing to its cultural diversity.

Belize's society is characterised by a diverse linguistic landscape. While English is the official language, the country boasts over ten distinct languages, each with its own cultural significance. Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are widely spoken, with over half the population being multilingual. This linguistic diversity reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its location at the crossroads of Central America and the Caribbean.

The country's natural resources and energy sources

Belize has a diverse range of natural resources and energy sources that contribute to its economy and development. Here is an overview:

Natural Resources:

Belize is endowed with abundant natural resources, including terrestrial and marine ecosystems, extensive coral reefs, and diverse flora and fauna. The country's natural wealth extends from its coastlines to its tropical jungles.

Mineral Resources:

Belize possesses several economically important minerals, such as dolomite, barite, bauxite, cassiterite, and gold. However, these minerals are not found in quantities large enough to warrant large-scale mining operations.

Agricultural Resources:

Agriculture plays a significant role in Belize's economy, with sugar remaining the chief crop for exports. The country is also a producer of bananas, papaya, and various other agricultural products.

Forests and Biodiversity:

Belize boasts lush forest cover, with over 60% of its land surface covered by forests. The country is committed to protecting its biodiversity and has designated approximately 37% of its land territory under some form of official protection. This includes important mangrove ecosystems and four terrestrial ecoregions: Petén-Veracruz moist forests, Belizian pine forests, Belizean Coast mangroves, and Belizean Reef mangroves.

Energy Sources:

Belize's energy landscape is characterised by a mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources, with a growing focus on sustainability.

Fossil Fuels:

Belize relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, particularly in its transport sector. The country currently imports 100% of its fossil fuel requirements, with Mexico being the primary source of imported petroleum products.

Renewable Energy:

Belize has made significant strides towards renewable energy, with indigenous renewable resources such as hydropower and biomass playing a prominent role. As of 2020, hydropower and biomass accounted for 58.04% of the country's installed capacity and 90.53% of electrical generation. Belize has also implemented the Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2014-2033 to guide its renewable energy diversification efforts, with a focus on further developing hydropower and biomass sources.

Sustainable Energy Goals:

Belize has set ambitious targets for renewable energy usage, aiming to achieve 85% renewable energy by 2030. The country is committed to improving its electricity transmission infrastructure to prevent energy losses and reduce its environmental footprint. Additionally, Belize has taken an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing deforestation through various initiatives, such as the Belize and Nicaragua Logs Recovery project.

The city of Belmopan

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize, located in the Cayo District. It is one of the world's newest capital cities, founded in 1970 as a planned community. Belmopan is also one of the smallest capital cities in the continental Americas by population, with around 16,451 residents in 2010. The city is situated 50 miles (80 km) inland from the former capital, Belize City, and sits at an altitude of 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level.

The construction of Belmopan was prompted by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in low-lying and coastal Belize City. Recognising the need for a new capital on safer terrain, the government, led by Premier George Cadle Price, sought funding from the British government for this endeavour. In 1962, a committee selected the site for the new capital, situated 82 kilometres (51 miles) southwest of Belize City.

The name Belmopan is derived from the union of two words: "Belize," the name of the country's longest river, and "Mopan," one of the rivers that empties into the Belize River. The city's design reflects the nation's cultural heritage, with the National Assembly Building resembling a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. The surrounding buildings mirror this ancient Mayan plaza design.

Belmopan is known for its tropical monsoon climate, featuring a lengthy wet season from May through January and a short dry season for the remaining months. The city boasts a diverse population, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and immigrants from various parts of the world.

Belmopan has experienced significant growth and is now the third-largest settlement in Belize. It has become a hub for call centres and business process outsourcing, attracting investors from North America, the Middle East, and Asia due to the country's low minimum wage and favourable labour regulations. The city also serves as the seat of the government, with many residents working in administrative and technical roles for national agencies.

Belmopan is well-connected, with a bus terminal and market complex constructed in 2003. It is also home to several international banks and local financial institutions. The city has a thriving nightlife, well-laid-out streets, and a growing number of nightclubs. Additionally, Belmopan has a reasonable selection of hotels and accommodations to cater to visitors.

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