Belize's Turbulent Times: A Look Back At 1964

In 1964, Belize was granted full autonomy and internal self-government by a new constitution, which also introduced universal adult suffrage and a two-chamber parliament. This meant that all ministries except Foreign Affairs and Defence were now managed by Belizeans.

Belize gained self-government

In 1964, Belize was granted self-government, introducing universal adult suffrage and a two-chamber parliament. While the country was still a British colony, all ministries except Foreign Affairs and Defence were now managed by Belizeans.

The People's United Party (PUP) continued to be the most successful political party during this period, with George Price as its leader. The PUP's main objective was to attain independence for Belize, and the majority of voters agreed, giving the party a mandate to openly pursue this goal. However, the task of attaining independence was difficult due to the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. The Guatemalans threatened to invade if Belize gained independence.

One of the first attempts to solve the problem with Guatemala involved the US acting as an arbiter in the negotiations. The resulting Webster Proposals were agreed upon by the British and the US, but they were rejected by the Belizeans, who rioted in Belize City. The proposals included giving Belize independence from Britain while also giving Guatemala control of defence and foreign affairs in Belize.

In the years leading up to independence, the Belizean government pursued other goals, such as improving living conditions and creating more industries. They made land available in the Corozal district for cane farmers, negotiated the purchase of land for the cañeros, and became involved in the revival of the banana industry. They also invited investors to develop the rice industry.

Belize's first national government also began the construction of a new capital, Belmopan, with financial support from the British. The idea for a new capital had been proposed by early nationalists, but it was the destruction of Belize City caused by Hurricane Hattie that crystallized this idea. The first phase of the new capital was opened in 1970.

As the government matured, it became involved in land reform and land registration, as well as the extension of the power grid around major towns. They also prioritised education, health, housing, community development, and credit unions/cooperatives.

A new constitution was introduced

In 1964, Belize was granted self-government under a new constitution, which introduced universal adult suffrage and a two-chamber parliament. This meant that, aside from matters of defence and foreign affairs, all ministries would be managed by Belizeans.

The new constitution was a significant step towards independence, which Belize achieved in 1981. However, the process was complicated by neighbouring Guatemala's claim to Belizean territory. Guatemala had long asserted its right to sovereignty over Belize, and tensions escalated when, in 1965, the US proposed that Guatemala should control the defence and foreign affairs of Belize. This proposal, known as the Webster Proposals, was leaked to the Belizean people and sparked riots in Belize City.

Belize took its case for self-determination to the international community, appealing to the United Nations and joining the Non-Aligned Movement. In 1975, the UN passed a resolution demanding Belizean independence, and, in 1981, Belize became independent with a British defence guarantee. However, Guatemala refused to recognise the new nation, and around 1,500 British troops remained in Belize to defend against Guatemalan territorial claims.

Universal adult suffrage was granted

In 1964, Belize was granted full autonomy and universal adult suffrage was introduced. This meant that, for the first time, Belizeans could elect their government. The country also adopted a two-chamber parliament.

The right to vote was a significant milestone in Belize's journey towards independence from Britain. The People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price, was the most successful political party during this period and advocated for independence. The majority of voters agreed with the PUP's pursuit of independence, giving the party a mandate to openly pursue this goal.

However, the path to independence was challenging due to the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. The Guatemalans threatened to invade if Belize gained independence. Despite these challenges, Belize continued to make progress towards self-governance and improving the lives of its citizens.

A two-chamber parliament was introduced

In 1964, Belize was granted self-government under a new constitution. This new constitution introduced a two-chamber parliament, universal adult suffrage, and gave Belize full autonomy. While the British still controlled defence, security, and foreign affairs, all other ministries were now managed by Belizeans.

The two chambers of the new parliament were the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate was responsible for debating and approving bills passed by the House. The members of the Senate were appointed by the governor-general, while the members of the House were popularly elected.

The introduction of a two-chamber parliament was an important step towards independence for Belize. The People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price, continued to be the most successful political party during this period, and their main objective was the attainment of independence. However, this was a difficult task due to the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. The Guatemalans threatened to invade if Belize gained independence, and negotiations were challenging. Nonetheless, Belize continued to pursue independence and improve the living conditions of its citizens in the years leading up to 1981, when it finally achieved independence.

The country's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize

Belize, previously known as British Honduras, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is an overview of the country's name change from British Honduras to Belize:

The Origins of the Name British Honduras

The name British Honduras reflects the country's historical connection to the United Kingdom and its location in Central America. Honduras is derived from a Spanish term, "Fondura," meaning "depths," which was used to describe the deep waters off the coast. The "British" prefix distinguished it from Spanish Honduras, now known as Honduras, reflecting the British influence and presence in the region during colonial times.

The Push for Independence and the Name Change

In the mid-20th century, the people of British Honduras began advocating for independence from British rule. This movement gained momentum in the 1950s, and in 1964, the colony achieved full autonomy with the introduction of a new constitution. The country's political landscape was dominated by the People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price, who became the premier in 1964. The PUP's primary objective was to attain independence, and they had the support of the majority of voters.

The Challenge of the Guatemalan Claim

However, the path to independence was complicated by the Guatemalan claim to the territory of British Honduras. Guatemala asserted its right to the land, threatening to invade if independence was declared. This issue was a significant obstacle and led to negotiations involving the British, Guatemalans, and, later, the Belizeans themselves. One proposed solution, known as the Webster Proposals, suggested that Belize be granted independence but that Guatemala maintain control over its defense and foreign affairs. These proposals were leaked and ultimately rejected by the Belizean people, who rioted in Belize City.

International Support for Belize's Independence

Faced with the challenge of the Guatemalan claim, Belize's government, led by George Price, sought international support for their quest for independence. They found allies in the Caribbean Community, Cuba, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement. In 1975, the first United Nations Resolution supporting Belize's independence was passed, with 110 countries in favor and 9 against. This growing international backing put pressure on Guatemala and signaled that the world recognized Belize's right to self-determination.

The Official Name Change to Belize

In June 1973, as part of the journey toward independence, the official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize. This name change symbolized the country's evolving identity and its desire to forge its own path. The name "Belize" is believed to have originated from the Mayan language and has been suggested to mean "muddy water" or "the way to Itza," referring to an ancient Mayan city-state.

The name change was a significant milestone in the country's history, reflecting the aspirations of its people for self-governance and a unique identity on the global stage. It marked a transition from colonial rule to a nation ready to chart its course and determine its destiny.

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