Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
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Belize Celebrates 25 Years on September 21
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KINGSTON, (JIS):
Monday, September 18, 2006
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On Thursday (September 21), Belize will mark the 25th anniversary of its independence. Belizeans saw their national flag unfurl at the stroke of midnight on September 21, 1981.
Through the pioneering efforts of diplomats, foreign ministers and heads of government of friendly countries, who rallied to their cause, the road to independence was one of peaceful struggle and achievement.
The country joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in May of 1974.
According to Prime Minister of Belize, Said Musa, "we expect to mark this important milestone by celebrating our achievements, and looking confidently to the future as we continue the work of nation building and promoting the advancement of our people".
As part of the celebrations, former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has been invited to be presented with the highest national honour of Belize, the Order of Belize; and to be guest speaker at the launch of the inaugural distinguished lecture series.
In a letter to Mr. Patterson, Mr. Musa said "your leading role in the internationalization of our struggle for independence is a matter of historical record. The Belizean people are forever in your debt".
Belize is the youngest democracy in the Americas, and the only English-speaking country in Central America.
The country was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973.
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