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Commemorating 26 years
of Belize’s freedom The September
celebrations have come and gone, and it is no doubt that
this year’s celebration will go down in the history books as one to
remember. 2007 is a special year for Belizeans: it marks the 231st and
26th anniversaries, respectively, of the birth of our independent
democracies. The most striking aspect of Belize Independence
celebrations has been the ubiquity of three colors – white, red and
blue. Thousands of Belizeans across the country turned out in ideal
Belizean weather to witness the official ceremony and to participate in
the customary Independence Parade. In San Pedro, things were no
different as everyone got into the festive moods and showcased much
patriotism and pride as we celebrated the 26 years of our nations
Independence.
 The Reef Radio took third for Best Organized group (with their surprise element, Miss Costa Maya 2007, Belize’s very own, Maria Jeffery Independence Day was
topped off with a colossal parade down the main
streets of San Pedro, where hundreds lined the streets to view the
great floats and enjoy the great music and dancing. The parade began
when the fire engine sounded its horn, signaling the commencement of
the parade. Following the fire engine was a large enthusiastic bunch
that featured political personalities from both sides; marching bands,
scores of flags, thousands of students, and a big jump up from several
businesses. A sense of unity was felt through out the festivities as
revelers broke into spontaneous cheers, whilst others danced and waved
their Belizean flags in one of the biggest parades San Pedro has seen.
 Majorette girls displayed great enthusiasm leading into the ceremonies During the parade, judges
were assigned the difficult task of observing
the many floats and choose winners. The top three “Best Organized”
groups were: 3rd place went to Reef Radio for their colorful
enthusiastic effort; second place went to San Pedro High School for
their creativity and energy whilst 1st place went to the ABC
Pre-school. ABC school deserved its recognition as the parent of each
child sported matching green shirts whilst hoisting up Belizean maps in
hand. “Best Float” winners: 3rd place went to Ambergris Today, second
place was Ambergris Elementary and first place went to Marina’s Store
with their float featuring a Mayan temple in which the kids were
dressed in several Maya attires. During the Independence Day Parade on
Friday afternoon, a variety of local organizations, businesses and
social groups also exhibited their patriotism throughout the main
streets of San Pedro.
 During the day on September 20th, the primary school kids showed their patriotism with a collaborative parade of all schools down the streets of the island The celebrations
highlighted the great achievements of the Belizean
people during their first quarter century of Independence as well as
the formidable challenges facing them as they embark on the next
quarter of a century. A release from The Belize Tourism Board stated
that Independence in Belize “is a day that honors our struggles, our
struggles to a better life, a day that celebrates our triumph that has
led our country and its people to freedom and a new and improved way of
life.”
 San Pedro High School won 2nd Place for Most Organized Group The merriment and
independence festivities continued with an all day
“jump up” and beach party - a perfect way to honor freedom and Belize’s
Independence!
 Then, there were the formalities of the evening, including the arrival of Miss San Pedro, accompanied by drummers and torch bearers with much pomp and circumstance. Along with Deputy Mayor, Joe Elijio and Councilor Juan Alamilla, San Pedro’s newest goodwill ambassador Angela Alamilla initiated the kick off of the festivities This year,
Belize celebrated its 26th anniversary as an independent nation and the
days leading up to September 21st were marked with a host of,
pageantry, ceremony, festivity, contests, parades and displays of
patriotism. In San Pedro, the streets were filled with patriotic
Belizeans and visitors as throngs of people came out to celebrate
Belize’s 26th anniversary of Independence. The San Pedro Town Council
and the entire community of “La Isla Bonita” came together with
enthusiastic demonstrations of Belizean pride.
 After the conclusion of the ceremony, a great fireworks display followed, enjoyed greatly by both the young and old. To everyone’s delight, the fireworks were ignited just off shore, aboard the Caribbean Queen barge, allowing for many more people to enjoy the sparkling extravaganza from a safer distance. The block party was the best yet for San Pedro and it certainly lived up to the expectations of all those present that partied until the wee hours of the morning. It was 26 years of Independence celebrated and enjoyed by the masses. “Independent, Strong and Free, Belize fi all ah We!” Read More NOTICES-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Quo Vadis, Said? by: Godfrey Smith So, will the elections be this year or next? The final decision on the election date is not a thing to be negotiated or debated by the prime minister. Read More THOUGHT OF THE DAY We must rapidly begin the shift from a "thing-oriented" society to a "person-oriented" society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered Martin Luther King,Jr. |
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