Belize held a scaled down version of its annual Independence Day celebrations today due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The theme for its 39th anniversary celebration is “Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans: Unite for Prosperity.”
The challenges of the coronavirus as well as Belize’s upcoming General Election on November 1 were among the topics discussed.
Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow
In his Independence Day address to the nation Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he believes Belize will prevail over the coronavirus pandemic.
The Prime Minister said many feared the return of the tourist would mean importing the virus but as it turned out the problem proved not to be external.
Barrow pointed out that those jumping the borders, the ignoring of mask wearing, social distancing and public gathering rules led to an increase in the number of cases.
However, he said over the past month there has been a downward trend in the number of new virus cases.
The prime minister and his administration received a scathing attack from Opposition Leader John Briceno who in his Independence Day message called on Belizeans to elect a competent government.
Opposition Leader of Belize John Briceno
Barrow said he would not respond to the leader of opposition’s attacks in kind, and instead pointed to what he said is his administration’s proud record of comprehensive outreach and social protection during its time.
Meanwhile the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated Belize on the country’s 39th Anniversary of Independence.
Belizeans have been assured of the Community’s continued commitment to working together.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dean Barrow said CARICOM has greatly benefitted from the commitment of the Government of Belize.
“The advice and guidance to the Community in discharging your responsibility as the Lead Head of Government for Justice and Governance in the Quasi Cabinet in highly appreciated,” said La Rocque.
He noted that the theme selected for the Independence Anniversary celebration is a rallying call for the people of Belize, as the country like those of the wider world traverses a challenging period of time.