10th speakers recall 1798
Belize marked the two hundred and third anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye on Monday with ceremonies held at the Memorial Park in Belize City. Both Human Development Minister Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Mayor David Fonseca addressed the gathering, saying the Battle of St. George’s Caye helped to shape our country.
David Fonseca, Mayor
“The Battle of St. George’s Caye is a significant event in our country’s history. It marked a turning point in the development of the area once known as British Honduras. In turn, it help to shape the eventual course we have travelled from colony to self-government and eventually leading to independence. That is the history of our beloved nation of Belize. A significance of the Battle of St. George’s Caye lies not within the actual events that took place, for none of us here today were afforded the benefit of an eyewitness account. Yet the importance of the occasion rests in the fact that it marks an occurrence in which our ancestors worked together toward accomplishing a common goal.”
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Min. of Human Development
“I want to remind us that one common team was highlighted in the events of two hundred and three years ago. That was that all the inhabitants of the settlement of Belize had to stand together to defend what was theirs; this beloved country. Let this theme of unity encourage and motivate all Belizeans to take pride in who we are and what we stand for. In our rather colourful history, we have much to remember and be proud of. The Mayas endured numerous battles to protect this land. The Baymen arrived and also struggled to make this land theirs. The children of the Baymen, the slaves, the free coloured people, all made their mark in the early days of an entity that we call our own; Belize.”
Queen of the Bay 2001-2002, Shellie Gillett of Orange Walk was also installed by out-going queen Stephanie Young. A citizens’ parade through the streets of the city, followed by a jump-up at Bird’s Isle, completed the Tenth celebrations.
