Price honoured as National Hero

Like any long time public figure, George Price has no shortage of political enemies. But even his most diehard detractors could not deny that he has been the dominant Belizean figure of the 20th century. Last night the 81-year old Senior Minister and Father of Independence was decorated with the nation’s highest honour, that of National Hero. Here are some of the highlights.

Prime Minister Said Musa

“Your excellencies, my fellow Belizeans. Tonight a grateful nation bestows upon George Price, its highest honour; the Order of National Hero. In so doing, we recognised his value to Belize as a citizen and as a leader and his extraordinary and outstanding achievements in service to Belize and to the people of Belize. George Price had the vision and the mission to move Belize from colonial backwardness to independent promise. That he achieved this mission is a tribute not only to his extraordinary dedication and leadership quality, but to the Belizean people who shared his vision and who dared to believe it was possible.

George Price had made no claim to be a national hero, in fact he agreed to accept this honour with some reluctance. In humility he warned against the cult of the personality, decades ago before radio and television created vehicles for instant celebrity and notoriety. But unlike the electronic heroes who have their short span of fame and then fade away, a national hero like George Price will remain in our consciousness constantly reminding us of our identity, our aspirations and our community as a nation under God.”

(Prime Minister placing the medal on George Price.)

George Price, National Hero

“Thank you, thank you, thank you to all. The honour is also for the many who have been loyal and are still loyal to the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution. Thank you. Some have gone ahead of us to eternity; we honour them. With God’s blessing and their support, we attained the political independence of Belize. We wrote a democratic constitution that enshrines the supremacy of God. May we ever be mindful of God’s supremacy as we work the constitution and create for all Belizeans a better Belize. Thank you.”

The full two hour tribute to George Price, National Hero of Belize, will be shown on Thursday afternoon at 1:00.