A look back at Independence Day 1981

And just as the school children waved their Belizean flags in celebration of our nation’s independence; we are reminded of the very first time the Belizean flag was hoisted twenty-seven years ago. Tonight, in the News Five independence tradition, we bring to you the story of the events leading up to that fateful day in 1981.

Ernesto Vasquez, Narrator
Like any September in Belize, the citizens were on the march, but this year in addition to the Red Cross, the Boys Scouts and friendly societies there would be soldiers of the British Army. Royalty was arriving, in this case Prince Michael of Kent appointed to represent the Crown in the transition from colony to nation.

In the days prior to the twenty-first, the prince, accompanied by the governor and the premier, toured the country by helicopter. Wherever they stopped entertainment was never far away.

While the people danced, British and Belizean troops kept a careful lookout towards the border. Guatemala, alone among the family of nations, had failed to endorse our Independence, as we were reminded by the signs at the border. But opposition to Independence was not limited to Guatemala. Here in Belize the United Democratic Party boycotted the festivities

September twentieth, 1981, minutes before midnight.

(British flag is lowered and replaced by the Belizean flag)

George Price, Leader, P.U.P.
“Ladies and gentlemen on your behalf may I offer a toast to Her Majesty the Queen of Belize and the Head of the Commonwealth.”

September 21st, 1981 Independence Day.