Official Independence Day ceremonies in Belmopan

Traditionally, the official Independence Day ceremonies have been held in the old capital. But this year, the ceremony was held in the Capital, Belmopan. Though the skies were overcast, the twenty eight anniversary of Belize’s independence went off as planned. Students and official guests waited on the arrival of the country’s leaders. The Leader of the Opposition John Briceno arrived first, followed by Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh, Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The Governor General Sir Colville Young arrived last and carried out the inspection of the guard before speeches were given by the P.M. and the Leader of the Opposition. The uniform parade was held after the short ceremony.

In Belize City, the City Council was responsible for having its own uniform parade. And in a first, in twenty eight years of independence, there was no parade. The country was covered with clouds and because of rain, the parade was called off. Notwithstanding, the rain did not stop Saturday’s carnival or the flag raising on Sunday night. Deputy Mayor Dion Leslie said that there were concerns that students would catch a cold and that could cause a scare since there is much apprehension about the H1N1 virus. According to Leslie, it was the Ministry of Education which ultimately decided that the students would not participate in the parade.