Order of Belize conferred on P.J. Patterson

During official ceremonies on Thursday night, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson was conferred the Order of Belize. The award ranks second to National Hero status and Patterson now joins a distinguished group of honourees that include Marion Jones, Cuban president Fidel Castro, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Mexican Presidents Carlos Salinas and Vicente Fox and T.V. Ramos, who was given the award posthumously. According to the government press office website, the actual award is a gold medal with a map of Belize. The garland symbolizes the flag of Belize and is joined by a jaguar head to a gold chain which includes images of the Jade Head interspersed with jade. His award in place, when he addressed the audience, Patterson again called for regional unity.

P.J. Patterson, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
?Despite these constraints the post independence Caribbean established from the outset and has proven from time and time again that the constraints of size are not in fact an impediment to political viability. Indeed one of the major strengths of the region is the rare degree of democracy and freedom that we enjoy. I believe that collectively, our region can be justifiable proud of our democratic tradition, our respect for the rule of law and good and accountable governance. Whatever our size despite our differences in military might, we must never forget that all of us we inhabit one world and we all belong to one race, the human race. We must learn to live in peace and harmony within the global village to which we all belong. Let us in the Caribbean be a shining example to the entire world let us lead the way so others may follow. I thank you.?

The Governor-General is Chancellor of the Order of Belize and is responsible for the administration of the award as he acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. In turn, the Prime Minister considers recommendations from the National Honours and Awards Advisory Committee which is made up of a Chairman and six members.