In commemoration of the 218th anniversary of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye, islanders joined in the country’s festivities, celebrating with much pride and patriotism. The patriotic events started with the annual Fire Truck Parade at 7PM and the Tribute to the Baymen on Friday, September 9th.
The festivities culminated on Saturday, September 10th with the crowning of the new Miss San Pedro, Marisha Thompson and a uniform parade with hundreds of students and residents of the island marching through the principal streets of San Pedro Town.
The evening of September 9th at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sports Complex, included a repertoire of Belizean entertainment courtesy of talented Belizean artists. The highlight of the night included the participation of Ernestine Carballo, and Missy B Herrera. They were backed up by San Pedro’s very own Caribbean Kings, DJ Debbie and Kream, who kept the night alive with Belizean patriotic songs to bring in the 10th.
The celebration continued on the morning of Saturday, September 10th with the official coronation of Marisha Thompson, the new selected Miss San Pedro 2016-2017. A multitude of students and citizens convened at the Sports Complex, where they were surprised with a performance by Ernestine Carballo and Missy B Herrera.
Before Thompson received her crown, Mayor Daniel Guerrero addressed the crowd. He took attendees back in history as he recounted the many events and confrontations the Baymen went through before the final encounter with the Spaniards on the 10th of September, 1798, when the superior Spanish Armada was defeated by the Baymen. Following Guerrero’s remarks, the Area Representative for Belize Rural South and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr, delivered a few words. He spoke of the significance of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye and how important it was for the liberation of what is now Belize. “We are supposed to be proud of our ancestors, who really freed us and gave us this beautiful country we all enjoy today,” said Heredia.
Immediately after the speeches, Thompson was crowned by outgoing Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero, who presented her with her cape, sceptre and crown. Thompson made her way to the podium and committed to represent the island and its residents well. She thanked everyone for their support and wished them a happy 10th of September.
After the ceremony, Thompson along with the contestants of the 2016 Miss San Pedro Pageant joined in the citizen’s and children’s uniform parade.
The parade saw students march through the main streets of San Pedro Town where hundreds of spectators cheered them on.
Students waved their Belizean flags proudly, while others sang patriotic songs and others danced to the sounds of soca music.
The parade then made its way back to the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sports Complex.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Sovereign and Strong Together as One.” Belizeans are looking forward to the big celebration of our 35th anniversary of Independence on September 21st. Long live Belize!
