Independence Day

The carnival road march in San Pedro Town for Independence Day saw hundreds of people lining the streets to celebrate September 21st after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The colourful, fun and anticipated festivities included a carnival march with dancers in outstanding outfits dancing to the beat of Soca music. The parade not only included Belizean dancers but a group of fun and vibrant young ladies from the United States who decided to celebrate the country’s special day Belizean style by joining the parade. With the help of the Mother Nature Creation Carnival band members, they found costumes and blended in the parade, dancing and singing through the streets of San Pedro, celebrating Belize’s birthday.

San Pedranos have been waiting for a hospital in San Pedro Town for decades. The past administration spoke about the much-needed health center for the island, but the project never materialized. Under the People’s United Party (PUP), the new administration pledged to deliver on the promise. In March, they confirmed that funds were secured via a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan). On Independence Day this year, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez reaffirmed the commitment and said that a ground-breaking for the hospital should take place early in 2023.

Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño said during his Independence Day address on Wednesday, September 21, that the most anticipated increase in the minimum wage from $3.5 to $5 per hour would come into effect in January.

Revelers invaded the main streets of San Pedro Town on Wednesday, September 21st, to celebrate the nation’s 41st Independence anniversary with a massive parade that included schools, citizen marching bands, and energetic carnival dancers. The parade, said to be the longest in island history, started from Blake Street and Coconut Drive, south of downtown, and ended north at the Boca del Rio beach park.

September is here, bringing with it the patriotic celebrations commemorating the 224th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and Belize’s 41st Independence Day celebration. The patriotic month was welcomed across the country with the annual flag-raising ceremony. In San Pedro Town the San Pedro Town Council held the annual ceremony at 6AM on September 1st at Central Park. The event saw the presence of local authorities and proud Belizeans who together sang the national anthem while the flag was hoisted.

20-year-old Jairo Fernando Sandoval has been charged with Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm, Use of Deadly means of Harm, and Aggravated Assault for the shooting of 31-year-old Noe Nelson Zetina on Independence Day, Tuesday, September 21st. Zetina remains stable but critical at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City.

The winning theme was submitted by Precious Martinez, a 13-year old student of Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio Town. It reads: Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans: Unite for Prosperity!

A fire on Caye Caulker in the early morning of Independence Day has left one dead and as many as 16 people homeless.