Belize Times September 25, 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Special Edition SUNDAY September 25, 2011

www.facebook/Belize Times

Issue No. 4764

ยกQue Viva!

GEORGE PRICE

ยกQue Viva!

1919 - 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Celebrating the Life of the Father of the Nation

People of Belize, the time has come when there must be a determined and successful effort to achieve national unity. In order to make that effort, we must, in our individual lives, reduce to a minimum, arguments and purposeless discussion and get down to work - George Price, 1947 speech delivered after he was elected to the town council.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Citizenry mourn – and remember the Rt. Hon. George C. Price BELIZE CITY, Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

By Alton Humes It hasn’t even been a week yet, but Belizeans all across the nation have made it their priority, of sorts, to pay their respect and show their gratitude for the life and work of the first Prime Minister of Belize, acknowledged Father of Belizean Independence and acknowledged National Hero, Rt. Hon. George C. Price.

The office and staff of the BELIZE TIMES, a newspaper which Price and his associates built from the ground up, have laid out a condolence book and memorial in honor of Rt. Hon. Price as soon as the news of his death was announced on Monday, September 19th, 2011.

And the tributes, at least numbering from 200 Belizeans from every nook and cranny of the nation, haven’t stopped pouring in. Your reporter was asked to garner additional thoughts from those who signed the book, and while we couldn’t speak to everyone who came by, the following is a small sample of their thoughts: • Mr. Norris Flowers, aged 54 years, Belize City: “A nice, courteous and friendly man…. humble and kind…. a real politician….”

• Ms. Giselle Sabido, Belize City: “A true picture of kindness, gentleness, sincerity, and humility; a true leader

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who will live in our hearts forever…”

Mr. Clifford Thomas, Belize City: “You are the man; the one and only PM…See you [up] there….”

Mr. Matthew Coye, Belize City: Remembers that Mr. Price always visited their family home on Freetown Road and that once he remembered you, he never forgot you… “A man of dignity, a people person… [there will be] no person like him again…”

Dr. Andre Sosa, Belize City: Was a medical student in Guatemala when PM Price met with the-then Guatemalan President (Serrano) which paved the way for recognition of Belize as a sovereign nation… “[Mr. Price was] all about service to the people…”

Ms. Leona Garbutt, government employee, Belize City: “An extremely humble man [who had a] touch for the people…”

Ms. Althea Neal, from Queen’s Square division, Belize City: “[A] real, true leader, Prime Minister… led Belize to self-government, independence… [A] good man Belize lost…”

DETAILS OF ROUTE FOR THE PROCESSION OF RT. HON. GEORGE PRICE’S BODY THROUGH THE STREETS OF BELIZE AND FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF HIS BODY TO BELMOPAN On Saturday, 24th September 2011 at 7:00 a.m., Rt. Hon. George Price’s body will be transported from the Karl Heusner Morgue in a procession led by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) through the streets of Belize City to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts where it will lie in state from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The route for the procession is as follows: From Morgue at the KHMH, into St. Thomas Street, LEFT into Freetown Road, RIGHT into Mapp Street, LEFT into North Front Street, RIGHT over Swing Bridge, into Albert Street, LEFT into Treasury Lane to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.

At 3:30 pm, Rt. Hon. George Price’s body will be transported to the Holy Redeemer Cathedral where a private mass will be held by the family of the late Rt. Hon. George Price to celebrate his life.

The public is informed that at 2:00 pm on Saturday, 24th September 2011, North Front Street at its junction with Hyde’s Lane, in ad-

dition to, North Front Street at its junction with Queen Street, will be closed to vehicular and foot traffic, until the end of the Rt. Hon. George Price’s private funeral service.

The body of the Rt. Hon. George Price will then be transported to the City of Belmopan using the following route: Holy Redeemer Cathedral LEFT on to Queen Street, Left into New Road, Left into Hydes Lane, Left on to North Front Street, RIGHT over Swing Bridge, Albert Street, RIGHT into Orange Street, Cemetery Road, Central American Blvd Roundabout, Western Highway, LEFT into the Hummingbird Highway, Left into Constitution Drive, RIGHT onto Culvert Road, on to Ring Road, RIGHT into Price Center Road and RIGHT into the George Price Center for Peace and Development.

On Sunday 25th September 2011, Mr. Price’s body will lie in state from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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NUFF RESPECT MR. PRICE! George Price, the Father of the Nation, passed away on Monday September 19th just two days shy of Belize’s Independence. For Belize and the region it was the passing of an era. A giant of a man he was; a Leader of ranking in the stature of the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Fidel Castro or Mahatma Ghandi. Uncommon heroes who dedicated their lives in the struggle for their people at the expense of their own lives.

Like the Cuban Revolution led by Comrade Fidel Castro, Mr. Price had his own home grown Belizean Revolution, but one which he proudly referred to as the Peaceful, Constructive Belizean Revolution to move British Honduras and its people from colonialism and extreme poverty to a new order of educated, dignified and free Belize. Freedom was achieved, the birth of an independent Belize with its territory intact and its rightful place in the world of Nations.

Unlike any other who has come after, George Price paid his dues. He put in the work and traveled Belize all over from No. 1 Pickstock Street to Corozal and Punta Gorda by Land Rover, boat or dory or in his later years to the most remote parts of Belize by helicopter. Mr. Price traveled it all, be it to build a base for the call of Independence, and more importantly to meet and serve his people on a personal level.

Mr. Price’s dream and vision of a new city he named it Belmopan was ahead of its time and too farfetched for some of our own people to see. As far as 1964, the British embraced Mr. Price’s idea and built the City of Belmopan from out of the jungle of Belize as the First New Capital City in Central America. Today Belmopan serves as the seat of power with its special role as a City of refuge in time of hurricane.

His legacy is to serve the people with a personal touch that he exhibited throughout his life from Secretary for business mogul Sydney Thurton, to Councilor, Mayor of Belize City, First Minister, Secretary of the People’s Action Committee, Leader of the People’s United Party, Editor of BELIZE TIMES, Premier and First Prime Minister. Throughout it all Mr. Price remained humble, always attainable and displayed a personal skill of remembering names and placing people with their ancestors.

Today the nation says Farewell to a fallen Commander in Chief, the Father of the Nation. The People’s United Party says “Go in peace, you great Leader Emeritus”, as the word rings out around the world to Kings and Queens, Heads of State, Presidents, Ambassadors, Friends of Belize that George Price is gone.

As we reflect, we are thankful to the Almighty for sending us our Moses. Our Moses – George Price. Words simply cannot be written to afford the true contribution of this great man but judging from the stories, the calls, the emails, the messages from abroad – Belize will be well as we reminisce in his memories from the many stories that define him from Jimmy Loco and the land rover, to walking the London bridges, to paddling dories, cleaning up after Hattie, to defining what we know today as Belize for the love of his people. His name has gone down in Glory. To our nation’s Father, our Leader Emeritus, our fighter and protector, we will never forget you. Rest in Peace Mr. Price.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Statement from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the People’s United Party On the Death of Rt. Hon. George C. Price 19 September 2011 The Father of the Nation the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, who served as the leader of our Nation and leader of the People’s United Party, died this morning at 6:30 A.M., with his family at his side.

I express, on behalf of the People’s United Party and on behalf of all Belizeans, to whom Mr. Price dedicated his life’s work, our overwhelming sadness at the passing of our beloved Leader Emeritus.

Rossana and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Price family. We know that his immediate family are aware that the best wishes of all Belizeans are with them during this time of national sorrow.

A man who was known and loved by all Belizeans; Mr. Price’s selfless service to our country during his entire adult life is unmatched.

He gave of himself with dedication and devotion to duty, to God and Country. Because of his determination we are today an independent nation.

Belize is respected and recognized regionally and internationally because of the vision of George Cadle Price, who understood that we as a people we deserve to chart our own destiny. All Belizeans value his great work and honour his contribution—the work of the peaceful, constructive, new, progressive and Belizean revolution.

As the longest serving leader of the People’s United Party, Mr. Price embodied the Party’s Creed, to “serve the people.” At his last public appearance our Party’s Convention in Dangriga, last October, Mr. Price again reminded us that as leaders we are the servants of the people. Right up to the very end he was in touch with the leadership of the party, giving advice and serving as a mentor.

After a long and rich life spanning almost a century, our beloved leader has been called by our Creator to his final reward. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Statement by the Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Freetown Area Representative, on the Passing of the Right Honourable George Cadle Price September 19, 2011 - On behalf of the Freetown Community, Area Representative, Francis Fonseca, wishes to record our profound sadness on the passing of the FATHER of the NATION, NATIONAL HERO and LEADER EMERITUS of the PEOPLE’s UNITED PARTY, RT. HON. GEORGE CADLE PRICE which occurred in the early hours of September 19, 2011.

The Rt. Hon. George C. Price lived a life of service to his nation and people, leading us out of the dark days of colonialism and guiding us along the path of Self-Government toward an Independent and Free Belize.

We, in Freetown, like to believe we have a special claim on George Price as our former and first PUP Area Representative. Mr. Price touched the lives of many Freetown families and made lifelong friendships with longtime residents of the Old Kings Park Area which today still forms a part of the Freetown Constituency.

Today, we pray for Mr. Price, his family, our Party and our Nation. Mr. Price was a man of deep abiding faith and we wish him eternal peace and glory in God’s Kingdom.

We shall mourn his loss with heavy hearts but we will celebrate his life and his enduring legacy of service and humility.

It is our responsibility to carry on his work and to ensure that generations to come can appreciate the lessons of his simple yet distinguished life.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PARTY LEADER

Address by Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition on the 30th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence Belmopan, 21st September 2011 On that historic day 30 years ago, right here in our Nation’s Capital Belmopan, our first Prime Minister, the Hon. George Price said and I quote: “This symbolic transition to the independent state of Belize signifies the fulfilment of a decolonization which, as a metropolitan country and founding member of the United Nations, the United Kingdom undertook to accomplish under the Charter.

“Belize was the last British colony on the Central American mainland, and the transition deserves the admiration and the support of all peaceful, freedomloving nations.

“At our request, and with our gratitude, the military presence of the United Kingdom will remain here for an appropriate time to be decided according to future circumstances.

“No longer as a colonial power, but as a welcome partner, the United Kingdom has agreed to help us preserve and promote peace and well-being in our region.

“We continue our work, not only to build Belize to yet greater levels of economic growth and social progress, but in doing so, to remove causes of conflict and to cooperate in the economic development of the region with all our neighbours in friendship, harmony and peace, but with equal status of a sovereign nation with all its territory secure against external threat.

“Other nations have a like responsibility and no doubt, determination to help us preserve and promote this peace and stability and security.

“To enlist their formal and legal cooperation we apply for membership in the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

“As we become a member of the world committees, we hear the question asked: What is Belize and its people and how will they fit among you? In reply, Belize is a Caribbean and Central American nation which works and lives in a revolution that is peaceful, constructive, new, progressive and Belizean. It is our own with all our national attributes. Belize is a people with all the attributes of nationhood having one flag, one government, one constitution.

“Our mind imbues the democratic process. Our hand works the mixed economy. Our heart beats with social justice and our soul cherishes treasures of the spirit.

“Belize with the help of God and the support of its people will stand upright and will do its duty to help bring peace, stability and prosperity to our region and to wider circles of our planet, Earth.

“This is our wish and our prayer as we bid all at home and abroad a very happy Independence Day.” This was the vision of George Price; this was the legacy he left us, the vision of a new and prosperous nation. In many ways this vision remains in partial fulfillment –the next part is ours to achieve. Our generation must place our nation on the path to economic equality and sustainability.

Mientras miramos hacia el futuro debemos luchar en contra del pesimismo y debemos de continuar con la esperanza que ha sido siempre nuestra fortaleza.

Recordemos que dentro de todo Beliceño existe un espíritu tenaz. ¡Nunca nos rendimos…y nunca nos damos por vencidos! Creemos en que siempre hay un mejor mañana.

Reconocemos que cuando se trabaja duro y cuando nos protegemos y respetamos mutuamente…esto nos hace prosperar. Como dijo el gran poeta y autor Espanol…Ramón de Campoamor…“la libertad no consiste en hacer lo que se quiere…sino en hacer lo que se debe” So as we look to our future, let us never give in to hopeless. Let us instead embrace the hope that resides in all of us. Always remember that in every Belizean is a resilient spirit. We never quit, we never give up. We always believe that there will be better tomorrows. We know that when we work hard, do what is right and protect and respect each other that we prosper.

Our very Anthem proclaims it so – “For freedom comes, tomorrow’s noon”.

Therefore, arise ye sons and daughters of Belize. And let us do right by George Price to continue the work of building our beloved Belize.

God bless us all and God Bless Belize.

Long Live Belize Que Viva Belize Happy Independence Day.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

PUP Northern Caucus pays tribute to Rt. Hon. George Price The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party joins Belizeans across this great nation and in parts beyond in mourning the passing of a great man – the Father of the Nation and National Hero of Belize the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of bereavement, and we can only hope that as we do, they will find some comfort and solace in the life and achievements of this great patriot, nation-builder and giant among men.

The contributions of the Rt. Hon. George Price to the nation are legion, but we use this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge his commitment to the meaningful development of the northern districts. It was through his never wavering devotion to the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution and determination that Belizeans must play an integral role in the nation’s development that the north grew strong and fruitful. His land and agrarian reforms have laid the groundwork for the economic independence of the common man and woman. His contributions in the north are unparalleled.

Our nation owes the Father of the Nation a debt which can only be repaid through the continuation of his legacy…brought to life through the words he gave the People’s United Party and which he lived every day of his life – SERVE THE PEOPLE! May the soul of this great man live in peace and may his legacy live on in each and every one of us.

PEOPLE’S UNITED PARTY EASTERN CAUCUS

PRESS RELEASE 22 September 2011 It is with profound sadness that we the members of the People’s United Party’s Eastern Caucus join the Nation in expressing our heartfelt and most sincere condolences to the family and to all Belizeans, on the passing of the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation, and Leader Emeritus of the People’s United Party.

We pray that his spririt guides us to continue his legacy of nationbuilding, forging a national identity, and change for a better future.

May his soul rest in peace and may he rise in eternal glory.

Statement from Toledo East and Toledo West on the Passing of the Rt. Hon. George Price The people of Toledo East and Toledo West would like to jointly join Belizeans from the Hondo to the Sarstoon, from the Cayes to Benque Viejo in expressing our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of The Rt.Hon. George Cadle Price. We will always remember his words of encouragement and advice: that our National Anthem was a march not a regular song; our borders would remain intact and not one square centimeter would be given up; All Belizeans were entitled to the five basic human needs. That the motto of the PUP, is “Serve the People”. Mr. Price will always remain in our minds and heart as we continue his legacy of building this nation.

May he rest in Peace and rise in eternal Glory.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Corozal South East Constituency remembers the Father of the Nation Office of Honourable Florencio Marin, Jr. It is with the greatest profound sadness that we in the Corozal South East division offer our condolences to the Price family and to Belize, on the passing of Rt. Honourable George Cadle Price. The Corozal South East division is especially proud to have been a part of Mr. Price’s legacy since it has been the only division that has stayed true to his principles by supporting the PUP in all elections.

We fondly remember the Right Honourable visiting our division by sea by sail boat and by road in his famous Land Rover. In his last visit with us in November 2008, he rallied us by saying that “In adversity we don’t give up, we continue to move on.” And we so do today as we close the third decade of our Independence and enter into the fourth one, and we thank him for his sage advice and we continue despite adversity to promote his principles and words of service and social justice to guide us in this 21st Cen-

tury.

Thank you Father of the nation for giving us something we can call our own, Belize!

On a personal note, the Marin fam-

Belize Youth Movement

will continue Mr. Price’s legacy

September 20, 2011 The Belize Youth Movement (BYM) of the People’s United Party joins Belizeans across this country in expressing our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, the Father of our Nation.

Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price was an extraordinary and exemplary man, in whose footsteps we, the young members of the Party, shall follow. His passing is a great loss to the Nation of Belize and to all members of the BYM. The Lord has called him from this earth to a better life but his spirit will live among us forever as we continue to defend those things that he stood for – freedom, justice, and a better way of life.

May he rest in eternal peace.

ily is especially saddened by this loss, but we are proud that our patriarch, Florencio, Sr., was a part of the legacy of Mr. Price. Long live Belize! Long live the legacy of George Cadle Price!

ODS on Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price September 20, 2011 The Order of Distinguished Service (ODS) of the People’s United Party wishes to express its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, the Father of our Nation.

The Lord has called him from this earth to a better life but his spirit will remain with us as we continue to defend those things that he stood for – freedom, justice, and a better way of life.

May he rest in peace so that one day he may rise in glory.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Church in the Province of the West Indies Anglican Diocese of Belize

The Right Rev. Philip S. Wright M.A. (Theo) Lord Bishop of Belize Cecile Reyes (Ms) Administrative Secretary Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Bishop, Clergy and People of the Anglican Diocese of Belize extend our deepest condolences to the Price family, and indeed to the nation of Belize, on the passing of The Right Honorable George Cadle Price – Belize’s “Father of the Nation” and National Hero. May God’s Holy Spirit of comfort and strength be upon members of the family and all those who mourn his passing from us.

The Rt. Hon. Price was an exemplary leader – one for whom this nation is forever indebted. His vision for our people of an independent nation, taking its rightful place among the community of nations, became the driving force in his political career. And when he eventually achieved this vision, the Nation of Belize affectionately bestowed on him the title of “Father of the Nation”.

In addition, his active engagement in the wider regional community, especially the Caribbean, did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the distinguished Order of the Caribbean Community in 2001 in Barbados.

Time alone will continue to reveal the fuller impact of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Price on the people of Belize. Yet a very grateful nation pauses at this point in time to celebrate a life lived to its potential of making a difference in the lives of others.

In faith, we hear the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ saying to our brother, the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, “Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

[Matthew 25:21] ‘Give rest, O Christ, to your servant George with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting’ - this is our prayer.

May God richly bless us all.

Rt. Rev. Philip Wright Lord Bishop of Belize

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Consulate General of Los Angeles expresses condolences September 19, 2011 George Price: January 15, 1919 – September 19, 2011 The Office of the Consulate of Belize in Los Angeles regretfully announces the passing of the first Prime Minister of Belize and “Father of the Nation”, The Right Honorable George Cadle Price.

As Belize prepares to commemorate 30 years of Independence, Mr. Price will always be remembered as one of the principal architects of the country attaining its independent status.

The Office of the Consulate extends deepest sympathies to family friends, the nation of Belize and Belizeans in the Diaspora. He has touched countless people, many have gone before him and still many that remain with us. He will be missed and mourned.

The Office of the Consulate is currently in preparations to hold a memorial service in the Los Angeles area. All details will be forwarded to the public upon completion. A condolence book will also be available for signatures at the Office of the Consulate General, located 4801 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #250 Los Angeles, CA 90010 as of 2:00pm Tuesday September, 20 2011 for those wishing to express sympathies.

A message on the death will be forthcoming from the Hon. Dean O. Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize.

A State Funeral is being planned for Monday, September 26, 2011 in his beloved country, Belize.

Respectfully, Hon. Roland Yorke Consul General

Sunday, September 25, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Garifuna Community mourns the passing of Rt. Hon. George Price The Garifuna Community, along with all ethnic groups within Belize, is saddened by the death of Hon. George Cadle Price. The passing of the father of our Nation has created a vacuum in our hearts, community and by extension our country. His selfless actions and vision has not only yielded independence, but also revealed to us how valuable and priceless sacrifices are.

Honorable George’s actions underscores the fact that for our dreams to be transformed into reality, sacrifices must be made.

May we continue to honor him through dedication, humility, as well as love and concern for both country and humanity. Let us ever be grateful for the sacrifices he has made to realize the singular and noble vision of heralding an independent Belize. (Kenrick Eldon Francisco, President, Garifuna Music and language Association) KFrancisco

Kriol Council says “Tenk Yu, Rt. Hon. Mista Price” Tenk Yu, Rt. Hon. Mista Price Gaad Bles Bileez Aal a Bileez sad sad sayka Mista Price gaahn lang. Yet wi rijais – rijais dat wi ga wi indipendant Bileez…rijais dat wi lov op wi Bileez…rijais dat wi eevn ga wahn Bileez fu lov op. Da dis man, Rt. Hon. GEORGE CADLE PRICE, hoo put di faiya eena pipl fu mek 30 yaaz abak wi kohn tu di “peaceful constructive Belizean revolution.” Tu di Price faamli, wi seh nof rispek ahn wi di tink bowt unu eena disya taim a saroz. Gaad bless di layt grayt Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, ahn Gaad bles Bileez!

“Ya da fu wee Bileez – Faada a di Nayshan, rest in peace.

St. John’s College on passing of Distinguished Alumnus & National Hero, Rt. Hon. George C. Price Monday, 19 September 2011 Belize City The Administration of St. John’s College, along with the College’s President and Board of Trustees, expresses its deepest sorrow at this time of immense loss for our nation with the passing of the Rt. Hon. George Price. Mr. Price is a member of the St. John’s College Alumni Association, having graduated from his Alma Mater in 1936, after the College’s re-location from Loyola Park to its original quarters at Holy Redeemer. During Mr. Price’s enrollment at St. John’s, he was instrumental in crafting a number of dramatic plays, serving the Alumni Association and the College community as an events organizer and member of the Board of Directors of The St. John’s College Alumni Association, culminating with the presentation of the Honor of the Alumni of the Year Award in 2,000.

The Jesuit Community of St. John’s College will be offering the Community’s Daily Masses throughout the month of September on behalf of Mr. Price and the Price Family. May his soul rest in peace.

Statement from Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center on the Passing of George Price Sept. 20, 2011 We lament the passing of George Price, founding father of Belize and good friend of The Carter Center. His humble personality belied the stature of his statesmanship. He served as vice president of the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government of the Americas and served with me on election missions in Nicaragua, Haiti, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. His courage, wisdom, and good humor were a gift not only to Belize but to all of the Americas. We will miss a dear friend.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY

Melanie “Mel” Paz pays tribute to Rt. Hon. George Price

September 19, 2011 Good Morning: I want to express my sincere condolences to the Price family on behalf of the Chicago-Belizean community. We are saddened by news of the loss of the Father of the Nation, the Rt Honorable George Cadle Price. I want to add that as president of the Progressive Belizean Association back in 1983 our organization had the privilege and honor of welcoming and hosting Mr. Price in Chicago. It was a historic visit and a very proud moment for all Belizeans living here. He will forever live in our hearts and minds as the Father of the Nation. May he rest in peace.

Frederick E. Robinson, J.P. Business Owner

September 19th 2011 Independent mayoral candidate Melanie Paz joins the national in mourning and in commemorating the life of the Father of our nation, cofounder of the Peoples United Party and former Prime Minister, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price. On the occasion of his passing, now is the time to reflect on his achievements and his contributions to Belize. I join the nation in five days of mourning and extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and the nation, may he rest in peace.

4836 Main Street – Skokie – Illinois – 60077 PHONE # 847-679-5141 – FAX # 847-679-5177 E-mail: midwest4848@sbcglobal.net

Today Belize has lost a National Hero, but today we have also inherited his legacy Monday September 19th, 2011 The National Institute of Culture and History hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price. The Rt. Honorable George Price was a pioneer in the truest sense of the word. As a political leader he helped organize and lead the movement that would lead Belizeans to acquire the freedoms we now enjoy. These freedoms include having achieved the right to vote, self-government and independence in 1981. As a statesman Mr. Price placed Belize on a global stage through his lobbying with world leaders for support of the Belizean quest for independence. As a citizen of Belize Mr. Price was an example of the patriotism and civic pride which he believed should be manifest in every Belizean. As a God-fearing man, he seemed destined to take up the mantle of his predecessors and to persevere to live a long and rewarding life. May God bestow his blessings and mercy on The Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price and may God bless Belize.

Today Belize has lost a National Hero, but today we have also inherited his legacy.

A special tribute will be set up at the House of Culture for those wishing to sign and share their condolences. (National Institute of Culture and History Press Release)

University of Belize Press Release

19 September 2011 It is with deep sadness that The Board of Trustees of the University of Belize, The Office of the President, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Students and the UB Family extend sincerest and deepest condolences to the family and to the nation of Belize on the passing of the “Father of the Nation” and National Hero, The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.

The Rt. Hon. Price, a gentle giant was among the Caribbean pioneers who championed political independence in their respective Caribbean territories. They included among others Hon. Grantley Adams and Hon. Errol Barrow of Barbados; Hon. Forbes Burnham and Hon. Cheddi Jagan of Guyana, Hon. Alexander Bustamante and Hon. Norman Manley of Jamaica, and Hon. Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Rt. Hon. Price was the last surviving member of that distinguished generation.

For his contribution to the Caribbean Community, The Rt. Hon. Price was conferred with the Community’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community at the Opening Ceremony of the Twelfth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on February 14, 2001, Barbados.

The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, gone but will never be forgotten.

May this nation hero of the peaceful constructive revolution rest in peace and rise in glory!

God Bless.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES OPEN CAMPUS, BELIZE September 19, 2011 Passing of the Rt. Honourable George C. Price, National Hero and First Prime Minister of Belize The University of the West Indies (UWI) wishes to express deepest condolences to family members and the people of Belize on the passing of the Rt. Honourable George C. Price, National Hero and First Prime Minister of Belize.

Personal greetings are being conveyed from the following UWI officials: Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor, The University of the West Indies Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor, The University of the West Indies Professor Hazel Simmonds-McDonald, Vice Chancellor and Principal, UWI, Open Campus Dr. Luz Longsworth, Director, UWI, Open Campus Country Sites Mrs. Jane Bennett, Head, UWI, Open Campus Belize The dedication and service of the Rt. Honourable George C. Price to the people and nation of Belize will be etched in the pages of history as well as in the minds and hearts of the Belizean people.

Please know that the UWI family joins with the family members of the late Rt. Honourable George C. Price and the people of Belize as you mourn the loss of this outstanding Belizean leader whose life of service to others did not go unnoticed.

May his soul rest in peace.

Sylvanna Udz remembers Mr. Price

Dear Editor, Please allow me to personally and culturally express my feeling of loss and deep deep sadness at Rt. Hon. Price’s passing. I would appreciate if you are able to also publish our (Belize Kriol Project of the National Kriol Council of Belize) Kriol column for this week, which is, of course, in honor of the Father of Our Nation. It is reproduced below for quick viewing and also is attached for clean formatting. Please keep all Kriol spellings, etc as is, as we who have been working on the Kriol Project feel, in many ways, that we exist because of the vision of Belizeaness that is so inherently a part of Rt. Hon. Price’s legacy.

On a personal note, I felt so overjoyed one day when, at Mass one morning when I went with mi ma to remember my own daddy’s passing...Mista Price said to my mom: “Hello, Mrs. Edith...and hello to you, Miss Kriol Gyal.” You see, despite that the development of the Kriol writing system, in which I am involved, was a development that would elicit healthy debate from Mista Price - to say di least! - the fact is that it is his vision of a Belizean identity - a vision that put service above all else that has driven me and so many of us in every nook and cranny of Belize to RESPECT, HONOR, CHERISH, and BE FOREVER GREATFUL to the legacy of Mista Price, the Rt. Honorable George Price, Father of our beloved Belize...Bileez...Belice...

Balis...!

From: Silvaana Udz, ih daata Robin, and ih mother Mrs Edith.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Embassy of Mexico on George Price Belmopan, Belize, 19 September 2011.- The Embassy of Mexico expresses its deepest condolences to the Government, family and People of Belize for the loss of Right Honourable George Price.

The Government of Mexico and its Embassy in Belize join in this moment of sorrow to mourn the passing of the National Hero and Father of Belize´s Independence.

Embajada de Mejico sobre George Price Belmopán, Belice, a 19 de septiembre de 2011.- La Embajada de México expresa su más sentidas condolencias al Gobierno, la familia y el Pueblo de Belice por el fallecimiento de George Price.

El Gobierno de México y su Embajada en Belice se unen en este momento de pena en que se lamenta la sentida pérdida del Héreo Nacional y Padre de la Independencia de Belice.

EMBASSY OF BRAZIL TO BELIZE PRESS RELEASE

Belmopan, September 20, 2011 It is with profound sadness that the Embassy of Brazil has learned of the passing, on September 19, 2011, of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, first Prime Minister of Belize.

On this very sad occasion, the Embassy of Brazil wishes to convey to the Government and people of Belize, especially to the family and friends of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the expression of its heartfelt condolences for this irreparable loss.

In observance of the official mourning which has been decreed by the Government of Belize for the passing of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil has been obliged to cancel the shows entitled “Happy Birthday Belize: Brazilian Pop Music Show”, originally scheduled to be held on September 24, in Belize City, and on September 25, in Belmopan.

UNICEF offers sympathy and support to family and the people of Belize on the loss of a national hero Belize, 20 September 2011 UNICEF staff joins the rest of Belize and the international community in mourning the passing of the Father of the Nation and National Hero, the Right Honourable George Cadle Price.

UNICEF Representative expresses UNICEF’s deepest condolences, and sympathy to the immediate family and to his extended family, the people of Belize.

We reiterate Prime Minister Barrow’s reference to Hon. George Price as “a giant of a man, the greatest architect of Belizean nationalism and Belizean sovereignty. “ The Right Honourable Price devoted his entire life to Belize with great passion. He indeed was one of the strongest pillars who led Belize into Independence and this was reflected in the citation for his Order of the Caribbean Community Award as Political Leader and Parliamentarian emeritus where he was “merited as much for his political feats as for his colossus of integrity, adoration and respect from a nation united in its diversity: a Caribbean leadership model”. May he rest in peace!

Galen University Press Release The Galen University Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students extend sincerest condolences to the Price family and the entire Belizean Community on the passing of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation, former Primer Minister and Leader Emeritus of the People’s United Party (PUP).

May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special and important to the development of Belize will never be forgotten, and that his spirit will live on in the good deeds of the many generations of Belizeans to come.

May his soul Rest in Peace

Sunday, September 25, 2011

BEL Extends Condolences on the Passing of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price September 20, 2011 Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) extends its deepest condolences to the family of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Belize’s first Prime Minister, and joins the nation of Belize in mourning his passing.

Through his unwavering commitment and selfless dedication, Mr. Price forged a new nation, gave the people of Belize an identity and directed its citizenry to continue in our nation building efforts through peace and humility; both virtues which Mr. Price exemplified throughout his life and which now form the cornerstone of Belize’s Independence.

As Belize celebrates its 30th Anniversary of Independence, BEL invites the nation to join in honoring Mr. Price’s memory and contribution by exercising the virtues of this national hero.

May he rest in peace.

OCEANA IN BELIZE EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER GEORGE CADLE PRICE September 21, 2011 Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, Vice President of Oceana in Belize, and her entire staff extend their deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.

We remember and respect his dedication to the establishment of Belize as an independent nation; his humility in his successes, and his sincerity and charisma in the drive for a “peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution.”

Let us unite to continue the good work, and make Belize a land of true opportunity, justice and security.

PUC Expresses Condolences on Passing of Right Honorable George C. Price September 22, 2011 The Commissioners and Staff of the Public Utilities Commission, (PUC) join Belizeans at home and abroad in mourning the passing of Right Honourable George Cadle Price, former Prime Minister of Belize and National Hero.

Belizeans will be forever grateful for the pivotal role he played in acquiring Belize’s Independence from Great Britain.

The PUC further extends its deepest condolences to the immediate and extended families of the Right Honourable George Price, and to all those persons whose lives he touched over the years.

Consul of India expresses sympathies

To: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price family, People’s United Party and Leader of the PUP, Hon. John Briceño The Honorary Consul General of India in Belize presents its compliments.

It is with profound grief that we extend our deepest condolences for the sad demise of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation and a National Hero.

The Leader Emeritus of the People’s United Party will always live in our memories and thoughts as he was the first Prime Minister and the architect of Belize’s Independence. Belize has lost a true leader and a Hero.

Once again, we would like to convey our condolences to the immediate family and all Belizeans from my People of India.

Mr. Arun Hotchandani Hon. Consul General of India in Belize

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Message of condolence from the cane farmers of Belize It is with profound sadness and deepest regret that we, the 6000 members of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association express our condolences over the passing of the Father of Our Nation, National Hero, and first Prime Minister of Belize, the Right Honourable George Cadle Price.

To him we owe a debt of gratitude for helping us to become the proud and independent cañeros that we are today.

He was the one who stood up for us in the north in the late 1960’s and negotiated with the big landowners to release their lands so that thousands of us could become landowners and the successful cane farmers that we are today.

Now as we continue the journey to become owners of the cane processing operations, we are inspired and guided by his spirit of concern and genuine encouragement for the progress and advancement all cañeros.

He was truly a man for the people, truly the leader of our nation, truly the protector of the poor and downtrodden of our society.

We cane farmers will surely miss this great man. This national hero of Belize…this shining example of Christian love and caring.

May he rest in peace.

Consul of Suriname in Belize sends Condolences September 19, 2011 To Family members and relatives of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party and Leader of the PUP, Hon. Johnny Briceño On the eve of Belize’s 30th Independence, it was saddening to know the news of the passing away of the Father of the Nation, Leader Emeritus George Cadle Price.

Kindly accept my personal heartfelt condolences along with President and People of the Republic of Suriname.

With deepest sympathy, Anil Hotchandani Hon. Consul of Suriname in Belize

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

PUP Holds Massive Convention in Belmopan Belmopan Civic Center, City of Belmopan, September 18, 2011

L to R: Councillor Candidates Jose Lucas Ico, Inesita August, Coretta Banner, Valeriano Nal. Mayoral Candidate Jorge Flores, Juan Carlos Alas & Rubicelli Botes

L to R: Carlos Santos Sr., PUP Belmopan Standard Dr. Amin Hegar, Belmopan Mayoral candidate Jorge Flores & Gavin Zuniga

PUP Cayo Central Standard Bearer Collet Montejo & family at convention

Counting of over 1,000 votes

L to R: Former Belmopan Mayor Anthony Chanona & Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Maureen Leslie at PUP convention

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Management & Staff of the

Port of Belize Ltd.

join the nation in mourning the sad passing of our “Father of the Nation”,

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price Mr. Price’s iconic leadership steered our land from a colony to a proud and independent nation. His vision and leadership propelled significant progress and development in Belize under the peaceful constructive revolution.

May His Legacy Live Forever.

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THE THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

Remembering...

Sunday, Sunday, September September 25, 25, 2011 2011

Rt. Hon. George Cad

Sunday,September September25, 25,2011 2011 Sunday,

dle Price

THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES THE

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THE THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

Scenes from

Sunday, Sunday, September September 25, 25, 2011 2011

Independence Day March Belize City, September 21st, 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Two PUP stalwarts speak of their memories of the late George C. Price BELIZE CITY, Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

By Alton Humes We at the BELIZE TIMES have spotlighted to the views of ordinary citizens with regard to the passing of the Rt. Hon. George C. Price, but who would be better equipped to speak of him than two of Mr. Price’s most stalwart supporters? Such an opportunity arose today, even in the rather dour mood pervading the offices of the BELIZE TIMES, a place where Mr. Price was such an integral part of.

Ms. Doreth Bevans and Ms. Rachel Kisling served at Mr. Price’s behest in very different time periods.

But they share a stark commonality: both women’s stories reveal much more than before, a “peeling back” of a man with more to him than just the political.

Ms. Bevans, now a feisty and unrepentant senior citizen, began her prodigious rise in the party through her “internship” right here at the BELIZE TIMES, starting in the 1960s, continuing through to today. It came about because her mother refused to have her ‘idling about’ the city during the summer vacation period and so she appealed to the-then editor of the paper (and their immediate neighbor), Mr. Ray Lightburn (now deceased), to let young Doreth work at the paper part-time. [Before that, she recalled first meeting the Leader Emeritus at merely 10 years old.]

Miss Doreth & Ms. Rachel, two loyal Price supporters

It turned out to be the start of a long-time union with the People’s United Party, as she eventually went to meetings, campaigned, and so on. She first worked at the TIMES as a ‘stenciler’, making sure the letters in the articles were where they should be. Then she rose as far as a Printing Supervisor, a feat not usually thought reasonable for women in those days. She fondly recalls Mr. Price being in and out of the

PUP Leader addresses supporters from Independence Hall on #3 Queen Street

offices, and even directing the management of the paper, which never ceased, even when the office was destroyed by fire (A Christmas issue was the first to be printed after the incident.) Overall, she cites Mr. Price’s strong Christian faith as a key thing she respected about him.

Ms. Rachel Kisling, currently a typist, met Mr. Price while he was in the midst of visiting/campaigning within the Pickstock political division, in the 1980s, when she was 17 years old.

She worked as a campaigner, then was asked by Mr. Price to become secretary to his division office. And when Mr. Price and the PUP were elected to office, she stayed in what would become a stronghold for those seeking his ear with pleas for assistance, etc.

While that ended in 1993, her association with the Party continues today, both with her work at the BELIZE TIMES and through other work for the Party. As for what she most remembers about Mr. Price is that he always had a lesson for people around him, and you could learn much from being around him.

So, in belated closing, let us, in pausing to remember Mr. Price, remember our fragile nationhood built by and through him, and the need to cleanse our hearts and minds, through a passage on a greeting card left to Ms. Bevans, from the Apocryphal Book of Tobias, chapter 13, verse 6: “When you turn back to Him with all your heart to do what is right before Him, then he will turn back to you and no longer hide His face from you…”

Editor’s Note: It would not be unforgiveable for us if another longstanding supporter, Virginia Smith, would go unmentioned in relation to this article.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

George Price Centre for Peace and Development driven by Jimmy “Loco” Dawson, he traveled on the backs of mules and on land clearing tractors, trekked through jungle trails and knee-deep swamps to reach villages like More Tomorrow in the West, up hills and down hills, along rivers to Jalacte and other Maya villages in the South – Mr. Price always in the lead ( taken from the introduction to George and the People -a photo documentary by Norris Hall) and the house to house visits, Mr. Price found it fit and his goal to visit every corner of jewel.

The George Price Centre for Peace and Development was established in honor of the Right Honorable George C. Price and Rt. Hon. George Price speaks at opening of center his lifelong devotion to the peaceful and constructive Belizean revolution. The Years of struggle for our inde- aim of the Centre is to inspire more pendence and all the hard work that Belizeans, regardless of race, color came along with it, was what pre- or political persuasion to carry on this ceded the lifelong dream of the Rt. Endeavour. It is the vision of the CenHon. George C Price, as he believed tre that these processes of self-dethat one day, Belize would be an in- velopment will empower more peodependent peaceful nation. From his ple to work together for the growth tours in his famous blue land rover and advancement of Belize, free from

civil strife and disparities as the Rt. Hon. George C. Price did and taught.

The Centre was officially inaugurated on September 21, 2002 and opened its doors to the public on January 15, 2004 -Mr. Price’s 85th birthday.

There is a permanent exhibit called “George Price: Man of Purpose and Vision” where his pictures, old letters and speeches are on display. Over 15,000 documents, donated by Mr. Price are archived at the Centre and will be made available to the public after proper protocols are met. They range in topic from Personal to the Belize Guatemala Issue, the struggle for Independence, Belize’s Agriculture, the Belize Defense Force, and much more.

On the board of this Centre sits two people who were very close to Mr. Price, Mr. Anthony Sylvestre Sr. who is the co-founder of The George Price Centre for Peace and Development. In his words, Sylvestre states that he aims to “highlight the contributions of Mr. Price to the development of Belize”, and Mr. Mick Craig, who is the 3rd nephew of Mr. Price. Mr. Craig along with Mr. Sylvestre has been with the centre since its inception in 2004.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

REALITY CHECK!

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price: Father of Our Nation, Foundation of our country and the Beacon of Belizean freedom and hope

By Carla Bradley This week I pay tribute to a man who deserves the utmost respect, a man who represented hope, humility, kindness, generosity, unity, and what a true Belizean is. A man who in the eyes of every Belizean was a great leader, a great friend, and most of all the father of this nation we call home. As we celebrate 30 yrs of Independence, we must celebrate the life of the man who believed in Belize, celebrate his wisdom, his work and his dreams, for he believed that one day Belize would become an independent, strong united nation.

The passing of the father of our nation has united us as a country in a time where it was needed the most. We come together to mourn the death of the greatest leader our country has seen. Whether you may be red, blue or whatever color, the Rt. Hon. George Price has earned his respect, by being the one person who among so many, truly believed that our country, Belize, could become a great independent nation. As we come together to say farewell to our leader, we must remember what he taught generations before us and what he continued teaching until his very last breath, which was humility, respect for others and our country, to serve our people, peace, to protect our country’s freedom and its people and most importantly, UNITY. As a young politician, Rt. Honorable Price led the peaceful and constructive Belizean revolution that cemented the way to self-government.

Born on January 15, 1919, George was the third of eleven children. His fa-

ther believed that he had a reason on this earth, more so in the religious area, but destiny had other plans, yet the impact was evidently greater, as he was destined to be the father of a new and growing diverse nation and the beacon to freedom for many.

Rt. Hon George C. Price entered into politics in 1944. In 1947 he was elected to the Belize City Council. A few citizens, George Price included, formed the People’s Committee. He was the herald of the People’s United Party, officially established on September 29, 1950. Six years later, George Price was elected Party Leader and served until 1996. In the pe-

riod of 1958 to 1962 he was the Mayor of the Capital, then Belize City. He was seen as a humble man, a man who possessed leadership skills beyond words, a man who believed that everyone was equal and deserved the same opportunities in life.

In the early 1960s, Rt. Hon. George C. Price advocated for moving the capital from Belize to Belmopan, which is now considered “his baby”, a city he dreamed of and made a reality. He was viewed as a dreamer. In 1964, Price led Belize into self government and became the first and only Premier in the History of Belize. He then served as the first Prime Minister of Belize.

In a sense, Mr. Price was ahead of his time for his knowledge exceeded the imagination of many, and his dreams became reality, and he never gave up on what he envisioned Belize to be.

Adolph Huxley once said in reference to Belize “IF the world had any ends Belize (British Honduras then) would certainly be one of them. It is not on the way from anywhere to anywhere else. It has no strate-

23 gic value. It is all but uninhabited (taken from “Beyond the Mexique Bay” (1934) “).” Mr. Price proved that this statement was indeed false, as he moved Belize from its “backwardness” to a stage where it was and has been capable of performing a tactical role in the efforts of Central America and the Caribbean Community to expand and strengthen their relation. This proved that indeed Belize had more value than the eyes of man “wanted” to see.

His devotion to the principles of Christian democracy, nationalism and designs for a Region as a refuge of peace remains indisputable. The Caribbean Community bestowed on the Rt. Hon. George Price the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) where they described him as a “Political Leader and Parliamentarian Emeritus” merited as much for his political feats as for his colossus of integrity, adoration and respect from a nation united in its diversity: a Caribbean leadership model.”

Rt. Hon George C. Price is and will remain the patriarch of this nation, he who dreamt and propelled our existence as an independent national state.

The Rt. Hon. George Price told many persons he came across in his life that, “You don’t have to be in the water to keep your head up, always be proud of who you are.” This could be interpreted in so many ways, but they all point to what he believed Belizeans should do, be proud of our country, our diverse cultures as this is what makes us unique and strong and will thrust us forward in unity.

A beacon of hope, and angel of unity, and a man, who fits the mold of a true leader who words cannot describe, was more than a leader; he was a friend, a fatherly figure, a guiding star for our nation.

So as we come together not to say farewell, but to say thank you and see you soon, to a great man who embodies what our future leaders must possess, we must always remember his teachings and practice them, and continue his dream of what Belize can become, as it is still capable of becoming a greater nation than it already is.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid The outpouring of love and condolences for the Father of our Nation has truly been overwhelming. Right Honorable George Cadle Price is now gone “onto higher service” as would be noted by former journalist Michael Nicholson, himself recently deceased. No doubt that the first man at the gate to greet Mr. Price will be the gentle giant himself, big Mike Nick.

He simply adored the man.

Mr. Price passed away this past Monday morning just minutes before I went on the air. As it did for many, the news hit like a ton of bricks. It was not unexpected for he had been lying in a comatose state since his unfortunate fall a few days earlier. Yet, what can prepare one for the news that an integral fixture in our daily lives will forever after be gone from among us.

I consider myself a morning person and love to rise and sometimes head out to enjoy the aesthetic ambience of a seaside sunrise. Many times I would pass over the Bel-China Bridge and head up North Front Street toward the Fort.

Quite often, I would see the frail yet so very familiar figure of Mr. Price making his way to church. North Front Street will never seem the same and maybe a name change would be in order.

There is nothing that the county of Belize could do right now to honor Mr. Price that would seem too excessive. He was no ordinary leader, no ordinary man and no ordinary human being, Precio was something special.

Over the past few days since his

passing, recordings of his speeches have been aired on various media houses.

Thank GOD that someone somewhere had the foresight to record and preserve these very valuable memoires. Some of the speeches were recorded as long as a half a century ago and still they seem pertinent and relevant to the issues of today.

This was truly a man of vision.

The past few days have been dominated by attention to Mr. Price’s life and chances are, it will be a long time before this all sinks in and we are able come to grips with the fact that we must go on without him. Every single Belizean seems to have his or her own individual memory and experience with Mr. Price. One would

need to search far and wide in order to find any one man who has had such a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people.

I was personally honored to have met Mr. Price on several occasions including times when I was a young child. As with most folks, he outlined my entire pedigree on both sides of my family; the man was amazing! As a man, my proudest moment came when he met me one day and complimented me on an article that I had writ-

ten. Mr. Price seemed to read everything and know almost everything that was happening, even up to shortly before his passing. This was a truly remarkable man!

What has become more obvious to me at this point is the stark difference between the character of Mr. Price and that of our modern day politicians. Mr. Price was not perfect but might very well have been perfect for Belize. He knew how to interact and how to relate to the problems that we all face in this climate tainted with the residues of colonialism. He lived for us, he lived like us and he lived among us.

Mr. Price never flaunted his position or his possessions. He was before all else, a humble man. I remember living in Belmo-

Sunday, September 25, 2011 pan when the new capital was in its infancy. As a leader who asked nothing more than he would give, Mr. Price felt that if he was asking government workers to relocate to Belmopan, then he should do so himself. He obviously had first pick of any of the houses that were being built at the time and none would have complained had he selected one befitting his stature. Mr. Price selected one of the smallest houses and one that allowed easy access to any resident or visitor to Belmopan. While many of the houses in Belmopan have seen extensive additions and refurbishing, I believe that house still sits in the same condition on Oriole Avenue. It is my hope that one day, both that house and the one on Pickstock Avenue in Belize City will be preserved and converted into museums that all might visit and understand what a simple life this awesomely influential and important man chose to live. Mr. Price was a very special human being.

A state funeral is being arranged for Mr. Price and nothing else would have been acceptable. Even many within the UDP who spent much time and energy vilifying Mr. Price during his life have been forced to acknowledge the influence and contributions of this man. Hopefully, they will come away with a better understanding of what the process of nation-building is all about. Mr. Price was a leader for all Belizeans and this recent practice of alienation and political tribalism had no place on his page in our book of nationalism and patriotism. The man stood head and shoulders above all others.

Without a doubt, Mr. Price will be sadly missed for a long, long time. One can only hope that “up and coming” politicians will take the time to study the lessons left for us by our father. I take this opportunity to extend heartfelt condolences to not only Mr. Price’s immediate family but to all Belizeans for indeed, many of us considered him, immediate family also.

We know that Mr. Price had no biological children but there is an entire nation that will forever consider him, father. Rest in Peace precious Precio!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Legacy of the Rt. Hon. George Price And the Next Revolution : One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free

By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

L

ife is eternal. Like a circle, there is no beginning and there is no end. Our bodies are simply a vehicle for a phase of our life, and when its purpose has been served, our life departs from it and continues along the circle, in another phase, in another place, in another space and time, for another purpose.

As we honour and celebrate the life of the Rt. Hon. George Price, let us remember that he has not died, he has simply moved on to another phase of his life. But his legacy lives on, attested by the many outpourings of condolences, reflections and acclamations, and evidenced by the existence of a nation called Belize.

Undoubtedly, he has touched the lives of so many, and his time on this earth will be a footprint forever etched in our history, our minds and in our hearts.

As a member of the People’s United Party, I accepted a long time ago that the Rt. Hon. George Price had transitioned from being a leader of a party, to a leader of movement, and ultimately birthing a nation. It was his faith. It was his destiny. That is why he is called the Father of the Nation.

Our party was surely privileged to be the instrument for forging and shaping a new Caribbean nation in the heart of Central America.

More importantly however, the Rt. Hon. George Price was not only a political leader. He was also our spiritual and moral leader.

His life and unselfish dedication to the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution is unparallel, and his faith in his God unshakeable.

He is truly someone that all of us who aspire to serve our party and nation are duty bound to follow.

So as a party and as a nation, let us honour his memory by mirroring our footprints to his. Let us be reminded that we joined the People’s United Party because we believed in the ideals, values and principles for which he stands.

On September 29th, we will celebrate 61 years. Let us use this occasion, and his passage from one phase to another along the circle of life, as an inspiration and a moment for the People’s United Party to once again articulate the platform and vision from which to catapult it to becoming the next government, to calibrate the path for the journey we must travel as a party and a nation, and to define the milestones we must attain to fulfill and go beyond his dream for

Belize.

Let his spirit and teachings guide and motivate us to move forward as one family, one people and one nation, with a common purpose and destiny, to continue the revolution and create One Belize-Prosperous United and Free.

Happy 61st Birthday PUP! Long Live the PUP! ¡Que Viva PUP! Long Live the Revolution! ¡Que Viva la Revolución!

For comments email carolyntrench@gmail.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

Hon. George Cadle Price, One of a kind!

By Rayford Young “His passion for the Caribbean cradled the Central American State of Belize into the arms of the Community” - words of introduction in the citation given for the Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price, “Father of the Nation” of Belize and OCC Awardee of 2001.

The political record of this great statesman dates back to CARIFTA, the precursor of the Caribbean Community.

Fuelled by a deep desire for the incorporation of Belize into the wider southern geo-political hemisphere, he united with the Caribbean leaders who advocated for the establishment of CARIFTA joining the league of founding fathers of this institution.

Like many of the political stalwarts of his time, George Price was the pillar of his nation’s political liberation, clearing its path to political independence in 1981. His political career revolved around a multiplicity of roles as founding member of the People’s United Party in 1950, Mayor of Belize City from 1958-1962, Member of the Legislative Assembly 1956-1956, First Premier and Prime Minister of Belize, and as Senior Minister of Government.

Against much opposition, he succeeded in the strategic relocation of his country’s seat of Government from Belize to Belmopan sparing the capital location from the uncertainties of natural disasters.

Because of its strategic geographic location, George Price oriented Belize’s external relations towards North America, Mexico and Central America, building on established linkages with the English speaking Caribbean.

He is described in the citation for his OCC Award as Political Leader and Parliamentarian emeritus “merited as much for his political feats as for his colossus of integrity, adoration and respect from a nation united in its diversity: a Caribbean leadership model”.

George Price remains the patriarch of his nation, birthing its existence as an independent national state and charting its emergence from economic backwardness to a state of development in which it stands as a centripetal and unifying force in Central American/Caribbean relations.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariet I did not know the late Hon. George Price. I did see him from time to time in and around Belize City but never had the opportunity to hold a conversation with him. What I do know about Mr. Price is that he truly loved his country. He was an honorable, decent man who did not serve in government to enrich himself. He served to help the people and his country. He had the country’s best interest at heart. I wonder now that he is gone what he would say to his party elites. Here is what I think he would say: Well bouy, a deh up ya an eh koola dan down deh. Belize mi hot lately, a neva tink a wud eva si mi country so unstable. Times really bad, crime way up, even mi breda succum to di crime waav. People no have job. Dis fight bout di 9th amenment divide us so much, then the GSU di go roun an kill people. A neva si anyting like dis before.

So wid all weh di go on, a jus tink that dis da wah good time fi check out an get som res. A lef wid regret. Mi county ina disarray, an a no see no one wid ansa , jus wa lot a tawk, tawk, tawk. So mi PUP operative, eh up to us fi try an get wi country back on trac. Di fus ting wi need fi do da bring back honesty an trus. Wi need fi com up wid innovative ideas weh work wid dis

new world we liv ina.

Wi hav fi fix up di roads an bridge. Di street ina Belize city da di wus a eva si. Di hous people liv ina – terrible! Mos a dem u can live ina. So much fi do. Wi mek progress since independence, but bouy, wi hav much, much mow fi do an wi need good ledaship fi mov fawad.

Wi need fi mek a pledg to di Belizean people dat wi no weh talarate govaament corruption an kikbak no mow. Dem days done! Wi hav fi bee di paaty fi com up wid jobs. Man need job fi support eh fam’ly an keep eh dignity intac. Wi weh deal wid the crime issue ina Belize city. Wi need policeman weh train and educated so di people cud hav respect fi dem. Wi weh get rid a GSU. Deh hav no place ina wi democracy.

Finaly, we, the PUP membas, need honest, respectable candidate fi run fi office. Di days weh wi tun wi head an preten

wi no si corruption ina di govaament is ova.

Di country caan affowd politicians fi raid the trough anymow. Wi da PUP offisas, dey ya fi serve di people an wi country, no wiself. Wi cud tek dis country ina wan different direction an mek the life a wi people much betta. If wi do dat, wi cud be di paaty weh look out fi di people an put wi country

Sunday, September 25, 2011

fus, an di people weh trus us. Please do dis fi mi, fi wi country. Rememba a di look pa yu. No disappoint mi.

Well, a only deh ya one day, so mek a si weh deh hav fi dinna. If deh no have tamales or escabeche, rice an beans, an dat black waata wid eggs ina it, ah weh bee very mad.

s

Sunday, September 25, 2011

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

A RENEWED SENSE OF PURPOSE

By Valentino Shal The passing of the Rt. Hon. George C. Price has brought into full focus the immense value of his sacrifice and contribution to us as a nation. We, both young and old, are able to see clearly the humility and selflessness he displayed in his service to his country. This was a man who was touched by destiny and a man who dutifully answered the call of history.

Like all Belizeans on Monday morning, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness at the news of his passing. I have never met George Price but somehow I knew I owe this great man a great deal of gratitude. I was not there when he was fighting the British for Belizean Independence but I know it was a tough fight.

The powerful never give up their domain easily and he was not fighting only for his own freedom but for the freedom of generations to come.

His belief in the freedom of his fellow men allowed the path of my people and George Price’s to cross on the pages of history. As new independent nations took the place of former colonies a cruel and oppressive system was coming to an end. That system was based entirely on a false belief that some men were more equal than others simply because of the colour of their skin. Men, women, and children, usually darker people, died without ever tasting the freedom enjoyed by those who came after them. It is hard to think back of a time when another man controlled the future and destiny of another man. That thought today is almost absurd but still infuriating to even the most pleasant of persons. George Price painstakingly hammered at the chains to break them in order to disconnect us from that world. He did it because it was the right thing to do. The fight however is not yet over. At the United Nations today, there is still the belief that some men are more equal than others and they use that power to deny others their freedom.

It is a new world and as an indigenous person, I know that my people also suffered from that system that George Price fought against. George Price was not interested in conquering the Maya.

He was interested in giving them the space they need to develop and flourish as citizens of a new nation. He wanted for them to have good health and good education in order for them to participate in the development of their new country.

He wanted for them to prosper. While this business remains unfinished, I know and I am confident that it will be achieved.

George Price’s idea was not to build a government to rule over the people, his idea was for the people to build up themselves. This is the kind of political space that will allow for the descendants of an ancient people to have a stake in modern Belize and be citizens; Belizeans as he called us.

Thirty years ago, we started on a new course as a nation. We have been successful in many ways but have not been so successful in others. As a new generation takes over this is not a time to despair, it is a time to honour the struggles and sacrifice of those who came be-

fore us whether it is our ancestors fighting to keep their homeland and identity or the children of slaves standing up for justice and freedom. In Mr. Price we find a little piece of ourselves, which is why he is the Father of the Nation. The flame of yearning in our soul to stand and walk as free men and women still flickers and will never die.

Today we have a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer sense of direction as to where we need to go as we build Belize.

This man has been able to unite us both

in life and in death. We owe it to him to recommit ourselves to building a more just and peaceful society. We owe it to him to shed some of the selfishness, egocentrism, and excessive materialism that dominate our politics today. As we reflect on a great life of service, let us keep going back to his towering humility as this is

where his greatness lies. He led, taught, and motivated others simply by giving up himself.

You have fulfilled your universal destiny with such simplicity. Your sacrifice is the foundation on which an entire nation stands. We are grateful a grateful nation.

Goodbye Mr. Price.

Dr. Amin Hegar, PUP Standard Bearer, Mr. Anthony Chanona, Past Mayor of Belmopan, the PUP Executive Committee, the City Council candidates, supporters, and the people of Belmopan in general join the nation in giving thanks for the life of Belmopan’s founder RT. HON. GEORGE CADLE PRICE and express heartfelt condolences to the Price family.

He was a great pioneer who spurred diverse people to recognize and appreciate their potential. He bequeathed to each one of us and to generations to come the gift of Belizean identity.

His unwavering commitment to fulfill promises, absolute focus, discipline, drive and unselfishness will forever be the gold standard and preserve him in our memories and history as a unique Belizean icon. He is our Mahatma Gandhi, our very own version of Nelson Mandela commanding respect from all, nationally and internationally.

We will all do you proud in moving this great nation forward Mr. Price. Rest in well deserved heavenly peace.

September 26, 2011

28

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

www.belizeandiaries.com

Thank YOU!!!

I vaguely recall the events of 1981 as I was barely two years old when Belize gained its Independence. I recall the dynamic fanfare but was not aware of what exactly was transpiring around me. 30 years later, far more in tuned to the politics of our country and its leaders, I wish that I was part of that unity and strength that we only see today in the few pictures of back then. A few days ago, saddened by the passing of the Father of the nation I spent some time going through the archives of 1981 of the BELIZE TIMES newspaper of which my father was the editor at that time – it barely seemed real as I viewed in black and white – a poor, humble yet strong nation with a leader determined to make lives better.

While my conversations and encounters with the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price have been too few, I grew up surrounded by family members that have the utmost regard and admiration for this man and despite his power and strength he remained soft spoken, humble and always willing and ready to help. Each year I remember stand-

ing on my veranda watching with great excitement, the Independence Day parade as my stepfather would join in the march with the Father of the nation and the other Cabinet ministers. Those were the days of celebration!

Gone but certainly never to be forgotten as his name will continue to resound in the classrooms and his works will forever be etched in the hearts of those he touched and even in the generations to come as they are educated on how this gentle giant made history for our country so we can achieve our sovereignty and be where we are today.

The last few days for me have been ones of great reflection as there are thousands of us who pay no tribute or gratitude for the works of our past leaders and ancestors. We go about each day living a routine and forgetting where we came from and how we got where we are today. As a woman, a mother and an aspiring politician – I want to say a heartfelt thank you to our Leader Emeritus, Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price who unselfishly dedicated his life to building a nation, a

country and a home for all of us regardless of our colour, creed and race. And as part of this reflection I find it fitting to acknowledge the women who have paved the way for me to be able to have marched yesterday proudly holding the flag of the People’s United Party, for me to be able to work, to cast my vote and help make a better future for my children.

Thank you: Dame Minita Gordon – Belize’s first woman in a Commonwealth Realm to assume the position of Governor General Lisa Shoman – The first woman Ambassador of Belize to the United States Belize’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Belize’s first female president of the Bar Association of Belize Current Senator Gwendolyn Lizarraga – The first female member of the House of Representatives Belize’s first female Minister of Education and Housing Jane Usher – Belize’s first Secretary/Treasurer of the Credit Union League First female President of the Senate of Belize Sylvia Flores – Belize’s first female

Minister of Defense Past Female Senator of Belize Elizabeth Zabaneh – Belize’s first female Speaker of the House Past Female Senator of Belize Carolyn Trench Sandiford – PUP’s first female Chairman PUP’s first female Deputy Party Leader Michelle Arana – Belize’s first female Judge Elsa Vasquez – Belize’s first female Senator (1969) Carolina Segura – Belize’s first female Mayor (Benque Viejo del Carmen) These are just a few of the good women that have served us and our country well. As we prepare ourselves to put Belize’s greatest leader to rest let us never forget his words uttered in 1965, “...knowledge alone does not move you to action. It is the desire, the will to serve. The new Belizean man and woman is known by his or her lively interest and energetic and optimistic approach to the many problems that come from progress and growth.”

Rest in Peace – Rt. Hon. George Cadle Pricehe flag, but in striving that our country sha

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Father of the Nation lives on!

By Hector Silva Sr. (former Government Minister and Senator) He was, he is and he shall be with us forever. The Father of our Nation cannot die because he will always remain in our hearts and minds.

As the last surviving Minister in that FIRST CABINET of the Self Government Constitution and with a sad heart, I wish to state, that The Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price was indeed the FATHER OF THE NATION. He was that guiding light that showed us the way and taught us the truth.

In the beginning of this great Movement to free Belize, Mr. Price became that guiding light that led us on the right path towards Victory. Many were the obstacles that were thrown on this path, but Mr. Price, guided by the Holy

Spirit, managed to surmount them.

Therefore as we bid “Until then” to this Great Leader, let us all recollect those brilliant words of advice he gave us in prose and poetry. Let us read all those immortal words that he shouted to all corners of our beautiful nation, Belize. Let us teach our future generations the prophetic words of this giant LIBERATOR. To all Belizeans I say, leaders like George Cadle Price do not born every day. So let us cherish the memories of our departed Maximum Leader. History of this Liberator, when properly written will be a master piece for many aspiring leaders to try and emulate.

“May God grant Mr. Price that eternal reward that he prepares for those who love HIM.”

A Requiem in Humility for Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price Sept. 19th. 2011 From: Cassian K. Nuñez & Family We pray profoundly for Hon. George Price and family; my family and I convey our condolences.

This day, devoted to the memory of Mr. Price, offers an opportunity for reflection. He was one of the granite figures of our time in Belize. He was supremely two things – a complete diplomat and an active, avid Belizean.

A nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces, but also by the men and women it remembers. But today this country honors a man whose contribution was not necessarily to our small size, but to our spirit; not necessarily to our political beliefs, but to our insight; not necessarily to our self and personal esteem, but to our selfcomprehension and humility.

In honoring the Rt. Hon. George Price, we therefore pay honor to the deepest sources of our national strength. He served this nation with his vision of truth and humility. I believe he served as a Belizean, as a member of the People’s United Party, and as a powerful free man. The poet wrote: “do not ask for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for you and me”.

In his honor, we look forward to a great future for Belize.

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30

THE BELIZE TIMES

Our flag

By Azizi Hoy My Belizean people, I would like to dedicate this poem to a recent fallen Patriot who was instrumental in the creation of our elegant and proud flag, the Right Hon. George Cadle Price.

Our Flag Fly high, fly low In the winds of life we always blow Our magnificent flag of blue red, and white Honouring our history, celebrating our cultures, Uniting for peace and our love oh so true You ascend so high Your beauty and your heritages Will surely never die!

In the midst of struggle, anguish and disdain You call on us to be strong and to heal our pain You remind us of culture of freedom and might Never giving up our country without a great fight!

Flags of hurt and division must pass away A flag is meaningless in itself Many flags flutter in the wind And many more bathe in the sun But no flag stands alert, proud and true Like our blue, red, and white .

We are one Belizean race united and true It is time my fellow Belizeans to raise our flags The blue, red, and white!

True

Reflection!

By John Brackett I have stood my ground and embraced they many challenges Bringing every one of different cultures, creed, religious beliefs.

And now the road towards independence has been paved, laid 1981 was the perfect year.

I was ready. We were ready, united and strong.

Moreover everyone thought the battle was over and won.

Greetings from all over had come The news had been spread.

Belize had gone World Wide.

I had made it clear as crystal.

This was not the end but just the beginning.

The right Honourable George Cadle Price will be remembered.

I say, George will be remembered again.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

TRIBUTE TO HONOURABLE GEORGE PRICE, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE, BY THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY TO HAITI, THE MOST HONOURABLE PJ PATTERSON, OCC 22 September 2011 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) George Price, chose to enter the political arena because he had a vision for what Belize could be. He embodied for the citizens of Belize what other visionary Caribbean leaders exemplified for their countries. The man who led Belize to independence, who fought to bring the nation into the 21st century pursued an agenda for national development within the wider framework of Caribbean unity.

His role in politics at the regional as well as the national levels was legendary. His commitment was to serve his country and that he did while retaining a humble lifestyle. His life transcended politics.

He was a man of the people who lived an exemplary, modest life. Beneath his genteel manner there was a resolve of steel to maintain the integrity of Belize.

A man of genuine humility, his passion was evident in the fight against poverty and social injustice.

His contribution to the development of Belize is recognized even by his political adversaries, who all acknowledge him as the “Father of the Nation”, no mean feat and a true reflection of his personal integrity and passionate commitment to country first.

Those of us in the leadership of the Caribbean Community will recall his graciousness and adroit management as host of our 6th Inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Belize in February 1995.

He is especially treasured for his

sterling effort in facilitating discussions on border dispute issues within the Hemisphere. Even as he grappled with the territorial integrity of Belize, he encouraged dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana.

He was instrumental in facilitating discussions between CARICOM and Costa Rica aimed at facilitating trade between our Community and that country as well as others in Central America.

His was a good and flawless innings.

Unquestionably, George Price’s contribution to Belize and the wider Caribbean Community will always live in our collective memory.

I offer my sincere condolence to the people of Belize, his family, colleagues and friends.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

A hero moves on; a nation mourns; recollections of George Price

By Marion Ali (former BELIZE TIMES reporter) “And what is your name young lady? Whose daughter are you?” These were the first words that George Price uttered to me back in 1994 as he left a PUP meeting one Wednesday morning at Independence Hall and met me downstairs at the door of the BELIZE TIMES Press where I had been employed. And when I told him that I was the daughter of Rita Gullap who used to live at 28 North Front Street and that my name is Marion Ali, he impressed me with what came next. Mr. Price not only knew my mother, but he accurately recollected the times when he would pass by our humble abode and would stop in to see how she was doing. I was a baby back then, and I am sure that some of those conversations with her spanned back to even before I was born. But he marveled me when he said, “And I read your stories in the papers. Was it you who took that picture in the ‘TIMES’ when the Queen [meaning Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II] visited?” I timidly said yes and prepared myself for a lecture because the media was placed so far away from the immediate area that my picture was not the best quality. But, humble as he was, he said it was a good picture.

There were many more encounters with Mr. Price as he left those PUP meetings at Independence Hall.

Sometimes our conversations were very brief because there were always a long line of people waiting to shake his hand and tell him their own personal accounts of situations or events.

And he always had the time to listen to every one of them. From my observation, he never shunned people and always wrote little notes to remind him of their needs.

But my memory of this hero goes way back to the days before independence, when PUP public meetings were commonplace and a peaceful, crime-free environment allowed people not to mind leaving their homes and attending those meetings until late in the night. As a child, my mother used to always take me with her to those meetings. And they were quite an event for a child my age to listen to this man sing our national anthem with such pride, such courage. His speeches that followed were no less eventful because as a little girl, my attention was always drawn to how he spoke. I concluded from then that this man was someone to be respected.

He stood out and our childhood games during recess at school also included little sayings that the PUP ‘pulled them out’ [meaning the UDP].

Fast forward to 1981 when on September 21 at the Supreme Court building where he addressed Belize City residents, he made the crowds that had gathered bellow with loud roars of applause. Even though I was too young to comprehend his vast vocabulary, I again concluded that this man must have been a champion, a good leader to have these people clapping and cheering so loudly, almost in unison. Those Independence Day addresses kept on every year and I

looked forward to hearing him speak as I grew older. In other words, my childhood and adolescence was punctuated with George Price always in my life because when I wasn’t listening to his speeches, I was listening to my mom speak about him.

Needless to say that I am not any different from most people my age who no doubt had the same experience, and so it is with a sense of loss that we celebrate his legacy, his achievements, his life. Now we know, in retrospect, how very important those speeches were back then. I thank my mother for ensuring that I knew who George Price was and is. As we prepare ourselves to put this hero to rest, we give thanks that he was born to this country, to this land. Rest in peace, Mr. Price. You have done us well.

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Bus routes for Rt. Hon. George Price’s State Funeral in Belize City 22nd September 2011 FOR THOSE ENTERING BELIZE CITY SPECIFICALLY TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE RT. HON. GEORGE PRICE AT THE BLISS INSTITUTE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Route for Buses entering Belize City on Saturday, September 24th 2011, with mourners to view body at Bliss Center: 1.) From Northern Districts – Northern Highway, Belcan Roundabout, Princess Margaret Drive, Barracks Road, Marine Parade Blvd to Memorial Park where buses will park, until they are ready to return following the same route out (in reverse order).

2.) Western/Southern Districts – Western Highway, Central American Blvd, over Belcan Bridge, Belcan Roundabout, Princess Margaret Drive, Barracks Road, Marine Parade Blvd to Memorial park where buses will park until they are ready to depart, following the same route out (in reverse order).

32

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Mr. Price’s indelible legacy BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 22, 2011 For Mrs. Sonia Bainton JP and so many others, the Father of the Nation and PUP Leader Emeritus, George Cadle Price, was a kind and humble man who did a lot for Belize and helped Belizeans, both PUP and UDP. Mrs. Bainton, a former warehouse Manager of Angelus Press who resides at #8 Gentle Avenue, knew Mr. Price from when she was 12 years old. She recalled that when she used to campaign for Mr. Price in Freetown, and she would tell Mr. Price that a particular resident of a particular house is a UDP, Mr. price was not deterred by that and he would still go to the house and speak with that particular person.

“Mr. Price had such a way with people that even the most diehard UDP respected him”, said Mrs. Bainton.

Before she and her family moved to Gentle Avenue, Mrs. Bainton used to live on Usher Street. In 1974 when her house was destroyed by fire, Mr. Price presented her and her husband with a key to the house on Gentle Avenue. Mr. Price also helped her daughter and her other children to get house and land.

“I can never forget what Mr. Price has done for me and my family and Belize”, said Mrs. Bainton.

Also, to Mrs. Bainton, Mr. Price was a man who was always cheerful and was willing to talk to anybody regardless of their political or religious persuasion.

Mr. Richard Hoare, a former auto mechanic who resides at 12 Gentle Avenue, was also a campaigner in Free-

town for Mr. Price.

He recalled that his attention was first drawn to Mr. Price after Hurricane Hattie in 1961.

“I was only 17 years old at the time and what inspired me about Mr. Price was when I saw him digging mud with a shovel on North Front Street to help clear up the debris left by the hurricane”, said Mr. Hoare.

Mr. Hoare was so inspired by what he saw that he went and did voluntary work as a messenger.

“Another of the many things that impressed me about Mr. Price was that he did everything he said he would do and that made me believe in him and respected him,” said Mr. Hoare.

To Mr. Hoare, Mr. Price was a kind and humble man who was a good listener and who was very outspoken.

“He did a lot for Belize and Belizeans and for that he should go down in history as one of the greatest Belizean patriots,” commented Mr. Hoare.

Mr. Hoare also lived in Freetown from 1979 and it was through the efforts of Mr. Price that he got his land.

Another thing that Mr. Hoare recalls about George Price was that he had a loving kindness for kids and he had a special smile for children.

Mr. Hoare also recalled that to his neighbor, Carolyn Flowers now deceased Mr. Price was like Jesus. Mr. Price’s name for her was Miss Mama Wade and whenever Mr. Price would visit her she would become so cheerful at seeing him and hearing refer to her by the name, Miss Mama Wade.

Mr. Richard Hoare

Mrs. Sonia Bainton

“Mr. Price had a way of talking to people that even if they were sad they would forget their sadness,” said Mr. Hoare.

Like Mrs. Bainton and Mr. Hoare and so many others, Belize experienced a great loss when Mr. Price passed away.

George Price Timeline

1919 Born January 15 1924-1930 Holy Redeemer School 1931 Almost lost his life in Hurricane 1931-1935 St. John’s College 1944 Entered politics, lost 1st election 1947 Won 1st election on Town Council elected for 6 terms 1950 Along with others George Price forms People’s United Party. He is Secretary General until 1956.

1954 Universal Adult Suffrage 1954 Member of the Legislative Council until 1956 1956 Becomes leader of Peoples United Party until 1996 1958 March 22 – Arrested for sedition, tried and acquitted. Mayor of Belize City (1958 – 1962) 1964 Self-Government (Governor’s powers reduced to ‘defense’, Executive Council replaced by Cabinet headed by Premier). George Price becomes Premier.

1965 Member of the House of Representatives 1965 – 1984 and 1989 – 2003.

1970 Government moves to new capital, Belmopan 1973 June 1 – Name British Honduras changed to Belize 1981 September 21 – Independence.

George Price becomes Belize’s 1st Prime Minister (1981 – 1984 and 1989 – 1993) 1984 People’s United Party loses 1st General Election 1996 George Price steps aside as Party Leader. Said Musa becomes Party Leader.

2000 George Price awarded Order of Belize 2001 George Price awarded Order of CARICOM 2011 Dies in his 93 year of life

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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34

THE BELIZE TIMES

Highlights of the Struggle for Belizean Independence 1950-January 1st The struggle begins – People’s Committee formed 1950 – February 1st The Belizean flag is presented to the people.

1950 – September 29th The People’s Committee is dissolved and the People’s United Party is born.

1951 The People’s United Party adopts the Belizean flag, then called the Baymen Flag, to propose as the FLAG OF BELIZE. It also agreed to restore the ancient settlement name of BELIZE to the new nation.

1951 The PUP wins majority in the City Council but it is dissolved when the PUP majority refuse to hang the Queen’s picture in its Meeting Room.

1954 Belize achieves Universal Adult Suffrage. PUP wins 8 out of 9 seats to the Legislative Council. The Membership System is introduced. Sir Arthur Wollfshon is First Speaker.

1955 Hurricane Janet hits Corozal District. The PUP Government launches rehabilitation programme.

1956 The PUP is split. The dissident faction forms the HIP (Honduran Independence Party) 1957 The PUP wins the National Elections 9-0.

PUP splits the Granados Incident in London. The dissident faction calls itself the Labour, Agriculture and Development Party.

The BELIZE TIMES is born.

1958 Premiere Price tried for Sedition. The intention by the Colonialists was to have him in prison before the visit of Princess Margaret.

Mr. Price welcomes Princess Margaret at City entrance and puts off a show of strength of his PUP in a massive demonstration that passed Government House but not allowed to enter.

1960 The National Party merges with the Honduran Independence Party (HIP) and forms the National Independence Party (NIP).

The party joins with the PUP to form the UNITED FRONT which goes to London to ask for a more advanced constitution.

The United Front returns with a Ministerial Constitution.

1961 The PUP sweeps the polls and takes all 18 seats Sir Harrison Courtenay is Second Speaker.

First Minister Price goes to Santiago de Chile and succeeds in gaining admission for Belize to be an associate of ECLA. Hurricane Hattie destroys Belize City and badly damages the Stann Creek District.

1962 First Anglo-Guatemalan talks are held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

First Minister Price makes his famous “not one square centimetre” policy statement.

1963 The London Self Government Constitution.

Breakthrough in the Southern Highway construction.

New automatic telephone system introduced for Belize City. Radio Belize gets new studios.

1964 Belize becomes Self Governing. George Price becomes first PREMIER. The Internationalisation of the Belize desire for Independence begins with a Ministerial Tour of Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Mexico.

1965 PUP wins 16 out of 18 seats in elections under the

news Self Government Constitution.

A new round of talks in Anglo-Guatemalan dispute opens in Miami. It decided to go to mediation.

President LB Johnson appoints Ambassador Betheul Webster as mediator.

1966 Opposition riot in Belize City over incomplete Webster proposals.

Work on Belmopan begins.

1967 New Tower Hill Sugar Mill opened.

New Tower Hill Bridge opened.

TACA introduces jet airplanes.

Runway and apron at International Airport extended and improved 1969 The Belcan Bridge is opened.

PUP wins 17 out of 18 seats in the National Assembly.

1970 Seat of Government moves to Belmopan 1971 Belize joins CARIFTA, which later became CARICOM. 1973 Belize joins CARICOM 1974 PUP wins National Elections 12-6 1975 Belize opens mission at the UN to get support for Independence.

1977 General Omar Torrijos visits Belize. Panama votes for Belize at the U.N. 1978 More than 100 countries voted for Belizean Independence at the UN General Assembly, including some Latin American nations which had voted against or abstained the previous year.

1979 The UN vote showed that the Nicaraguans had been the first of the Guatemalan allies to come over to Belize’s side. This was after the overthrow of the Somoza regime.

The PUP won 13 of 18 seats in General Elections.

1980 Belize’s aspirations for independence were boosted with the vote of the United States of America in the UN General Assembly. A total of 139 countries voted “YES” for Belizean Independence and the UN Resolution set the end of 1981 as the deadline for this achievement.

The PUP won a landslide victory at the polls in the City Council elections.

1981 Preparations began for independence and the government of Premier Price intensified its efforts to solve the Anglo Guatemalan dispute.

The Heads of Agreement proposals were announced in March. It was hoped that the “Heads” would have resulted in a solution but they failed after the Guatemalan government withdrew from the negotiations.

The alternative as had been explained earlier by Premier Price was independence with a suitable security guarantee for Belize after independence.

Following the failure of the July 06-10 talks in New York, the Premier went to London to discuss the alternative route to independence.

On July 26, the Premier went on the radio to announce the date for the Independence of Belize – September 21, 1981. He told a convention at the City Center on the same day that the Heads of Agreement will still serve as a basis for seeking a solution to the Anglo Guatemalan dispute over Belize.

September 21, 1981 The Union jack is lowered and the Belizean flag is hoisted as the world welcomed the new nation of Belize.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

BRITISH HONDURAS: All De Way Time Magazine Monday, May 10, 1954 Anticolonial nationalists won a sweeping victory last week in the first general elections ever held in backward little British Honduras (est. pop. 75,000). The People’s United Party carried eight of the nine contested seats, enough to give them a majority in the Legislative Council set up under the colony’s new constitution. Said Governor Patrick Renison: “We must give it a go. I will cooperate fully.”

Loudly anti-British though the P.U.P. had been, its victory was far different from the 1953 triumph of British Guiana’s People’s Progressive Party, which led to the landing of troops and suspension of the colony’s constitution. Profiting by the Guiana lesson. London has given British Honduras’ newly chosen legislators none of the ministerial powers formerly granted the Guiana leaders. Guiana’s leaders, moreover, were Reds: British Honduras’ P.U.P. is not a Communistinfluenced movement. On the contrary, most of its leaders learned their guiding principles from Jesuit fathers of St. Louis, who founded Belize’s St. John’s College in 1896 and taught Roman Catholic trade union-i§m in extension courses begun in 1947. The P.U.P.’s trade-union twin, the Gener al Workers Union, is an outgrowth of these courses, and George Price, the slender 35-yearold descendant of slaves who runs both outfits, is a St. John’s graduate and a Catholic. Say the priests: “If we hadn’t stepped in, the Reds would have.” One result of their work is that the P.U.P. is very friendly to the U.S. On the eve of last week’s election, which was unmarred by so much as a fist fight, Price harangued a crowd of 5.000 ebony-to-copperhued partisans. “P.U.P., all de way,” chanted the audience. When a speaker hailed Price as “our Gandhi, our George Washington and our future President,” a plump mammy in the crowd cackled: “Dat’s right, mon, dat’s right.” But P.U.P. leaders, soft-pedaling their old independence cry, said that the new majority wants first to cooperate with the governor and show that it is a stable and permanent political force. For a beginning, they wanted to see the government put some of its new $7,000,000 rehabilitation fund into low-income housing for the poor who now live in tin-roofed packing-crate huts. “Hear, hear,” murmured the black men in their patched shirts and faded dungarees. Britain’s newest experiment in developing responsible self-rule was already under way.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

J.D. Financial Belize Limited and JEC, on behalf of our administration & staff, mourn the passing of our National Hero and Father of Our Nation, the

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price on Monday, September 19, 2011.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this period.

The memory of Mr. George Price lives on in our minds and hearts for his courage and confidence in taking our country to self-independence as well as the manner in which he touched the lives of all of us, directly or indirectly, and provided us with freedoms which we enjoy today.

His legacy of freedom, Christian values and democracy will never be erased from our memories.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, September 25, 2011