Culture and Courage Unite Belize and Guyana

From the sky above Belmopan to stages across the country, Guyana brought a powerful mix of military precision and Caribbean culture to Belize’s forty-fifth Independence celebrations. Members of the Guyana Defense Force thrilled spectators with a parachute display during the national flag-raising ceremony, while the Guyana Cultural Ambassadors entertained audiences with vibrant performances around Belize. More than a fitting end to the festivities, their participation showcased the deepening friendship between two CARICOM neighbors connected by culture, cooperation and regional pride. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Thousands watched as Guyana Defense Force paratroopers descended over Belmopan, carrying the flags of Belize and Guyana. The display formed part of Guyana’s gift to Belize for its forty-fifth Independence anniversary. Ambassador Gale Miller says the idea emerged during President Irfaan Ali’s visit in February.

 

Gale Miller, Ambassador of Belize to Guyana

“We had the fourteen participants who came for the Cultural Ambassadors group, and then we also had soldiers who came with a bilateral agreement between the Guyana Defense Force and the Belize Defense Force. So all of that to say that it was a strong representation from one of our CARICOM nations that came out and supported this initiative. So we had the paratroopers. It was a fantastic display. You would have seen it. And then we had this cultural participation.”

 

 

 

Before Monday’s ceremony, the Guyana Cultural Ambassadors brought a taste of their country to Orange Walk, San Ignacio and Belmopan, entertaining audiences with vibrant music, dance and artistic performances. Guyanese Director of National Events, Andrew Tyndall, explains that the delegation was hand-picked from Guyana’s top performers.

 

 

 

 

Andrew Tyndall, Director of National Events, Guyana Ministry of Culture

“Our president being the person he is, you know, he agreed, and he ensured that he fulfilled his commitment. And he sent the best performers, cultural performers from the country to be a part of this forty-fifth Independence. We had a great time. It was fun. We enjoyed the warmth and the hospitality of the Belizean people, and we were happy to share the Guyanese culture with them. And I think based on the reviews that we’ve been seeing, they thoroughly enjoyed it.”

 

 

The delegation gave each audience a unique experience, from energetic dances at the children’s parade to a mix of old and new in San Ignacio, before closing with a formal performance at the national flag-raising ceremony. Technical Director and Producer, Joel Browne shares how the group decided on what sound to bring to each performance.

 

 

 

 

Joel Browne, Technical Director & Producer

“The sound that we produce varies because we are of different cultures, so sometimes it depends on the project that we’re working on. For example, we have a song called “Eldorado’s Gold” that talks about the people of Guyana being the actual gold and not the mineral. So, you know, we have songs like that. We have Amerindian songs. We have songs that kinda reflect the African heritage as well.”

 

 

 

Among the group’s leading voices was Diane Chapman. Although she has travelled across the world, this trip to Belize has been a special experience.

 

Diana Chapman, Singer

“When I was told I’m gonna be a part of the team for Belize, I’m like, yes. This is the first time I’m gonna be here in Belize, and I wanted it to be special, and I wanted the experience to just be memorable, and I know that it will be.”

 

 

 

 

Britney Gordon

“What has been the best part of it so far?”

 

Diana Chapman

“The food. I love the food. The food has been great. Everyone has been really kind. I really appreciate that. And I just, I love everything about it.” 

 

Like Belize, Guyana draws its cultural richness from a diverse mix of ethnic groups. East Indian dancer Swasti Saytoo was pleasantly surprised to discover just how much the two countries share.

 

Swasti Saytoo, Dancer

“It’s my first time seeing the Belizean people, and I was very surprised that, you know, the similarity that we have and, you know, our history the way we were brought. So I feel like I felt at home truly, and even in the food that we ate, you know, I could have seen my East Indian culture there as well.”

 

 

 

Guyana also marked the occasion with two special gifts: its national flag and a commemorative plaque congratulating Belize on forty-five years of independence. The gesture celebrated the friendship and growing bond between both nations. Britney Gordon for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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