Belize at Forty-Five: Pride, Unity, and a Historic ICJ Moment

As Belize approaches another milestone in its Independence journey, the country is also moving closer to a historic moment at the International Court of Justice. The ICJ is expected to decide Guatemala’s long-standing claim over Belize, and both countries have committed to accepting the outcome peacefully. But as that decision draws near, Belize is turning its attention inward, toward national pride, unity, and what it means to be Belizean at forty-five. On Wednesday, government unveiled this year’s Independence theme: “Look at Me: I am Belize at Forty-five.” At the ceremony, we spoke with Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, who called on Belizeans to stay engaged in the country’s growth and to embrace a renewed sense of patriotism.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs 

“It’s always important regardless of the ICJ issue, which is important. But it’s critically important and that’s one of the mandates that we have at the National Celebrations Commission to make sure that, every year we are trying to light a fire in the Belizean people reminding them of the beauty of Belize, the greatness of Belize importance of loving Belize, caring about Belize, doing your part to support the growth and development of Belize. So it’s very important, and in the context of the ICJ judgment, as you said we expect that, within the next two years that this issue will be resolved and put behind us as, in a diplomatic process peacefully. But once and for all we will settle this unfounded claim. So it’s always important in that light, in that context to remind our people that, we, the people of Belize, we are the greatest strength of our country.”

 

Fonseca shares that The ICJ is expected to deliver its ruling on Guatemala’s territorial claim within the next two years, finally putting the dispute behind Belize through a peaceful, diplomatic process.

 

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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