Belize Celebrates Father of the Nation

The Right Honourable George Cadle Price, a national hero, continues to inspire respect across Belize. This year, a special ceremony was held at Independence Hall in Belize City to honor the Father of the Nation. Price’s grand nephew, Henry Charles Usher, said George Price Day is not just about political leadership, but also a reminder of the values Price stood for: faith, commitment, and unity. Shane Williams was there and files the following report.

 

Henry Charles Usher, Great-Grandson

“When we speak about George Price, we are not only speaking about independence and politics. We are speaking about a mindset. He believed that leadership is service. He believed that our people matter. He believed that our democracy is not a decoration. It is a daily practice. And he believed that the future of Belize is strongest when every Belizean feels seen, heard, and valued. That is why this day should never feel like a routine ceremony. George Price Day is a reminder that our nation was built with faith, patience, and a steady commitment to unity.”

 

While there is the elaborate ceremony and pageantry organized every year to celebrate the birth of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, for those who knew him personally and professionally, George Price Day is a time for reflection on the many pieces of advice he offered.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño  

“One of things he always told me is that public service is the highest call for any Belizean and that we must always take it seriously. But at the same time, don’t take yourself too serious because you’re here to serve the people.”

 

Henry Charles Usher

“He always said that in order to lead, you have to serve, and that was something that always resonated with me when I was younger, that it wasn’t about. Portfolios. It wasn’t about positions. It was about people. It was about making sure that you could do the work of the people. And as I spoke about this morning in my remarks, I think that his legacy is one of service certainly, but it’s also one of enduring faith and enduring confidence in what he believed in. And he believed in a free independent Belize. He believed in the Belizean identity, and certainly we need to continue that legacy and honor him in any way we can.”

 

But for most Belizeans, and to the ire of the business community, George Price Day is just another one of those costly public and bank holidays. Nothing is done, and no benefit is gained. We asked Usher what he would like to see on his great grandfather’s birthday.

 

Shane Williams

“For most Belizean, church based day is just a day off. What should Judge Base Day be for the average Belizean?”

 

Henry Charles Usher

“I’ve always tried to say that this, when in September we have National Service Day. I am hoping that January fifteenth can evolve into a national education day, A day when Belizean takes some time to learn something new. Read a book. Learn a new skill. Learn something to assist you in making decisions for your home, for your community, for your country. It’s all about that. It’s about learning. It’s about making sure you use your leisure time in a productive way. That’s what he always advocated for. Don’t use your leisure time just to be relaxing and not doing anything that you can learn from. Try to learn. So I’m hoping that this day, George Price Day can be National Education Day.”

 

George Price Day is more than a holiday. It serves as a reminder of a legacy rooted in service, unity and an enduring belief in the Belizean people. Shane Williams for News Five.