Belizeans Called on for Responsibility and Bold Dreams

At the steps of the Supreme Court, the Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Taegar-Panton, compared Belize at forty-four to adulthood and urged citizens to take responsibility and drive positive change.

She tied her message to this year’s theme, “Stronger Together, Rising Forever,” saying it reflects the need for unity and collective effort as the nation matures.

In her 25-minute address, Taegar-Panton warned that Belize cannot progress while political corruption and nepotism persist. “It means no longer accepting the easy answer of partisan politics and corruption and nepotism that have become hallmarks of recent administrations,” she said.

She urged the country to create opportunities for the next generation and keep talent at home. “In our adult years, we have an obligation to engage our best minds to reward based on merit and not political alignment, to create new industries that tap into the ambition and talent of the skilled and qualified. So they need not leave our shores to find opportunity.”