The National
September
Celeberations
are here!
The Tenth is right upon
us, and Independence is
just around the corner.
No matter what our
personal situation, every
warm-blooded Belizean
this time of the year
is somehow infected by
the patriotism and festiveness
that fills the air.
This year, as we commemorate
our nationhood,
our sovereignty and
our right to self-determination,
the celebrations
somehow seem to take
on a bit more meaning
than they ordinarily do.
Indeed, there are
some tangible and timely,
if not overdue, developments
newly unfolding,
which are worth
quite a celebration, as
they truly serve to reinforce
and consummate
the Independence
we nominally attained
over three decades ago.
The National Bank,
inaugurated one day after
the official launch of this
year's National September
Celebrations, is certainly
one such development.
The fact that we
continue to regain control
over our valuable national
assets is also good reason
to celebrate, even more
so that our courage and
righteous determination
is now being unambiguously
vindicated by our
highest regional courts.
Belizean innovation
and creativity, in every
field and on every front, is
blossoming like never before,
as our business people
and entrepreneurs unveil
bold and ambitious
projects; as our musicians
and cultural ambassadors
hit the grandest regional
and international
stage, dazzling and
captivating huge audiences;
as our young athletes
defend our national
pride, gaining respect
and recognition abroad.
Yes, Crime and Violence
is still a major challenge,
but we are certainly
now beginning to see some
much yearned for light
at the end of the tunnel.
True, as Lord
Rhaburn proclaimed,
"If yuh born deh yuh
born deh; tell them
that yuh born deh."
And, as one of our
most seasoned local sports
commentators is fond
of putting it, "Win, lose
or draw, I'm a Belizean,
and I know you are too."
Well, this is, indeed,
a particularly
good time to be Belizean.
Celebrate, Belize!
Delroy Cuthkelvin for The Capital Weekly