AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums About Belize Gone but not forgotten The Right Honourable George Cadle Price

By PATRICK E. JONES

BELIZE CITY (AP) - Belize's founding father and first prime minister, George Price, died early Monday, just short of three decades since he led the small Central American nation to independence. He was 92.

Price died at the Belize Healthcare Partners Hospital in Belize City, said a grand nephew, Henry Charles Usher. He was hospitalized Wednesday after a fall at his Belize City home and put in a medically induced coma following surgery to remove a blood clot.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow declared a week of mourning lasting until Sept. 26.

Price was Belize's first leader when it became independent from Britain on Sept. 21, 1981. As head of the centrist People's United Party, he served two terms as prime minister, in 1981-84 and 1989-1993, and is considered the father of the Caribbean country of about 300,000 people that borders Mexico and Guatemala.

Belize is on the Central American mainland but maintains closer cultural ties with other English-speaking former British colonies in the Caribbean than with its Spanish-speaking neighbors.
In a message broadcast to the nation, the current prime minister called Price "a giant of a man, the greatest architect of Belizean nationalism and Belizean sovereignty."

The government and Price's family planned a state funeral for next Monday, Barrow said. Until then, flags in Belize will be flown at half staff, except for Independence Day on Wednesday.

"On behalf of a grateful nation to which Mr. Price devoted his entire life, I offer condolences to his immediate and extended family and to the People's United Party," Barrow said.

1st Prime Minister George Price passes away

The nation has been plunged into mourning. This morning the Right Honorable George Price, father of the nation, national hero and the leader emeritus of the People's United Party passed away, just two days short of Independence Day and ten days away from the sixty-first anniversary of the party he led. Price was admitted to the Belize Healthcare Partners last Wednesday after he fell at his Pickstock house where he was born and lived until the time of his death. He led the country from a colonial outpost to a free and independent nation; his political career started back in 1944 and continued throughout his life. A humble man, his mantra was one of service to country. The government has announced a period of national mourning and a state funeral for next Monday, September twenty-sixth. News Five's Isani Cayetano has the first report extensive coverage on the Right Honorable George Price.

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price [September 21^st, 1981]

"We continue our work not only to build Belize to yet greater levels of economic growth and social progress but in doing so to remove causes of conflict and to cooperate in the economic development of the region with all our neighbors in friendship, harmony and peace but will equal status of a sovereign nation with all its territory secure against external threat."

As Belize's first prime minister the crown achievement of Right Honorable George Cadle Price was realized on the morning of September 21^st, 1981. After many years of struggle a concerted effort led by Price, who would later become known as the Father of the Nation, culminated in political freedom from Britain.

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price

"Belize was the last British colony on the Central American mainland and the transition deserves the admiration and the support of all peaceful, freedom loving nations. At our request and with our gratitude the military presence of the United Kingdom will remain here for an appropriate time to be decided according to future circumstances. No longer a colonial power but as a welcome partner, the United Kingdom has agreed to help us preserve and promote peace and wellbeing in our region."

His passing shortly before seven o'clock this morning, two days shy of Belize's thirtieth anniversary of Independence, has left the country in sorrow. Across the Old Capital flags are being flown at half mast. Outside Independence Hall, home of the People's United Party, the majestic blue and white also flutters at mid-height.

John Brice�o, Party Leader, P.U.P.

"Today we're here saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Price who passed away this morning around 6:30 surrounded by his family. On behalf of the People's United Party and of all Belizeans we want to express our sadness, our sincere condolences to the Price family and to the entire nation as we mourn the passing of the Father of the Nation, the Right Honorable George Price."

On September fourteenth, the ninety-two year old former prime minister slipped while inside his bathtub and suffered a massive blow to the head. The fall resulted in Price having to undergo surgery at Belize Healthcare Partners Ltd., where he remained in a medically induced coma. His health, however, deteriorated progressively during the days that followed.

John Brice�o

"From the day that he was taken to the hospital I was there visiting him pretty much every day and I had the opportunity to visit him yesterday evening along with my son and my brother and we prayed for him whenever we were able to see him and today I ask the entire nation to pray for Mr. Price. We all believe that he was a very religious man and that he will be granted that eternal reward that has been promised by our Lord."

George Price's storied life has been filled with both personal and political achievements; the most notable, as aforementioned, was his leadership in steering Belize towards independence.

Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price

"This symbolic transition to the independent state of Belize signifies the fulfillment of the decolonization which as a metropolitan country and founding member of the United Nations, the United Kingdom undertook to accomplish under the chapter."

It's an accomplishment which thrust him in the international spotlight and proves testament to his political acumen.

John Brice�o

"He had a very clear vision as to where he wanted to take Belize. He wanted an independent Belize but also that dedication, that full one hundred percent of everything that he was doing was to be able to reach to that, to get to that achievement of independence. Another issue was his ability to work with people; the humility, the way that he would go about speaking to people. He had that ability to bring people together and to always be this humble person that is prepared to listen not only to the kings and prime ministers and presidents but even to the man on the streets. To the campesino out in the districts, in their farms, you know. He had that unique ability to be able to keep people together."

Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.

Citizens on the street say farewell to Price

The news of his passing was greeted with both sadness and respect for the man that has been central in the history of Belize. Many paused today to pay tribute to the father of the nation. News Five's Andrea Polanco was in the downtown area today and got the views of Belizeans from all walks of life.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

The Right Honorable George Cadle Price is the first Prime Minister of Belize, the Father of Nation, and a national hero. But to scores of Belizeans, he was all that and more. Today we took to the street to canvass the sentiments of the people of Belize. They shared their most poignant memories of the late Leader Emeritus, on his work for the country:

Citizen #1

"Belize wouldn't be the Belize that it is now if it wasn't for Mr. Price. I grow up in Stann Creek and in days when I was growing up we neva had any doctor there or any. I remember having a bad toothache and I had to come up yah and it was rough. And Mr. Price was the one who put the road through from the Cayo road to Middlesex."

Citizen #2

"But knowing Mr. Price, my mother was one of the first women who sold newspaper in this country so she used to, yeah Ms. Ivory Robinson. She used to sell the Belize Times, so we grow up knowing Mr. Price. So she had a lot of good praises for him especially when she got hold of her own house on Vernon Street where I still reside right now, through George Price. She always had good praises for him saying 'mien if dah neva sake ah Mr. George we woulda deh outta door or some kinda ah thing."

It was his personality, humble yet charismatic that engaged Belizeans and made him loved by thousands. His intelligence, integrity and patriotism paved the way for him to become the most respected man of all times in Belize:

Citizen # 3

"He was a very, very humble person, honest person. He worked hard for Belize, for all Belizeans right. I am very sad this morning to hear that he passed away at the age of ninety-two right. All Belizeans, the majority of Belizeans they are very sad also for his passing away."

Citizen #4

"Well I used to then live in city; I use to live on Front Street."

Andrea Polanco

"What year was this?"

Citizen #4

"That was about in the forties or so. But he used to walk around street to street and talk to us yuh know. Sometime he use to push ih hand under the door to come under the low verandah to visit with us and talk to us yuh know. We have a lotta fond memory with him, fond memories."

Citizen #5

"When I was in school I knew him at that time and I noticed he was a person very friendly. Even after many years when we crossed paths he knew what school I was going to, what is my name, who is my family; so in that respect he had a brilliant memory and for that I always remembered him."

Citizen #1

"I was telling this gentleman here he didn't only help his friends; he has helped everybody, his enemies as well. So I look up to him greatly because he has done a lot for this country, not for me specifically but I enjoy whatever, but for the country. He is one that I don't think we'll ever get a replacement like him, so I thank God for Mr. Price."

And those are but just a handful of personal testimonials of the late Rt. Honorable George Cadle Price. Countless Belizeans will remember him as a political leader for four decades. He championed the causes for his people and country, those liberties we enjoy today. He is best remembered as the man who married Belize, having served the country for his entire life. Reporting for News Five, I am Andrea Polanco.

Embassies, schools and political parties give condolences

As the sad news that the first and two-term Prime Minister Price passed away, the official condolences were flowing in from embassies, ambassadors, educational institutions, and political parties. The government sent a diplomatic note to inform the world of Price's passing. An official period of mourning now begins with flags flown at half-mast through September twenty-sixth with the exception of Independence Day. The release ends by saying "This was a giant of a man, the greatest architect of Belizean Nationalism and Belizean Sovereignty. May he rest in peace."

The Embassy of Mexico expresses its deepest condolences to the Government, family and People of Belize for the loss of Right Honorable George Price. Mexico joins in this moment of sorrow to mourn the passing of the National Hero and Father of Belize´s Independence. Earlier today, during the presentation of credentials to the Governor-General at Belize House in Belmopan, the ambassadors from Sweden, South Africa, Israel, Algeria, the Czech Republic, Bolivia and Finland took the opportunity to extend deep condolences on the passing of our National Hero.

Saint John's College, Price's Alma Mater also sent a press release citing Price as a 1936 graduate. The Jesuit community will offer daily masses throughout the month of September on behalf of Price and his family. And from the University of Belize, "the UB Board of Trustees, the Office of the President, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Students and the UB Family extend sincerest and deepest condolences to the family and to the nation of Belize on the passing �The Rt. Hon. Price, a gentle giant was among the Caribbean pioneers who championed political independence in their respective Caribbean territories."

The People's United Party says that "Mister Price's selfless service to our country during his entire adult life is unmatched. Because of his determination we are today an independent nation."

P.U.P. Freetown Area Representative Francis Fonseca says in a release that "we, in Freetown, like to believe we have a special claim on George Price as our former and first P.U.P. Area Representative. Mr. Price touched the lives of many Freetown families and made lifelong friendships with longtime residents of the Old Kings Park Area which today still forms a part of the Freetown Constituency."

The United Democratic Party's statement read "Like the rest of the nation, we are saddened his death, but amidst the national mourning, we join in commemorating his great achievements for the Nation of Belize, which are especially remembered during this season of national celebrations."

The National Institute of History and Culture also issued its own press release on Price's passing. It said "As a statesman Mr. Price placed Belize on a global stage through his lobbying with world leaders for support of the Belizean quest for independence. As a citizen of Belize Mr. Price was an example of the patriotism and civic pride."

Channel 5

A History of Price remembered

The Right Honorable George led the nationalist movement and the country to self-government and then to independence on September twenty-first 1981. While that is considered his crowning glory, his political life spanned more than six decades and his vision continued to inspire his party and the national consciousness. He is viewed as a giant among leaders. Here is a look at Price's biographical data.

The Rt. Hon George Cadle Price was born on January 15^th, 1919 in Belize City. He attended Holy Redeemer Primary School and St. John's College in Belize City and then studied Theology at St. Augustine Minor Seminary in Mississippi, USA and the Seminario Consiliar in Guatemala. Mr. Price entered municipal politics, within three days of voting day in 1944 and lost that first election. By 1947, he won his first election and served as Mayor of Belize City from 1958 to 1962. On December 31^st, 1949 the British Honduras dollar was devalued by the governor. The People's Committee was then formed comprising John Smith, Leigh Richardson, Philip Goldson with Price as its secretary. By September 29^th, 1950, the People's Committee became the People's United Party and in 1956, Price became party leader of the P.U.P. and remained as its leader until 1996. In 1964, Price led Belize into self government and became its first premier. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in consecutive elections from 1965 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 2003. In the 1970's, Price and his team organized a movement for the internationalization for independence. On Monday, September 21^st 1981 Belize attained independence from Britain and was admitted to the United Nations and in 1992.

In September, 2000, the Rt. Hon. George Price was awarded with Belize's highest honor, the order of national hero. He has also been honored by others such as CARICOM and Cuba.

Channel 5

Oh Captain, My Captain! Michael Finnegan gives poetic farewell

The poem O Captain! My Captain! was written in 1865 by Walt Whitman. The poem was about the death of United States President Abraham Lincoln. But it was also the childhood poem of a Belizean minister who presented it on stage at the Festival of Arts in the early 1960's. With news of the imminent dusk approaching Price, Michael Finnegan thought of that Whitman poem once more. This afternoon, Finnegan gave a stellar dining room rendition to Channel Five's Jose Sanchez and Channel Seven's Jules Vasquez. For those not schooled in poetry, the ship spoken of is intended to represent Belize, while its fearful trip recalls the troubles of Belize. The titular Captain is Price himself. Here's Minister's Michael Finnegan's encore performance of O Captain! My Captain!

Michael Finnegan

"O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;

The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won;

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills;

For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding;

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head;

It is some dream that on the deck,

You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;

The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;

From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;

Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!

But I, with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead."

Channel 5

PUBLIC INFORMATION: STATE FUNERAL FOR RT. HON. GEORGE PRICE

20th September, 2011. An Official State Funeral will be held on Monday 26th
September 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the Independence Plaza in the City of
Belmopan.

Condolence Books will be open for signing on Tuesday 20th September 2011 in Belize City at the House of Culture and in the City of Belmopan at the George Price Center for Peace and Development.

Rt. Hon. George Price's body will be transported from the Karl Heusner
Morgue on Saturday 24th September 2011 at 7:30 a.m. in a procession led by
the Belize Defence Force (BDF)through the streets of Belize City to the Bliss
Center for the Performing Arts where it will Lay In State from 8:00am to3:00 pm.
On Sunday 25th September Mr. Price's body will Lay In State from 8:00am to
5:00pm at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan.

The Body will be transported on Monday 26th September at 8:15am from the George Price Center for Peace and Development to the Independence Hill by the BDF Hearst and following the Service from Independence Hill to the entrance to Belmopan, where it will be transported by closed Hearst to Belize City. At Faber's Road Junction the casket will be transferred to the BDF open Hearst for transport to the Lord's Ridge Cemetery for interment.

Further details will be provided to the general public as they become available.
---------------------
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Belmopan, Belize

TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO COME IN


Sep 20, 2011

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the former two-time Prime
Minister and Father of the Nation. In a statement, the government of
Mexico, through its embassy in Belmopan, expressed deepest condolences to
the Government, family and People of Belize for the loss of Right
Honourable George Price. The statement says, "the Government of Mexico and
its Embassy in Belize join in this moment of sorrow to mourn the passing of
the National Hero and Father of Belize´s Independence."

The Pallotine community has also issued a note of condolence. It
says,"faculty, staff and students of Pallotti High School, we extend our
heartfelt sympathy to the Price family. We pray that the Triune God blesses
the family with courage and fortitude during their time of bereavement"

The Teens Belize Organization of Toledo, in its note of condolence says,
"Teens Belize Organization joins the People's United Party and the nation
of Belize in mourning the loss of the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Hon.
George Price. Our most sincere condolences to his family. He will never
be forgotten."

The Northern Caucus of the People's United Party in its statement of the
death of the Rt. Hon. George Price said, "our thoughts and prayers are with
his family during their time of bereavement, and we can only hope that as
we do, they will find some comfort and solace in the life and achievements
of this great patriot, nation-builder and giant among men."

The University of the West Indies, has also sent out a statement of
condolences issued on behalf of Chancellor Sir George Alleyne,; professors
E. Nigel Harris and Hazel Simmonds-McDonald, the director of Open Campus
Belize Dr. Luz Longsworth and the head of UWI Open Campus Jane Bennett. The
statement says, "the dedication and service of the Rt. Honourable George C.
Price to the people and nation of Belize will be etched in the pages of
history as well as in the minds and hearts of the Belizean people. Please
know that the UWI family joins with the family members of the late Right
Honourable George Cadle Price and the people of Belize as you mourn the
loss of this outstanding Belizean leader whose life of service to others
did not go unnoticed."

Belizeans at home and abroad can continue to share their tributes to Mr.
Price by entering them in books of condolences at the George Price Centre
in Belmopan or the House of Culture in Belize City. Tributes can also be
shared on our website at: www.lovetv.com.bz.



Story at http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=14714



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FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMER PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCED


Sep 20, 2011

The government of Belize has announced the details of the State Funeral for
the former Prime Minister and National Hero Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.
The funeral will be held at none o'clock on Monday morning at Independence
Plaza in Belmopan. The official communiqu� says that on Saturday, September
24th. Mr. Price's body will be transported from the Morgue at the Karl
Heusner Memorial Hospital. The procession will be led by the Belize Defence
Force starting at seven thirty on Saturday morning and will go through the
streets of Belize City, ending at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts
where the Father of the Nation will Lie in State from 8 o'clock in the
morning until three o' clock in the afternoon. On Sunday, September 25,
Mr. Price's body will lie in state at the George Price Centre for Peace and
Development in Belmopan from 8 o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in
the evening. On Monday, September 26, Mr. Price's body will leave the
George Price Centre at 8:15 am and taken by BDF Hearst to Independence
Hill. Following the funeral service, the BDF Hearst will take Mr. Price's
body to the entrance to Belmopan. Thereafter, it will be taken by closed
Hearst to Belize City. At Faber's Road Junction, the casket will be
transferred to the BDF open Hearst for transport to the Lord's Ridge
Cemetery for interment.



Story at http://www.lovefm.com/ndisplay.php?nid=14715

President Carter Laments The Loss Of Price

And tonight, the tributes to Mr. Price continue to pour in from local and international organizations.

Just before 6:00, we received one from Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center. It calls Price the founding father of Belize and says, quote, "His humble personality belied the stature of his statesmanship. His courage, wisdom, and good humor were a gift not only to Belize but to all of the Americas." End quote.

Very high praise, indeed, and Price's passing has stirred high praise in all those who knew him.

Yesterday we spoke to two of his disciples and his biographer for a greater insight into Price's political life:

Jules Vasquez Reporting

Who would ever think in the early 1930's that these spindly legs of the boy scout named George Price would someday carry an entire nation forward and beget a national hero?

Certainly not his mother, Irene from Yo Creek, seen here in a photo from the 1920's as she posed with her first son. But her third child grew into a great man.

Rt. Hon. George Price
"Thank you, thank you, thank you to all. The honor is also for the many who have been loyal and are still loyal to the peaceful, constructive, Belizean revolution."

Price always stayed on message, the peaceful constructive revolution, and social justice were his credos:

John Saldivar - PUP Standard Bearer
"That was his lasting legacy, the whole concept of social justice, which basically means that there's nobody who's going to be left behind. No matter where you're from, no matter how remote the location that you live in, or how depraved the environment that you are coming out - your circumstance in terms of your economic position - he believed that representation was for everyone."

Godfrey Smith, Price Biographer
"In two words, social justice, I think anyone who worked with Price, or knew Mr. Price, knew that he stood for social justice. So while he avidly foreign direct investment, while he firmly and unflinchingly believe that solution to Belize's economic problems lay in foreign direct investment, at the same time, that was back by his belief that while one sought develop the country through FDI, the government was there to ensure that social justice was their for the benefit of the people."

And for him, the people were paramount, Price toured the country in his famous Blue landrover, Fording rivers and through remote villages, and from there, by foot, or even sailing down a river, never losing the common touch:

John Saldivar - PUP Standard Bearer
"Part of the DNA of a People's United Party politician is getting down, meeting his people, understanding you cannot represent a person that you don't know. You have to know them, and you don't want to know them from their fence. You want to know them from their kitchen. When you're in the kitchen, you're family. That's Mr. Price's philosophy in getting out and meeting the people. He did not care too much to be on the outside. He wanted to be on the inside, to see how they are living, how they were eating, how they were getting along."

Bill Lindo
"You see he always had a very simple thing, this thing about social engineering is about not that the rich shall have more, but that they poor shall have. The rich are always rich. He always used to tell me, he said, 'Look, a man wants a house. Everybody is a human being, they're made in the image of God. They have a right to a home.'"

And while those ideals may not have been fully realized - in fact they may have been unrealizable - according to his biographer, the genesis of Price's nationalist ideology is still somewhat of a mystery - did it come from deep reflection? Inspiration? His biographer says it was not from his education:

Godfrey Smith - Price Biographer
"There was nothing academic - no individual figure - that exercised so great an influence on Price, that he said, 'Aha! I want to be a politician. I want to engage in the struggle against the British, to lead the country to self-government and independence. I suppose that all that I am left with is the sense that he was living at a particular time when the needs were so obvious. The dire straits of the country, economically, were so bad, that he felt he had to do something about it. And I can't determine, or pinpoint what actual combination of factors core-less to impact him into action, but certainly, he had a desire to be useful in a practical to people and to his country."

And more than just practical, he was heroic and all agree, visionary; he saw nationalism beyond the horizon.

John Saldivar - PUP Standard Bearer
"Where else in the world, I mean this is our George Washington. This is our Norman Manley. This is our Cipriani and Buzz Butler. He is the founder of our nation, and certainly, I am very much pleased that across the political divide, that we've all come to appreciate this today, because the out-pouring of love and condolence has been immense. And certainly this loss will be felt, but he will never leave. As long as there is a Belize, there is George Price."

Godfrey Smith - Price Biographer
"I remember reading some papers in the Caribbean - there was a moment in the struggle, when Price was considered the most vehemently anti-British, and the most aggressive nationalist leader, throughout the Caribbean. That has been documented by Jamaica Gleaner newspaper and others in the Caribbean. So he had courage, and he had conviction and determination. And making these descriptions, they sound bland; they sound ordinary. We throw them about everyday, perhaps undeservingly. In Price, however, they stick because he actually embodied these traits. This is not to say that the man was perfect, or a saint. He had obviously serious flaws, and he had serious weaknesses. It is my view, however, that his strengths, looked at from a macro-level, towered over his weaknesses, and made his weaknesses seem vanishingly small."

Smith's biography of George Price - which will be the first authorized biography of the national hero - is set for publication before the end of the year.

And for more of the official tributes which have come for Mr. Price - you can see them at 7newsbelize.com when we post tonight's news...

Channel 7

Plans For Official State Funeral Finalized

It's not everyday that a national hero is buried - and George Price's Official State Funeral seems as if it will be suitably monumental.

The plans were finalized by his family late yesterday and they are as follows:

The preparation for the event starts on Saturday morning at 7:30 when the BDF will transport the body from the KHMH Morgue in a procession, which will go through the streets of Belize City to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts where it will lie for viewing from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

The body will then be taken to the George Price Center in Belmopan where it will lie from 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening.

And then on Monday morning, the day of the funeral, the body will be transported from the Price Center to Independence Hill at 8:15 in a BDF hearse.

The funeral will proceed at 9:00 with a mass and the eulogy delivered by Price's nephew Mr. John Waight and a few words said by the PUP Party leader, John Briceno.

And following the service, the body will be taken to the entrance to Belmopan, where it will be carried in a closed hearse to Belize City.

At Faber's Road Junction the casket will again be transferred to the BDF open hearse for transport to the Lord's Ridge Cemetery where Mr. Price will be interred in the family crypt.

For those who'd like to see the body as it proceeds through the city on Saturday morning - the route has not yet been disclosed, but as soon as we have it, we'll let you know.

As for the funeral on Monday, we expect to air it live on Channel 7.

Until then, with the exception of Independence Day, the official period of mourning continues with flags flown at half-mast throughout the country.

Condolence Books have been opened for well-wishers to write in and those are at the House of Culture in Belize City and in the Capital, at the George Price Center for Peace and Development.

And today at George Price's Pickstock Street Home in the City we saw one mourner, Rosalie Staines placing a bouquet - while another well-wisher had already placed a flag.

Channel 7

People's United Party Northern Caucus

The Northern Caucus of the People's United Party joins Belizeans across this great nation and in parts beyond in mourning the passing of a great man - the Father of the Nation and National Hero of Belize the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of bereavement, and we can only hope that as we do, they will find some comfort and solace in the life and achievements of this great patriot, nation-builder and giant among men.

The contributions of the Rt. Hon. George Price to the nation are legion, but we use this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge his commitment to the meaningful development of the northern districts.

It was through his never wavering devotion to the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution and determination that Belizeans must play an integral role in the nation's development that the north grew strong and fruitful. His land and agrarian reforms have laid the groundwork for the economic independence of the common man and woman. His contributions in the north are unparalleled.

Our nation owes the Father of the Nation a debt which can only be repaid through the continuation of his legacy�brought to life through the words he gave the People's United Party and which he lived every day of his life - SERVE THE PEOPLE!

May the soul of this great man live in peace and may his legacy live on in each and every one of us.

An Official Release from Teens Belize Organization

Teens Belize Organization joins the People's United Party and the Nation of Belize in mourning the loss of the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Hon. George Price. Our Most Sincere Condolences to the Families of the Rt. Hon. George Price. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Death Announcement

It is with deepest sorrow and regret that the Government of Belize mourns the passing of the Right Honourable George Price, Former Prime Minister, National Hero and Father of Independence and Leader Emeritus of the People's United Party , which occurred on Monday 19th September 2011. He was born on 15th January 1919 and was in the 93rd year of his life.

Right Honourable George Price, served as a Member of the Legislative Council from 1954-1961, The Legislative Assembly from 1961 to 1964, The House of Representatives from 1964-1984, First Minister from 1961 to 1964, Premier from 1964 to 1981 and Prime Minister of Belize from 1981 to 1984, and 1989 to 1993.

He was awarded the status of National Hero by the Government of Belize, the Jose Marti Award - Cuba's Highest Award by President Fidel Castro, and the Order of the Caribbean Community.

He is predeceased by his parents Mr. William Cadle Price and Mrs. Irene Cecelia Escalante Price, along with his brothers Mr. Samuel William Price and Doctor John Cecil Price and his sister Ms. Anna Cecilia Price. He is survived by his seven sisters: Mrs. Lydia Mary Waight, Mrs. Jane Ellen Usher, Mrs. Alice Margaret Craig, Mrs. Josephine Delia Balderamos, Mrs. Irene Elizabeth Canton, Ms. Katharine Louise Price, and Ms. Judy Sybil Price along with a host of nieces and nephews and other extended family. A State Funeral service will be held for the Right Honourable George Price on Monday 26th September 2011 at the Independence Plaza in the City of Belmopan at 9:00 a.m., followed by interment at the Lord's Ridge Cemetery.

May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Order of Distinguished Service (ODS)

People's United Party

Press Release

September 20, 2011

The Order of Distinguished Service (ODS) of the People's United Party wishes to express its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, the Father of our Nation. The Lord has called him from this earth to a better life but his spirit will remain with us as we continue to defend those things that he stood for - freedom, justice, and a better way of life.

May he rest in peace so that one day he may rise in glory.

BEL Extends Condolences on the Passing of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) extends its deepest condolences to the family of the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Belize's first Prime Minister, and joins the nation of Belize in mourning his passing.

Through his unwavering commitment and selfless dedication, Mr. Price forged a new nation, gave the people of Belize an identity and directed its citizenry to continue in our nation building efforts through peace and humility; both virtues which Mr. Price exemplified throughout his life and which now form the cornerstone of Belize's Independence.

As Belize celebrates its 30th Anniversary of Independence, BEL invites the nation to join in honoring Mr. Price's memory and contribution by exercising the virtues of this national hero.

May he rest in peace.

Anglican Diocese of Belize

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Bishop, Clergy and People of the Anglican Diocese of Belize extend our deepest condolences to the Price family, and indeed to the nation of Belize, on the passing of The Right Honorable George Cadle Price - Belize's "Father of the Nation" and National Hero. May God's Holy Spirit of comfort and strength be upon members of the family and all those who mourn his passing from us.

The Rt. Hon. Price was an exemplary leader - one for whom this nation is forever indebted. His vision for our people of an independent nation, taking its rightful place among the community of nations, became the driving force in his political career. And when he eventually achieved this vision, the Nation of Belize affectionately bestowed on him the title of "Father of the Nation".

In addition, his active engagement in the wider regional community, especially the Caribbean, did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the distinguished Order of the Caribbean Community in 2001 in Barbados.

Time alone will continue to reveal the fuller impact of the legacy of the Rt. Hon. Price on the people of Belize. Yet a very grateful nation pauses at this point in time to celebrate a life lived to its potential of making a difference in the lives of others.

In faith, we hear the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ saying to our brother, the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." [Matthew 25:21]

'Give rest, O Christ, to your servant George with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting' - this is our prayer.

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL

PRESS RELEASE

It is with profound sadness that the Embassy of Brazil has learned of the passing, on September 19, 2011, of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, first Prime Minister of Belize.

On this very sad occasion, the Embassy of Brazil wishes to convey to the Government and people of Belize, especially to the family and friends of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the expression of its heartfelt condolences for this irreparable loss.

In observance of the official mourning which has been decreed by the Government of Belize for the passing of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil has been obliged to cancel the shows entitled "Happy Birthday Belize: Brazilian Pop Music Show", originally scheduled to be held on September 24, in Belize City, and on September 25, in Belmopan.

Belmopan, September 20, 2011

Statement from Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center on the Passing of George Price

We lament the passing of George Price, founding father of Belize and good friend of The Carter Center. His humble personality belied the stature of his statesmanship. He served as vice president of the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government of the Americas and served with me on election missions in Nicaragua, Haiti, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. His courage, wisdom, and good humor were a gift not only to Belize but to all of the Americas. We will miss a dear friend.

Channel 7