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Theme Competition

The Theme and Logo Competition for the 2021 September Celebrations is accepting submissions through June 25th.

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Belize's Independence and the 223rd Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye, the National Celebrations Commission announces the 2021 Theme Competition and the Logo Design Competition!

Reminder!! This Friday, June 25th is the closing date for entries for National Celebrations Theme and Logo Competitions...2 competitions, 2 cash prizes! Drop off entries at any NICH office, House of Culture, The Bliss Center or via email: [email protected].

NCC Presents Checks to Municipalities

The Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and Chairman of the National Celebrations Commission (NCC), today convened the second meeting of the NCC with the Working Committee and the mayors (representatives) of all municipalities at the House of Culture in Belize City.

As the Government of Belize has committed its support to all municipalities for the observance of their individual September Celebrations agendas, the minister this morning disbursed funding to each municipality, received by mayors, deputy mayors and/or selected representatives.

The committee has maintained the importance of being celebratory, responsible and resourceful when planning for the 40th Anniversary of Belize's Independence and the 223rd Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. All members were enthusiastic about this year's celebrations. Understanding the importance of adhering to the COVID-19 regulations, the committee pledged to encourage their stakeholders and people of their municipality to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This will allow us to remain safe while we celebrate, provide a platform for our cultural and creative sector and rebuild our economy.

2021 September Celebrations Theme Announced!
"Belize @ 40: Hopeful Hearts, Steady Hands, Together We Rise."

Launching Of The National September Celebrations 2021Launched In Orange Walk
Starts at about 48 minutes, start was delayed

The theme for this year's September celebrations is, "Belize@40:Hopeful Hearts, Steady Hands, Together We Rise." In their addresses at the official opening of the September celebrations, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Chairman of the National Celebrations Committee, and Orange Walk's Mayor Ladrick Sheppard focused on the meaning behind the theme and its relevance to all Belizeans.

Belize @ 40 "Together We Rise" LIVE Concert


The National Celebrations Commission presents the second educational video on the flag with a focus on the Coat of Arms.

National Assembly Marks 40th Anniversary of Belize's Independence

The National Assembly of Belize commemorates the celebration of Belize's Independence through a few initiatives designed to signify this important milestone in the history of Belize.

It was 40 years ago commencing in February 1981 that Belize embarked on countrywide consultations on the proposed constitution of Belize which culminated with the debates in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The House meetings on 14th and 28th August 1981, were presided by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Charles Hyde, M.B.E. and the presiding officer for the Senate meeting of 1" September 1981 was Hon. William Coffin. All national symbols of the country, the national seal and membership as an independent country in key international organizations such as the Commonwealth Nations and the United Nations among others were affirmed. The Commencement Date was 21" September 1981. The Father of the Nation, National Hero Rt. Hon. George Price, led the country on this journey to becoming a sovereign, independent nation with its territory intact and he led the discussions in parliament to establish Belize's constitution. The architects of the Belize Constitution Bill, 1981 were Hon. V. H. Courtney, team lead, and members, Hon. Said W. Musa, Hon. Assad Shoman and Hon. C. L. B. Rogers.

Today, the National Assembly has digitized the White Paper on the Proposed Constitution of Belize, the Report of the Joint Select Committee on the proposed terms of the constitution of an independent Belize, the countrywide consultations by district and the subsequent debates in the House and the Senate. These historical records are now publicly available and easily accessible to all Belizeans, at home and abroad, academia, and organizations through the website of the National Assembly (www.nationalassembly.gov.bz).

Hon. Carolyn Trench Sandiford, President of the Senate, stated "The Constitution of Belize is the most important document in our history. It is the essence of who we are. Its ideals define us. It is the raison d' etre of our very existence. It is only fitting and timely therefore, that on the 40th year of independence, as we reflect on the Belize of the future, that this document, the process that led to the drafting of it, and the people who made their contributions to it, be known, and that it be accessible by all. Now, this and the next generation, can appreciate its genesis, and the powers contained in it, to deliver on the promise of a better quality of life for all Belizeans".

Additionally, the National Celebrations Committee through the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in partnership with the imagiNATION factri and the National Assembly of Belize commissioned two (2) works of visual art for the 40th anniversary of Belize's Independence. These are now prominently displayed at the entrance of the Assembly Building. One of the works is a multi-media quilt using fabric and mixed media entitled "Independence da EVERYDAY People" which is the collaborative effort of artists Mercy Sabal from Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, and Katie Numi Usher from Ladyville Village, Belize District. Mercy Sabal has been making art since the early 1980s and is part of the first generation of Belizean visual artists post 1981 independence. Katie Numi Usher is one of the leading contemporary artists in the creative landscape of Belize.

The other visual artwork is a flint stone sculpture entitled "Flint Humans". It was created by Anthony' Rojo" Vacaro Sr, Anthony Vacaro Jr and Mark Vacaro from Maskall Village, Belize District. The piece is made from CHERT flint, a unique type of rock specific to the Maskall area in Belize along with marble and limestone. The Vacaro family has been doing sculpture art in Belize for over 40 years. The visual artworks form a part of the national art collection of Belize.

Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated "The visual art demonstrates the diversity and richness of our Belizean identity. And digitizing the debates and consultations on the Constitution brings 1981 alive and accessible to all. There is much to be learnt from the pages of the past. It is particularly instructive for our young people and future leaders of Belize on the importance of finding that balance needed in development. As we look ahead to the next 40 years, history has taught us we all have a shared responsibility in building a better nation, a more resilient one and a more inclusive one".

The Official Wreath Laying Ceremony on the 10th Anniversary of the passing of the Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George C. Price. 1919 - 2011.




Belize at 40! Independence Day Speech by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Candice A. Pitts

Ambassador Dr. Candice Pitts delivers Opening Remarks at the Virtual Independence Day Ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, to commemorate Belize 40th Independence Day. September 17, 2021.

Remembering Rt. Hon. George Price, Father of the Nation.
We are reposting one of our videos from the "Appointment with History" series, produced earlier this year. Each video in the series captures a lesson from the Father of the Nation. On this National Service Day, we share his lesson of humility.