Don't look now but the September celebrations are right around the bend. This year we will celebrate the 208th anniversary of the battle of St. George's Caye and the 25th anniversary of our independence. And with September comes a 22 day long party. This morning we found out how big that party will be for Belize's silver anniversary.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The celebrating begins on September 1st but this morning Minister of Tourism and Chair of the Celebrations Committee Godfrey Smith, Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya, and NICH boss Yasser Musa sat at the head table for the launch of the program of activities for the September celebrations. First was an unveiling of the theme by public relations officer Daedra Isaacs-Haylock.
Daedra Isaacs-Haylock, Public Relations Officer
"The theme for this year signified how we felt as Belizeans, proud; how old we were as a Belizean nation, 25; and also that we were a nation young
but vibrant, alive. And it was also very catching because we could easily translate it into the different ethnic languages in Belize and we could use it, as Yasser would call it, as a vehicle to promote ourselves during the September celebrations and I am sure Mr. Rene will do justice pronouncing this theme for me after we are finished but I am going to make an effort: 'A nation alive, a people with pride. Belize at 25."
The winning theme was submitted by Victor Cucul from Belmopan who made full use of his 15 seconds of fame.
Victor Cucul, Submitted Winning Theme
"I did not expect this. I was told to be here at ten o'clock but being here with my fellow Belizeans I feel even more blessed."
And while the theme is one thing - the list of events is another. For the first time the events are listed in this thirteen page full color booklet. You can call it a playbill; it lists all events in all districts along with
the date, place, and entrance fee. The book spans all 21 days of celebrations starting with the official launch on September first and ending with an awards ceremony on September 22nd. The committee's vice-Chairman Yasser Musa highlighted some of the activities from the 1st to the tenth and you can see the program of activities online.
And before you ask, the massive twentieth night reggae concert with TOK, Tony Matteron, and Anthony B. isn't listed on the official program because.
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Chairman
"Very early on we took the decision that we wanted to put on the official calendar only Belizean events. It didn't mean that other international events or occasions couldn't be celebrated but those would not find themselves on the official calendar on this 25th anniversary."
Most of the "local" celebration will center around the carnival. The road march is on the ninth of September but the party started in July. Edith Tesecum is the Carnival Association's Public Relations Officer.
Edith Tesecum, Carnival Association
"Carnival season has officially kicked off since the first of July.
We are in carnival season. We are doing as much work as we can for carnival. The bands are making their costumes, we're pushing the music on the different radio stations. This week we have a motorcade that is this Saturday. It starts at four pm and it goes through the streets of Belize and after that Sunday we have the lottery pick all day at the Bird's Isle. We will have that throughout the day, we will have booths out there, food, drinks, and of course you will have people out there in their carnival costumes and they will be showcasing what they have to offer this September ninth. Next week we have the Carnival King and Queen competition and after that it is the road march and jouvert which we know you guys will be out there."
And Godfrey Smith says you should be too. Today he sat shoulder to shoulder with one of his political rivals, City Mayor Zenaida Moya, he told us why for 22 days we should put aside all the scandals, all the divisions, and all the fuss.
KS: _Why should we forget all our worries and just party this September?
Hon. Godfrey Smith,
"Because we are human beings and all human begins like to celebrate, like to be happy especially if there are events to look forward to and as you can see, from a mere cursory look at the calendar, there is more than enough in terms of food, in terms of culture, in terms of music, in terms of exhibitions, art, and culture from north to south and east to west, pageants, music--there is a lot to look forward to."
Looking forward to 22 days of celebrating.
Again, the theme for this year's September celebrations is "A Nation Alive, A People with Pride, Belize at 25." Victor Cucul who submitted the winning theme received a one thousand dollar cash prize. Again, official activities don't begin until September first but the Carnival motorcade is this Saturday and the Lotto pick is Sunday.
