While the history of the so-called Battle of St. George's Caye may never be well settled, the date on which it is commemorated, The Tenth of September is written on the cornerstone of Belizean history.
That date has been observed annually with parades and revelry, probably since September 10th, 1898, when Simon Lamb assembled patriots good and true at the corner of North Front Street and Hyde's Lane for a parade to the Government House.
But, on September 10, 2020 - thanks to COVID 19 - the streets were as slow as a Sunday, and quiet as a sleeping army: no parades, no marches, no nothing, really.
Just a quiet, low key ceremony - fittingly - at the Government House, now called the House of Culture. That ceremony was sent to Belize virtually, since the public could not be invited. We have a few excerpts from the 2-and-a-half-hour event held to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Saint George's Caye Day.
Here's what the keynote speakers had to say about what message the Tenth has for the very challenging times we are currently living in:
Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City
"Belizeans, we know, in the midst of this immense social, economic, and health emergency, we must continue to practice the urgency of service, the urgency of love for others. We know that this virus is a clear and present danger, and to survive, to strive, and to succeed, we must show resilience now, more than ever. This is why our theme for this year's celebration, 'Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans Unit for Prosperity', is such an important message."
Hon. Patrick Faber - Chair, National Celebrations Commission
"In the past, our ancestors faced oppressive colonial rule. They also faced hurricanes. They also faced yellow fever and cholera. They faced world wars, discrimination, and economic depression. They faced expulsion from Belize. And the indigenous peoples faced warfare and genocide. Make no mistake, my fellow Belizeans. The celebrate during the months of September: the Battle of George's Caye, the independence movement, and other events teach us, like our ancestors, we will face the challenges of our generation, and must do so worthy. 2020 has not been an easy year, given the COVID-19 pandemic, and a very inopportune hurricane called Nana. These unprecedented situations have left many bewildered and battered. And just as it was in 1798, the odds are stacked against us. But again, like that time, we have many brave Belizeans, who in their valiancy, have encouraged us all to stand and to fight in defense of our jewel."
