Tonight we note the passing of Belize's first Governor General, Dr. Dame Minister Gordon. She died in Inglewood, California on New Year's Day, two days after her 90th birthday.
Dame Minita was Governor General from 1981 to 1993, and was a pioneer at the time becaming the first woman in the Commonwealth to assume the role.
Prime Minister John Briceño and the Government of Belize have expressed condolences to her family and friends.
And, her successor, Dr. Colville Young also expressed his condolences calling her, quote, "a lady of great talent and charm who served her nation with patriotic dedication and wisdom earning everyone's praise and gratitude." End quote.
Dr. Dame Minita was an accomplished scholar with multiple degrees and is noted as Belize's first trained Belizean psychologist.
She was also an avid supporter of the girl guides and a lifetime member of the Red Cross.
She became Governor General at the age of forty-six and succeeded James P. I. Hennessy, the last Governor of Belize, in becoming the first Governor-General of Belize at Independence.
