And while OJ Elrington is stepping aside - the march of history continues for the country's two major mass parties. The UDP made news about its 49th anniversary and today was the turn for the ruling Peoples United Party, which celebrates 72 years.
On September 29th, 1950, during the start of the nationalist push for Self-Government, National Hero George Price and his peers formed the People's Committee, the organization that would go on to become the PUP that Belizeans know today.
Here's what the PUP's Kareem Musa had to say about the milestone of the organization that has held power for 18 of Belize's 41 years of independence:
Hon. Kareem Musa, Min. of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
"I want to take this opportunity to wish all members of our great People's United Party a very happy birthday. Happy anniversary. This is the party of Mr. Price. It is the party of development, progress, and, of course, independence. And the party that is best suited to rebound. In terms of our economy and bolstering our economy, we have a track record of that. As you can see, each year for pupils in office, there is a surplus, unlike the United Democratic Party. But it's a very proud moment for us to be celebrated celebrating today. We will be celebrating in our respective constituencies. I'll be going, of course, to Caribbean shores and awarding one of our constituents with the George Price Service Award. That, for us, is what it really is all about: humble service to the people of Belize and at the same time acknowledging those around us who have that very same drive, that very same commitment to uplifting our country."
Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, what are your thoughts on those Belizeans who take the view that the PUP of today isn't connected or as connected to its social justice roots as when it first began but has become even more liberal - that favorite neocolonial classification has been attached to?"
Hon. Kareem Musa, Min. of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
"I don't see it through that lens, Daniel. I believe we are still very much connected to our social justice roots. It may be a different version in terms of enabling our people to become independent themselves. And so, as I was saying earlier, a lot of our focus is on education. A lot of our focus is on good housing and improving the health care system of our people, not necessarily handouts, but rather hand-ups. I think that is where we want to be as a government and as a party. That is our focus, helping people become independent instead of just being dependent on governments."
