PRESS RELEASE
The National Assembly Marks the 40th Anniversary year of Belize’s Independence
—15th September 2021— 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 August 14th and 28th 1981 were presided by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Charles Hyde, M.B.E. and the presiding officer for the senate meeting of September 1st 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 September 21st 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.