By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 21, 2024 — On behalf of the United States of America, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today extend his “warmest congratulations to the people of Belize on the 43rd anniversary of your independence,” Blinken said in an official statement on the State Department’s website and posted on the Internet.
“September 21 serves not only as an opportunity to recognize Belize’s independence, but also to celebrate the strong partnership between the United States and Belize, Blinken said. “Our enduring bond is anchored by our shared commitments to democratic values, the rule of law, and respect for human rights for all. Our values-based partnership is exemplified in our joint work, and in Belize’s noteworthy leadership in supporting humane migration management through the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, as well as serving as President Pro Tempore of the Regional Conference on Migration.”
The US Secretary of State added, “Our respective and joint efforts to combat transnational crime and address climate change help ensure future generations of our peoples have a safe, secure, and clean future. Finally, we are proud of our shared efforts to support generational, sustainable, and responsible economic development with the recent signing of the $125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Belize Compact, a joint undertaking made possible because of our deep collaboration. The United States congratulates Belize and Belizeans everywhere as they celebrate their 43rd Independence Day.”
Geographically located on the north-eastern coast of Central America, Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast.
A member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Belize is considered part of the Caribbean region and the British West Indies.
The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 150 and AD 300 and flourished until about 1200. European contact began in 1502–04 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. European exploration was begun by English settlers in 1638, and both Spain and Great Britain laid claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spain in the Battle of St. George’s Caye 1798.
It subsequently became a British colony in 1840, and a Crown colony in 1862. Belize achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981, and is the only mainland Central American country with a governor-general.
Oswald T. Brown is the Press Attache at the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C.
