After spending last week talking numbers, development and the state of the economy, Prime Minister John Briceño used the Independence Day stage to speak about something far more personal: what it means to be Belizean. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Look at me. I am Belize at 45,” the Prime Minister celebrated the resilience, talent and determination of the Belizean people. He also looked ahead to a future he hopes will finally be free from Guatemala’s territorial claim.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“To say, “Look at me, I am Belize,” is to stand proudly in our Belizean identity. It is to recognize that Belize lives within each of us. In the farmer who works the land, the fisher who ventures out to sea, the teacher who shapes young minds, the entrepreneur who creates opportunities, the public officer who serves with integrity, the union leader who looks out for the rights of our nation’s laborers, and all those hard-working Belizeans who continue to the growth – who contribute to the growth of our nation The world must know us not only for our natural beauty, our barrier reef, the Blue Hole, and our rich cultural heritage, but also for the resilience, the talent, and determination of our people. On the seventeenth of September, we were informed that starting in February 2027, the International Court of Justice will hear oral presentations in the case between Guatemala and Belize, and will then hear oral presentation in the Belize-Honduras case. For too long, our borders have been disputed by our neighbor, Guatemala. We look forward to the end of this process when we believe Belize will be vindicated and we can strengthen and enhance relations with the government and the great Guatemalan people.”
Prime Minister Briceño also paid homage to the late Gwendolyn Lizarraga, identifying her as a good example for young people to emulate, using her skills for nation building.
Politics Disrupts Independence Unity in Punta Gorda
Independence Day is supposed to be one of the few occasions when politics takes a back seat to patriotism. In recent years, national leaders have deliberately separated political speeches from the September 21 celebrations, hoping to keep the focus on unity and national pride. But in Punta Gorda, that effort appeared to unravel when a local political exchange interrupted the spirit of the occasion. What began as a ceremonial address quickly turned into a war of words after comments from UDP mayoral candidate Frank Polonio drew a sharp response from Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez. Standing before dignitaries, students and residents gathered to celebrate Belize’s nationhood, Martinez fired back with pointed accusations of his own, transforming a moment meant to bring people together into an unexpected political confrontation.
Frank “Kranka” Polonio
Frank “Kranka” Polonio, Mayoral Candidate, UDP
“So many Belizeans cannot afford to own a piece of land. What is independence when our young people cannot find opportunity? What is independence when families cannot afford bills? What is independence when teachers have to beg the public for classroom supplies? What is independence when assistance meant for children families can become entangled in political connections? What is independence when political connections determine who gets ahead? What is independence when our young people feel the system does not work for them? Belize belongs to all of us, not just a chosen few. We cannot build a stronger Belize if corruption is allowed to flourish without consequences. The people deserve answers regarding allegations surrounding the Toledo Teachers Credit Union. The people deserve answers regarding allegations involving millions of dollars and one family. And when questions are raised, the answer cannot simply be silence.”
Osmond Martinez
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative, Toledo East
“I will tell you this, and I didn’t want it to go this low. He spoke about land. Right in front of him, I can tell you, I got his land paper for him. Now, for six years, he was the deputy mayor and you know what happened? He had to sue the town council, Carlos Galvez town council, so that they can pay his stipend because his own town council was unable to pay a stipend. In two years, I have been serving the Toledo East along with Carlos and his town council, and I want him to show me and compare the work that he did in six years compared to the work that we have done in the last two years in Punta Gorda. They discriminated against the Mayan communities, and they still continue to discriminate when he’s campaigning against our candidate, Mauricio, because he’s a Mayan descendant. That should never happen from a leader who calls himself to be a leader.”
Martinez declined further comment, saying Polonio’s negative address forced him to respond despite being invited in a show of unity.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
