statue in honour of right honourable george cadle price - father of the nation
About the statue
Commissioned for design and sculpture in mid-2023 by the Hon. Anthony Mahler (via the Belize Tourism Board) this bronze sculpture “Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Father of the Nation” is a symbol of the immortal legacy Price left to Belize. Made by sculptor Mr. Stephen Okeke, this statue forms a center piece at Belize City’s Battlefield Park. This is a place fitting for the statue of someone who led the fight for Belize’s Independence.
The design focusses on both Price’s legacy as a statesman but also as a humanitarian making him a well-rounded and charismatic leader. As a Statesman, the statue portrays him in his more active political years. He is dressed as a true diplomat in his signature Guayabera shirt, dress pants and dress shoes. As an avid reader, an informed and learned leader, Price can be seen carrying a Belize Times (a national newspaper of the time) in one hand. With the other hand he affectionately waves at passersby. The wave is one done with an open hand, symbolizing his welcoming disposition. Price can be seen with this kind but firm look in his eyes.
This public monument was officially unveiled on September 18th, 2024. It will serve as visual dialogue of national inspiration for generations to come.
Biography & Awards
The Father of The Nation
A Belizean statesman who served as the head of government
of Belize from 1961 to 1984 and 1989 to 1993. He was the
first minister and premier under British rule until
independence in 1981 and was the nation’s first prime
minister after independence that year. He is considered one
of the principal architects of Belizean independence. Today
he is referred to by many as the “Father of the Nation”. Price
effectively dominated Belizean politics from the early 1960s
until his 1996 retirement from party leadership, having been
the nation’s head of government under various titles for most
of that period.
He entered politics in 1947 with his election to the Belize City
Council. In 1949, with the devaluation of the British Honduran
dollar he, together with a group of citizens, formed the
People’s Committee. It was the start of the “peaceful,
constructive Belizean revolution”. On 29 September 1950, he
co-founded the People’s United Party, which he led for four
decades and which was devoted to the political and
economic independence of the British colony Belize, then
known as British Honduras.
1944
Entered politics and lost his 1st election.
Won 1st election in 1947 on Town Council elected for 6 terms
1950
George Price forms People’s United Party Along With Others.
He is Secretary General until 1956
1965
Member of the House of Representatives.
1965 – 1984 and 1989 – 2003
1973
Name British Honduras changed to
Belize
The colony’s name was changed to Belize in anticipation of independence.
1981
September 21 – Independence
George Price becomes Belize’s 1st Prime Minister 1981 – 1984 and 1989 – 1993
1996
George Price steps aside as Party Leader
Said Musa becomes Party Leader.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Hon. George Cadle Price’s Achievements
After several months of negotiations with Great Britain and Guatemala, Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981
In September 2000, Price became the first person to receive Belize's highest honour, the Order of National Hero, for the prominent role he played in leading his country to independence.
The OCC award is one of the highest honours awarded by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Caribbean region in various fields,
National Prayer of Belize
as written by george price
National Anthem of Belize (As Sung by George Cadle Price
Quotes and Speeches (by George Price)
Poem By George Price
Belizeans: Unite to build our nation
Builders, why do you stand looking out to sea?
We have worked all night and worked all day
building this new nation.
While we build, the rivers flood the roads,
the forests choke the tamed earth,
the underground waters flee the thirsty field.
We have worked all day and worked all night.
The builders await the sunrise,
They seek new strength.
Building is a task for giants
Little people tried and turned away.
The giant builders must save the land
And stay the creeping forests A
And halt the fleeing waters.
The sun rises from the life-giving sea.
Its glory fills the beauty and the bounty of our Belizean land.
There, the swampland;
There, the rising fertile plain;
Shining lake and glowing mountain;
Failure past, present growth and future greatness.
Belizean builders: see the living beauty,
the teeming bounty, the soul-moving glory.
Look east where rain clouds move inland
to quench the thirsty fields.
The sun’s warmth and quickening rays
staunch the floods and enrich the fields.
Look west, Belizean builders. See the shining mountain
and the jeweled city of Mopan radiating
life and love and hope and joy.
The sun rose. A new day. The past is present and
the present future. The earth beneath upholds the land.
There, not buried but founded,
Lie Belizean patriots. Not bones on arid plain that once became all
They are alive. Their spirit moves the Belizean man.
They call forth the new Belize.
First in whispered messages then in thundering call:
Belizeans: unite to build our nation.
Road To Independence
Struggle For Indepence
1950 - 1954
People's Committee and Flag
The People’s Committee formed
The Belizean flag is presented to the people
The People’s Committee dissolved and the People’s United Party is born
The Flag is adopted by the PUP – then called the Baymen Flag
Agreement to restore the settlement name of “Belize” – previously British Honduras
Universal Adult Suffrage achieved in Belize
1958
George Price Tried for Sedition
Colonialists tried to have Premier Price imprisoned before visit by Princess Margaret
Minister Price welcomes Princess Margaret at City entrance with a show of strength of his PUP
1960 - 1970
Building Up Steam
National Independence party is formed
the party joins the PUP to form the United Front which goes and returns from London with a Ministerial Constitution
First Minister Price goes to Santiago de Chile and gains Belize admission to be an associate of the ECLA
First Anglo – Guatemalan talks held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Not one square centimetre” – Minister Price. Further talks held in Miami
London Self Government Constitution
In 1964 – Belize becomes Self Governing and George Price becomes first Premier
1971
CARIFTA to Caricom
Belize Joins CARIFTA – known today as CARICOM
Join CARICOM in 1973
1975
Friends of Belize
Between 1975 and 1980 Belize opens its mission at the UN to get support for Independence
Panama Votes for Belize – General Omar Torrijos visits Belize
More than One Hundred countries voted YES
Belize’s aspirations were boosted by vote of Yes from the United States of America
A total of 139 countries voted YES for Belize Independence – Resolution set to the end of 1981 as deadline for this achievement
1981 July
Preparations For Independence
Intensified efforts were made to solve Anglo – Guatemalan disputes.
Guatemala withdraws from negotiations
Alternative route discussed by Premier Price in London
On July 26 – Premier Price announces the date for Independence on the radio
1981 - Sept 21
Union Jack is Lowered
The Union Jack is lowered and the Belizean flag is hoisted as the world welcomed the new nation of Belize
George Price, 1965
“May truth, peace, and kindness be yours to share with others, to uplift and quicken our Belizean values and to flourish and enhance our Central American land, the new Belize by the Carib Sea.”
