By Omar Silva

Editor: National Perspective Bz DIGITAL 2024

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Wednesday 2nd October 2024

On September 29th, 1950, the People’s United Party (PUP) was born, planting the seeds of nationalism in the hearts of British Hondurans, who were then colonial subjects. It was a movement led by George Price, who ignited an anti-colonial cry for an independent Belize. Fourteen years later, Price and the PUP achieved internal self-government, setting the stage for what would be the crowning achievement: Belize's political independence in 1981.

George Price, the Father of the Nation, was a man of vision, seeing far beyond the immediate goal of political independence. He travelled the length and breath of Belize, often by horseback or dorey, laying the groundwork for a nation not only free from British rule but one that could stand on its own economically. His vision extended to economic independence, with four pillars he believed would carry Belize into prosperity through industrialization, manufacturing, and self-sustenance.

However, today’s political landscape shows a stark contrast to that vision. While the PUP celebrates its 74th anniversary, the party seems to have forgotten the principles Price laid out. After 31 years of struggles and triumphs under Price, the dream of economic independence remains unfulfilled at 43. Belize has yet to industrialize, and the manufacturing base that once showed promise has crumbled.

Factories that could have been the backbone of economic independence—such as Libertad Sugar Mill, Williamson Industries, and Nova Shrimp Farms—have vanished, leaving Belize more dependent on imports than ever. Meanwhile, the tourism industry, touted as the 'golden goose,' faces its own challenges, with neighbouring destinations in Mexico showing declines in tourist arrivals. Belize’s tourism sector is similarly struggling, yet the government clings to hope, promising upgrades to the Philip Goldson International Airport that are years away from fruition.

Instead of building on Price’s vision for a self-sufficient Belize, today’s politicians appear more focused on personal gain. The government seems more concerned with staying in power and maintaining the status quo rather than fulfilling the PUP's founding mission of serving the people and securing Belize’s economic future. The PUP’s 74th National Party Council meeting was more about political survival and less about real progress.

Prime Minister John Briceño's recent remarks highlight the disconnect between the promises of service and the realities on the ground. He speaks of "building on what we have done," but the achievements he refers to are far from the transformative vision George Price once held. Economic independence remains a distant dream as Belize continues to rely on industries controlled by a few and import more than it exports.

At its core, the problem lies in the shift from a party of national progress to one of personal enrichment. The PUP once represented hope and a path toward true economic independence. Today, the party’s leadership seems more preoccupied with managing decline than pursuing growth. The upcoming elections in 2025 offer a critical moment for reflection: will the PUP realign with Price’s vision, or will it continue down the path of self-interest?

George Price's dream for Belize was one of social-justice, solidarity, progress, and independence—not just political but economic. As the party he built turns 74, Belizeans must ask themselves if today’s leaders can ever measure up to the man who dedicated his life to a better Belize. The answer, unfortunately, seems increasingly clear.