By: Omar Silva

Editor/Publisher: National Perspective Bz – Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Thursday 16th January 2025

EDITORIAL: underscores the urgency of the situation while positioning George Price’s ideals as a beacon for Belize’s transformative potential.

As the world shifts towards a multipolar order, where nations like China, India, Brazil, and others are challenging traditional Western dominance, Belize finds itself grappling with a political system deeply rooted in its colonial past. For 43 years since independence, Belize has been governed by two political parties—the People's United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP)—neither of which has demonstrated the vision, courage, or initiative to chart a transformative path forward. Instead, our leaders remain mired in subservience to foreign aid and economic assistance that often come tethered to foreign influence.

A Colonial Legacy Unchanged

Belize’s governance is still shackled by the vestiges of colonialism. The system thrives on outdated political practices that prioritize control over empowerment, dependence over independence, and superficial progress over genuine transformation. Successive administrations have failed to make bold, radical changes to catapult Belize into an era of true economic sovereignty. Instead, they cling to the colonial mindset of subordination, accepting foreign aid and assistance as if Belizeans cannot chart their own destiny.

The Extractive Class: Politics for the Few

A critical factor stifling Belize’s progress is the dominance of the extractive class—an elite group within our political parties that prioritizes self-enrichment and political financiers over the needs of the people. This class not only manipulates the selection of candidates but also undermines the democratic process by sidelining the collective voice of Belizeans. Political power has become a commodity, traded for influence and wealth, while the ideals of service and nationalism are ignored.

A Multipolar World: Opportunity or Challenge?

In a rapidly changing multipolar world, nations that adapt and innovate will thrive. Belize, however, risks being left behind. While other nations embrace policies that prioritize self-reliance, industrialization, and economic empowerment, Belize continues to tread water, relying on external assistance rather than fostering local growth. This existential disrespect—accepting aid as a crutch rather than a tool for development—must end.

George Price’s Vision as a Blueprint

George Cadle Price, the Father of the Nation, envisioned a Belize built on nationalism, social justice, economic development, and unity. His philosophy emphasized empowering Belizeans, fostering self-sufficiency, and rejecting dependency. Yet, over the decades, his ideals have been relegated to mere rhetoric, used by politicians for convenience rather than inspiration.

What Belize needs is a political revolution—not one of chaos, but of ideas. A transformation that prioritizes:

• Economic Sovereignty: Develop tailored economic models for each district, leveraging their unique ethnic realities, cultures, and industries. For example, aquaculture in Toledo, agro-industries in the north, and tourism innovations in the Cayes.
• Radical Political Reform: Empower the people to directly select candidates who represent their communities, breaking the stranglehold of party elites and financiers.
• Industrialization and Manufacturing: Invest in industries that create jobs and stimulate local economies, reducing reliance on imports and fostering sustainable growth.
• Education for Innovation: Shift education from rote learning to skill development, equipping Belizeans to compete in the global economy.
• True Nationalism: Unite Belizeans around a shared vision of progress, transcending ethnic and political divides.

A Call for Action

Belize cannot afford another 43 years of stagnation. The world is not waiting for us to catch up. The time has come to demand leaders who embody George Price’s ideals and philosophy—leaders who will prioritize the people of Belize over the interests of the extractive class. We must reject the colonial relics of our governance and embrace a transformative path forward.

The People’s Role

This transformation will not come from the top—it must come from the people. Conscious-minded voters must insist on change, scrutinize candidates, and hold leaders accountable. Let us implement the ideals of George Cadle Price, not as relics of the past but as a roadmap for the future.

Conclusion

In a fast-changing multipolar world, Belize has the opportunity to redefine its place on the global stage. But to do so, we must first break free from the chains of our colonial political system and the extractive practices of our political elites. The choice is ours: continue down the path of dependency and decline, or rise as a nation united by a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Let us choose the latter, for the sake of our future and the generations to come.