2018 Speech

2018

Independence Day Vigil

Presidential Speech

Belize Da Fi Wi – Now & Forever, 8867

Good night and welcome once again my fellow colleagues to JP2. I begin with addressing this year’s theme “Belize Da Fi Wi – Now & Forever, 8867”. A fun fact about this theme is that it is from Corozal resident Fernanda Tun who was this year’s winner of the theme competition. Technicalities aside, let us dive into the past for a brief moment…

What if George price did not start the movement for independence? What if the start of the "peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution" on 29 September 1950 had not started? Where would we be? Imagine speaking to others about how oppressive the colonial rule of the British is, or imagine a Guatemalan rule, no diversity, and just Hispanic culture. No more rice and beans, just Chile, tortillas and frijol every day, all day!

So, I ask all those present here today…       

(LOOK AROUND AT EVERYONE AND SMILE)

Are we grateful for what he did?

It may not seem like much, he did not assemble an army, he did not go into battle, and he did not shed a drop of blood. However, He did fight, he fought for this…

(OPEN ARMS IN GESTURE OF BROTHERHOOD)

For us.

Belize has a small and friendly population, with about Three hundred and fifty five thousand (355,000) people living in an area the size of Massachusetts, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, an average of 15 per square kilometer. Belize is also universally known as having a very friendly population renowned for their amicability and hospitality. I want JP2 to be described likewise, we have a small population, but we also have a friendly population, a population that is unified. I want this unity to define us so that we may become renowned! To be renowned for the love we offer and the distinction of men and women of character that we are. We are the future faces that will run smaller communities like families or perhaps even run this nation one day. Therefore I urge you all to give back to your brethren and show Belize what John Paul the Second Junior College instills in you. Friends… JP2 is your second home inside this beautiful jewel that is Belize, I end in saying… Belize Da Fi Wi – Now & Forever, 8867