The controversy surrounding George Price Day

Posted: Friday, January 15, 2021. 7:12 pm CST.

By BBN Staff: George Price Day was celebrated today in Belize for the time. This heavily anticipated, and extensively debated day has been embraced and opposed by Belizeans far and wide. Many would ask, “What is the controversy surrounding this day?” Arguments from Belizeans have suggested that to dedicate the day as a national public and bank holiday was beyond unnecessary while there are those who have been advocates for the day for some time now. The Rt Hon George Price is the father of this great nation, Belize. He is credited with leading Belize to independence in a peaceful, diplomatic fashion. Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price served as the First Minister and Premier under British rule up to the country’s independence in 1981. Afterwards, he served as the nation’s first Prime Minister championing Belize and its people onto a social justice path. There is no doubt that throughout his lifetime, Price achieved more than can be summed up.

On one end of the spectrum are some notable Belizean Public figures who have voiced their opinions against the holiday. One of which is attorney, Audrey B. Matura, who stated in the caption of one of her recent live videos, “George Price deserves to be honored, but in the way that is befitting to the way he lived and led this country!… not with another national holiday!” She further said that the right way to honor Belize’s Father of the Nation, would be to have the day dedicated to productivity which is what the late Hon Price stood for. She further mentioned that another holiday would only encourage Belizeans to be unproductive. 

Another popular opinion against the holiday would be one coming from those who believe the holiday is just another political ploy by the current PUP government to glorify and politicize one national hero over another, namely over Philip Goldson. As the leader of the opposition Patrick Faber stated in the recent House of Representatives meeting, “There has been a continuous attempt on the part of the People’s United Party, especially when they are in government to play up one national hero over the other national hero. It should be indisputable that both of these men contributed greatly to Belize’s development and that is why they are both designated as national heroes.”

In arguments siding in agreement with the implementation of George Price Day, there is Pastor Louis M Wade Jr who posted, “This nation has and will have many HEROES…But there is only ONE “Father of our Nation”. Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price…”

Across social media, arguments are split down the middle at best some people arguing for the holiday and others arguing against. Today, January 15, 2021, marks the first ever George Price Day in Belize. As for whether or not this holiday was indeed necessary, we leave that for you to decide. We encourage our readers to take into account the Covid-19 protocols as set forth by the government while enjoying their long weekend.

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