CARICOM, Central American flags fly alongside Belize National Flag at Flag Monument in Belize City

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The flags of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) countries are now flying at the Flag Monument at the northern entrance to Belize City. This follows a joint CARICOM-SICA flag-raising ceremony held on Wednesday morning by the Belize City Council.

The Belize City Council stated that the ceremony was a re-dedication of the 24-year-old monument, symbolizing the strong ties Belize shares with its Caribbean and Central American neighbors, and highlighting regional integration in economic, social, and political development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca, the invited speaker for the occasion, emphasized the unique position of Belize.

“Belize is a unique country because geographically we’re located in Central America. We’re a part of the Central American family but of course we have long historical ties to the Caribbean. Belize is the only country, the only English-speaking country in Central America and that has given us the opportunity to belong to both of these organizations. It’s a unique opportunity for a country like Belize,” Fonseca told Breaking Belize News

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca – Photo Credit: Jaleen Santos/Pallotti High School

Fonseca highlighted the importance of this dual membership.

“When we talk about being a bridge between CARICOM and Central America, it’s the reality for Belize because we belong to both organizations and both organizations have played a very important role in Belize’s development; in our economic development, in our social development, in our political development,” he said.

Fonseca noted that Belize is developing closer ties with both communities.

“We have very, very close ties with CARICOM but I think over the past few years, in particular, I think we have developed much stronger and closer ties with our Central American neighbours,” Fonseca said.

“I think there’s a great opportunity there for partnership in terms of economic development projects that will benefit Belize.”

Master of Ceremonies Michael Fritz II underlined the significance of collaboration.

“By working together, these regions can enhance the economic growth, social development, and cultural exchange, fostering a stronger, more resilient community,” Fritz said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca, with Pallotti High School students – Photo Credit: Rubén Morales Iglesias

The ceremony was well-attended, including Minister Fonseca, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform, and Religious Affairs Henry Charles Usher, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, the ambassadors of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, the Charge d’Affaires of Panama, Belize City Councillors, and students from Edward Percival Yorke High School, Pallotti High School, and Nazarene High School.

Mayor Wagner added that the Flag Monument symbolizes the spirit of unity, pride, and friendship shared across the region.

“This monument was originally created to honour the vibrant and diverse ties that Belize shares with our Caribbean and Central American neighbors,” Mayor Wagner said.

“Positioned here in the heart of Belize City it symbolizes our region’s warm connections and shared goals.”

Wagner also mentioned that the Belize Scouts would continue raising the regions’ flags daily alongside the Belize flag.

“These flags remind us that we are not alone in our struggles or triumphs; we share them with our neighbors. The flags around this monument may be made of cloth but they hold the dreams and ambitions of millions and millions across the Caribbean and Central America,” Mayor Wagner added.

Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner – Photo Credit: Jaleen Santos/Pallotti High School

“Today as we gather at the junction of the Philip S.W. Goldson Highway, we not only raise the flags of our neighbouring countries but also list our aspirations for regional cooperation and shared prosperity,” Belize City Councillor Stephanie Hamilton remarked

“The flags being raised not only represent the unity and value of member nations but also the hopes of our people. CARICOM with its mission of economic integration and social development has a pillar of strength for the Caribbean. Similarly, SICA embodies our collective desire for collaboration in Central America focusing on sustainable development, peace, and security.”

In closing, Minister Fonseca expressed his honour in recognizing the contributions of CARICOM and SICA.

“I’m very, very honoured to join you for this flag-raising recognition of two outstanding regional organizations, CARICOM, the Caribbean Community nations, and SICA, the Central American Integration body. Belize is a proud member of both organizations. This is a unique feature of Belize’s foreign policy and our regional status,” he stated.

“Geographically, we are, of course, a part of Central America and the strong influence of our Central American brothers and sisters, who have made Belize their home, can be seen and felt all across our country. At the same time, we have strong historical ties with CARICOM and our Creole and Garifuna cultures are deeply intertwined with our Caribbean brother and sisters,’ Minister Fonseca said.

“CARICOM has always been a true friend and partnered in Belize struggle for self-government and independence and today they remain a consistent voice in support of Belize’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity.”

CARICOM and Central American flags at the Flag Monument in Belize  – Photo Credit: Natalee Saravia/Pallotti High School