How to celebrate national identity

We've been here three months now, and things are beginning to settle down for us. Lots of things that felt strange and unfamiliar to start with, now feel like ordinary parts of daily life. But there are still some interesting sights to see along the way.

This building is one we see every day, but I don't think we've shown a photo before. This is independence plaza, in the centre of Belmopan, and these are some of the government buildings. The one straight ahead is supposed to be modelled on the Mayan architecture that contributes so much to Belize's sense of history. I'll let you look back at the earlier post from Xunantunich to decide for yourself how successful the architect managed to be.

If you turn around 180 degrees from the last photograph, you look towards the main post office (the building ahead behind the sculpture). The sculpture, like a lot of Belizean public statuary, is colourful. I have absolutely no idea what it is supposed to represent, although I am sure it is deeply and profoundly symbolic. My best guess is that the colours echo the Belizean flag.

I've grown to like the flag. The two figures represent early settlers in the Bay of Honduras settlement - mahogany cutters, under a mahogany tree. The latin tag "sub umbra floreo" means something like "I flourish beneath the shade" (of the mahogany tree). A couple of months of Central American climate has helped us really appreciate the shade!

On the shield are some of the tools used by the first settlers, and the sort of ship that took mahogany, logwood (used for making dyes) and other goods back to Europe.

While I'm on the subject of civic pride, you might be interested in some other examples.

One is the "pledge to Belize" recited most days by children in school. We hear the local pre-school / nursery age children chanting it most mornings:

"Belize is my country. I am Belize.
Belize is my family, my school, my church, and my community.
I am the hope of Belize, the hope of my parents and my teachers,
the hope of today and tomorrow.
I live and learn not only for myself, but for my sisters and brothers.
I am the hope of Belize. I promise to serve Belize as faithfully as I can."

Second, the National Anthem:

Lyrics by Samuel Haynes; Music by Selwyn Walford Young

O, Land of the free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty
No tyrants here linger, despot must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hollows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rod
By the might of truth and the grace of God.
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Chorus:
Arise! Ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
Put on your armours, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants let despots flee-
Land of the free by the Carib Sea!

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invaders; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle,over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes to-morrow's noon.

If you want to hear it, you can find it here: Belize National Anthem

More references to the "Baymen" - ie the first settlers in the Bay of Honduras Settlement. Also "invaders" - which may refer to the conflicts between Spain and Britain for control over the territory, and of course "freedom from slavery". All Belizeans of African descent have ancestors brought here to the Caribbean through the slave trade. There is also an exhortation to "clear the land". It's a phrase that gives me pause for thought. I hope it means "clear the land of tyrants". I've also seen it used as a slogan on political posters. But I think some people may take it as an appeal to push back the rain forest - and how does that fit with Belize's attempt to market itself as an eco-tourism destination?

It won't have escaped you that the National Anthem does poorly when it comes to inclusive language. It seems rather strange to hear groups of women "pledge their manhood" to the liberty of the country.

And I have to include the"National Prayer." I have not been able to find out who wrote it, but it is regularly used at major civic events:

Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed your glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country.

God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with your help we may attain our just objectives. With your guidance, may all our
endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.

We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and in that peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you
have prepared for those who love you. Amen.

To finish, one more example of civic pride. Another example of colourful public sculpture. This fine piece stands by the seafront in Corozal town, in the north of the country.