215 years after the Battle of St. George's Caye, and 115 years after the event was first commemorated – the tradition of the Tenth continues. It may not be as robust as it was thirty years ago, but it's still a key part of the September Celebration Season. Channel 7 had live coverage of the ceremonial and social events to mark the tenth yesterday – and here's how they went….
Jules Vasquez
The tenth day at Memorial Park started with the arrival of dignitaries including the leader of the opposition, the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister and The Governor General.
From there commenced the speeches, which played on the well turned theme of the Tenth's validity both as history and celebration:
Bernard Q. Pitts, Jr. - Ag. Deputy Mayor
"Some say too that the Battle of St. George's Caye is a 215 years old story - that is with mixed with fiction, for that I say - fiction quickly evaporates when confronted by the facts and for this reason the events of the Battle of St. George's Caye should be recounted proudly to future generations as it is the beacon of true Belizean liberation."
Hon. Manuel Heredia - Chairman, September Celebration Committee
"The victory of the Baymen signals a decisive end of the effort of the Spanish to settle this territory. It also marks a turning point in our history and in motion that would lead to our independence."
After this, the Parade wound through the city. Passing our vantage point in 15 minutes, it was one of the shortest we can recall, and was made memorable by a jump up notable mostly for the characters and the spirit of the street dance upon which we suspect the member for Belize Rural Central may still look disapprovingly.
But on this day, all was permitted even for tourists.
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