And while the rising fuel prices give no cause for celebration, it was a celebratory weekend - in spirit at least. Friday marked the 223rd anniversary of the Battle of St George's Caye, and while pandemic regulations did not allow a normal ceremony followed by a parade, the rest of the country was able to view it virtually.
That means a lot more people were able to see Mayor Bernard Wagner's blunders during his speech. While they were simply mistakes, they were the talk of the weekend among social media users. Here is a snippet of his speech:
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"Its an honor for me to stand here today as the mayor of our beautiful city by the sea and welcome you to the 23rd anniversary of the Battle of St. Georges Cay and 223 years after fighting off the Spaniards to preserve our immaculate 8,867sq miles our gritty Belizean DNA is being called to task yet again."
But still, the Mayor was able to compare that battle to the one we're facing now with COVID 19. And like the September theme says, he believes we will rise. The Minister of Education and Culture also spoke on the pandemic.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"People continue to lose jobs faster than aid can be mobilize. Those previously unemployed are now more isolated than ever. The unschooled, the old, the medically at risk are all exposed like never before and businesses small and big are dancing on erratic tectonic plates, one sudden shake away from closure. But we can and we will overcome. Hopeful hearts, steady hands, together, we rise. This year September celebration team is our call to action, its our instructional chant to guide us through this grueling storm."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"The battle we faced today is that of protecting the health and safety of our people, while at the same time gradually and responsibly reopening the Belizean economy, returning to the classroom and re-engaging with our families, friends and communities for social activities. Vaccinations represent our best hope and opportunity for achieving these objectives. The more Belizeans that are vaccinated, the greater the likelihood of us resuming some elements of our pre-covid way of life."
And, while the PUP politicians had no problems - the one UDP politician who did attend - got a ticket. That's right, Shyne Barrow was called by the Officer Commanding Eastern Division himself to get a fine for walking in without a mask. Shyne says he paid the fine and accept the oversight.
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