The Prime Minister left the country right after his Independence Day Address in Belmopan.
This year, the Official Ceremonies carried a more festive air - with significantly less political tension.
Here are the highlights from the official Independence day celebration ceremonies that took place in Belize City and Belmopan:
The 20th Night Cultural Extravaganza was like a warm up for the fall raising, where the crowd was treated to songs and dance by marquee performers including the Legendary Lord Rhaburn.
But, the crowd was still, as we approached the one minute to midnight at the Memorial Park in Belize City, where the official Flag Raising Ceremony took place.
The centerpiece event was seeing the beautiful red and blue hues unfurled and hoisted high, aloft against the night sky, followed by a gun salute, fireworks and the playing of the national anthem.
Eight hours later in the capital, the 21st Official Ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Governor General at the National Assembly building.
And after several musical performances it was time for the speeches. Having already spoken politics in their state of the nation addresses, both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition hit a unity chord when they highlighted Belize's progress as an independent nation.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Today is an opportunity for all of us to recommit ourselves to those values, values that are represented in our flag because our flag is a symbol of that assurance that tomorrow will indeed be a better day. It is an assurance that if we work together we will flourish together and it is the assurance that we will always treasure our diversity rather than concern ourselves over our differences today. Let us celebrate because as the song says things nice, we feel good and we should feel good about how far we have come in just 43 years."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of The Opposition
"This as we celebrate today it is not just about the past upon which we reflect but the today. And tomorrow that the new generation will build for Belize. Let us celebrate that this generation young and old have the characteristics of our forebears in our minds, our hearts and our souls. We just have to dig deep within and attach ourselves to the ideals of patriotism that transcends materialism, self centeredness and momentary satisfaction. Let us today stand proud and free at 43 and renew our commitment to the Belize we want to see over the next 43 Years."
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