Belize Celebrates its Forty-fourth IndependenceOn September twenty-first, Belize celebrated its forty-fourth year of independence. The ceremony featured performances by the Belize Defense Force band and speeches from national leaders. At the steps of the Supreme Court, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner highlighted the country’s achievements while acknowledging ongoing challenges. The Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Taegar-Panton, compared Belize at forty-four to adulthood, calling on citizens to take responsibility and drive positive change. In our adult years, we have an obligation to engage our best minds to reward based on merit and not political alignment”Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City“And let us remember this.