By Belize Live News Staff: Belize is expected to make history later this week when the country names its first woman National Hero during the annual Tribute to Belizean Patriots.
The identity of the woman selected for the honour has not yet been officially disclosed, but the announcement would mark a major milestone in Belize’s system of national recognition.
To date, Belize has formally recognized only two National Heroes: George Cadle Price, widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, and Philip Goldson.
The Order of the National Hero is the country’s highest national honour and is reserved for Belizeans whose contributions to the nation are considered extraordinary.
The Tribute to Belizean Patriots is held each year during the September Celebrations and recognizes Belizeans whose leadership, service and achievements have contributed to the country’s development.
Other national honours include the Order of Belize, the Order of Distinction and the Meritorious Service Award.
This year’s ceremony is also expected to recognize people who contributed to Belize’s independence movement and helped shape the country’s political development in the years leading up to Independence on September 21, 1981.
Last year, one of the major highlights was the recognition of Belize’s 1974 “Golden Girls,” the national softball team that won the country’s first international gold medal.
The naming of Belize’s first woman National Hero would add another historic chapter to the country’s September Celebrations.
