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OAS Assistant Secretary General Attends Independence Day Celebrations in Belize

  September 22, 2011

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, has commended OAS Member State Belize for its commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance. The high-ranking OAS official travelled to Belize this week to attend the official 30th Anniversary of the country’s independence.

According to Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, "Belize as an independent nation was born in democracy and has demonstrated solid commitment to democratic values and good governance. The path taken by Belizean leaders over the past thirty years has provided the nation with stability, peace and prosperity.”

Official celebration activities were held in Belize City and the capital Belmopan in the presence of Governor General Sir Corville Young, Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and representatives of the diplomatic community and international organizations.

Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981, from the United Kingdom under then Prime Minister George Price, who passed away days before the 30th Anniversary Celebrations.

On behalf of the Organization of American States, Assistant Secretary General Ramdin offered condolences to the people and the Government of Belize, saying, “I had the privilege of knowing former Prime Minister Price. He was a true National Hero, and indeed the Father of the Nation, having brought independence to the country. I have always been impressed by his lasting commitment to Belize. I believe his ideals still hold strong for the Americas as leaders strive to create stability and peace.”

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-851/11