1 week ago
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Belizeans who display exceptional bravery and heroism could soon receive formal national recognition under a new Honors and Awards Act. Prime Minister John Briceño presented the proposed legislation during today’s meeting of the House of Representatives. He said the bill seeks to establish a clear national system through which Belizeans can be recognized for acts of courage, public service and other outstanding contributions to the country. The Prime Minister made specific reference to Howell Gange, whose actions during the hijacking of a domestic flight last year were widely regarded as heroic. Briceño said the incident highlighted the need for Belize to have a proper mechanism to honour citizens who risk their lives to protect others.
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “We are proposing that we have a new national order to be known as the Order of National Pride and Patriotism Excellence, to be established to recognize such outstanding Belizeans. And also, Mr. Speaker, this act provides for the recognition of distinguished service and national achievement. It does not establish a specific national decoration or recognition for acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice in dangerous situations. So today what we’re doing is to establish an award of valor which we believe would address this gap. As we all know, I think it was last year April, when we had a person who had serious mental problems attempted to hijack one of our planes. We believed back then that Mr. Howell Grange acted with incredible bravery. When we wanted to give him a special award to recognize his bravery, it then came to attention that there is nothing with the different medals that we have that where we could fit him in to properly recognize what he has done. So what we are doing, Mr. Speaker, with this Honours and Awards Act, it is establishing a mechanism to be able to recognize people who have rendered outstanding and meritorious service to our nation.”
The proposed law would create a structured process for identifying, nominating and awarding deserving Belizeans. It would also ensure that acts of bravery and heroism receive recognition at the national level, instead of relying only on informal public praise. During his presentation, Briceño also outlined the honours and awards that currently exist in Belize and explained why the system needs to be updated and strengthened.
John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “At present, the act provides for the award called the “Order of the National Hero”, which you only have two of them at this moment, the “Order of Belize”, the “Order of Distinction”, the “Meritorious Service Award”, the “Services Medal of Honor”, and the “Long Service Medal”. Although the act provides for the conferment of the Order of Belize in practice we have tried to give this award primarily to foreign heads of states, heads of government and other distinguished non-Belizeans in recognition of their service to or friendship with Belize. Yes, few a Belize have been given this award. Still, the existing honors framework does not include a distinct national order intended to recognize Belizean citizens with exceptional patriotism, loyalty, and distinguished service merit recognition at the highest level while preserving the unique status of the national hero designation.”
The Prime Minister said the legislation would provide a more organized and transparent framework for national awards while ensuring that Belizeans from all walks of life can be considered. If passed, the Act would allow the country to formally preserve and celebrate the stories of Belizeans whose courage, sacrifice and service have made a meaningful difference
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