TRIBUTE TO HONOURABLE GEORGE PRICE, FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE, BY THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY TO HAITI, THE MOST HONOURABLE PJ PATTERSON, OCC
CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) George Price, chose to enter the political arena because he had a vision for what Belize could be. He embodied for the citizens of Belize what other visionary Caribbean leaders exemplified for their countries. The man who led Belize to independence, who fought to bring the nation into the 21st century pursued an agenda for national development within the wider framework of Caribbean unity.
His role in politics at the regional as well as the national levels was legendary. His commitment was to serve his country and that he did while retaining a humble lifestyle. His life transcended politics. He was a man of the people who lived an exemplary, modest life. Beneath his genteel manner there was a resolve of steel to maintain the integrity of Belize. A man of genuine humility, his passion was evident in the fight against poverty and social injustice.
His contribution to the development of Belize is recognized even by his political adversaries, who all acknowledge him as the “Father of the Nation”, no mean feat and a true reflection of his personal integrity and passionate commitment to country first.
Those of us in the leadership of the Caribbean Community will recall his graciousness and adroit management as host of our 6th Inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Belize in February 1995.
He is especially treasured for his sterling effort in facilitating discussions on border dispute issues within the Hemisphere. Even as he grappled with the territorial integrity of Belize, he encouraged dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana.
He was instrumental in facilitating discussions between CARICOM and Costa Rica aimed at facilitating trade between our Community and that country as well as others in Central America.
His was a good and flawless innings.
Unquestionably, George Price’s contribution to Belize and the wider Caribbean Community will always live in our collective memory.
I offer my sincere condolence to the people of Belize, his family, colleagues and friends.
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