Belize is a country on the northern coast of Central
America. It is the only Central America that has English as an official
language countries; Belize Creole and Spanish are also commonly spoken. With
22,800 square kilometres and a population of 340,844 Belize density lower
population in Central America. The growth rate of the country's population of
1.97% per annum (2013) is the second highest in the region and one of the
highest in the Western Hemisphere.
Belize has a diverse society with many cultures and
languages. Originally part of the English Empire, it has a common colonial
history with other English-speaking Caribbean. It became an independent
Commonwealth realm in 1981, retaining Queen Elizabeth II leading the state.
"Land of the Free" is the national anthem of Belize. The
lyrics of the National Anthem of Belize were written by Samuel Alfred Haynes and the music by Selwyn Walford
Young in 1963 was officially adopted in 1981.
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| National Flag of Belize |
History and Criticism
of National Anthem of Belize:
Samuel Haynes
Haynes participated in the First World War as part of the
colonial effort Britain and met a lot of abuse and ridicule with his
colleagues. On his return to Belize, he became part of the movement of workers
in Belize and is easily identifiable with Riot 1919 ex-military that began July
22 After the riot was suppressed, Haynes began organizing branch Belize the
Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), and facilitated the visit of
its leader Marcus Garvey of Jamaica. Garvey recruited Haynes to work with the
United States, a move that made the UNIA in Belize without a leader for much of
the 1920s and which indirectly contributed to the controversy Isaiah Morter.
Haynes probably wrote the hymn as a response to the oppressive colonialism
identity of Belizeans. Languages and edifying noble words referenced former
status Belize as a slave society liable to profits from forestry, he skillfully
link the end of the colonial period in Belize, a process that culminated 21st
September, 1981. The song was named as "Land of the gods”.
Common complaints from
The hymn has been under fire from critics who charge that
his language is archaic and does not appeal to a new generation of Belizeans
who are in any case too young to remember Samuel Haynes. Some women argued that
the National anthem of Belize is a man-centered; attend the next sentence,
"Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty," and the chorus of images
"of the war, a predominantly male occupation. Writers, nationalists argued
that references to Baymen are too disparaging of multi-ethnicity Belize today
and proposed a number of replacements. Latest complaint of this nature was levelled
by Maya-born Métis corresponding Clinton Luna, who suggested that the term
"son of the earth Belize" should replace "son" of the
Baymen "clan in the chorus in the latest issue of the weekly newspaper
Amandala. The newspaper itself has argued in the same direction. However,
Amandala contributor Henry Gordon replied in a later issue that nothing in the
hymn represents a kind of bias to an ethnic group in Belize.
Other available hymns
of National Anthem of Belize?
Some have called for the cancellation of "Land of the
Free" and replacing them with more modern songs. This line of attack has
diminished somewhat as more Belizeans have become accustomed to the National anthem
of Belize.
National Anthem of
Belize in English:
O. Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery, oppression's rod
By the might of truth, and the grace of god,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
Refrain:
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee -
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.
(Refrain)
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