Remembering Belize’s Greatest Benefactor and Its Many National Heroes
The Baron Bliss Lighthouse—it’s a historical landmark that’s stood at Belize’s shoreline for almost a century now. If you’ve ever taken a drive down Fort Street, you’ve definitely seen it, standing proudly just a stone’s throw away from the Belize sign. Hell, you’ve probably taken pictures of it before. But do you know the story behind it?
If you’d like to delve a bit deeper into the history behind the monument and learn about the man that was so enamored with Belize he left her his entire fortune (and got his own lighthouse and holiday in return) then keep on reading.
There’s a lot to look forward to during March in Belize: cool, refreshing breeze, kites flying in the sky, and not to mention talks of the upcoming holiday.
Previously known as Baron Bliss Day, National Heroes and Benefactors Day is usually marked by several festivities taking place across the country, including not one but two rather famous boat races.
So, how did Belize end up celebrating this well-revered holiday? And why on the 9th of March?
Well, it’s pretty much thanks to one rather interesting love story—one between a wealthy Baron and a then newly developing nation.
The Man Who Left Belize Millions
Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss was born on February 16th, 1869 in Buckinghamshire, England. By age 21, he would acquire his own estate along with the title of Baron, and, unfortunately, by age 42 he would contract polio, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Still, being bound to a wheelchair didn’t stop him from fulfilling his lifelong desire to travel the world’s seas.
From England, he sailed to The Bahamas, Trinidad, Jamaica, and finally, to Belize. He anchored his yacht, the Sea King II, in the Fort George Harbour and spent his days fishing, sailing, and reveling in the beauty of the country’s marine environment, including its many cayes and, of course, the barrier reef.
Bliss fell so deeply in love with Belize’s natural beauty and the hospitality of its people that he drafted a will leaving his entire fortune (£1 million or nearly BZ$ 2 million) for the country. It was a hefty sum of money that would go on to fund several projects, including the construction of the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, located near the sea, and the development of Belmopan City.
On March 9th of 1926, Bliss died aboard his yacht. And although he never set foot on Belizean soil, he requested to be buried on it. His will asked that he be buried near the sea, in a granite tomb surrounded by an iron fence. The red and white lighthouse that still stands beside that tomb today was also part of his request.
Ever since Bliss’ death, March 9th has been celebrated as a public and bank holiday, commemorated by an annual wreath-laying ceremony at his grave.
Now known as National Heroes & Benefactors Day, the 9th of March honors not just Belize’s greatest benefactor but many of the public figures that have contributed to Belizean history, including:
- George Cadle Price, Belize’s first Prime Minister, often hailed as the father of the nation.
- Phillip S.W Goldson, who along with Price earned the honor of Order of the National Hero for his activism leading up to independence.
- Cleopatra White, a pioneer in Belizean healthcare and a founding member of the Black Cross Nurses Association.
- Thomas Vincent Ramos, renowned civil rights activist and founder of Garifuna Settlement Day.
- And Gwendolyn Lizarraga, Belize’s first female government minister.
What to Expect Around the 9th of March
What could one expect if they were in Belize around the 9th of March? Well, for starters, there’s always plenty of festivities for everyone to enjoy.
March usually marks the beginning of spring. Here, that means strong March winds and clear blue skies—perfect weather for trips to Hopkins, Placencia, or the Cayes. It also means the start of Kite Season. So, don’t be surprised if you look up and find yourself staring at a scarlet macaw made of paper or what looks like a UFO at first glance (relax, it’s just a kite).
The annual Harbor Regatta is also a March staple. Baron Bliss actually requested in his will that 100 pounds be put aside every year solely for the funding of this event.
Perhaps the most spectacular March event, the conclusion of the La Ruta Maya River Challenge also takes place on the 9th. The end of the four-day race is usually met with tons of fanfare at the mouth of the Belize River. Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled for this year due to the pandemic.
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Belize continues to fall, many are looking forward to enjoying a safe, relaxing (and socially distanced) holiday while honoring our past heroes.
Where will you be this 9th of March?
