PRESS RELEASE
Today, 9th October 2020, commemorates the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the official opening of the National Assembly building in Belmopan. Fifty years ago, on 9th October 1970, the building was inaugurated when, for the first time, the then parliamentarians gathered in the Chambers of the building. To mark the occasion, a Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament, that is, the House of Representatives and the Senate, was held. Since its opening in 1970, the ancient building has served as the venue of meetings of Parliament.
Before 1970, the work of the legislative branch of government was carried out by parliamentarians in Belize City. However, the 1961 Hattie Hurricane left Belize in devastation, and so the then Premier George Cadle Price realized that a new city inland had to be built as well as a new building for Parliament. As Premier Price indicated in one of his poems, “Nation building is a task for giants”, he did direct one of the most symbolically important, honourable and architecturally impressive building in our nation, the National Assembly building. The fifty-old building is a modern representation of an Ancient Mayan Temple, which is situated at the Hill of Independence Plaza in Belmopan.
During this month of October, the National Assembly will be featuring a mini documentary highlighting the importance of the building and its significance to our country and its people.
On behalf of the Staff of the National Assembly, “HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING”.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
BELMOPAN
9th October 2020
CP/efg.