Belize City, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 – The National Celebrations Commission convened its weekly meeting in preparations for the 2009 national September Celebrations. The Commission is pleased to announce the selection of the theme for this year's Celebration commemorating the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 28th Anniversary of Belize as an independent nation.

"Diverse Origins, Common Aspirations; Together We Celebrate As Belizeans" has been selected as this year's winning entry. The Theme appropriately celebrates Belize's diversity as a nation, speaking to our unique and multi-cultural society joining to celebrate our people, past and present.

The winning entry was submitted by Mrs. Zelda Wade Hill of Belmopan City, Belize. She will receive a cash prize of $1,000.00, which will be presented to her at the launch of the September Celebrations event which is scheduled to take place on September 1st, 2009.

The General Public was encouraged to send in their recommendations for consideration of this year’s theme which needed to reflect Belize’s growth and development as a nation. There were a total of sixty-one Belizeans who provided their recommendations for the theme with a total of 75 submissions. These were further shortlisted by the National Celebrations Commission to 5 entries and were presented to the Executive Body for final deliberation.

"This theme speaks about the essence of Belize, its people and all that we represent as a young nation," comments Diane Haylock, Alternate Chairperson, National Celebrations Commission, Executive Body. "It reflects all that the September Celebrations embodies; it highlights the diversity and richness of our country and its people. We congratulate Ms. Wade Hill for her winning submission and look forward to having all Belizeans participate in the 2009 September Celebrations", noted Ms. Haylock.

Additionally, the Commission also agreed on an official logo for the September Celebrations. The logo will become a permanent logo and will be unveiled on September 1st. The logo was designed by Concept Studios.

The organizing body of the National Celebrations Commission includes the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, the National Institute of Culture and History, the Belize Tourism Board, City and Town Councils countrywide, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the St. George's Caye Day Society.

For more information on the developments and events, please contact the National Celebrations Commission Secretariat at (501)-227-2485, via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website www.septembercelebrations.com.