George Price Day in Belize
George Price Day is Belize’s January 15 public holiday honoring National Hero George Cadle Price, born on that date in 1919. It recognizes the leader’s part in Belize’s path from colonial rule to independence.[1][2]
Date and legal status
Belize observes George Price Day on January 15. The Government Workers’ Regulations list it among the public holidays prescribed by law; the regulations say that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public and bank holiday.[1] The Government’s annual holiday notice also lists George Price Day as a public and bank holiday.[3]
The Labour Act says workers are not obliged to work on a public holiday, subject to the Act’s stated exemptions. It also sets rules for holiday pay and rates for certain work performed on public holidays.[4]
Why Belize honors George Price
Price was born in Belize City and became the country’s first prime minister after independence in 1981. He had earlier served as First Minister and Premier, and led the People’s United Party, which he co-founded in 1950.[2]
Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History describes Price as a national hero and a leading symbol of the country’s struggle for self-government and independence. His birthday became a national holiday in 2021, giving the date a specific national meaning in Belize.[1][2]
How the day is marked
Commemorations can include public recognition of Price’s legacy through cultural and educational work. The National Institute of Culture and History documents a street exhibit and botanical garden at the historic Price family home, as well as publications collecting his speeches and letters.[1]
Price’s career is also remembered through the story of Belize’s move toward self-government and independence. The national library’s biography records his role in independence negotiations and his later service as prime minister.[2]
What to expect
As a public and bank holiday, George Price Day can affect access to public services and banking. The legal provisions address workers’ holiday rights, but do not establish that every worker is off duty; exceptions and individual work arrangements apply.[3][4]
Check opening hours and service schedules with individual shops, transport operators and visitor attractions before making plans for the day.
George Price Day: frequently asked questions
When is George Price Day?
Is George Price Day a public holiday in Belize?
Do workers have the day off?
The Labour Act says workers are not obliged to work on a public holiday, subject to exemptions. Some workers may work under applicable arrangements, and the Act provides rules on holiday pay.[4]
Are shops and transport services open?
Their schedules are not set by the official holiday notice. Check opening hours and service schedules with individual providers.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for George Price Day in Belize:
- Belize Constitution [CAP. 4] — Subsidiary Laws, Revised Edition 2020- Government of Belize
- Belizean National Heroes- Belize National Library Service and Information System
- Public and Bank Holidays 2026- Government of Belize Press Office
- Labour Act, Chapter 297, Revised Edition 2020- Government of Belize, Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government