Former Prime Minister Said Musa celebrates his 82nd birthday 

The Right Honourable Said Musa, one of Belize’s most influential political figures, is celebrating his eighty-second birthday today.  Musa has long been regarded as a formidable presence in Belize’s political arena. He served as Prime Minister of Belize from 1998 to 2008, leading the country for two consecutive terms under the banner of the People’s United Party. During that period, his administration oversaw several major developments in national infrastructure, social programs, and Belize’s engagement in regional diplomacy.  Before becoming Prime Minister, Musa built a long career in public service and law. He was first elected as the Area Representative for Fort George in 1979 and went on to serve in several ministerial roles, including Attorney General and Minister of Education. Over the decades, Musa played a significant role in shaping Belize’s governance and foreign policy while also helping to steer the People’s United Party through pivotal moments in its political history.

He later served as Leader of the People’s United Party for nearly two decades, guiding the party through electoral victories as well as periods of political transition before eventually stepping aside to allow for new leadership within the organization.  In a 2018 interview with Love News, given during the final stage of his tenure as party leader, Musa reflected on the importance of the process used to select political representatives in Belize’s electoral divisions, while also acknowledging that it was inevitable that the time would come for him to step away from the leadership of the PUP.

Right Honorable Said Musa, Former Prime Minister: “I was elected by the people of the Fort George Division. And as far as I know, and I’m being immodest about it here, but I believe they still love me and want me to continue. I am in my eighth term now in the Fort George Division. And yes, I’m not getting any younger. I know I’m getting on but the truth of the matter is that I have not yet decided, I have not made up my mind to step aside or to step down for the next election. I have not. And that is my position. And I will continue to do so. I am not immortal, you know. Of course I can envisage the day when I will step aside or perhaps the people will set me aside. At this moment in time I can tell you frankly I’m in good health. I can only speak of now right and in this state of health I intend to continue doing my work in politics because I believe the people want me to continue to serve them in the Fort George. I don’t have any aspiration to become the prime minister again. But I do believe that I have a contribution to make in politics and to serve Belize as I have been trying to do most of my life, quite frankly. The People’s United Party is built on that very premise that yes we need the young and the old. Mr. Price used to say it you know ? “Young and old we build Belize.” and that is still certainly in my philosophy. Yes, so I repeat, I am not immortal and I realize that the time will come when I will have to give way to much younger blood.” 

Over the years, Musa has remained a respected figure within Belize’s political landscape with a rich history of vigor and passion throughout his career.