History

The first recorded European settlement was established by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. This period also was marked by piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks by the inhabitants and neighboring Spanish settlements.

Great Britain first sent an official representative to the area in the late 18th century, but Belize was not formally termed the "Colony of British Honduras" until 1840. It became a crown colony in 1862 with its own governor. Subsequently, several constitutional changes were enacted to expand representative government. Full internal self-government under a ministerial system was granted in January 1964. The official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973, and full independence was granted on 21 September 1981.

Heraldry

British Honduras

1862-1973

Badge

Badge: Per pall reversed, the first Argent, the Union Jack proper, the second also Argent, a broad axe, an axe, a paddle and a pit-saw per bend proper; the third a frigate in full sail on waves of the sea, all proper.

1st Achievement

Arms: Per pall reversed the first Argent, a canton of the Union Jack proper, and an axe and a paddle in saltire proper, the second Azure, a broad axe and a pit-saw in saltire proper; the third a frigate in full sail on waves of the sea, all proper.

Crest: On a wreath Argent and Azure, a mahogany tree (Swietana mahagoni) proper.

Supporters: Two negroes in white trousers, the dexter with an axe over his shoulder, the sinister with a paddle likewise all proper.

Motto: SUB UMBRA FLOREO (in the shadow I will flourish).

By R.W. 28.01.1907

The motto symbolizes the prosperity under british rule.

2nd Achievement

In 1950 the Union Jack in dexter chief was omitted. At the same time the dexter supporter was replaced by a white to express the harmonious racial cohabitation of the country.

Arms: Per pall reversed the first Argent, an axe and a paddle in saltire proper, the second Azure, a broad axe and a pit-saw in saltire proper; the third a frigate in full sail on waves of the sea, all proper.

Crest: On a wreath Argent and Azure, a mahogany tree proper.

Supporters: A white and a negro in white trousers, the dexter with an axe over his shoulder, the sinister with a paddle likewise all proper.

Motto: SUB UMBRA FLOREO (in the shadow I will flourish) in white lettering on a ribbon Azure.

02.02.1950

Æ See illustration in the head of this essay

Belize

01.06.1973-present

When the name of British Honduras was changed into Belize the achievement as adopted in 1950 was continued.

The Governor & Governor General

Governor’s Flag 1884-1973

Governor’s Flag 1973-1981

Governor General’s Flag after 1981

Police

Photo flickr

Photo flickr

Police Badge until 1973

Police Badge after 1973

Armed Forces