The Belize National Anthem: Who Wrote It?

 

In 1963, Mr. Samuel Alfred Haynes wrote the poem "Oh, Land of the Gods." After Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981, the song was adopted as Belize's national anthem and renamed "O, Land of the Free." The music was composed by Dr. Selwyn Walford Young.

Mr. Samuel Alfred Haynes was a social activist and soldier in World War 1. During the war, he fought side by side with other Belizean soldiers for the British colonial effort. After facing abuse and discrimination during the war, Mr. Haynes returned to Belize, where he led movements to fight racial discrimination. 

Below is the Belize national anthem:

O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery, oppression's rod
By the might of truth, and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee –
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.