Biography of philip goldson
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Despite it temporarily diminishing his influence over Belizean politics, it was a decision that allowed a two-party system to flourish in lieu of a single-party hegemony. During this period he coordinated the building of Corozal Town after its destruction in 1955 by Hurricane Janet.
At the beginning of his career from 1941 to 1947, Goldson worked in the British Honduras Civil Service. They were sentenced to one year hard Labour.
Their ordeal in prison became a further rallying cry for the People’s United Party.
While in prison he spent much of his time teaching some of his fellow inmates to read and write.
Prior to going to jail for his ideals Mr.
Goldson won a seat to the Belize City Council and had served as Vice-President (Deputy Mayor) until his conviction.
Once free he went back gladly to public life and in 1954 won a seat in the British Honduras Legislative Council where he was appointed member (quasi-Minister) for Social Services, a post he served with dignity until 1957 when his political career hit a snag.
In 1951, Goldson and Richardson were convicted of "seditious intention" for a billboard promoting evolution and revolution. He attended St. Mary’s Primary School and although he never had the opportunity to go to high school he studied at night and successfully obtained the Cambridge University Overseas Junior certificate in 1939 and the Senior School Certificate in 1941.
From 1941 to 1947 he worked in the British Honduras Civil Service.
Though it wasn’t the same as independence, Goldson would use his position to enact major policies that helped create social equity and promote stronger social services and civil rights.
As the political strength of the British Honduran people began to grow, the political climate became more chaotic. His persistent and tireless work in the trenches would help build momentum for the nationalist movement, and in 1950 he earned a spot on the bureaucratic body for Belize’s first political party: The People’s United Party.
It was fitting tribute to an outstanding Belizean citizen.
Mr. Just before his death, this Belizean hero and patriot was presented with The Order of BELIZE.
Excerpt from: The Goldson Story – A BELIZEAN Heritage Book 1991
Peter Edward Goldson and Florence Babb welcomed Goldson into the world in Belize City, where she went to St.
Mary's Primary School. The plight of the workers in Belize led him into trade unionism. He later became its General Secretary.
From there on, Goldson went on to form the People’s United Party (PUP) along with John Smith, Leigh Richardson and George Cadle Price. He was the second son of Peter Edward Goldson and his wife Florence Matilda Babb Goldson.
He married Emma Boiton, his life partner and "Political wife," for over 25 years. He would serve as both the national organizer and the general secretary for the General Workers Union. Written by Larry Waight, a local with more than twenty years of experience in the travel industry, the book is packed with tips, information, and recommendations about all of the best things to see and do in Belize.
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He never retired, as Belize’s wellbeing was always close to his heart.
Our beloved Belizean hero, Philip S.W. Goldson, passed away on October 3, 2001 and in his honor, both our international airport and the major northern highway were named after him. Was this the end of his career?
In the 1984 elections he not only won his seat but also was able to celebrate the victory of his party, the United Democratic Party.
Goldson accepted the honor with humility and announced he would retire at the end of his term to devote his time to writing, the law, and his work for the disabled.
However despite his retirement, on January 13, 1992, he was instrumental in the formation of the National Alliance for Belizean Rights (NABR). Its first leaders were: John Smith, Leader; Leigh Richardson, Chairman; George Price, Secretary; and Philip Goldson, Assistant Secretary.
His portfolio included Labour, Housing and Planning, Health, Education and Social Welfare and Community Development.