San Ignacio (Belice), 1944

By Rodrigo Nobile

Fourth child of a humble peasant family and a descendant of Palestinians, Said Musa began working at a very young age. After completing his primary education, he moved to Belize City, where he studied at St. John’s College. He graduated in law from the University of Manchester, England.

He returned to Belize in 1967 and took part in the development process of the state, which had recently achieved partial independence. That same year, he joined the Magistrates’ Circuit and was later elected president of the Public Servants Union. In 1974, he joined the People’s United Party (PUP) and became involved in the struggle for independence. In the mid-1970s, along with his associates Assad Shoman and Lawrence Balderamos, he established a law firm and dedicated himself to social activism, participating in the United Black Association for Development.

In 1975, he ran for office and lost his first election, but George Price appointed him as a senator for the 1974-79 term. He held positions as Attorney General, Minister of Education and Sports, and Minister of Economic Development between 1979 and 1984. During this period, he contributed to drafting the 1981 Constitution. He also represented Belize in international organizations such as the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations. After independence, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1996, he assumed leadership of the PUP. In 1998, he was elected Prime Minister and re-elected in 2003, serving until 2008.