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#487863 03/12/14 05:07 AM
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Marty Offline OP
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Louis Sylvester

Tonight we note the passing of a political giant, Louis Sylvester, widely known as Cuzz. He died on Thursday night from complications of a debilitating stroke he suffered in 2008. He was 82.

Sylvester's political career spans the history of modern Belize starting in 1952 when he became involved in the nationalist movement with George Price. Under Price, he served in various capacities from 1957 to the 1984 when he was politically undefeated. Sylvester came to be synonymous with his political stronghold in Rural Belize, and on Friday in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow paid tribute to his common touch:..

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"He was one of the early politicians who rather than merely serving his people became as one with his people and those particularly in the communities of San Pedro and Caye Caulker will I believe always remember this. So if you would Mr. Speaker I would ask that we stand and show our respect."

The members stood for a moment of silence. The PUP today sent out a statement saying, quote, "Louis was a humble, "people's man", whose contributions to politics and development in Belize will not be forgotten."

Under George Price, Sylvester served variously as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister of Local Government. He was also chairman of the PUP. After he became disillusioned with that party, he formed his own, with far less success, and late in life joined the UDP. At At the time of his passing, he was the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation. His funeral will be held at Holy Redeemer Cathedral on Friday, March 14th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment immediately follows at Caye Caulker.

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Marty #487943 03/13/14 06:15 AM
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from Patty Arceo:

Hon. Louis "Cuz" Sylvester, was our Area Representative 1957-1984...very grateful for his representation as a friend of Caye Caulker & San Pedro... he worked for our islanders under the Premiership of Rt. Hon. George Price especially in bringing electricity to our islands, among many other projects. He will always be remembered as coming to people's home, regardless of their social status, sit down around the family table and talk with his constituents..... He was a family friend and always working with my brother Chairman Tavo Arceo in bringing progress to San Pedro. R.I.P. Cuz. Our condolences and Prayers goes to Ms. Made, Marlena, Janine & Lauren Sylvester!

Marty #487999 03/14/14 05:46 AM
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Press Release - Belize Association of Florida, Inc. -

It is with deep regret we note the passing of a political giant, Louis Sylvestre, widely known as "Cuzz". He died on Thursday night from complications of a debilitating stroke he suffered in 2008. He was 82. Sylvestre's political career spans the history of modern Belize starting in 1952 when he became involved in the Nationalist Movement with George Price. Under Price, he served in various capacities from 1957 to the 1984 when he was politically undefeated. Sylvestre came to be synonymous with his political stronghold in Rural Belize. Under George Price, Sylvester served variously as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister of Local Government. He was also chairman of the PUP. After he became disillusioned with that party, he formed his own, with far less success, and late in life joined the UDP. At the time of his passing, he was the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation. His funeral will be held at Holy Redeemer Cathedral on Friday, March 14th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment immediately follows at Caye Caulker.

On Friday in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow paid tribute to his common touch:.. Prime Minister Dean Barrow... "He was one of the early politicians who rather than merely serving his people became as one with his people and those particularly in the communities of San Pedro and Caye Caulker will I believe always remember this. So if you would Mr. Speaker I would ask that we stand and show our respect."

The members of the House of Representatives stood for a moment of silence. The PUP today sent out a statement saying, quote, "Louis was a humble, "people's man", whose contributions to politics and development in Belize will not be forgotten."

The members and Board of Directors of the Belize Association of Florida, Inc extends condolences to Mrs. Janine Sylvestre-Vega
Honorary Consul of Belize in Miami, and Mrs. Sylvestre and the entire family.

Note: Janine Sylvestre-Vega is the daughter of Louis Sylvestre. The Corozal Daily expresses its condolnces to the family and friends of the late Louis "Coz" Sylvestre as he was fondly known. He will be missed sadly and may he rest in Peace.

Marty #488044 03/15/14 05:35 AM
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R.I.P. "Cuz"

Every now and then in life a politician stands out as iconic for their time. That person for the sister islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker was Louis Sylvester, better knows as "Cuz" to his constituents.

The Honorable Louis Sylvestre represented Belize Rural South as Area Representative during the time of independence. One of the most charismatic politicians ever to grace Belize, the love of the Belize Rural South constituents for "Cuz", and his love for them, was boundless.

With his trademark toothpick set between his lips, he would mingle comfortably between and among the people of Belize Rural South, chatting comfortably, engaging rich and poor alike, exchanging conversations, and offering advice. Humble, and with a kind word for everyone, he was a friend to all.

"Cuz" and his family have had a family home on Caye Caulker for decades. His children were part of the local scenery for most of their childhoods before they grew up and went on to live their own lives, although they still stop by to visit often. Not only was "Cuz" the beloved Area Representative, he was also one of us.

So it was no surprise when it was announced that "Cuz's" remains would be scattered on Caye Caulker. With a state funeral, the first of its kind on Caye Caulker, and a funeral procession befitting of his stature in the community, his remains were laid to rest at the Caye Caulker cemetery.

Our condolences go out to the Sylvestre family in this their time of grief. May you find peace during this time of sadness.

R.I.P. "Cuz". Gone but never forgotten.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Caye Caulker Chronicles

Marty #488077 03/15/14 01:31 PM
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A Minister's State Funeral in Caye Caulker, Belize

As I was exiting the boat, there was quite a commotion going on at the next dock. A large cruise ship tender boat unloading a big crowd and as I got closer�

the street was lined with the Belize Defense Force members in formation.

The burial of Former Belize Minister Louis Sylvestre - who served the country from 1957 to 1984 as Belize was becoming her own country. His family had a home in Caye Caulker for years and it was here that he wished his ashes to be scattered.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos on San Pedro Scoop


Marty #488188 03/18/14 05:16 AM
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Saca Chispas to be renamed Honorable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena

The Saca Chispas football field in San Pedro Town will be renamed as the Honorable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena. The announcement was made by the Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero during the official inauguration of the San Pedro Sunset Boardwalk Project. Guerrero said that the decision to rename the field was as a result of the inauguration coinciding with the date of Sylvestre's burial on Friday March 14th.


On Thursday, March 6th, the former People's United Party member, parliamentarian for Belize Rural (including San Pedro and Caye Caulker villages), and minister, passed away at Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital from complications of a stroke he suffered in 2008. Since 1952 to 1984, Sylvestre has been involved in nationalistic movement and politics led by the Right Honorable George Cadle Price. While in government, Sylvestre was the Minister of Agriculture, Public Utilities and Local Government, and he also acted as chairman of the PUP for a long period.

He was well known and loved in San Pedro and Caye Caulker where he contributed to the growth of both islands. Amongst the many contributions was the acquisition of large private land for distribution amongst native local islanders in the 70's, which gave way for town expansion via various subdivisions. In addition, he introduced electricity to the island through the first gas-powered generator that provided the island with electricity for a certain period at night. Most importantly, Sylvestre played a very important role in lobbying for San Pedro to become a town and in 1984, he signed the township declaration for the island.


After having issues with the PUP, Sylvestre created his own political party, but was unsuccessful and thus he became a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Before passing away, Sylvestre held the title of Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation.


During the announcement of the renaming of the Saca Chispas Field, Guerrero asked for a moment of silence in honor of "Cuz". "Sylvestre was a giant, a people's servant and someone that was well liked by Sanpedranos because of the contribution he made to the development of this island. He was a friend of this island," said Guerrero.

Sylvestre, commonly known as "Cuz" or "Louie" was born in 1931 and died at the age of 82. On Friday March 14th, a full state funeral was held for Sylvestre following a memorial service at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral. His remains were laid to rest in Caye Caulker village, a place he had fallen in love with.

The official renaming of the Honorable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena will be done at a date agreed upon and after consultation with the Sylvestre family.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun


HON. LOUIS "COZ" SYLVESTRE'S FUNERAL (41 photos)

On Friday, March 14, 2014, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nu�ez assisted the state funeral for Hon. Louis "Coz" Sylvestre. Mr. Sylvestre was a well known person in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro, two places that he cared for and worked hard for while he was in office.

In honor of his past work, the recently inaugurated Sunset Boardwalk was renamed to Hon. Louis "Coz" Sylvestre Sports Facility.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nu�ez and the San Pedro Town Council would like to express its most sincere condolences to the Sylvestre family. May his soul rest in peace.


Marty #488250 03/19/14 05:16 AM
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Everyone got to know Louis Sylvestre especially now that the old football field has been officially named Hon. Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sports Field. This honor is well due as this man has contributed immensely to the growth and development of our beloved San Pedro.

Louis Sylvestre commenced his public life as a politician under the banner of the late Right Honorable George Price and the PUP (People's United Party). He commenced his life as a statesman in the 1950's and as far back as I can remember in my childhood, he was the Minister of Electricity and Communication at a time when the National Assembly was comprised of nine members.

Hon. Louis Sylvestre was a people's person, well loved for his humbleness, integrity, friendliness and compassionate personality. He hugged every person all over Belize and referred to all men as "Cuz", thus the name Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre. Early in his political career he became the Area Representartive for Belize Rural South which at the time comprised of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Gracie Rock, Burrel Boom, Hattie Ville and other villages in the Belize District. Everywhere he was loved as Cuz.

Just at about the same time in the mid 1960's, Cuz had the vision of the need of 24-hour electricity for the island as the fishing industry grew, and the tourism industry began to feather. Soon Cuz had his government provide a large generator which provided 24-hour electricity to the delight and well-being of all Sanpedranos. This was to be followed shortly by Cuz's efforts to bring a full-fledged telephone system to San Pedro.

But Cuz did not like to rest for too long. It seemed that action was his middle name. Such was his love for San Pedro. In 1971 something tremendous happened. Cuz persuaded the government of George Price to acquire all of the village of San Pedro which was at the time property of Mr. Jim Blake. The land was acquired and every Sanpedrano who occupied land had the privilege of purchasing that same property for a minimal price. He made Sanpedranos owners of their village. This land distribution worked so beautifully that Cuz followed up with the acquisition of the land from the cemetery all the way to Boca del Rio for more distribution of land which was to become San Juan and Boca Del Rio Subdivisions.

It was at this time that Cuz saw to it that San Pedro High School got its piece of property which is the home of the New San Pedro High School. He loved and believed in San Pedro High School and assisted it on numerous occasions and was right there to be the first guest speaker for the very first graduation in 1976.

The final huge contribution Cuz made for San Pedro was to lobby once again with the government of George Price to elevate San Pedro from village status to Township status. And on November 27, 1984 Cuz, along with Governor General Dame Minita Gordon and several Ministers of Government, signed the declaration to declare San Pedro the newest and youngest town in Belize. He assisted the new town council to stand on its own feet, and assisted them also in the next three consecutive municipal elections.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the Ambergris Today



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