Marcial Mes, a former two-term People’s United Party (PUP) area representative (1998-2008) for the Toledo West constituency and a former minister of government, died in a traffic accident on Monday, when he lost control of his RAV4 SUV between Miles 7 and 8 on the Southern Highway.
Mes, 65, was heading to his home in San Marcos Village, when the tragic accident occurred, police say.
A government press release announced that there will be an official memorial service to celebrate the life of Marcial Mes on Friday, May 30, at 10:00 a.m. at the Roman Catholic Church in San Pedro Columbia, Toledo District.
Mes and another man, identified as Mario Caal, a resident of San Marcos, were travelling together when the accident occurred. They were rushed to the Punta Gorda Town Hospital, where Mes was pronounced dead on arrival, and Caal was admitted in a stable condition.
Mes was an educator for many years before he succeeded in electoral politics, becoming the first Belizean of Maya ancestry to be appointed a minister of government.
He served in the cabinet of Prime Minister Said Musa (1998 to 2008).
His portfolios included Minister of Rural Development and Culture.
In January 2007, Mes was suspended from his Cabinet duties when he was charged by police for his involvement in a hit-and-run accident. The case, however, did not go to court and Mes was returned to his Cabinet post thereafter.
According to Punta Gorda police, Mes was travelling from Independence to Punta Gorda, when he lost control of his SUV and ran into a concrete culvert. Mes suffered massive head and body trauma that apparently resulted in his death.
According to PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, Mes will be remembered for bringing water, electricity and healthcare to many of the remote southern villages, as well as building several schools and classrooms.
“We will miss you, Marcial, and we honor your life and work,” said a statement from Fonseca’s Freetown Division Office.
Marcial Mes is survived by his wife, Odelia Mes, three sons and four daughters.