BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 7, 2023

The St. Martin De Porres Church was filled to capacity this morning with relatives, friends, government ministers and officials, and prominent members of the opposition as well, all coming to pay their respects and show their appreciation for a man whose indomitable spirit, unique character and selfless dedication to his country and people of all walks of life had made him more than worthy of the State Funeral in his honor after his untimely passing last Thursday.

An official remembrance was first delivered by Hon. Henry Charles Usher on behalf of Government; and the eulogy on the program was shared by Jermaine Hyde; but before the eulogy, another surprise remembrance was given by well-known banker Steve Duncan, a next door long-time neighbor and protégé of Carlos Diaz, and whose families have shared a long and warm relationship from the days when they first lived in the area then known as Prisoner Creek. Steve has long been considered a prominent supporter of the UDP, and Carlos has been a PUP all of his adult life, serving as Lake-I area representative and a minister of government from 1989-1993, but that had never affected the friendship of the Gordon and Diaz families, according to Steve, and the presence of both their relatives at today’s funeral proceedings bore testament to that fact.

Our sincere condolences to all of Carlos’ family members and friends from the Kremandala family. Hopefully, we can share some of the eulogy and remembrances in our Friday issue.

A surprisingly early funeral, the body lay in state from 9:00 a.m., and the service began at 10:00 a.m., after which the BDF Guard of Honor led the funeral procession, followed by the Imperial Band and then the parade of mourners who travelled down (Partridge) Amandala Drive to Cemetery Road and thence right to Lord Ridge Cemetery for the interment.

Belize has lost a great man and a well-loved son of the soil. Rest In Peace, brother Carlos Ausencio Diaz!