Amandala today spoke with Anuar Leslie, son of Arthur “Art” Alexander Leslie, 48, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and Excise Department and a resident of #5817 Bachelor‘s Avenue, who passed away yesterday at Belize Medical Associates Hospital.
Leslie had been hospitalized since Thursday of last week. Anuar told us that his father was dedicated to his job, which is where he fell ill. He was employed at the Customs and Excise Department for over 30 years.
His father had been diagnosed with hypertension for about three years, said Anuar. On Thursday, January 4, Arthur Leslie’s hypertension got the better of him. That day, Anuar spoke to his father before he left for work, and he seemed fine and healthy.
Shortly after arriving at work, just before nine o’ clock, Anuar said, he was told by his boss that someone from his mother’s workplace had called and said that he should get to BMA quickly, because his father was sick.
Anuar rushed over there and found his father conscious. He was unable to move any of his limbs or talk, but it was obvious that he was aware of what was happening around him. He was treated, but he passed away at 5:25 yesterday evening, added Anuar. A post-mortem conducted on Leslie certified that he died from a stroke (brainstem) as a consequence of arterial hypertension.
They have not yet finalized funeral arrangements, but the family hopes to lay Mr. Leslie to rest tomorrow, Tuesday, after services at St. Martin De Porres Church on Vernon Street.
A press release from the Customs and Excise Department today “regretfully announced the passing of their Assistant Comptroller,” saying that Art, as he was affectionately known, fell ill at the department on Caesar Ridge Road on Thursday, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at BMA.
He had contributed greatly to the department, the release added. On October 6, 1976, Art entered the public service sector as a temporary clerical assistant at the Customs and Excise Department. “During his tenure, he assumed various positions and responsibilities, was deployed at different frontier stations, and represented the department at numerous work-shops and seminars, both locally and internationally.”
“From July 7, 2003, until his untimely departure, Mr. Leslie was responsible for the management of the Invoice, Valuation, and Customs Management Information System Units at Customs House, Belize City; and the district stations in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Big Creek and Punta Gorda.”
Art leaves behind his wife, Higinia Leslie; his two sons, Anuar and Julian; three sisters, three brothers and a host of other relatives and friends.