A memorial mass is scheduled for next Monday, December 2, 2013 to pay tribute to the life and the legacy of the iconic Belizean musician and former Cultural Ambassador of Belize, Andy Palacio.

The world renowned Punta Rock/Paranda artist unexpectedly died on January 19, 2008, of what was described as “an extensive stroke in the brain”, which led to a heart attack and respiratory failure.

Despite his physical absence, Palacio’s rich legacy remains, and many of his enthusiasts believe that he is still with us through the contributions that he has made in the country – particularly his achievements in highlighting Belizean music, as well as showcasing the Garifuna people and their culture on the international stage. To celebrate the musical icon, the Garifuna Choir and the Belize City branch of the National Garifuna Council have organized a commemorative mass on his birthday.

This morning, Amandala spoke to Sebastian Cayetano of the Luba Garifuna Museum who shared the details of the mass. He said, “The Garifuna Choir and the National Garifuna Council Belize City Branch have decided to conduct a mass in honor of our great icon and cultural ambassador Andy Palacio. It is going to be on his birthday … on his 53rd birthday on December 2nd. We want to keep the memory of Andy Palacio alive; hence we have decided to do this. We are inviting everybody to come to this mass as we continue to honor the legacy of Andy Palacio.”

Cayetano also commended the role that the Garifuna Collective has played in keeping the legacy of Andy Palacio alive. He said, “I am happy with what I have seen recently with the coming together stronger of the Garifuna Collective with their tours to Europe and to North America; that’s great and I’m happy to see that those guys are keeping the legacy alive.”

The mass begins at 6:15 p.m. at the St. Martin De Porres Church on Partridge Street in Belize City.