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Senator, member ODS, George Price aide de camp, Winston Smiling passes

HighlightsSenator, member ODS, George Price aide de camp, Winston Smiling passes

BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 29, 2023

Well-known Belizean, Winston Alexander Kent Smiling, 82 (November 11, 1940 – May 27, 2023), succumbed to various ailments last Saturday, May 27, at home. There are no reports yet at press time of funeral arrangements.

He was best known as a stalwart supporter of the People’s United Party and was a dedicated aide to the “Father of the Nation”, Belize’s first Prime Minister, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, who affectionately referred to him as “Nephew”.

The reference was both real and symbolic, for, as Smiling’s death announcement reminds us, he was a direct blood relation to P.M. Price, being a grandson of Precio’s half-sister Wilhelmina “Mina” Price. (See the Amandala October 2021 story, “Mr. Price’s black half-sister”.)

A long-time butcher with his stall at the old Belize Central Market before it was demolished, Winston later opened his meat shop on New Road, serving the community for many years, before passing on the management of the establishment to his son, former Cross Country champion and current BEBL basketball coach, Matthew Smiling. Matthew’s older brother, Andrew “Bones” Smiling, was also a prominent cyclist with a number of top finishes, though he was never fortunate to win the “Country.”

Winston twice served as a senator, was a member of the PUP’s Order of Distinguished Service and served in several capacities as a long-time member of the PUP’s National Executive Committee.

He also served for many years as a member of the board of the Belize Airports Authority, and was also a well-known restaurateur and chef.

He was an avid sports fan who was also a racehorse trainer, and boxing promoter/corner man, as well as a popular raconteur and karaoke singer who would quip: “
Whisky when am thirsty, champagne when am dry. A good woman when I need one, and to heaven when I die.”

Our sincere condolences from Kremandala to all his relatives, especially his sons, Matthew and Andrew, with whom we are most familiar. Rest In Peace, brother Winston Alexander Kent Smiling!

Death Announcement:

Winston Alexander Kent Smiling

Born: 11 November 1940. Died 27 May 2023.

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend – Winston Alexander Kent Smiling, which occurred on Saturday, 27 May 2023.

He is predeceased by his: Grandmother – Wilhemina “Mina” Price; Granduncle – The Right Honorable George Cadle Price; Mother – Irene Zelaya Jefferson; Father – Edwin Smiling, Sr.; Brothers – Oliver, Edwin Jr., and Francis Alvarez; Sisters – Joycelyn, Marie Elena, Vinton, Norma, and Rita.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his Wife – Reverend Dr. Ilona Louise Smiling; Sons – David, Andrew, and Matthew Smiling, and Stuart Garcia and Dr. Fernando Cuellar; Daughter – Nancy Smiling; Brothers – Maurice, Francis, and Raymond; Sisters – Shirley, Janet, June, Ilona, Marilyn, Merlene, and Estelle.

Winston is also survived by his Partner – Florence Arthurs and their daughter Sonelle, and his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Winston will forever be loved and missed.

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