BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 14, 2022
Funeral services for football, music and cultural icon, Vincent “Winty J” Johnson were held this afternoon on the outskirts of Belize City at the Coye Funeral Home at Mile 5 and 1/4 on the George Price Highway, followed by interment at Lord Ridge Cemetery.
A member of the original Messengers Combo in the 1960s, a “Twelve Tribes” Rasta member and a man with an undying passion for football and music, Winty J was a real people person with an infectious enthusiasm and love for his community, especially the youths, whom he always tried to reach out to through the sport of football and music. He was a steadfast member of the Yabra football club/community ever since his last return from the USA to permanently reside in Belize, and was a fixture at every football/cultural event commemorating and celebrating past football legends, especially that of his lifetime idol, Louis “Di Mugger” Garbutt.
Born on October 10, 1948, Winty J was almost 66 years old when he participated in the veterans game (see picture above) on the occasion of the 2nd Mugger Day, promoted by another now late legend Nelson “Di Roo” Robinson, the goalkeeper lying down in the above picture. Two other outstanding personalities who have left us in that picture are Bert Cattouse of 1960s Brodie’s champions and recent COLA fame who is second from the left squatting, and coach Lloyd “Panades” Flowers of the legendary St. Martin’s primary school football champions, who is second from the left standing with arms extended. Winty J is second from the right standing.
Once again, our sincere condolences to all his relatives, and as well to his many football and music family members and friends. Rest in peace, brother Vincent “Winty J” Johnson! To Jah be the glory! Peace and love always!