CARICOM Chairman John A Briceño expresses deep regret on passing former Belize PM Manuel Esquivel

Belize: The second prime minister of the country, Manuel Esquivel, died on Thursday night. He was 81-year-old.

The death was announced by the government through a statement and said that the nation had lost the second prime minister who served twice, from 1984-1989 and again from 1993-1998.

“Our nation recognises the service of Esquivel with gratitude… as an educator… an activist… as a politician… as a leader… as the second prime minister of the nation,” the statement stated.

On February 11, Friday, CARICOM Chairman John A Briceño, the Caribbean Community, expressed the deepest regret on the passing of Belize’s former Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel.

The statement released in the press release by CARICOM, underscores – as a member of the Conference of Heads of Government, his calm presence allied to Esquivel measured statements were the hallmark of his contributions.

The Chairman mentioned that Esquivel had earned a reputation because he was a man of principles, honesty and integrity. He was endeared by the residents of Belize due to his efforts towards economic diversification.

The CARICOM Community specially paid the tribute, by recalling his words from the Conference of Heads of Government, 1986.

“The most fitting epitaph we can inscribe to the memories of those Caribbean leaders who have dedicated their labours & their lives to the integration movement is a promise to endure, to build on their achievements, & to be steadfast in our commitment to make the movement work for the States and the peoples of the Caribbean Community,” the statement read as it paid tribute to the leader.

The Community further expressed grief to his wife, Lady Kathy, his children, grandchildren, the entire Esquivel family, and to the Government and residents of Belize on the loss. It also prayed for strength to bear the loss.