By Aaron Humes: The Old Capital mourns following the sudden passing of Jerry Lopez, a street vendor and fixture on Albert and King Streets.
Jerry, 52, apparently collapsed on Monday evening while walking across the street from his cart and was pronounced dead while on the way to receiving medical attention; the death is not believed to be suspicious.
Tributes have poured in from across the community, with many praising Jerry’s entrepreneurial spirit, kindness, and dedication. Prime Minister John Briceño remembered his visit to Lopez’s cart earlier this year, after which he posted on social media, “Streetside vending is as cultural to Belize as rice and beans… and garnaches. When you support a micro business, the impact is direct to a Belizean family.”
On Tuesday, after receiving the news, he wrote, “He was a friend to everyone… a key figure of downtown Belize City…. an admirable entrepreneurial spirit…I offer my condolences for his family and reflect on this moment we shared.”
Lopez’s specialty of craboo and condensed milk was praised by former leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow as “best…ever made” in a post on social media. He added that he had known Jerry since the days of Palace Theater on Albert Street and dubbed him “the consummate entrepreneur.”
Current UDP and Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton wrote, “We did not share the same politics, but that never mattered to us: it never mattered to him; it did not matter to me. He was one of us! The love was real and we shared mutual respect. A legend in his own right. An icon on the Alberts. Jerry was an honest man. A hardworking man. A man who took great pride in the service he provided to others, especially during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season. Quiet, but never withdrawn. He observed, he listened, and he always had his finger on the pulse of life in the city.”
The Belize City Council on social media also acknowledged his support, writing that he was “always willing to help and serve his city with dedication. His presence, kindness, and hard work will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with his loved ones, and his legacy will forever live on far beyond Albert Street.”
Lopez’s business began with his father, who had been selling fruits on Albert Street since the Palace Theater days. Lopez leaves behind one son and other loved ones, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. His family told Channel 7 News they were committed to selling his remaining stock this Christmas season, but have yet to decide on whether the cart will continue in the area.
The post Belize City pays tribute after sudden loss of Jerry Lopez, street vendor and community icon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The Old Capital mourns following the sudden passing of Jerry Lopez, a street vendor and fixture on Albert and King Streets. Jerry, 52, apparently collapsed on Monday evening while walking across the street from his cart and was pronounced dead while on the way to receiving medical attention; the death is not
The post Belize City pays tribute after sudden loss of Jerry Lopez, street vendor and community icon appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
