Remembering Elijio Briceño

And this news…Elijio Briceño, affectionately known as Don Joe or Boss Joe, was laid to rest in his hometown of Orange Walk on Wednesday. The former Minister of Energy and Communications passed away Saturday at midnight, and the celebration of his life in an official funeral brought together politicians from both sides, family members, friends and many others whose lives he had impacted positively. His eulogy, a touching and personal farewell, was read by his son, P.U.P. leader John Briceño.

John Briceño

John Briceño, Son of Elijio Briceño

“Our dad was a man who made mistakes, who at times got it wrong and who sometimes made bad judgments in like we all do, but we survive this life—not in how we fall, but how much better we become when we rise. I also know that he worked hard every day at being a better person and for that reason, the man who rode tall on a horse always got back in the saddle after a fall. He did this because he was always working to be better at something. This is why his legacy will always be the total sum of a man who every day tried harder. For him, the effort was as important as the result. I truly believe that my father’s spirit of generosity and determination reside in each of his children and in his grandchildren. I want to hope it resides in many others too for it is a spirit that always had great faith in his God and in the future. Dad, when you see mom, Tio Polo, Ramona, Tio Charro, Tio Laro, Tia Clorie, Tia Dina, Tina Mattie and your son, Polito, tell them we miss them and we remember them in our prayers. You are right dad, family is first. Yes, there is good in everyone. Hard work, drive and ambition pays off and true, Belize is the greatest place on earth. We know what we have to do dad. We will build Belize, and on that you have my word. Gracias dad; we love you. Rest now. Vaya con dios.”