Andy Palacio Foundation is officially launched
Seven months ago the nation mourned the passing of beloved musician, Andy Palacio who was at the peek of his career when he died from a heart attack as a result of a series of strokes. Andy had just been internationally recognized for the Watina release and had won the prestigious Womex from the World Music Expo. Today family, friends and fans gathered once again to pay tribute to him with the launch of the Andy Palacio Foundation. Here are some highlights from the ceremony at the Bliss.
Kami Palacio, Co-Founder/Vice-President, APF
“Some of the objectives is to carry on with this music; let his music live on through other children, so we will be opening up a music fund and also an education fund for my younger siblings who are attending school at this time.”
Rafael Martinez, Co-Founder, APF
“The Andy Palacio Foundation has been developed to keep the legacy of Andy Palacio alive and to give young artists and other people who would like to take part in the music industry, to actually put Belize on the map, to do something Belizeans, it doesn’t matter is if it is Garifuna, Maya.; whatever ethnic group it is. Andy has opened the door for us Belizeans when it comes to the music industry and the promotion of our cultural heritage. ”
Raquel Battle, Co-Founder, APF
“Our mission is to create the necessary opportunities to continue Belize’s diversity and creativity. To do this, we need your financial contributions that will help to maintain and sustain this foundation.”
Roy Cayetano, President, APF
“We must not trivialize the accomplishments of our people including those like Andy Palacio. We the members of the Andy Palacio Foundation believe that the people of this country has awarded Andy the status of national hero. It is said that when the people lead the leaders follow. We the people must continue to lead until this status is formalized by our national leaders. I invite you to join us in this great work, to become members of the Andy Palacio Foundation, to sign up as friends of the Andy Palacio Foundation so that you can help us to preserve the legacy and continue the work … the unfinished work of this great Belizean.”
Eden Martinez, Minister of Human Development/Friend
“He made a commitment to himself that he would do all in his power to preserve the Garifuna heritage. Music became Andy’s vehicle to preserve the heritage of the Garifuna people and what an effective vehicle it has proven to be.”
Ivan Duran, Co-Founder, APF
“I am going to play my part; I owe it to him, I owe it to Kamou, I owe it to Kami, Uani, to Nita, to Tara; I owe it to them to show them that their father, all the sacrifices that he made is worth something very precious to us. And when I say us I mean myself, the members of the Garifuna Collective, and hundreds of musicians and artists in this country. Andy has paved the way for them and we will be using that highway for years to come.”
The Foundation also intends to establish an Andy Palacio Museum and publish and produce works and materials of the artist. A book on his life and works will be published in November. For more information on the Andy Palacio Foundation visit their website at www.andypalacio.org.
