Andy Palacio: dead at 47

Belize’s most internationally recognized musician, Andy Palacio, finally succumbed to heart and respiratory failure, the result of a series of strokes. His death occurred around nine Saturday night. Belizeans were not unprepared for the loss as from the middle of last week Andy sought medical attention following complaints of dizziness and blurred vision. He was hospitalised on Wednesday and on Thursday, flown to the United States for treatment. Although scheduled for admission to the University of Chicago Medical Center, when the air ambulance stopped in Mobile, Alabama for customs and immigration clearance, Palacio lost consciousness and was hospitalised there on life support. With nothing more that could be done for him, his family finally requested that Andy be returned home to spend his final days.

In the last year Andy saw his album Watina hit the top of the European world music charts and, along with producer Ivan Duran, won the prestigious WOMEX Award from the World Music Expo. He was also named an Artist for Peace by UNESCO and bestowed with the Order of Meritorious Service by the Belize Government.

On Friday morning Andy’s memory will be honoured by the National Institute of Culture and History and a tribute concert will be held on Friday night. He will receive an official funeral along with a traditional Garifuna burial in his birth place, the village of Barranco, on Saturday. Palacio, forty-seven, is survived by his mother, a brother and sister, five children and two grandchildren.