Memorial service for VH Courtenay

An official memorial service was held Wednesday evening for the late VH Courtenay at St Mary’s Church in Belize City where he practiced his faith. Courtenay died last Saturday morning after a prolonged illness. He is a former attorney and a government minister who represented the Collet Division for three consecutive terms. Among his greatest accomplishments were his role in the internalization process of Belize’s independence and his work in the drafting of the constitution. He was eulogized by his brother Derek Courtenay Reverend Shirley Johnson, and tributes were delivered by the leader of the People’s United Party, John Briceño, as well as Minister Carlos Perdomo. Bishop Phillip Wright remembered Courtenay in this way.

Bishop Philip Wright
“In the couple of conversation I had with Harry before his passing, he kept referring to something that obviously became important to him even as he contemplated upon the moments of his life. He said there were two things he always wanted to achieve in life. Among the many of those, he kept repeating to me he said I’ve always wanted to be a successful lawyer and to help this country in the struggle towards independence and further development. And I think he singled out these two, not to say that the other things are not important, but to say that other things are evident, but just in case you don’t know, these two things are very important to me.”

Mrs. Audrey Courtenay received the flag from Prime Minister Barrow at the solemn official service.