Rosendo Urbina Passes On; Colleagues Reflect on His Contributions

Rosendo Urbina

Orange Walk Town has lost one of its most prominent members. Former politician, teacher and businessman, Rosendo Urbina Senior passed away on Thursday night. The founder of A and R chain of stores, U.D.P politician, and former Ambassador to Mexico, “Chendo” Urbina is well-known across Orange Walk Town, having served on multiple boards of educational institutions, as well as the Belize Tourism Board. Today, two of his colleagues reflected on Urbina’s contributions and shared their memories of him.

Godwin Hulse

Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture

“We are very saddened. He was an excellent and outstanding man, especially from the Orange Walk district. He was a pillar of the society and everyone knew him. So, my condolences and that of the government to his family and his loved ones. I knew ‘Chendo’ really well and he was an outstanding person. We call some people old school and those are the kind of people who had the discipline, dignity and respect across political spectrum and everywhere. Sometimes we lose that and I come from that grouping and would love to see us retain that and he was one of those persons. So, again, our sympathies to his family.”

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Mayor, Orange Walk Town

“Let me first of all; start off by offering my deepest condolences to the Urbina family; Chendo Junior, Aldo, Becky and the grand-children and his extended A&R family. Don Chendo, as we know him, founded A&R. As you would know, he has served as an Ambassador from Belize to Mexico under the present government. Chendo as well was an educator. He was the principal of Orange Walk Technical High School when I was going to Technical. As I was telling you, when I wanted to enter high school a lot of the applications I had sent out, people were saying they are full. So, I went to Don Chendo and I told him, I remember clearly when he had a small bookstore by Central Park and my mom and I went in there and he said sure I will help you get your education. That is where I started and look where I am today. Don Chendo, as well as being a businessman, has helped a lot of people. I know he has always had a kind heart for his community and always wanted to serve. He ran several times but wasn’t successful but never gave up. He served as chairman of the B.H.S.A. board. I think he was recently the chairman or both of our terms ended in September. He was also on the board of governors of Muffles College. He was a member of B.T.B.  He will definitely be missed by the community. You would always find Don Chendo walking along or going along in his vehicle. He was that type of person – he had that with him. I think Orange Walk has lost a great icon.”