James Hyde, former ambassador to U.S., dies at 71

Tonight we regret to announce the passing of James Hyde. Hyde, better known as Jim, was in New York receiving medical treatment for cancer of the liver and pancreas. He succumbed to the disease on Saturday. Family members in Belize tell News Five efforts are underway to bring Hyde’s body home by Friday and funeral services have tentatively been set for Sunday. He is survived by four children: Joanne, Nicole, James and Stephanie. Hyde leaves behind a distinguished career in the public service having served as Belize’s Ambassador to the United States as well as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources. He was a qualified surveyor and was considered to be one of Belize’s most knowledgeable experts on land. Prior to his illness, Hyde was a consultant to Nova Industries and managing partner in James V. Hyde and Associates, a local consulting firm. James Hyde, died at seventy-one.